Bullet Line Pledges 24-Hour Turnaround For All Orders
Miami, Florida-based supplier Bullet Line, LLC (UPIC: BULLET) is announcing what it calls an industry first--it has launched a program to produce all orders in 24 hours. Bullet Line is backing this guarantee with a promise of 25 percent off a client's future order if the complete order does not ship in 24 hours.

"Even though Bullet Line initiated rush service in the industry, it has become clear over the last couple of years that our rush offering was no longer competitive in the market," says Bob Herzog, Bullet Line president. "Instead of simply adjusting our rush service to meet the competition, we decided to redefine ‘speed of fulfillment' for the industry."

Effective Wednesday, May 27, all complete orders received by Bullet Line by 5 pm EDT will be shipped the following working day. The guaranteed one-day turn applies to all orders, with the exception of embroidery and debossing, and is completely free.

Herzog says Bullet Line conducted an exhaustive analysis of processes, equipment and workflows to determine the potential for producing every order in one day. "We made the necessary investments in software, factory equipment and warehouse systems to ensure that we could deliver on our promise," he says.

Charles River Apparel Plans Move
To Larger Location
After more than 25 years in its Medford, Massachusetts, location, supplier Charles River Apparel (UPIC: CRA) has purchased a 121,287-square-foot warehouse and office location in Sharon, Massachusetts, to serve as the company's new headquarters. The new property features 20 loading docks and a 144-space parking lot. Charles River plans to move its entire operations sometime during the summer.

"The move to a new location gives our company tremendous opportunity for growth and will allow us to implement state-of-the-art technological systems that will increase efficiency and output," says Barry Lipsett, president and owner.

Norwood Expands Norman Rockwell Product Collection
Indianapolis, Indiana-based supplier Norwood Promotional Products (UPIC: NORWOOD) is extending its line of products featuring images from American artist Norman Rockwell. Until recently, Norwood's license from Curtis Publishing limited it to reproducing Rockwell art in its calendar line only.

Stincor, Van Smith Now Operating
As One Company
Iain Walker, president of Ontario, Canada-based distributor Stincor Specialties Ltd. (UPIC: stincor), and Clive Van Wert, president of Ontario, Canada-based distributor Van Smith Enterprises Ltd. (UPIC: VANS0001), have announced the merger of their companies. The new business, Stincor-Van Smith Marketing, will be based in Toronto, Ontario.

2009 PPAI Suppliers' Forum Revealed Simple Ideas That Work
Bottom-line enhancing business practices for the new economy was the focus at last week's 2009 PPAI Suppliers' Forum, which was held prior to the "THE Show" hosted by the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals (UMAPP) in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Ninety supplier, multi-line rep and supplier rep members turned out for the event, which included two panel discussions. One panel, "Tough Questions of the Day," was moderated by Michael Woody, president and owner of International Marketing Advantages, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in marketing, international business and mergers and acquisitions. Woody is also a former PPAI Chairman of the Board. PPAI's Executive Vice President Paul Bellantone, CAE, led the other panel discussion, "Rep World--Opportunities Using Different Types of Reps."

Visit PPB online to read more.

Slagle Discusses PhRMA's Impact
In Medical Publication
PPAI President and CEO Steve Slagle, CAE, discussed the fallout from voluntary gift-giving guidelines implemented by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) in a June article written by frequent PPB contributor Brittany Glenn. The article appears in Annals Of Emergency Medicine, which is published for the American College of Emergency Physicians.

"The pen companies took a huge blow," says Slagle in the story. "Any company in the writing instrument or notepaper business took a hit."

Lennarson Shares Customer Service Tips In Illinois Meetings And Events
PPAI Chair Sherri Lennartson, MAS, contributed her thoughts on customer service to the Summer 2009 issue of
Illinois Meetings And Events. Lennarson explains that promotional products can be a valuable means of forging strong relationships with clients, an important element in customer service.

"Clients need to know they're appreciated," Lennarson says, "and [promotional products] are a cost-effective and tangible way to do that."

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Corvest Adds Georgia To Bondele's Sales Territory
Largo, Florida-based supplier Corvest SPV, LLC, parent company of suppliers Adva-Lite, Toppers LLC, and It's All Greek To Me, has promoted Josh Bondele, territory sales rep for Florida and Puerto Rico, by adding Georgia to his coverage area. Bondele has been with the company for 13 months and is based at the corporate office in Largo.

Ennis Says Farewell To Underwood, Promotes Crysler
Midlothian, Texas-based supplier Ennis, Inc. (UPIC: ennis) has promoted David Crysler to general manager at the company's Princeton, Illinois, facility. Jim Underwood is retiring from the post after 30 years with Ennis.

Crysler joined Admore, an Ennis subsidiary in Macomb, Michigan, in August 2000. He started out in the shipping department and most recently was production manager.

Hub Pen Welcomes Coleman
To Sales Executive Post
Braintree, Massachusetts-based supplier Hub Pen Company (UPIC: HUBPEN) is pleased to announce the addition of Rich Coleman as sales executive.

Coleman has several years of experience in the promotional products industry. He was most recently pharmaceutical director and vice president of sales-east for Senator and Dart Promotional Group.

Nussinow Returns
To Plan B Associates
Jupiter, Florida-based business services provider Plan B Associates, LLC (UPIC: myplanb) welcomes back Scott A. Nussinow, MAS, who resumes his relationship as senior partner after working for a short time with Irving, Texas-based business services provider ISERVCORP (UPIC: IservCo), a subsidiary of PPAI. Nussinow is one of the founders of Plan B Associates.

"There was a tsunami in the economy during Scott's sabbatical from Plan B," says Joel Schaffer, MAS, an associate at the consulting firm and CEO of Randolph, New Jersey-based supplier Sound Line, LLC (UPIC: 1SOUNDLN).

"There are suppliers and distributors whose businesses have been devastated by the financial downturn, the new PhRMA guidelines and other market influences. It is a great relief to have Scott with us again, at a time when we need him to respond to all the requests for our help."

Artistic Toy Promotional Bear Featured On ‘Larry King'
The Caylee Marie Anthony Foundation appeared on "Larry King Live" recently to discuss how a product from Allentown, Pennsylvania-based supplier Artistic Toy Manufacturing (UPIC: ARTSTOY) will be used for children who are involved in traumatic situations. Cheshire, Connecticut-based distributor Barker Specialty Co. (UPIC: BARKER) helped create the cause promotion for the foundation.

The eight-inch Kirby Brown Bear will initially be given to law enforcement agencies and first responders to help them comfort children, and proceeds from others sold through the foundation will help provide families with counseling services.

In the May 19 edition of PPB Newslink, U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, was misidentified.

The Vernon Company Rewards
High School, College Students
Newton, Iowa-based distributor The Vernon Company (UPIC: Vernon) has named 11 high school and college students as scholarship winners in its annual William F. Vernon Scholarship program. The Vernon Company established the William F. Vernon Scholarship program in 1975 to recognize and promote intellectual achievement and to make it financially easier for qualifying students to attend college.

Scholarship winners receive a $1,000 scholarship, renewable for up to four years of their college career. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, test scores, extracurricular activities and overall conduct.

First-time scholarships were awarded to three high school seniors and eight college students were awarded scholarship renewals. All winners are children of Vernon Company employees.

Click here to see the full list of scholarship winners.

Bodek And Rhodes' Pahlka Receives SAAGNY Scholarship Award
Mary Ellen Pahlka, MAS, is this year's recipient of the Linda Robinson Scholarship Award, presented by the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY).

The award, dedicated to the memory of SAAGNY Past President Linda Robinson, recognizes individual dedication and service to the association and a personal commitment to the betterment of the promotional products industry. The award includes a scholarship to attend the 2009 PPAI Presidents' Forum/North American Leadership Conference.

"Pahlka is an emulator of the dedication to teaching and mentoring that Linda Robinson stood for," says
Bruce Brooks, chairman of the SAAGNY Scholarship and Awards Committee. "Our organization is dedicated to education and increased professionalism in the industry, and it's members like Mary Ellen who help fulfill this mission and make SAAGNY really stand for something."

Pahlka has served on the boards of directors for Specialty Advertising Counselors of the Delaware Valley (SACDV) and PPAI, and she has received SACDV Hall of Fame, PPAI Education Lifetime Achievement and PPAI Distinguished Service awards. She is marketing communications director for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based supplier Bodek and Rhodes (UPIC: ULTRACLB).

"I'm thrilled to educate members and volunteer for PROMOTIONS EAST," says Pahlka. "One of the things I enjoy most is helping people in this industry grow their business through education. And this award gives me the chance to learn more myself, so I can continue to educate even more."

Submit Your Best Pet Products
In a salute to the four-legged furry, the September issue of PPB features the latest products to pump up any pet promotion. We're looking for brushes, carriers, collars, leashes, food dishes, food scoops, beds and pillows, and toys and treats. If you have the products that get tails wagging, send descriptions and high-resolution images to Audrey Sellers by June 12 for possible inclusion.

Step It Up With Activewear
The September issue of PPB magazine gets a move on fitness trends with a sporty collection of performance fabrics, yoga pants, track suits, tanks and shorts. To get your activewear in the running, e-mail Audrey Sellers apparel descriptions and high-resolution images for consideration. June 12 is the submission deadline.

Say ‘I Do' To Promotional Products
When it comes to weddings, what promotional products will a bride and groom walk down the aisle for? Tell us about popular or low-cost wedding and party favors, and share any unusual requests for favors you may have received. Send your best ideas to Erica Edwards, PPAI communications coordinator, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038.

Share Your Creative Campaigns
With PPAI
Have you just completed a campaign you feel is truly unique, or are you in the middle of wowing clients with a stellar program? Your clients may be big-box companies, prestigious universities, well-known local organizations or even convention and visitors' bureaus. Send your best examples to Erica Edwards, PPAI communications coordinator, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038.

Reality Check: Do 2008 Sales Indicate The New Normal?
Last spring when the economy still looked flush, six out of 10 U.S. distributors told us they expected their 2008 sales to be better than the previous year. For the industry as a whole, it didn't quite turn out that way.

The Best-Selling Products And Programs Of 2008
Every year PPAI takes on the task of compiling product and program category sales information. This year more than ever before, it was critical to know which product categories were selling well and which were not. With the burgeoning number of products in our industry it is extremely difficult to segment the market into a manageable number of meaningful product categories.

Speak Out. Your Industry Is Counting On You.
Why is it that such a perfectly good word as "gift" prompts legislators to regulate our industry? And why is it that despite our best efforts to describe the effectiveness of promotional products as a legitimate medium to advertise, market, communicate, reward, incent and motivate, collectively our products and programs are increasingly viewed as unwarranted, unnecessary extravagances, rebates and even bribes?

A distributor asks: What is a good way to motivate salespeople and help them stay positive in these tough economic times?

What's your answer? E-mail answers along with your name, title and company name to Question@ppai.org by May 29 for possible inclusion in the August 2009 issue of PPB magazine.