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June 9, 2009 |
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INDUSTRY NEWS |
PPAI NEWS |
CPSC Says Most Pens Not Likely Considered Children's Products Writing instruments are among the most popular promotional products, representing nine percent of total industry sales. "We are very pleased by the CPSC's commentary and consider it to be a positive result for our industry. Once again, the CPSC is exhibiting a reasonable approach to implementing the CPSIA," says Steve Slagle, CAE, president and CEO of PPAI. While the CPSC denied the request to grant an exclusion or stay of enforcement for product safety regulations, it was confirmed that a "general purpose" pen would not need exclusion from the lead limits because such pens are not "children's products," according to a statement issued by Cheryl A. Falvey, general counsel for the CPSC. The commission's commentary notes that the vast majority of pens and roller ball writing instruments are not primarily intended for children, whether or not they are sold for use in schools. The statement addresses a formal request that pen point components be excluded from compliance with Section 101 of the CPSIA. The request was jointly filed by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) and PPAI. Read more about this ruling at PPB online. PROMOTIONS EAST Organizers ‘Thrilled' With Show's Results "My expectations were pretty high," says Riegel, president of Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY). "We knew going into it that the number of exhibitor booths were down, but the distributor numbers were holding up pretty well." By the time the show floor was open, the ratio of distributor attendees to exhibitors resulted in overwhelmingly positive comments from companies who had more, and more frequent, visits during the show. "At the end of the day, this was the feedback we got," says Riegel. "Our overall attendance was about the same as last year, but more companies were represented [among attendees]. I think most people came away pretty excited." Visit PPB online to read more. Quality Certification Alliance Since the inception of QCA, its 14 founding members have been building the group and its standards. The common standards by which QCA measures compliance are based on a combination of state and national laws, international standards and industry-accepted best practices that are recognized for their strength and effectiveness by QCA members, the promotional products industry and end-user clients. Once the 501(c)6 status is granted later this year, QCA can open itself up for membership to industry firms that import and/or manufacture promotional products. Visit PPB online to read more. Tempo Industries Acquires Jayline "This acquisition will allow Tempo to broaden its product base with Jayline's offerings," says Stuart Braunstein, Tempo president. Jayline has several patented product designs, which will now be owned and supplied by Tempo. "This will allow us to offer a wider range of products to our customers and also to introduce Tempo products to Jayline customers," says Braunstein. ppai in action Lardner Discusses Safety Regulations With Regional Members Lardner reviewed recent developments regarding product safety and compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) as well as California Proposition 65 regulations. "With the recent passage of the CPSIA, our sources of supply, so long protected by our supplier-distributor-end buyer sales model, will become increasingly exposed as a matter of law," Lardner told RMRPPA members. "These days you can't afford not to pay attention. There is a real and growing cost associated with non-compliance. It is incumbent upon everyone to keep current with all information." She also addressed current and pending legislative issues related to pharmaceutical gift bans and reporting requirements. legislative news
Connecticut Governor Public Act No. 09-103, which was signed by Gov. M. Jodi Rell on June 3, prohibits the manufacture, sale, offering for sale or distribution of any reusable food or beverage containers containing BPA, and any infant formula or baby food that is stored in a plastic container, jar or can that contains BPA. The rules take effect October 1, 2011. Existing inventory of infant formula and baby food containers, jars and cans containing BPA can be sold and distributed until October 1, 2012, provided that it can be demonstrated that such containers, jars or cans were purchased or acquired prior to October 1, 2011, in a quantity comparable to the containers, jars or cans purchased or acquired during the same period of the prior year. |
PPAI's Latest Webinar At 1 pm CDT next Tuesday, June 16, participants can help Sky, a fictional marketing agency owner, uncover why her invoices are not being paid in "Overcoming Barriers to Collecting Unpaid Invoices," led by Lynne Key, president of DiamondWinds, Inc. Along the way, you'll learn concepts and techniques that will help improve the "business side" of your business. Cost is $20 for members and $50 for nonmembers. For more information and to register for this webinar, click here. Jump Into Another Coming up is Mark Graham's timely "Web Marketing And Social Media For Distributors," Tuesday, June 23. Graham, president of Toronto, Ontario-based distributor Right Sleeve Marketing, Inc. (UPIC: RIGHT795), will share how online media tools can provide a perfect opportunity to connect with customers. On Thursday, June 25, check out Bob Hechler's "Target Market New Clients." The executive vice president of Boynton Beach, Florida-based supplier Windbrella Products Corp. (UPIC: Windb858), Hechler wants to help promotional products companies handle new business moves effectively and successfully approach the top 19 end-user categories in order to tap into new sources of revenue. The Best of The Expo webinars are $20 each for members and $50 each for nonmembers. Spaces fill up quickly, so register today. PPAI Presidents' Forum Has
A The leadership conference will be August 23-25 at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Chicago, and it promises to deliver a fresh approach to addressing the most relevant and top-of-mind business issues currently faced by the promotional products industry. Featured speakers include: -Charley Johnson, CAS, and Brandon Mackay, MAS, of Salt Lake City, Utah-based supplier SnugZ USA (UPIC: SNUGZ), who will present "Chemistry: The New Leader" as part of the special track for emerging leaders -Larry Johnson, CSP, professional speaker and co-author of "Absolute Honesty: Building A Corporate Culture That Values Straight Talk and Rewards Integrity" will lead the breakout session "Leading Change— REINVENTING." North American promotional products business executives are encouraged to come and learn from other successful and innovative industry heavyweights who have weathered tough times and found out-of-the-box solutions to age-old problems, producing positive results for their companies. For more information, call Rick Merrill, PPAI's professional development director, at 972-258-3020 or visit PPAI's professional development page. Next Product Safety Webinar Puts A Fine Point On Writing Instruments Led by Susan DeRagon, senior associate director of toys and premiums for Specialized Technology Resources (STR), the free webinar will provide valuable insight into current regulations and their effects on manufacturers and resellers of one of the most popular industry items--writing instruments. To register for this webinar, click here. PPAI LAW
Association Seeks Incentives Addition To Healthy Workforce Act PPAI is asking for one key revision to S. 803—to be truly effective, a qualified wellness program should provide incentives for participation. PPAI is recommending that wellness awards of up to $400 per recipient, which are given to eligible employees who participate in a qualified wellness program, should be nontaxable for the employee and deductible by the employer. Learn more about the Healthy Workforce Act and find out how to contact your legislators by visiting www.ppailaw.org. Iowa's Revised Gift Prohibition Bill Becomes Law In its original form, the bill prohibited pharmaceutical and medical device firms that participate in state health programs from offering any gifts to healthcare practitioners. Now the law focuses almost exclusively on expanding healthcare coverage to underinsured and uninsured Iowa residents. |
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Commotion Promotions Announces New Hires For East Coast Offices The Dedham office will be anchored by Marc Davis, brand development director, and the Long Island office will be run by Andi Miller, also a brand development director. Dawn Byrnes will provide inside sales support for the Northeast region. PromoShop Adds Beltran, Delport And Corton To California Offices Senator Names Callahan Touchstone Adds Zuehlke |
Newton Manufacturing Co. Joins Jasper County Relay For Life Newton staff members raised $2,900 through company activities such as a bake sale, cooking contest, silent auction and casual Fridays. The donation was more than double the fundraising goal of $1,200 set by Newton Manufacturing's Relay for Life committee. "We were impressed with the company-wide commitment, contributions and support throughout the entire campaign," says Sheri Veber, committee co-captain. PINGLINE Employee Pounds Altogether, the walk raised more than $7 million toward research for the cure; Bettinger helped raise $1,800 for the event. "PINGLINE would like to thank everyone for their support in helping raise our share," he says. Bettinger says though getting up again Sunday after walking 26 miles the day before was difficult, as is the recovery, he is glad to have participated. "The spirit and emotion of the event are more powerful than anything I've ever been a part of," he says. "If you've never done it, I recommend it." |
This week on the Industry Show, there's help on the way from the Small Business Administration, and new supplier Pacific Goast Golf gets a mention. |
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what would you do? |
A distributor asks: "I ordered 1,000 custom bags from a supplier who assured me he could meet my in-hands date. However, the bags were delivered two weeks late and were unacceptable because the decorative stitching on the front was not aligned and the color was wrong. I have tried calling and e-mailing the supplier to dispute the charges, but he will not return my calls or acknowledge my e-mails. What can happen in the long term if I don't pay?" What's your answer? E-mail answers along with your name, title and company name to Question@ppai.org by June 30 for possible inclusion in the September 2009 issue of PPB magazine. |
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