Polyconcept Names New President, Combines Sales Teams
Polyconcept North America, the umbrella brand for three top industry suppliers, has decided to consolidate sales efforts and has named David Nicholson, formerly president of New Kensington, Pennsylvania-based Leed's (UPIC: LEEDS), as the new Polyconcept president.

Miami, Florida-based Bullet Line (UPIC: BULLET), Charlotte, North Carolina-based Journalbooks (UPIC: journals) and Leed's will be represented by a single sales force throughout the U.S. and Canada. The suppliers will continue to operate independently in the processing and production of orders, and in supporting distributor clients.

"This was a planned, seamless transition, and one we are very excited about," said Nicholson in an exclusive PPB interview Tuesday. "We've been working on this transition for the better part of a year. The management teams began looking together at how we could maximize our presence in the marketplace."

Nicholson adds that while the downturn in the economy wasn't necessarily a factor in long-term strategic planning for Polyconcept, it helped accelerate some of those decisions.

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Land's End Business Outfitters Expands Promotional Products Line
Dodgeville, Wisconsin-based supplier Land's End Business Outfitters (UPIC: LEBO) has moved beyond logoed apparel and is now offering a variety of promotional products, a move it announced on its company blog in late July and officially launched this month.

Onsite Visits Help PPAI Connect With Members
Maribeth Sandford, CAS, and Chuck Sandford, CAS, CEO and president of supplier BAG MAKERS Inc. (UPIC: BAGMAKRS), recently hosted PPAI Executive Vice President Paul Bellantone, CAE, and PPAI Business Development Manager Blake Bozeman, at the supplier's facility in Union, Illinois.

"There are so many good companies in the Chicago area--it was a great opportunity and an honor to have them visit," says Sandford.

A tour of the facility revealed the size and scope of BAG MAKERS' operations, something few outside the supplier world get to see firsthand. "They had such a great facility and staff," says Bozeman. "It was easy to see how they have achieved such great success and will continue to be a leader in the industry."

Sandford shared her appreciation of the programs PPAI provides, such as Women's Leadership Conference, and says she hopes the Association will continue to bring knowledgeable speakers in for educational opportunities.

"It's great to hear from experts within the industry who can share what they've learned and what they're doing [to be successful]," she says.

New Lead Limit Requirements Are In Effect
As of August 14, the current limit for lead in paint and surface coatings applied to products intended for children is 90 parts per million (ppm). Children are defined as being 12 years old and younger, according to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

Lead limit standards for paint and surface coatings also apply to some non-children's products under pre-existing law and rules. For more information on product safety regulations under CPSIA and other laws, visit PPAI's Product Safety page.

NEPPA Selects 2009 Scholarship Recipients
The New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA) has announced its 2009 scholarship recipients. Each student will receive $1,000 for studies in a vocational school, undergraduate program or graduate program.

This year's recipients are Kayla Burson, Jake Honig, Chelsey Hoogland and Nicole Peruso.

Kayla Burson is the daughter of Linda Burson of Tolland, Connecticut-based CT Embroidery LLC.

Jake Honig is the stepson of Jody Ferrer of West Hartford, Connecticut-based The Perfect Promotion.

Chelsey Hoogland is the daughter of Dave Hoogland of Edjerton, Minnesota-based Fey Industries.

Nicole Peruso is the daughter of Tony Peruso of Branford, Connecticut-based Broder Bros.

Jump Into The ADvocate Challenge
This leg of the ADvocate Challenge has seen some surprising twists. Three Rivers Advertising Specialty Association (TRASA) has three points, putting it in the lead over the reigning champion, Upper Midwest Association Of Promotional Professionals (UMAPP), by just one point. Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) is also on the board with one point.

If you are interested in participating in the challenge, there is still time. The ADvocate Regional Challenge asks members to give speeches and presentations on the power of promotional products.

The fourth leg of the competition ends January 11, 2010, just prior to the RAC Delegate Assembly at The PPAI Expo 2010. For more information on the ADvocate Regional Challenge or on becoming an ADvocate, contact Erica Edwards, PPAI communications coordinator.

Cedar Crest Adds Sales Manager, Sales Rep To Team
Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based supplier Cedar Crest Manufacturing (UPIC: CCM) has hired Jim Boulet as a sales manager. Boulet has more than 30 years of experience in customer relations, account management and customer service.

Additionally, Cedar Crest welcomes Joe Eberz of Akron, Ohio-based Joe Eberz and Associates as its sales rep in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.

DIGISPEC Hires Ealy And Fink
Las Vegas, Nevada-based supplier DIGISPEC® (UPIC: DIGISPEC) has hired Chad Ealy as a sales counselor and Robin Fink as a sales manager. Ealy, who worked as a DIGISPEC sales counselor from 2003-2007, is responsible for cultivating and servicing new and ongoing accounts, building relationships with these distributors and helping them make the best product selections to meet customers' needs.

As a sales manager, Fink guides, mentors and oversees five sales counselors. Prior to joining DIGISPEC, she spent three years as a promotion coordinator specialist for Safeway, Inc.

Jetline Promotes Adams, Adds Erber
Mount Vernon, New York-based supplier Jetline (UPIC: jetline) has promoted Dale Adams to plant manager. Adams, who brings more than 10 years of industry experience, previously served as production manager.

Jetline has also appointed Megan Erber to the newly created position of director of internet sales. Erber, who previously worked for distributor Gimmees.com, will focus on internet-based business development initiatives.

Universal Promotions Names Manley Marketing Director
Rogers, Minnesota-based supplier Universal Promotions, Inc. (UPIC: upline) has named Sarah Manley to the newly created position of marketing director. Manley oversees all aspects of marketing efforts, including strategy, implementation and measurement of all integrated marketing programs.

She previously worked as marketing manager for Waconia, Minnesota-based supplier Custom HBC Corporation (UPIC: hbcspec).

The Vernon Company Hires Riley
Newton, Iowa-based distributor The Vernon Company (UPIC: Vernon) has hired John Riley of Riley & Company Ltd. as an account executive in its central region. Riley will continue to maintain his distributorship, as well.

Wine Country Promos Welcomes Four New Account Execs
Santa Rosa, California-based supplier Wine Country Promos (UPIC: WINECP) has hired Marie Haffner, Rhonda Hancock, Teri Mullane and Valerie Randol-Alwell to serve as account executives.

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Breast cancer awareness is highlighted on this week's edition of The Industry Show.

A Bevy Of Bags
From hauling groceries and books to toting laptops and gym clothes, everybody uses bags. We're looking for the best of bags--including duffels, totes, garment bags, backpacks, messenger bags and computer bags--to feature in the November issue of PPB. For consideration, send descriptions and high-resolution images to Audrey Sellers by August 21.

The Latest In Ladies' Apparel
Contoured fits. Feminine details. Ladylike colors. If you have a garment that's specifically tailored for women, we want to see it for the November issue of PPB. We're looking for everything from yoga pants and racerback tanks to scarves and jackets. Send apparel descriptions and high-resolution images to Audrey Sellers by August 21 for possible inclusion.

How Do You Land The Big Ones?
Have you succeeded in landing a lucrative account, an ongoing program, a big-name company or all three? If you have a star client you're especially proud of, write to Tama Swan by August 31 and describe how you did it and what the experience was like. You could be featured in an upcoming article in PPB magazine.

PPAI Needs Your Olympic Products
Promotional products are a key component of many large sporting events, especially the Olympics. PPAI is building a collection of these products for a project. If you've ever supplied product for the Olympics or are producing products for the upcoming Winter Games, send your products or high-res photographs to Erica Edwards, PPAI communications coordinator, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038.

A distributor asks: "A client has asked me to warehouse his imprinted products for several months. I don't usually do this, but I don't want to lose the order or any future business. What terms should I use and what do I need to know?"

What's your answer? E-mail answers along with your name, title and company name to Question@ppai.org by August 31 for possible inclusion in the November issue of PPB magazine.

Answers to this month's question are in. Click here to read what others had to say about a distributor who received an unsatisfactory shipment.

Business-Relationship Therapy
In a time when pricing and billing have even smaller margins of error than usual, some promotional products companies are benefitting from role reversals and new types of partnerships with their customers.

Ideas To Radically Rethink Your Sales Approach
Offer your clients something they can't Google and your competitors can't lowball--your unique brand of effective, creative thinking. To rethink tradeshow giveaways is to look boldly in the face of the status quo and defy nearly everything for which it stands.

Top Achiever
Carol Aastad, MAS, has long been a big-name mover and shaker in the promotional products industry. She received the 2009 PPAI Distinguished Service Award and now she's back in the spotlight as the 2009 recipient of the PPB Woman Of Achievement Award.