Natural Trends Seizes Fraudulent Sanitizer Pens
Provo, Utah-based supplier Natural Trends (UPIC: NTRENDS) received a large supply of products surrendered by an unnamed industry competitor that violated Natural Trends' patents. 

Described as a lesser-grade imitation of Natural Trends' popular Sani-Pen Instant Hand Sanitizer Spray, the product was made in China, filled with Chinese sanitizer, and imported to the U.S. in violation of design and utility patents held by Natural Trends, says Paul Christensen, president of Natural Trends. 

"As the firm that invented and introduced the first sanitizer spray pen in 2004, we take our patents very seriously, and we are pleased that a swift settlement was reached," says Christensen. He adds that all inventory of the knock-off has been destroyed.

SBLC Releases Statement On President's Economic Goals
The Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC) released a statement shortly after President Obama's televised speech last week, in which Obama identified priorities relating to the economy and small business.

"We believe many of these provisions have both short-term and long-term benefits for small business, the economy and the nation," says the council in its release.

The SBLC points out that it was an original supporter of a 1980s tax code provision allowing direct expensing, and it continues to work toward increasing that allowance to make sure small-business owners can use it when growing their businesses.

Click here to read more.

Buttonwood Adds QCA Icon To Search Tool
New York, New York-based business services provider Buttonwood Technology Group (UPIC: ecatalog) has added the Quality Certification Alliance's QCA Certified Icon to its online research tool.

"The topic of product safety is here to stay, and there is clearly a need to identify companies that are compliant with regulations so distributors can quickly access their product offerings," said Damian Want, senior vice president of Tustin, California-based supplier Logomark, Inc. (UPIC: logomark), a QCA founding and accredited member company. 'Buttonwood Technology Group's enthusiastic support of QCA is another important step in this direction."”

Chicago, Illinois-based QCA is an independent accreditation organization that grants its Seal of Approval to member companies who complete an independent third-party audit and comply with stringent standards, which are based upon a combination of state and national laws, international standards and industry-accepted best practices.

River's End Acquires Rights
To Leading Brands
Hopkins, Minnesota-based supplier River's End Trading Co. (UPIC: LALO0001) signed a letter of intent last Friday to acquire the rights to Page & Tuttle and license the Forsyth brand for the promotional products and golf industries in the U.S.

River's End will also take over the sales and distribution for Munsingwear^® and Jockey^® to the promotional products industry from Minnetonka, Minnesota-based supplier PremiumWear, Inc. (UPIC: MUNS0001). Distribution and decoration will continue to be serviced out of the PremiumWear facility in Clarksville, Tennessee.

All existing River's End, PremiumWear and Page & Tuttle Golf sales reps will remain intact.

"We view this as a tremendous opportunity for River's End to add profitability in a difficult market," says Tim Klouda, president of promotional products for River's End.

Incentive Gift Card Council Names Board Of Directors
The Incentive Gift Card Council (IGCC) board of directors for the 2009-2010 term has been announced. The IGCC is a special industry group of the Incentive Marketing Association.

Leslie A. Demourelle, manager of new business implementation for Deerfield, Illinois-based Walgreens Co. in Deerfield, Illinois, has been elected to serve as president of the incoming board. Click here to see the other new officers and directors.

GM Marketing Challenge Winners Use Promotional Products In Entry
Students from TheNewHouse, a student-run advertising agency at Syracuse University, recently won first place in the General Motors GM&U Marketing Challenge for an integrated marketing plan that incorporated the use of promotional products.

Student teams were asked to develop a plan that resonates with college students and recent graduates, creates a "buzz" for GM's College Discount program (coined "GM&U") and gets college students excited about GM cars.

The Syracuse team, one of three finalists to advance from the original pool of 75 entries, traveled to Detroit to present the plan to GM executives. The plan presented images of popular promotional products: t-shirts, key chains and hats for brand ambassadors.

JournalBooks Promotes O'Boyle To General Manager
Charlotte, North Carolina-based supplier JournalBooks (UPIC: journals), a member of Polyconcept North America, has promoted Tim O'Boyle from vice president of sales to general manager. As general manager, O'Boyle is responsible for all sales and operational areas within JournalBooks and becomes a member of Polyconcept North America's management committee.

O'Boyle has worked for nearly 20 years at JournalBooks in nearly every capacity, including manufacturing, customer service and sales. He became vice president of sales in 1996.

E.A. Dion Inc. Promotes Newton, Hires Pereira
Attleboro, Massachusetts-based supplier E.A. Dion Inc. (UPIC: EADION) has promoted David J. Newton to director of design. Newton is responsible for the management of Dion's internal design department staff and the direction of designs produced for Dion's clients. Newton has been with the company for four years.

Additionally, Kristine E. Pereira has been hired as manager of product development. Pereira leads the development of new areas of jewelry design and plays a key role in the company's marketing efforts. Pereira most recently worked in product development positions with Overland Park, Kansas-based distributor Staples Promotional Products (UPIC: AMER0016) and East Providence, Rhode Island-based distributor The Colibri Group (UPIC: LIND0003).

PINGLINE Hires White To Serve Midwest
Chicago, Illinois-based supplier PINGLINE (UPIC: pingline) has hired Jacqui White to serve the Midwest region.

Superex Names Trachter VP Of Sales, Marketing
Toronto, Ontario-based supplier Superex (UPIC: SUPEREX) has appointed Janet Trachter as vice president of sales and marketing for the promotional products division. 

Trachter has 18 years of experience as the executive vice president of Grand Island, New York-based supplier Starline Industries/USA (UPIC: STAR0009).

Ward/Kraft Hires Smith As Workflow And Quality Manager
Fort Scott, Kansas-based supplier Ward/Kraft, Inc. has named Kevin Smith the workflow and quality manager.

Smith helps facilitate growth in plastic, prime labels, prime magnets and large-format printing. He works closely with the current management team to improve workflow processes, efficiencies and quality.

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Outdoor Cap (UPIC: OUTD1200), a Bentonville, Arkansas-based supplier, was misidentified in the December 8 issue of PPB Newslink. The company has partnered with Newcastle, Washington-based supplier rep firm Incentives West (UPIC: IDEAWEST) to represent its products in the western U.S.

Promotional products studies from PPAI are in focus this week on the Industry Show.

Become A Star At The PPAI Expo 2010
Have you ever wanted to be a star? Here's your chance! PPAI is collecting video testimonials. Tell us why you're a member of PPAI and your video may be featured at The PPAI Expo 2010. Send the original video tape or clip on disc to PPAI - I Want To Be A Star! Attention: Keith Vincent, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038

A distributor asks: "One of my clients told me another distributor is trying to schedule a sales call with him. He told the salesperson he is not interested in moving the business and is happy with the products and services I provide. Is it appropriate for me to call the competitor (whom I know) and ask her not to call my client anymore?"

What's your answer? E-mail answers along with your name, title and company name to Question@ppai.org by December 28 for possible inclusion in the February issue of PPB magazine.

Answers to this month's question are in. Click here to read advice on encouraging prospects to give projects the green light.

Work Hard, Play Hard!
When Bonni Shevin-Sandy joined the family business, DARD Products, Inc./Tag-Master Line (UPIC: TagMastr), she did more than offer a succession solution--she reinvigorated the company by launching a new division, DARD DESIGN, in 2001.

Hey, Big Spender
Depending on large clients for the bulk of your business can have grave consequences should that client decide to reduce its orders or cease buying from you all together.

Rally Around The New Selling Year
Year end can be a challenging time for sales representatives, but this year stands to be tougher than usual as reps take stock of their annual sales numbers and try to visualize goals for the new year. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, disappointed or intimidated, help your sales reps feel prepared, motivated and ready for many opportunities in 2010 by holding an annual sales rally.