>PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS AND OBAMA

>It has been about week since I returned for the annual convention of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) and as promised I would report on the event. Well I actually have some real life examples to share with you on where and how effective promotional products are used.

During the Inauguration of President Obama was a great place to illustrate the value of this $19Billion a year industry. Here are just a few:

A One-of-a-kind crystal bowl from Lenox was used to commemorate the moment. Recognition is a large part of the promotional industry as so many items can be used as a keepsake and celebration reminder of the times. This is a great example. View a video story here

You may have noticed how cold it was that day, but don’t despair as everyone was kept warm with a custom embroidered blanket shown here. This is the best coverage of the day and warmed more than your heart.

Then next day the new President signed all of his documents with a custom made CROSS pen made right here in the US. This shows his signature on the timeless gift. You can watch the video of this historic moment.

There were hundreds of examples that day from hats, signs, bumper stickers, buttons and more. Remember that promotional items reach across all audiences and at almost any budget. To learn more contact me at 330-963-3664 x 2 or email me at brucefelber@felberandfelber.com.

Bruce

>The "People" didn’t "Ethically" treat their vegetables

>So as we gear up for Super Bowl Sunday, the buzz is all about PETA – you know, the “People for Ethical Treatment of Animals” organization who last year started debuting racy magazine ads. Well I think they’ve outdone themselves. According to this article on clevelandleader.com you can read all about the controversy and if you really want to, you can view the commercial that will never air – at least in its current state.

For now, I don’t think the People Ethically treated their vegetables.

More to come on Super Bowl, or “Commercial Bowl” Sunday as I call it.

~ Michelle Hirsh, Felber & Felber Marketing

>2009 is now underway

>
Here we are January 14, 2009 and the year is already up an running. So where am I? I am at the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) annual Expo in Las Vegas. This event is where promotional professionals gather to foster new and creative ideas to bring to our clients. There is something for everyone from educational seminars, social networking events, accreditation training and a three day trade show.

The trade show has over 8 miles of exhibit space all dedicated to showcasing promotional products, premiums and incentives all designed to grow brand recognition and assist with communcation and public relations campaigns.

I have been formally installed as a new Director of PPAI for a four year term. Life has been non-stop since I arrived on 1-11 and I have not set foot outside the convention center yet. I can tell you the mood is upbeat and encouraging from most of the 12,000 attendees. Today I facilitated a Peer2Peer luncheon where new and creative ideas were explored.

Upon my return I will share more details.

Bruce

>Happy New Year!

>I want to wish all of our readers a very Happy & Prosperous 2009. It is with great anticipation that we say goodbye to 2008, especially the last few months, and hello to 2009. We have so many changes on the horizon so let us all stand together to rebuild our country and individual lives.

Best of luck in the new year.

Bruce Felber