PROMOTION COMMOTION

Time, Projected

A few years ago, I worked with a client and put some corporate gift baskets together and featured a projection clock from Oregon Scientific.  The theme of the event was "Race To The Finish" so the company gifted the Ferrari clocks in bright red.  That was my first exposure to projection clocks and I was hooked since then.  Before I even wake up in the morning, all I need to do is open one eye and look at the ceiling and know how much more snooze time I have.

Oregon Scientific has a new clock which goes a step further.  Not only is the time projected, but it also tells you what kind of weather to expect (Sunny–Red/Orange, Partly Cloudy–Pink, Cloudy–Turquoise, Rainy–Purple, Snowy–Green)

Weather Forecast with a Splash of Color

Feast your eyes on the color-changing weather forecast icons of this Atomic projection clock. Changes to these icons and colors are determined by the status of the 12 to 24-hour advance forecast. The clock also projects the precise Atomic time and outdoor temperature in large, easy-to-read numbers onto any flat surface. Sensors will detect if the light in the room intensifies, and will automatically turn on the projection.

And since it's an atomic clock, you'll always be on time, to the precise minute! 

Other versions and styles are available. For corporate pricing, please contact Webbmar PROMO.

Woman, Love Thyself

I am an avid supporter of small businesses - especially those run by women.  I have a sense of connection and empathy for them, perhaps because I've walked in many of their shoes.  And on both sides of the employment scope. To keep reminding me of who I am, why I am here and where I want to go, I keep two books handy.  Both are small books and can be read and re-read many times. 

A couple years ago, our entire family of 17 spend a week in Stonington, Maine - all of us in this 7 bedroom home right by the water.  It was a little town you couldn't even see on the map - way across the other side of the continental USA from California.  Our room had a bay window where I watched (in awe) as the lobster boats came in each morning with their catch. It was in that serene setting, by the bay window,  where I read "Gifts From The Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindberg and found renewal and motivation for work, marriage and being a mother. I had read this book in high school, but had not appreciated it until that second reading.  I have given the book to other women, including my own daughter before she got married.  It's a book that has transcended time - about the nature of a woman, the understanding of her core - inspired by singular individual and different shells that lay on the beach.  It's a reflection about thebasic core of what makes a woman tick.

Jeffrey Gitomer's "Little Red Book of Selling" is another favorite and was my bible when I started this journey. It's filled with useful, sensible information and is illustrated with no nonsense humor.  This little book (which is small enough to fit in a woman's purse) dissects the entire selling process, why and how sales happen, and why they don't. What to work on, what not to waste your time on, patience versus persistence, humility versus arrogance.

Then, there's one book that remains unwritten. It what everyone is trying to write or have written many times in their heads.  Our own Life's Experience.  The story of our own journeys. May you find many friends along the way, experience moments that enrich your lives, treasure memories that you never forget.  May you find the strength to take leaps of faith, trusting a Higher Power.

That's this Sunday's little thought for the day.  Peace.  I mean, Hear Me Roar!

Earth Hour 2008

This morning, after breakfast and before our day started, I logged onto my computer as I usually do each day. I hit Google and my screen went dark.  I'm so a creature of habit so I blamed my computer and rebooted, twice.  On the third try, I noticed a link on Google that said they were going 'dark' due to Earth Hour 2008

It looks like parts of Sydney harbor blacked out for an hour [photo from site] but there are still a lot of lights on. It would be nice to see it much darker, more participation. More power to Google for bringing it to my (our) attention!  Perhaps next year we can cause more 'buzz' about this event!!  It's good to know that many cities around the world were taking part in this global hour.

Don't forget Earth Day next month!!

Mom - Stylish & Organized

I'm totally fascinated by inventive mothers!

Introducing The Kitchen Folio:

It's the momAgenda  solution to the paperwork problem!

• Store class lists, school schedules, sports schedules, menus and more in heavy-duty, clear plastic page protectors
• Interchangeable tabs make it easy to categorize by child or by activity
• Includes 48 pages and 24 interchangeable tabs, so there's a place for everything
• A stylish, faux-lizard cover is stain-resistant and at home in any kitchen or family room (neat colors too!)
• Includes forms for Birthdays/Anniversaries, Babysitter's Info, Medical Info, Important Phone Numbers, and more
• It will instantly become "command central" for every family that uses it!

Also available are 2008 (and 2009)  agendas with refillable inserts which is a wonderful idea so you can file the years and look back someday.  Check out their site, you'll see how founder Nina Restieri really put some thought into the products!

You're Drinking What?

So..I'm in search of cool drinkware for a company and came across this supplier of really top of the line drinkware.  This vacuum flask on the left is a departure from the ordinary 'flask' and is really trendy!  Comes in variety of color.  I love it, and it's not plastic! Contact Webbmar PROMO for information or to sample.

And check out these other drinkware which is Classy with a "C".  Perhaps serving your cafe in this sweet double wall, hmm?  Or something cold -  iced coffee, pilsner?  How chic and suave!

I love finding cool out of the ordinary, non-boring items. The minimums are low (36 pcs) on most items so if you're doing a small business promotion - say an 'afternoon' tea party, perhaps - then stand out and do something WICKEDLY different!

Is that a hot chocolate with a marshmallow?   c'est bon!

Recycled Cool

PROMOTION COMMOTION: Ecological and sensible brought you you by Landes USA, quality manufacturer of bags and totes and more. One of their totes (below, right) that they handed out at a trade show a couple years ago has been and still is a favorite beach bag. Now they have bags and totes made from recycled soda bottles and recycled billboards.  It's fantastic how our supplies are committed to bringing these 'once good, now good again' products and doing so without giving up an inch of quality.  Way to go, Landes!

Visit their site and discover how easy it is to design you next corporate tote or bag.  Add some spring and summer flair or go neutral.   Whatever it is, there is a solution or idea.  Webbmar PROMO will be glad to help you in the design process.

Parents, A Forever Thing

It doesn't matter how old your child is, being a parent is an conditional, forever thing.  When our children were young, we thought we were working hard so that we could provide them with a comfortable life and a lifetime of memories. Fortunately, we were blessed with three who continue to make this life an adventure, even some thirty years later.

With luck, you get a Round Two. When you're blessed with a grandchild, everything seems new again and from a different perspective you're constantly wondering how you ever managed.  In the course of our normal business, we come across information about consumer items - product safety, recalls and information that sometimes just makes you wonder. We are keenly aware of product safety recalls and label warnings that have made recents news.  As such, we tend to ask our suppliers more questions and as much as we can, test the products ourselves.  It is definitely a different world from when we had our own toddlers.

Today I ordered some items to review and we'll post our comments here. Read on.

Doctor Bloom is a company that was founded by a dentist. Their Chewable Jewelry [photos from site] - necklaces and bangles and key tags are made with silicon and come in attractive colors certain to attract and entertain a teething child. I forgot how miserable teething can be until our little rascal started popping teeth. At almost 8 months old and flashing 7 little teeny teeth, these will come in handy when the others decide to make their grand poppin' appearance.  He's been soothed by a variety of teethers but I think the 'wearable' aspect of this one will surely come in handy.

I've also come across  eco friendly Lotus Pad Yoga Mats [photo from site] a company devoted to safe PVC free yoga mats for kids and adults.  Now this would be a great product to get into our industry (will work on that!).

You will note that we are very eco conscientious in our recommendations. You can't imagine how much product we test, look at, use and yes, throw away.  We do not have junk drawers but we do have a long junk list! Because a corporate logo might be inscribed in a product, we do the due diligence research to help ensure that what you give is not only  trendy, but more importantly,  useful, manufactured with quality and safe.  Stay tuned!!

UPDATE 3/27 - so today I spent the day trying to keep an 8 month old away from danger. It's like the world just opened up for him.  Amazing how they go from infant to NOT INFANT overnight.  From creeping to being ALL OVER the place! From cooing to  bababa-ing and from gums to 7 teeth.  Today he tried to chew everything in sight..so I'm really looking forward to our bracelets!

UPDATE 3/29 & Product Review - we received our Dr. Bloom Chewable Jewelry yesterday.  We ordered the chocolate/caramel bracelets.  I am loving it, it kept our little one entertained and happy for a long time. As you can imagine, the world of an 8 month old is discovered by their eyes and mouth and this definitely challenged both senses. We actually played games with the three bracelets, we'd put them around his wrist and he would wrestle them out.  You could see him trying to figure it out and he would clap when he accomplished a feat. 

I found another great use for it, though.  I use it as a wrist rest on my laptop!  Since the right side of the computer sometimes gets hot, the three bracelets are a comfortable resting place for my wrist!  They're made of silicone so I am able to rest my wrist without skidding around my machine. You gotta love the dual purpose!

Golf Tournaments In Full Swing!

Golf is in full swing!  Corporations, non-profit groups and trade associations are gearing up for tournaments. We searched our goody bags for new and unique items that might make this year's event much more memorable.  Of course, we have golf apparel that can be embroidered and personalized for you; golf balls, towels and other equipment.  But take a look at these ideas available from Webbmar PROMO.

Here is a PATENT PENDING mini light-weight golf club with a soft stress handle for practicing your swing while releasing stress at the same time.

Use it to entice people to join your tournament or gift it when they complete their round of golf.  It will make it's way back to someone's office as something they can swing in their offices and cubicles. 

While encouraging the game, how about including a slick pedometer ( PATENT: D526,916). Be seen and be safe with the Jogger Pedometer. The Jogger has 4 yellow blinking lights that shine in 3 different directions to be easily seen by motorists. This pedometer calculates steps, distance and calories burned. It also has a belt clip, a clock and comes with 2 AAA batteries packed separately. For best accuracy, wear it on your hip.

If you're sponsoring the tourney and need a cool tool, here's another patent pending item - a golfer's dream! This tool features a ball marker, a stroke counter and a divot repair tool that flips open with the push of a button.  So fit to be a hit.

Golf tournament participants look forward to promotional gifts given out by sponsors.  We've got many other suggestions to help you encourage participation, all useable and unique so that next year, they'll look forward to YOUR event.

Now, where's the goodie bag!!

Save The Date: Book Signing in Union City

Be among the first to get a copy of the new book from Arcadia Publishing, "Images of America - Union City."

We're very proud that our own Tim Swenson, who is the chair of the UC50 History Committee, has authored the book, which is part of Arcadia's popular series of publications featuring historical photos of towns across America.

UC50 has been given a rare opportunity to offer copies of the book for sale to you - our volunteers and supporters - at the same time it is released in bookstores. If you purchase your book from us, the proceeds will go to support our 2009 events.

Please join us for the launch of this beautiful new book about Union City, meet the author, and even get your copy signed by Tim Swenson, Mayor Mark Green, and City Manager Larry Cheeves. This event is open to the public.

Date: Sunday, March 30, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Paddy's Coffee, 3900 Smith Street

Update:  3/30/08  Here are a couple pictures from the successful event held today.   It's was very nice to see people at Paddy's  even before the event started at 2pm.  I'm not sure who all the folks were but the coffee shop was bustling with people eager to get their copies of the Union City book.  It seemed to me that most were long time residents of the city who had a keen appreciation of the importance and significance of the book signing.  Check out the UC50  site for more information, in case you missed the event or to check out future fund raising events and plans for the Big  50th Celebration in 2009! 

Union City Business Networking, April 24, 2008

         (510) 952-9637       .

Save The Date!  Bring plenty of business cards. Come and meet business professionals from the Tri City and surrounding areas.  Cocktails, networking and fun from 5-7pm. April 24, 2008, Crowne Plaza Hotel on Alvarado Niles. Sponsored by the Union City Chamber of Commerce and their Women In Business Networking Group. Contact Dana Hernandez at the Chamber for more information.

Built NY ® and Your Next Promotion

You have seen their product in some retail stores, but recently, Built NY ® has entered the promotional gift industry.  I received their flyer today reminding us that Admistrative Professional's day is coming soon week of April 22. 

These products are some of my favorites.  I have a sleeve I use for my laptop and I particularly like the baby essentials tote.  Built NY ®'s line of quality neoprene totes makes a fine statement.  Their wine totes design is patent registered and their lunch totes won a design award.  These all pack flat, excellent for travelling. 

Built NY ® products features:

• INSULATES AND PROTECTS
• WATER RESISTANT
• SOFT GRIP HANDLES AND HEAVY DUTY ZIPPER
• MADE OF EXTRA THICK STRETCHY 4 MM WETSUIT GRADE NEOPRENE

Check out the site for latest styles and contact  Webbmar PROMO for customization and ideas for your next promotion.  Brand + Brand = Enhanced ROI

P please consider the environment before printing pages from this blog. thank you. 

Safe Water Bottle Alternatives

UPDATE:  5/22 Check our May 22 Post and see how you can win a FREE BPA Free Bottle!

I'm not sure what to think of these days anymore.  As a 'green' supplier, I'd like to encourage my client to help rid our landfills of the disposable drinking water that has made life so convenient.  Re-using?  Great idea - and we have lots of drinking water bottles available that are made of polycarbonate, PETE or Nalgene.  We encourage everyone to make informed decisions.

I learned a few important things that I'd like to pass on.

Polycarbonate and Nalgene?   First, you need to do your own due diligence research and know what these are. They are all sturdy and can be re-used. A 'plastic' bottle is not a generic term anymore. Not since the BPA advisory. Not since they warn consumers about chemicals 'leaching' from beverage containers. Study shows these are generally safe products as long as they are not used to transport hot beverage or be exposed to heat (which enables chemicals to break down). 

Is there a safe alternative? You won't have to worry about with stainless steel bottles. Here are a few alternatives for you, including Foogo (tm) by Thermos. You won't even have to give up color or style. It's clear that while we try and clean up the landfill, we should not do it at our own bodies' expense.

As distributors, we find it our responsibility to keep informed with current consumer safety advisories and  know what our products are made of.  We want our clients and their customers happy.  We want them to love your gift  and when you tell them that your gifts are safe, they will be extremely pleased. 

Now we're talking!

P please consider the environment before printing pages from this blog. thank you. 

Time For Change

Goodbye Winter.

Hello flowers.

Hello colors.

Hello light.

Hello grass.

Hello parks.

Hello new ideas.

It's Time.

Unleash Spring.

Promotion Commotion - The Blog

Welcome to our site - our blog - our little niche in this big gifting industry.  Your visit is much appreciated. Our stories and posts revolve around the art of Promotional Giving.  As promotional product and Special Market gifting experts, our goal is to make your experience in choosing items one that is pleasant and informed.

We encourage businesses and individuals to visit our site as we also promote events in and surrounding our home base, the Bay Area, California (in general) and the Tri City area (more specific). Sometimes, we digress - and talk about hot tech gadgets, award winning gizmos, home and apparel trends or "Our Favorite Things" from the Gift Industry, with the goal of getting some of them into the promotional industry.  So, read on and visit often. 

Promotion Commotion - The Blog is a source for all Marketing, Advertising, corporate branders and anyone planning a huge, memorable party.  We provide you with information collected from colleagues, suppliers, clients and manufacturers to give you ideas, comments and reviews on products to brand your corporation and image. 

We also present ideas for custom gift bundling  and collections comprised of products that are new and unique to the market fitting your theme, event or marketing program.

Please enjoy our posts, comments and thoughts.  We might not be the biggest little business in the industry, [you certainly have your choice of distributors] but we work just as hard. We value and are grateful for our loyal clientele. We  absolutely love what we do because it unleashes smiles.   Our goal is to maximize your brand!

P please consider the environment before printing pages from this blog. thank you. 

Information, data and/or screens (the "Material") from this site may not be copied, duplicated, saved, archived, or captured by any means except that the Material may be used as part of normal browser caching and printing performed in the course of using the site for its intended purpose. Copyright 2008 Webbmar Enterprises.  All Rights Reserved.

Happy Easter!

Easter greetings to everyone!   It is a time to rejoice and once again remember our blessings.  It's a time to reflect on the meaning of the season and perhaps reach out to those you normally would not reach out to. 

It's also egg-hunting time.  Hope you enjoy the hunting with your kids.  Our little one already found his loot today.   As for me...it's spring cleaning day and I found a couple things we have not been able to find in a while!!  Alleluia!

Kids  and sping breakers will have the following week off and will be spending time outdoors.  Please remember to keep safe...and don't forget to share blessings. Peace.

Books - Wise Gifts

Books - they make fantastic gifts.  It's not always the first item a marketer will think of, but it is an item that is always appreciated.  Our favorite supplier The Book Company has every book you can think of and best of all, your corporate logo can be included in the book cover to customize the 'flavor' [check site for ideas and options].   If you browse through their large library of titles,  your marketing sense will kick in.  Books to inspire, educate, motivate. and entertain. 

If your company has an earth/eco consciousness program and you hand out earth friendly gifts, including a book that is more specific on Planet Earth might instill a deeper message. Lots of options abound.

More motivational titles are available.  They also have Sudoku, crossword puzzles and other books that travelers will love to take during their flight.

If you are inclined to gift these hard and soft covered items. you might want to start a promotional trend and do it as a branding technique that your clients will continue to look forward to receiving.  You can even take it further and consider where you'll want your client to 'show off' their collectibles.

They can display it on the wall like this fall-proof and secure bracket which is a winner of the prestigious European Peugot Design Award 'People's vote'.

This is a unique alternative to a regular bookshelf. It comprises an aluminium bracket and combed strip that grips the cover and pages of paperback books.Or if you prefer more contemporary bookends, here's one that's out of the ordinary and sure to draw some attention.

Send us your comments if you're interested in more information. SMART Companies give books!

Got Baby? Custom Announcements!

RECOMMENDATIONS - If you're getting ready to bring home baby or just had one - and if you're contemplating on an announcement that's unique, and imaginative we've found a great site for you.

Thanks to Parent's Magazine's GoodyBlog (see blidget on our blog, lower right hand side) I came across this really fabulous site called 5 Star Baby.  You can create your own poster announcement of your child's birth and make the little one the STAR!  It's a pretty out-of-the-ordinary announcement for birth or birthdays!  You might even do one each year, replacing the newer one with the past poster.  Then fast forward 18 years from now when you get to display all 18 years? Priceless, wouldn't you say?

Here's another site that we can vouch for.  Custom Sports Cards can print quality custom sports / trading cards for your birth announcements, birthdays, weddings or any occasion.  We used them for trading cards for a Police Department - who handed them out to children during last year's National Night Out. It was easy to order.  You'll just have to send the photo and the information you want printed in the front and back of the card. 

You can order directly from these sites.  I'm going to be ordering posters soon!  Someone's going to turn a year old in a few months!!

Beijing 2008 Olympics

While I was writing about sports (and NCAA), I just remembered that this is an Olympic year.  The Summer Games will be held in Beijing.  It might interest you to know that the James Logan Marching & Color Band from Union City, California are among our youth representing the USA.  Please visit their site.  They are currently accepting donations to help offset the costs for each member.  We should be extremely proud of these hardworking and talented kids.  As American Olympic ambassadors they will be meeting youth from all over the world. This will certainly be an enriching and memorable experience for all of them.

The mascot for the Games is Fuwa. 

Continue reading to learn more about the mascots.

Game Crazy!

Are you ready for some BASKETBALL?  Ya gotta love this game, and the kids who play. We just finished watching the last minute of the Duke (71) and Belmont (70) game.  I told you!!  This isn't the season for the faint of heart - but it's the best for avid sports afficionados.  It's all day madness and it is only Day One!

If you're into your own local sports - we've got all the gear you need to cheer your team onto victory.  Inflatables, noisemakers, flags, horns (loud, new and noisy!), whistles, drums, pompoms, megaphones and everything else you might need!  I remember T-ball and little league and can't wait to do it all over again.

This season, we're still preparing for more and more upcoming golf tournaments and basketball teams are gearing up for their season. 

So...whatever your game..we hope you're having a fun time enjoying it. There's tons of new fan favorites out there!!  You might see some of them at your favorite pro team events!

Fit For A President - Jelly Belly

Gifting an executive but are on a little bit of a budget?  I found some items from our Private Label supplier that are fit for that purpose. Let me feature a few here.

You can't go wrong by gifting Jelly Belly and now you can present it in this retro container. It is fit for an executive guest and even a boardroom.

If you love these jelly beans but have a small audience to present to, here is another packaging option. There are many more options.

You can choose the flavors or just have a random assortment. This supplier really knows their Jelly Belly.  And they know promotions.

This featured supplier has a great variety of impressive gifts encompassing a wide range of budgets.  Plus, they have a quality website that you might enjoy visiting.  Contact Webbmar PROMO if you would like a catalog or if you need more information on products.

Everyone has a sweet tooth!