Rainmaker
The Pitch: I think it's the third Monday in a row that we are under a flood watch. What in Sam Hill? (I don't know what that means. My husband always says it, like a Texan, although he is from Jersey). At any rate, it's another blue Monday. One thing everyone loves about the rain, though, is the smell of it and Custom HBC Corp. (asi/47934) comes though with a highly fragranced Fresh Rain candle in a stylish glass tumbler. Item 16204-006 starts at: 25; $23.94-R. This is a unique idea for any springtime promotion. Think about spas and salons announcing new services or special deals. Click here: http://www.customhbc.com.
The Bottom Line: Let it pour.

State Pride
The Pitch: Did I mention the rain? Since it was raining all day yesterday too, I had the privilege of being a couch potato and watching the premiere episodes of "Jerseylicious." (Oh my gawd, I have not seen such big hair since the ‘80s!) Between that and "The Jersey Shore," and being Jersey born and raised, I have never been so proud (note sarcasm). To show true state pride, however, Tradenet Publishing (asi/91760) offers state-themed cookbooks, featuring 88 pages of state recipes. These are great for fundraisers, special events, state fairs, tourism boards and more. Pricing starts at: 100; $2.99-R. See the cookbooks here: http://www.tradenetonline.com/.
The Bottom Line: Sales dish.

Keep Your Pants On
The Pitch: A Democratic New York state senator has purchased six billboards, being revealed today, asking young people to pull their pants up ("Stop the sag!"). And why not? I, too, am tired of unnecessary underwear sightings. Perhaps a cool belt would help. Footprints USA (asi/55030) has a new custom woven belt, which can be mixed and matched with sandals and other accessories from their woven gear line. Any logo can be woven into the fabric (think sports teams, school pride, music artists, etc.). Pricing starts at: 125; $13.95-R. See item W107 here: http://www.footprintsusa.net/ProductSearch.aspx.
The Bottom Line: Buckle up.

It's Tradition
The Pitch: Happy Passover to my Jewish friends. I hope you got your spring cleaning done … I have not.  Promotional Bookstore (asi/79369) has a really cute item to teach kids about their Hebrew heritage. "Kiddish Yiddish Jewish Traditions and Culture in Rhymes," by Barbara Feltquate, follows three generations of a family through a year of holidays, rituals and traditions. It's a nice idea for summer camps, Hebrew schools, festivals and more. Pricing on item PBC2179 starts at: 48; $18.25-R. For more information, email: sales@promobookstore.com.
The Bottom Line: A cultural connection.

Got a Crush?
The Pitch: Journalbooks (asi/91340) puts a fun twist on journals with its new Crush version, with a velvety felt paperboard front cover. It includes 100 sheets of filler paper.
They come in a variety of colors, too, like Kiwi, Wine, Coral, Indigo, Twilight and Petal. Perfect fit for school stores, B&Bs, writers' groups, etc. Plus, you can get item NP-700CRS at EQP until 6/01/10. Write CREQP10 on your purchase order. Click here: http://www.journalbooks.com/products/122/crush.
The Bottom Line: A real softy.