Small Business Hiring Increases
As another potential sign of an improving economy, small business hiring was up about 1% in December, the largest month-over-month increase since February 2008. Overall, small business hiring jumped 3.4% in 2009, according to data from the Small Business Scorecard survey, released by firm SurePayroll. "I see some trends telling us we're finally starting to bounce off the bottom and that the worst is behind us," said Michael Alter, president of SurePayroll. "If trends continue, I predict we'll be reporting on some kind of a recovery by summer 2010."

By region in the U.S., small business hiring increased the most in the Midwest (6.5%) and Northeast (6.3%), while actually declining in December in the West (dropping by 1.3%). While early in 2009 small businesses were consistently hiring temporary workers, the survey data shows more companies are now shying away from contracting work and adding full-time employees. "We see the contractor index increasing at a much lower rate," said Alter.

According to analysts, the hiring increase is closely linked to renewed optimism among small business owners. Among survey respondents, a full two-thirds expect their company revenues to rise in 2010 on the strength of a stabilizing economy. "Now that we're seeing more hiring, we should see more spending, and so an upward cycle can begin," Alter said. However, while hiring conditions and optimism have improved, salaries have not. The SurePayroll survey shows small business salaries dropped 8.3% in 2009. For example, in New Jersey alone, salaries fell 14.3% in December. Conversely, salaries increased nearly 5% in Oregon. "While salaries are still declining, this is the second month they did so at a lesser rate," Alter said.

Cotton Prices Rising Sharply
Higher demand and recent poor weather in Asia have driven up the price of cotton, an increase that will likely be passed to consumers within three to four months. Additionally, world cotton production is now expected to fall short of demand in the current crop year, which runs through July 31. "It's not something anyone can run from and there's no place to hide," says Rainer Friedrich, vice president of production at Charles River Apparel (asi/44620). "There won't be a price change until there's a leveling off and the demand evens out. That could be six to eight months from now."

According to Friedrich, in just the last two months the price of cotton produced in Pakistan has jumped by 40%. Overall, the cost of cotton has increased roughly 15% globally. "In general, consumers will pay more at some point," says Friedrich. "By March or April, the effect will be there. Manufacturers will try to spread out the increase, so there may not be a large difference at first. Distributors will probably have to charge more."

In a new feature for 2010, check out the three news programs, called ASI Show Update, that were filed during the show – as well as a special interview conducted with keynote speaker General Colin Powell.

Click here to see the inaugural ASI Show Update that covered Education Day.

Click here to see the second edition of Orlando’s ASI Show Update that included coverage of the ASI Fashion Show.

Click here to watch the final installment of the ASI Show Update from Tuesday, which even includes a look at the annual ASI Fashion Show and a roller-coaster ride during the Gala Celebration at Universal Studios.

Click here to watch General Colin Powell share his views on successful leadership.

Florida Politicians Visit ASI Show
Paula Dockery, state senator from Florida, and Kevin Ambler, Florida state representative, visited The ASI Show in Orlando this week to learn more about the ad specialty market. Dockery, who recently began a campaign for Florida Governor, and Ambler, who is running for an open State Senate seat this year, visited with exhibitors, talked to attendees and got a crash course in promotional products. The two politicians’ visits to The ASI Show were arranged jointly by the Gold Coast Promotional Products Association and the Promotional Products Association of Florida.

Ambler’s favorite item at the show: Vinyl bumper stickers. In fact, in an interview with Counselor, Ambler cited a study that showed every vinyl bumper sticker on a car is worth three to six votes for a political candidate. Click here to watch a video interview with Kevin Ambler.

Do You Have America’s Most Creative Sales Team?
For an upcoming feature in Counselor magazine, the editors are looking for distributors that have creative sales teams. Do you brainstorm until all hours of the night, present wild promotional ideas to clients, and generally approach the ad specialty market in a unique and creative way?

Call For Entries: Counselor Product Design Awards
Counselor magazine is looking for innovative products for its Product Design Awards competition. Suppliers are invited to nominate their favorite eye-catching products in the following categories:

In order to enter, please submit the following three items: 1. A sample of the product. (We recommend that the product be exclusive to the supplier that is submitting it, although this is not a requirement.); 2. A quick description of the product, including any special features; 3. The category that the product should be considered for. There is a limit of one submission per category, per company. All submissions will be judged on the following areas: design appeal, functionality and the ability to attractively feature a logo (when appropriate). Winners will be featured in the June issue of Counselor.

Please send all entries to: Karen Akers, Awards Editor, Counselor Magazine, 4800 Street Road, Trevose, PA 19053. Questions? E-mail Karen Akers at kakers@asicentral.com. Please note that only products from North American suppliers will be considered and that submissions will not be returned unless specifically requested.

ASICentral: What’s Your Sales Sign, Baby?
If you’re having trouble making sales these days, maybe it’s not the tough economy but an inability to take advantage of your astrological strong points. That’s right! Tauruses, you’re dependable and persistent, but can be stubborn. Aries, you’re an independent go-getter, but impatient. Find out what traits under your Zodiac sign make you a great salesperson with our neat interactive "Zodiac Sales" feature in this month’s Advantagesmag.com. It’s in the stars! Check it out now.

Got questions, comments or any type of feedback regarding anything ASICentral, don't hesitate to contact us at feedback@asicentral.com. Also, follow ASICentral at .

In The News
Bag Makers, Inc. (asi/37940) has launched a new Web site, featuring a page-turning edition of its print catalog, enhanced product presentations, and soon, virtual marketing tools.

Ball Pro Inc. (asi/38120) has announced it will now offer ruletwentyone's R21 back-pocket towel and ball cleaner.

BroderBros. Co. (asi/42090) has expanded its Houston distribution center to 88,000 sq. ft. and is offering full shipping capabilities at the location beginning January 11.

Brother Industries Ltd. has announced that its GT-541 and GT-782 garment printers have received compliance certification from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). According to the CPSC, the machines are capable of producing items that comply with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

Jeffrey Klein Ribbon Designs (asi/63290) has created a new division called Tie-it-Rite. The division will provide fulfillment services, including gift wrapping, custom ribbon imprinting, gift card add-ons and other packaging concepts.

Noteworthy (asi/74360) has announced that second-side printing for all of its non-woven totes is now free. The company is also offering lower imprinting costs, four-color printing on low minimum non-woven bags and no setup fees.

Replicas Unlimited (asi/82032) is introducing a new line of customized crystal pyramids. For more information, go to: www.replicastadiums.com.   

R.S. Owens & Co. (asi/75530) has released its new 2010 PictureFrames.net catalog and will also soon relaunch its custom framing Web site found at: www.epictureframes.biz.

People On The Move
Halo/Lee Wayne (asi/356000) has added several new account executives. They are: Heather Johnson (Midwest region), Mary Wickstrom (Midwest), Leigh Roberson (Midwest), Gus McConnell (Western), Tim Johnson (South), Jane Heimbecker (Northeast), Barry Kahan (Northeast) and Mo Lajterman (Northeast).   

Spector & Co. (asi/88660) has hired In Stepp Marketing to provide sales representation in the Southeastern U.S.

ASI SHOW

The following are the dates and locations for The ASI Show in 2010:
Dallas: February 1-3
San Diego: February 24-26
New York: May 4-6
Chicago: July 13-15
Plus, don’t miss the ASI Advantages Roadshow, the industry’s #1 traveling show. Visit www.advantagesroadshow.com for the complete schedule!