CPSC Recalls More Children's Jewelry
For the sixth time since January, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of children's items found to have elevated levels of the toxic metal cadmium. The latest recall involves 19 styles of bracelets, necklaces and earrings that were manufactured in China and distributed by Ohio-based Tween Brands. From November of 2008 to February of this year, 137,000 of the potentially harmful pieces were sold at retail stores Justice and Limited Too, and online at www.shopjustice.com. Much of the jewelry, made in the shape of hearts, butterflies, cupcakes, peace signs and crowns, contain a version of the words "Best Friends Forever." The pieces were sold for between $7 and $16, according to the CPSC.

Despite the high number of recent recalls, there remains no federal requirements for testing cadmium in children's products. A CPSC spokesman has said that a "highly protective" standard is being developed that will eventually replace the current cadmium guidelines that do not specify or restrict amounts of the metal. In the wake of the most current recall, the CPSC spokesperson, Scott Wolfson, also warned manufacturers in China "not to substitute cadmium in place of lead" to try to pass current product safety testing requirements. 

Cadmium, which is naturally-occurring, has been intensely scrutinized this year after repeated recalls have cited its harmful properties. If ingested, the metal can lead to lung and kidney damage and possibly cancer. The largest recall in 2010, announced in June, involved 12 million promotional glasses sold at McDonald's restaurants. That incident has since created a stir in Congress, which has begun investigating cadmium and its health effects.

In the current case, a spokesperson for Tween Brands said the voluntary recall was decided "out of an abundance of caution" while adding the company is making plans to improve its testing standards. Consumers are being asked to take the jewelry away from children and return it to stores for a full refund. So far, no injuries related to the products have been reported.

Chocolate Inn Announces Partnership
New York-based supplier Chocolate Inn (asi/44900) has announced that it has partnered with Nassau Candy Distributors Inc., a leading confectionery and snack manufacturer that also imports and distributes gourmet items. Per the agreement, Chocolate Inn expects to broaden its product offerings through a large assortment of candies, new packaging options and other year-round items. "Nassau Candy is a family-run company and shares the same values as we do," said David Miller, president of Chocolate Inn. "I look forward to working closely with Nassau Candy to bring best-in-class products to our promotional product distributor customers."

According to Miller, Chocolate Inn's enhanced product line will be featured in the company's 4th quarter catalog, which will be available in the next few weeks. "This alliance greatly furthers Chocolate Inn's efforts toward building the pre-eminent year-round food supplier in the promotional products industry," he says.

Considered the largest specialty confectionery distributor in the U.S., Nassau Candy annually produces over 15 million pounds of private label and branded confections. Founded 80 years ago, the Hicksville, NY, company carries more than 10,000 items.

The Joe Show: New Products Showcase
In this episode of The Joe Show, Counselor Managing Editor Joe Haley shows off some of the newest items to hit the ad specialty market. Want to impress clients with brand-new offerings? Start with these. 

Click here to see this new-products edition of The Joe Show.

Want more videos? Subscribe now to our YouTube videos.

Survey Says Bags Are Top Trade Show Branding Tool
When it comes to promoting a business at a conference or event, conference bags are the best way to get a brand name across, according to a new survey. The study, released by Nexus Collections, found that 23% of respondents selected conference bags as the most effective branding option. "What people are looking for is exposure at the show – not necessarily that people are going to be using these bags afterwards," says Mark Klang, manager of PromosLogos (asi/300581), who says he is not surprised at the strong showing by bags. "Even if it's nothing wild that's really going to get a lot of interest, at least they have people walking around the trade show or the conference with those bags and you've got a nice imprint there."

Pens, conference notepads and lanyards followed on the rankings, with 13%, 12% and 10%, respectively. "Like the conference bags, both the pens and notepads have longevity with many delegates taking them away and using them on into the future," said Nick Jones, Nexus Collections managing director, in a statement. "I can also appreciate the popularity of lanyards as they are so visible at events, every delegate and member of the team sees not just their own, but the hundreds around them as well."

Among the lowest ranked branding efforts at trade shows were the less tangible ones. Sponsorships of educational sessions, programs and catering events held the bottom three spots, with 7%, 6% and 4% of respondents citing them, with advertising and posters with only a slightly better showing. "I'd say t-shirts and pens are my number-one seller," says Unice Latimer, owner of L&L Advertising Supplies (asi/246750), who expected that pens would be even higher on the list of promotions for conferences and events. "Pens are a good one for businesses just to give away for promotional items. It's always good so people can have one on hand or make a note." 

Tuesday Morning Radio Show Live On The Air
Every Tuesday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET, a team of ASI editors debate the most important topics facing the industry. We also, of course, offer our own off-beat look at the market. This morning, we spoke to members of the 2010 Counselor Hot List and shared strategies for how to easily get press for your company. Plus, the hosts offered advice to callers looking for ways to overcome a summer sales slump.  

If you missed the show, a recording is now available at www.asicentral.com/radio. And, don't forget to join us for our next broadcast – Tuesday, August 3 – when we'll be making a special announcement about the 2011 ASI Shows. Log on to www.asicentral.com/radio at 10:30 a.m. ET to listen to the show – and give us a call at (215) 953-4979 to hear your voice on the air.

Audio Report: Exclusive Interview With Olivia Newton-John
Counselor Top 40 distributor Geiger (asi/202900) announced last week that it is the exclusive promotional and small retail provider of a new groundbreaking item called Liv. The breast self-exam item, created by Emmy-award-winning singer Olivia Newton-John and Dr. Ernie Bodai, is FDA-approved and is meant to make it easier and more accurate for women to examine themselves for breast irregularities.

Newton-John, a breast-cancer survivor, is the spokesperson for the product, which will be sold by Geiger's new unit, called Livgeiger (www.livgeiger.com). The item has a retail price of $19.95 apiece. Companies and organizations can use it as a promotional product by placing logos or messaging on the device's handle, packaging and carrying case.

In this exclusive interview, Newton-John sits down with Counselor to explain her vision for the product and how it fits into the ad specialty market. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Last Chance To Nominate New Members For Counselor Power 50
Counselor is now compiling its Power 50 list for 2010 – our recognition of the industry's most powerful individuals – and we're looking for feedback from you. Click here to see the list of last year's Power 50 and let us know whether you think the members are more or less influential today than they were a year ago.

Plus, this is also the place to nominate new people who you think should be on the 2010 Power 50 list. Scroll to the bottom of the survey to submit new candidates for the Counselor Power 50 list. Please write their name and company in the space provided.

Click here to take the survey and make new nominations.

ASICentral: Counselor State Of The Industry 2010
Yes, it's that time of year again. Time for a boatload of industry facts, stats, top 40s and how-to manuals. Want to know how to prepare your business for growth today, throughout 2011 and even beyond 2012? Then you don't want to miss this special ASICentral.com feature! Click here to check it out.

Plus, in the random State of the Industry survey drawing, Counselor named the following winners:
Distributors:
Tammy Houlihan, Gear 'N Up (asi/202755)
Vicky Tarr, Safeguard Business Systems (asi/495101)
Don Webb, Threadworks (asi/344319)
Suppliers:
Paul Smith, Calconix (asi/43270)
Phil Martin, Warwick Publishing Co. (asi/95280)
Jason Johnson, Patches Out Loud (asi/76450)

In the News
Custom HBC Corporation (asi/47934) has announced that it received registration of the trademark Pocket Sprayer from the U.S. Patent and Trademark office.

Kronex Global (asi/65693) announced that it has added the full line of Seth Thomas clocks to its product line. 
Logomark (asi/67866) has extended its free FedEx ground shipping offer on all orders through August 15, 2010. The promotion applies to items listed at EQP $10 or less at catalog quantities on orders of $799 or more, including clearance, discounted, and blank items. Logomark customers who spend a minimum of $799 will receive 50% off expedited shipping for all items. Applies to the continental United States only.

Proforma Creative Services (asi/300094) owner Rich Bradley has partnered with three co-hosts to launch the Get More Business internet radio show on BlogTalkRadio.com. It airs live every Wednesday from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Eastern Time.

Proforma Stewart & Associates (asi/300094) owner Bruce Copeland served as a judge for the Technology Student Association's (TSA) National Competition on June 30, evaluating entries in the promotional graphics category.

Rainy Day Solutions (asi/81230) announced that its Brella Bag hands-free umbrella holder has been selected as one of the businesses to debut in this year's Daytime Emmy Awards Gift Bags.

Smarte Goods (asi/87802) announced that it has recorded an 885% sales increase since January 1, 2010 over same period sales one year ago.

Tri-Mountain/Mountain Gear (asi/92125) announced that Walter Brzyski & Associates will now be its representative for the metro NY, NJ, MD and DC regions.

People On The Move
Branding U (asi/145106) has hired Cathy Anderson as account manager.

Evans Manufacturing Inc. (asi/52840) has appointed Jennifer Windemuth as North Central senior key account manager. 

Leprechaun Promotions (asi/67075) has announced that Bill Hamilton joined the organization as vice president of sales and marketing.

TeamIP (asi/342489) has announced that it hired Paula Gossett as its new vice president of corporate sales.

The Perfect Promotion (asi/293518) announced that its president, Jody Ferrer, has been named the Circle of Red co-chair for Go Red for Women and the American Heart Association.

ASI SHOW

ADVANTAGES NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE WINNERS FROM ASI CHICAGO
Congratulations to the 2010 ASIChicago Advantages New Product Showcase supplier winners as chosen by The ASI Show attendees. Featuring hot, innovative products, the Advantages New Product Showcase and Green Product Showcase are favorite stops for distributors at The ASI Show. There are six categories in total that products are rated on.
Most Unique
Flexi-Vase by Prime Resources, asi/79530
Best Green Product
Beautiful Bamboo Cutting Boards by ANJ Logos, asi/30236
Most Staying Power
Sports Bottle & Storage by Hartleigh Creations, asi/60104
Best Bang for Your Buck — Two Winners!
Bucket Buddy by C2R Global Mfg., asi/45151
Javalina Splash by Hub Pen Co., asi/61966
Most Likely to Build a Buzz
Promotions on Wheels® by ExpoBox USA, asi/53372
Most Popular Wearable
Outwrap Stadium Jacket by Outwrap, asi/75170
For more information, click on each winning product.

LOOKING FOR THE NEWEST AND GREATEST ITEMS FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
Look no further the ASI Holiday Preview, taking place Monday, September 13, and Tuesday, September 14, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.
This not-to-be-miss industry event opens with the popular "New Distributor Success Track" from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, September 13, followed by "Exhibitor Presents" from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., tabletop exhibits from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a closing networking reception at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 14.
Register now for the ASI Holiday Preview in Las Vegas at www.asishow.com . You'll spend quality time with leading companies, such as Sweda, Hit Promotional Products, American Apparel, Fersten Worldwide, Stouse, Marathon/Prestige and SHEPENCO.
Plus, reserve your hotel room at www.asishow.com. A limited number of hotel rooms have been secured at the Venetian Hotel for only $149 a night (half off the usual rate of $300)! Visit www.southwest.com for cheap airfares.

HAVE LUNCH WITH FORMER FIRST LADY LAURA W. BUSH
Join us at the second annual ASI Women's Summit taking place on February 18, 2011, during ASI Dallas at the Adolphus Hotel's French Room. During the Summit, you'll have the exclusive opportunity to network with other women professionals in the ad specialty industry, as well as hear a motivational Keynote by former First Lady Laura Bush.

The Summit will feature registration and networking from noon until 1:30 p.m., where you'll be able to share stories with colleagues while mingling with Mrs. Bush; a sit-down lunch with Keynote from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; an interactive hot topics discussion from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and an awards presentation highlighting the "Top 10 Women to Watch" from 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Register today at www.asishow.com and pay only $249. After August 31, the registration fee will be $329. All attendees will receive a free autographed copy of Mrs. Bush's new book, "Spoken from the Heart," a New York Times #1 best seller.

TUNE IN TO NEXT WEEK'S ASI RADIO SHOW FOR BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS
A start studded year is planned for The ASI Show in 2011. Tune into the ASI Radio Show (www.asicentral.com/radio) at 10:30 a.m. next Tuesday, August 3, to hear ASI president and CEO Timothy Andrews announce next year's unprecedented lineup of Keynotes and special events. Registration, as well as the official hotel reservation sites, will be open at www.asishow.com.

Follow The ASI Show on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook today!

The following are the dates and locations for The ASI Show in 2010 and 2011:
ASI Holiday Preview in Las Vegas, September 13-14, 2010
Orlando, January 23-25, 2011
Dallas, February 16-18, 2011
New York, March 22-24, 2011
San Diego, May 18-20, 2011
Chicago, July 19-21, 2011

Plus, don’t miss the ASI Advantages Roadshow, the industry’s #1 traveling show. Visit www.advantagesroadshow.com for the complete schedule and go to www.asishow.com for information on all ASI Shows.