Broder's Sales Rise Sharply
Following modest gains at the start of the year, Counselor Top 40 supplier Broder Bros. (asi/42090) posted a nearly 20% increase in sales in the second quarter, with total revenues of $211.6 million. In addition, Broder reported Q2 operational income of $9.1 million, an 800% increase compared to the same period in 2009. "We're growing 20% faster than the market," said CEO Tom Myers, in a recent interview with Counselor. "Sales are growing like crazy."

Along with significant improvements in revenues, Broder also announced its second quarter gross profit was $38.3 million, up from $30.2 million last year. The increase, according to Broder, was due to a 21.6% jump in unit volumes, which also helped drive up the company's quarterly gross profit margin to 18.1%. During the second quarter, Broder reported an increase in demand for its products as well, particularly T-shirts, helping the company to regain market share it had lost over the past year.

In their outlook, Broder executives expect sales to continue to steadily improve, although they acknowledge a 5% rise in prices on July 5 may have boosted demand in April and June that may not be matched as easily in the coming months. Broder maintains it has fully recovered from its trying financial stretch last year, when the company restructured $213.5 million of debt, exchanging then-current notes for senior notes due in 2013. In 2009, Broder reported total ad specialty sales of $328.6 million, making the Pennsylvania-based company the second-largest supplier in the market.

Senate Moves To Limit 1099 Reporting Rules
In a nod to small businesses, the U.S. Senate proposed an amendment last week that would repeal entirely or at least scale back new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reporting rules. The new rules, which were created as part of the new health-care bill, would take effect in 2012 and would force all businesses to file 1099 forms with the IRS for payment to any vendor or service provider in excess of $600.

Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) introduced a proposal last week that would completely repeal the new provisions, and a separate plan introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) would move to scale back the reporting rules. The Nelson proposal would exempt all firms with fewer than 25 employees from the reporting rules entirely, and for larger businesses it would require 1099 forms only in cases where payments to a single vendor exceeded $5,000 in a given year. Also in the Nelson proposal, the Treasury department would have the ability to exempt from reporting rules certain types of payments where non-compliance risk is minimal, such as airline tickets and office supplies.

The Senate is slated to vote on the measures on September 14. The House of Representatives has also stated its intent to find ways to scale back the new 1099 IRS reporting rules.

4Imprint Announces Double-Digit Growth
Reporting especially strong sales in North America, 4Imprint Group, parent company of Counselor Top 40 distributor 4imprint (asi/197045), announced its first half 2010 revenues grew to $151 million, an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2009. All three of 4Imprint's divisions have expanded their revenues and profits so far this year, with the company's North American sales up 20%. "The initiatives we have taken and the opportunities which exist in each division leave us well positioned to secure further progress in the second half," said Ken Minton, 4Imprint's executive chairman.

For the period that ended on July 3, 4Imprint Group's profits rose to $4.5 million, a significant improvement over the $1.2 million first half loss suffered by the company in 2009. Additionally, the British-based firm lowered its net debt by 43% to 4.5 million pounds or $7.2 million. The turnaround, according to 4Imprint executives, stemmed from improving markets and better cost controls. Immediately following the announcement of the company's first half growth, 4Imprint shares were up 4.5% on the London Stock Exchange.

The fifth largest distributor in the industry, 4Imprint has a five-year growth rate of 99% in its North American ad specialty sales, reporting 2009 revenues of $165.4 million.

The Joe Show: Sizzling Summer Items
In this mid-summer 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 sizzling summer edition of The Joe Show.

Want more videos? Subscribe now to our YouTube videos.

Gameplanz Joins Proforma Network
Counselor Top 40 distributor Proforma (asi/300094) has added California-based Gameplanz Inc. (asi/201366) to its network, the companies have announced. Through the deal, Gameplanz owner Fred Lewis expects his company to more than double its annual sales of $4 million in the next five years. "By joining Proforma, we are now backed by the most support in the industry, so that my team and I can focus on serving our clients," said Lewis. "Proforma's strength and vendor network allows us to expand into print and continue to be a true, full service marketing agency for the brands we serve."

With nine employees, Gameplanz provides promotional products, direct mail programs, eCommerce support and fulfillment options. Its affiliation with Proforma will allow Gameplanz to now offer its customers print materials as well. "This is the right time for a transition to Proforma," said Lewis. "We're excited to tap into the sales and marketing support, business development resources and state of the art technology platform to grow our sales."

Gameplanz, which was founded 22 years ago, serves a variety of large clients, including Disney, Rock Star Games and ING Direct.

InnerWorkings Reports Sales Up 20%
Counselor Top 40 distributor InnerWorkings (asi/231438) has announced its second quarter year-over-year revenues increased 20.4% to $120.5 million. Buoyed by several new accounts, the company's earnings per share rose to $.07 in the period ended June 30, beating the projections of analysts. "Our solid growth in the first half of 2010 was driven by further market share gains in the enterprise segment of our business," said Eric Belcher, CEO of InnerWorkings. "The market opportunity in front of InnerWorkings remains significant and we believe the growth strategy and culture we have in place will enable us to continue to capitalize on this opportunity."

During the second quarter, InnerWorkings signed contracts with six large clients, including Rent-A-Center, Advance Auto Parts and Payless. The long-term contracts involve a combination of print management and marketing approaches such as direct mail, promotional items and eCommerce solutions. Executives at InnerWorkings also maintain their company's financial position is strong following a new $100 million, four-year credit agreement announced earlier this month. "With increased financial flexibility and a commitment to prudently manage our expenses, we are well positioned to better serve our customers, invest in our growth initiatives and add value for our shareholders," said Joseph Busky, InnerWorkings' CFO.

InnerWorkings expects to generate $440 million to $470 million in revenue in 2010. Last year, the Illinois-based company reported revenues of $400 million, including $76.5 million in ad specialty sales.

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 discussed how to create a great workplace, revealed how to handle a sudden spike in sales, and talked about some creative current promotions. Plus, the hosts offered advice to callers who recently lost their main client contacts.  

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 on Tuesday, August 17. 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.

ASICentral: Counselor State Of The Industry 2010 & Exclusive Webinar
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, to go along with the State of the Industry issue, Counselor created an educational webinar to give distributors ideas on ways they can plan their businesses over the next few years. Packed with statistics, trends and tips, this webinar is sure to provide inspiration for business growth. Click here to view the educational session.

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: .

ASI Radio Contest
If you like cool, high-tech gadgets and enjoy the weekly ASI Radio Show, then we have some news for you.

Starting on August 17 and culminating in a prize giveaway show on September 14, ASI is running a contest that requires only that you pay attention to each of four shows for a special "Word of the Week." For four consecutive weeks we will give a new "Word of the Week," and on the fifth week we will solicit calls from listeners to identify which word went with which week.

For more information, including the prizes you could win, click here.

In The News
River's End Trading Company (asi/82588) has announced the addition of PING Apparel (asi/67865) to its brands for distribution to the ad specialty marketplace. The exclusive partnership will begin in October with River's End offering 17 styles from the 2011 PING Collection.

Vantage Apparel (asi/93390) announced that it received the Supplier Excellence Award from Adventures in Advertising (asi/109480) at AIA's 2010 National Sales Summit in St. Charles, Illinois.

WOW! Branded Personal Assistance (asi/68431) was named the Proforma (asi/300094) 2010 ProExclusive Partner of the Year at Proforma's Family Reunion and National Convention in Las Vegas, NV.

People On The Move
Corvest, parent company of Adva-Lite (asi/32145), It's All Greek To Me (asi/62960) and Toppers (asi/91530), has appointed Brigid Hines as product manager.

ASI SHOW

LOOKING FOR THE NEWEST AND GREATEST ITEMS FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
Look no further than the ASI Holiday Preview, taking place Monday, September 13, and Tuesday, September 14, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.
This tabletop event opens with the popular "New Distributor Success Track" led by David Blaise 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 and leave with new, inventive ideas for your best holiday season ever!
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.

A STAR-STUDDED YEAR PLANNED FOR THE ASI SHOW
Have you heard about the exciting, unprecedented list of special programs scheduled for the 2011 ASI Shows?

• ASI Orlando: Actor and activist Michael J. Fox will lead a moving Keynote, entitled Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist, on Tuesday, January 25. (Co-sponsored by Evans Mfg., asi/52840 and Showdown Displays, asi/87188) A Gala at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, the newest attraction at Universal Orlando, will take place the night before on Monday, January 24.       
  

• ASI Dallas: Former First Lady Laura W. Bush will deliver a rousing program on Friday, February 18, entitled Life in the White House: Reflections from Mrs. Laura W. Bush. (Sponsored by Pepco Poms, asi/77280) Plus, you can register and save for the 2nd annual ASI Women's Summit taking place during ASI Dallas at the Adolphus Hotel's French Room. Register by August 31 and pay only $249. You will have the unique opportunity to have lunch with Laura Bush!
  

• ASI New York: A private bash at hip hop mogul Jay-Z's nightclub the 40/40 Club on Wednesday, March 23, followed by The Industry's Biggest Speed Networking Session on the morning of Thursday, March 24.     
  

• ASI San Diego: Emmy® award-winning comedian Wayne Brady will give an exclusive performance at ASI San Diego on Thursday, May 19.                        
  

• ASI Chicago: Local celebrity and football coach Mike Ditka will motivate ASI Show-goers with his Keynote, entitled ACE: Attitude, Character and Enthusiasm, on Thursday, July 21. (Sponsored by BamBams, asi/38228)
  

Registration and housing is open for ALL the 2011 ASI Shows. Visit www.asishow.com today. 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.