Counselor® PromoGram®
Volume 741 / August 24, 2010
Click here to read this and past issues online.

Molenaar Issues Voluntary Product Recall
As first reported last night in a Counselor Breaking News Alert, supplier Molenaar LLC (asi/71980) has issued a voluntary recall of 11,650 electroluminescent night lights. The recall, which is specific only to Canada, involves two models – #2017 and #2019 – that are shaped like a rectangle and a house respectively. "This has nothing to do with the U.S.," said Steve Meyer, vice president of sales at Molenaar, in an exclusive interview today with Counselor. "We sold these night lights to only six distributors. We contacted them both by mail and by phone."

According to Molenaar, which produces the M-i Line, the recall was issued because the night lights could contain faulty materials that can become hot to the touch and melt, resulting in risk of possible shock or fire. Meyer says Molenaar first learned of the potential risk when contacted by the Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario (ESA) in late July. Since then, Meyer says Molenaar has followed the recall protocols "to the letter," culminating in a public announcement yesterday. Meyer adds that he's only aware of one incident related to the recalled products that caused minor property damage due to smoke. No injuries have been reported.

The night lights, which are both white with green glowing panels, were sold between September 2005 and September 2009. None of the recalled models were manufactured or sold after November 2009. "We don't produce the recalled night lights anymore," Meyer said. Molenaar has added a recall notice to its website, which includes a link to pictures of the recalled products. Consumers are being asked to stop using these recalled items immediately and discard them. 

ASI NEWS

What's Your Advertising ROI?
Track it with ASI's Media Statistics report, which now offers stats on editorial mentions for print advertisers.

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Ad Impressions Sneak-Peek
Be the first to learn how domestic and international consumers rate promo products in the sequel to ASI's most influential study – premiering at the ASI Power Summit.
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FTC To Regulate Greenwashing
In an effort to protect consumers from exaggerated advertising claims, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is considering tight regulations on how marketers use words like "recyclable," "biodegradable" and "carbon neutral." The rules, also known as Green Guides, could affect more than 300 environmental seals of approval on current products, possibly making those environmentally-friendly claims in violation of government standards. Besides updating those standards, the rules would also more clearly define how companies can back up their claims of environmental sustainability.

The updated regulations will continue a recent trend of more aggressive enforcement of eco-friendly-related advertising. During the past two years, the FTC has brought seven environmental advertising enforcement actions, compared to zero during the prior eight years. While the FTC cannot compel companies into adopting more eco-conscious policies, the agency is permitted by law to stop marketing fraud.

The FTC is specifically targeting greenwashing, the practice of making an unsubstantiated or misleading claim about the environmental benefits of a product in order to increase its sales. The most notable case of alleged greenwashing occurred last year when the FTC accused Kmart of listing paper plates as biodegradable. The plates, the government argued, would not typically decompose in solid waste facilities where most garbage is found. Kmart eventually agreed to alter its "biodegradable" claims in its marketing.

Before the FTC begins enforcing the new rules, the agency will first publish the Green Guides in the Federal Register and institute a comment period. The FTC is expected to announce the updated regulations within the next two weeks, likely issuing the most substantial change to Green Guides in more than a decade.  


Broder Adds Two Full Lines
Counselor Top 40 supplier Broder Bros. (asi/42090) has announced it will provide full lines of apparel brands Bella (asi/39590) and Canvas beginning in 2011. The Pennsylvania-based supplier will offer the complete imprintable activewear labels through its Broder, Alpha Shirt and NES Clothing divisions. "Our sales and marketing teams will be working closely with customers to show them the depth of our 2011 fashion-forward assortment," said Hank Harrell, executive vice president at Broder.

The agreement with Bella and Canvas continues Broder's strategy to aggressively expand its offerings. In February, Broder announced it would begin carrying the full line of Anvil apparel as well. "Whether a customer wants a white, short-sleeve crewneck T-shirt in an ultra-lightweight jersey or the latest T-shirt silhouette in one of 2011's hottest fabrics and colors, we'll offer it at a couple of price points," Harrell said.

Besides Bella and Canvas, Broder offers more than three dozen other apparel brands, including Fruit of the Loom, Hanes, Jerzees and Gildan. Ranked by Counselor as the second largest supplier in the ad specialty industry, Broder has reported increased year-over-year revenues through the first half of 2010. In the second quarter alone, sales at Broder rose 20% compared to the same time period in 2009.


The Joe Show: Hot New Items
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 wow clients with unique and new products? Start with these. 

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

Want more videos? Subscribe now to our YouTube videos.


New Gift Card Rules Go Into Effect
Outlined in legislation passed by Congress last year, new consumer-friendly gift card regulations took effect on Sunday. The rules, passed as part of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, are designed to limit burdensome fees and unfair practices by card issuers.

For example, under the new regulations, an inactivity fee cannot be charged until a gift card has been unused for a full year. Also, cards cannot expire for at least five years and issuers can only charge one fee to a cardholder in a single month, instead of multiple penalties. The legislation has also attempted to limit hidden restrictions, meaning cards must now be printed with rules for fees and expiration dates, along with a toll-free telephone number or website where a consumer can find more information.

There are exemptions to the regulations, however. The new rules do not apply to reloadable cards, such as prepaid phone cards or rechargeable debit cards, or rebate and loyalty-reward cards. In addition, gift cards produced before April 1, 2010 are exempt from new disclosure requirements until January 31, 2011. During the 2009 holiday shopping season, consumers spent $26 billion on gift cards, according to the National Retail Federation. Gift card sales annually reach about $100 billion, but research shows $5 billion of that money is never used.

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 why meetings and convention business is on the rise and shared strategies for getting more revenue from current clients. Plus, the hosts offered advice to callers who were looking for creative ways to get customers to pay their bills on time.  

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 31. 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.


Industry "Pay It Forward" Day Announced
Looking to foster volunteerism and community involvement, several industry professionals have created the first-ever "Pay It Forward" Day. The event, which encourages everyone connected to the ad specialty industry to volunteer for their favorite charity, will take place this year on November 6. "We were talking about how cool it would be if all industry professionals could come together on one day to all help our own communities," said Mark Shinn, president of Washington-based Incentives West. "As the idea was shared, more and more people got on board, and PromoProsPIFDay was created."

Referencing the popular movie of the same name, "Pay It Forward" Day has generated a very positive early response, according to Shinn. A Facebook page and Twitter feed have been set up to promote the day and share success stories. Additional resources to support "Pay It Forward" Day, including a logo contest and sponsorship opportunities, will be announced soon. Shinn believes the event will create memorable experiences and generate good feelings about the industry. "We're caring people who want to contribute something back," he said.

For more information on the event, go to http://tinyurl.com/PromoProsPIFDay.

Call For Nominations: Women Of The Year Awards
ASI is looking for nominations for our first-ever Women of the Year Awards – these awards will be presented at the 2011 ASI Women's Summit in Dallas. We'd like to recognize fearless, gutsy women who are making a big impact in the ad specialty industry. Know anyone who might fit the bill? Here's the kind of woman we're looking for:

  • A gutsy entrepreneur who started her business with nothing and grew it into a super company
  • A million-dollar salesperson who can pitch any product and close any deal
  • A marketing maven who always knows just how to create the right business buzz
  • A social networking wizardress who has taken cyberspace by storm
  • An ad specialty veteran who's the favorite mentor for industry newcomers

E-mail kakers@asicentral.com with your nominee's name, company and three solid reasons this person should be considered for inclusion on the list. Also, include your name, company and contact information. We'd like to hear from you by September 1.


Join The Best Places To Work Community
Want to create a fun, energetic and motivated workplace? Join the Counselor Best Places to Work Facebook community. Counselor is currently putting the finishing touches on the September Best Places to Work issue, and in conjunction with the issue, we're launching a new Facebook page to give industry companies ideas on ways to improve their work environments and increase business as a result.

Click here to join the community. On Thursday, August 26, we'll use the Facebook page to exclusively announce the 75 companies that are on the 2010 Best Places to Work list. And from then on, we'll run contests and present educational articles and profiles of top industry workplaces.

And, we want to hear from you. Have a great workplace story of your own? Join the community and share your ideas with the group.

 


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 last week 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
Ash City (asi/37127) has announced that Christy Acree is the 2010 recipient of the Norm Ogroskin Spirit Award. The annual award was created in honor of employee Norm Ogroskin, who passed away in March.

Bodek and Rhodes (asi/40788) has announced that Greg Janney was recognized in Printwear magazine as July's outstanding supplier sales representative.

CSE (asi/155807) has been named as a Corporate Wellness Award winner by BizTimes Milwaukee as part of the company's 2010 Fittest Execs program.

Digispec (asi/49716) has launched a program offering free freight on mouse pad orders that are 1,000 pieces or more, domestic – UPS ground or truck, standard case pack, shipped by 12/31/2010. For more information, go to www.digispec.com/freefreight.

Fossil, parent company of Fossil Corporate Markets (asi/55145), was the subject of a Mad Money With Jim Cramer segment on CNBC last week. The TV host and financial analyst recommended Fossil's stock (NASDAQ: FOSL), after the company reported positive second-quarter results. Click here to watch the segment. 

Geiger (asi/202900) announced that distributor firm Facilitations (asi/191361), based in Acton, MA, has affiliated with Geiger.

Insight Resource Group (asi/231569) announced that it has been ranked number 82 on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies.

Leed's (asi/66887) announced that it has donated more than $6,700 to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life charity after one year of fundraising. The supplier has also launched a Hope Collection to support Habitat for Humanity's efforts to build housing through December 31, 2011. Ten percent of total sales revenue from the purchase of Hope Collection items will be donated to the nonprofit.

Starline USA Inc (asi/89320) has launched its 2010 Holiday Best New Products Edition.

Sweda (asi/90305) has announced its 2010 Case Study Challenge finalists: Nancy Waters, Image Source Inc.; Proforma Strategic Promotions; Teresa Moisant, Moisant Promotional Products; Cathy Hammer, A Business Source Inc.; Brian Thatcher, Leaderpromos.com; Candis Burdett, Clean Fun Promotional Marketing.


People On The Move
American Solutions for Business (asi/120075) has named Bob Fiala vice president of operations.

Beatties Basics (asi/135095) has announced that Bob Munn has retired after 10 years of service.

Bonnie Ott Promotions Inc. (asi/288371) has partnered with AIA New Dimensions In Marketing Inc.

Wolfmark (asi/98085) has added two new in-house representatives: Keri Ernst will handle new accounts and Jason Harttert will be responsible for web media and design in the graphics department.


ASI SHOW

BREAKAWAY ITEMS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Looking for the hottest 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 and spend quality time with leading companies. You'll leave with new, inventive ideas for your best holiday season ever! All distributors are invited to attend for FREE.
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.

REGISTRATION AND HOUSING IS OPEN FOR ALL 2011 ASI SHOWS
As the economy continues to turn around and ad specialty sales increase, it is more important than ever to be prepared for the new sales year! 
From the industry's top suppliers and best-in-class education to an unprecedented list of keynotes and special events, you'll find it all at The ASI Show.  

  • ASI Orlando (Jan. 23-25): The biggest event on the East Coast will feature a dynamic Keynote by actor and activist Michael J. Fox (co-sponsored by Evans Mfg., asi/52840, and Showdown Displays, asi/87188), as well as a brand-new Gala at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.
  • ASI Dallas (Feb. 16-18): Only at the largest show in the Southwest can you hear an empowering Keynote by former First Lady Laura W. Bush(sponsored by Pepco Poms, asi/77280). Plus, have lunch with Laura Bush at the 2nd annual ASI Women's Summit, taking place during ASI Dallas at the Adolphus Hotel's French Room on Feb. 18. (Co-sponsored by Fields Mfg., asi/54100, J. Charles Crystalworks, asi/62985 & Logo Mats, asi/67849)
  • ASI San Diego (May 18-20): The newest event to serve the West Coast will be home to the 2011 Counselor Top 40 awards, as well as feature a private performance by Emmy® award-winning comedian Wayne Brady.
  • ASI Chicago (July 19-21): Local celebrity and football coach Mike Ditka will be delivering a moving Keynote at the largest show of the summer (sponsored by BamBams, asi/38228).

ASI distributor and decorator members can enjoy free admission, free Gala tickets and even a free hotel room. Visit www.asishow.com for details.

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.


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