CA Senate Rejects Plastic Bag Ban
On Tuesday night, California's Senate voted down a measure that would have banned plastic bags from grocery, drug and certain convenience stores. The ban, which passed the state's Assembly in June, already had the support of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and would have become law in 2012 if the Senate had approved the legislation. "This is a sad day for California," said Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, author of the bill. "Communities across the state were waiting for the state to adopt a uniform, statewide ban on single-use bags before they adopt their own ordinances. The state failed them."
The legislation, which was intended to reduce pollution by encouraging shoppers to bring their own reusable totes to stores, was defeated by seven votes. While a notable loss for environmentalists, the decision is a significant victory for the plastics industry, which lobbied intensely against the ban. "Mandating isn't the best way to go," said Keith Christman, a managing director at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), which opposed the bill. "People should have a choice in how they bag their groceries."
While the ACC claimed the ban would lead to a loss of 1,000 California jobs, Brownley and environmental groups argued the ban would protect wildlife and save taxpayers millions annually in waste cleanup costs. Despite this week's statewide vote, leaders in many California communities, including Los Angeles and Santa Monica, are pursuing local plastic bag bans similar to the ones already in effect in California cities such as San Francisco, Palo Alto, Fairfax and Malibu. Nationally, Washington, D.C. now charges five cents for paper and plastic bags, while the city government in Austin, TX, is debating whether to ban plastic shopping bags altogether.
ASI NEWS
ASI Gets the Gold
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Industry News On Video
In this episode of Counselor's Industry Update video, we discuss a surprise legislative vote in California that impacts the bag market, share information about one distributor that just filed for bankruptcy, and reveal the new brand name of a Top 40 distributor firm. Plus, why are retailers singing a happy back-to-school tune? Check out the video to find out.
Click here to see the trends and to watch Counselor PromoGram's Industry Update.
If you have any news you'd like to see covered on Industry Update or in Counselor PromoGram, please send it to newsdesk@asicentral.com. |
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Counselor Reveals 2010 Best Places To Work
One of the most anticipated lists in the industry is now live. Counselor's Best Places to Work, the ranking of industry companies that were judged by their own employees as the best companies to work for, can now be found on our website and a special new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BestPlacestoWork.
Click here now to view the full list of 75 companies, and to read a profile of the number-one Best Place to Work: Dacasso (asi/48125), the Gainesville, FL-based supplier.
And, make sure to join the Counselor Best Places to Work community by going to www.facebook.com/BestPlacestoWork.
Add your own thoughts to the conversation about what makes a great workplace. Right now, we've asked people for their stories and pictures from their favorite corporate summer outing this year. Join us now to show the industry why your company had the coolest outdoor event this summer. |
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Podcast: Improve Closing Skills
On Tuesday's ASI Internet Radio Show, the hosts took questions from callers looking for advice on how they can be more effective at closing deals. Having trouble getting clients to commit at the last minute? Looking for ways to convince hesitant customers to sign on the dotted line? Listen to this clip from the show.
Click here to listen to the deal-closing segment from Tuesday's show.
If you'd like to check out a recording of the whole online radio show, go to www.asicentral.com/radio. And, don't forget to join us on Tuesday, September 7, for our next broadcast when we'll have a special call-in guest to talk about how distributors can increase their business with golf tournament customers. Log on to www.asicentral.com/radio at 10:30 am ET and give us a call at 215-953-4979 or e-mail us at radio@asicentral.com to participate on the show. We want to hear from you. |
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Nominate The Supplier Global Resource Sales Rep Of The Year
Supplier Global Resource, the industry's only magazine dedicated to ad specialty suppliers, is holding its inaugural Supplier Sales Rep of the Year contest to recognize outstanding performance, exemplary service and top-notch professionalism.
Do you work with a supplier sales rep who has gone above and beyond for you this year? Do you have a supplier partner who always puts you and your customers' needs first and has a "do whatever it takes" attitude to make you shine?
If you know a perfect contender, e-mail the nominee's name and details regarding what makes him or her award-worthy to Michele Bell, editor of Supplier Global Resource, at mbell@asicentral.com by September 15, 2010. The winner will be profiled in ASI's magazines, receive an array of awesome prizes and get to bask in his or her own fabulousness for the year. |
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Win Prizes: Take Part In ASI Radio Contest
If you like cool, high-tech gadgets and enjoy the weekly ASI Radio Show, then we have some news for you.
Tune into each radio show (Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. ET) leading up to a special prize giveaway show on September 14. During each show, the hosts will reveal a special "Word of the Week," and then during the September 14 show, we'll solicit calls from listeners to identify which word went with which week.
For more information, including the prizes you could win, click here. |
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What fabrics should you be using for heat transfers? Which fabrics should you shy away from? You'll learn the basics of heat transfers, along with two other hot decoration options, in this course. |
ASI Online Learning Center
Did you know you can take self-paced, on-demand courses at ASI Education's Online Learning Center? This is the newest and most convenient way for distributors, decorators and suppliers to get educated.
In our newest course, "Unique Decoration Techniques: Chenille, Heat Transfers and Crystals," you'll learn the basics of chenille, heat transfers, and crystals and rhinestones, so that you can make an informed decision about
whether you'd like to add these unique techniques to your services.
Click here to take the course.
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In The News
Crystal D (asi/47759) announced that it honored 18 employees for their service to the company at its 8th annual golf outing in August.
ESP/K&R Precision (asi/63770) announced the launch of Canadian Red Cross Merchandise. For every sale of Canadian Red Cross merchandise, a donation will be made to help support the Canadian Red Cross.
Grossman Marketing Group (asi/215205) has signed an agreement to be the NHL's Boston Bruins' official print and promotional products partner.
Lewtan Industries (asi/67230) has helped the UConn Cancer Research Golf Tournament Committee raise over $2.2 million in the past 20 years and $145,000 at this year's annual golf tournament. The supplier also donated tote bags, towels and other promotional products to help support cancer clinical trials research at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Marathon/Prestige (asi/68707) and Soyad/Prestige (asi/88403) announced the formation of a new division of their companies under the name Game Day Accessories. The product line will consist of towels, socks, shoe laces, eyeglass straps, bracelets, wrist bands and more. A new Game Day catalog will be released in 2011.
Spector & Co. (asi/88660) announced that it has been recognized by Design Edge Magazine for its spring catalog.
Storreytime LLC (asi/382512) announced that it achieved the number 2,016 ranking on the Inc. 500/5000 list. |
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People On The Move
Coloring Book Solutions (asi/45815) announced that Bridge Marketing Services has been contracted to represent its line in the Midwest. Representatives include Keith Schroepfer, general manager in all states; Cory Schroepfer, president in OH, IN and MI; John Bugele, sales manager in IL, WI and Eastern MO; Richard Schmidt, sales manager in KS, MN, IA, Western MO, NE; ND and SD. Nancy Jolly, vice president of sales for In-Stepp Marketing and Claire Ashford, regional sales manager, will be representing the supplier in LA, TX, AR, OK, NM and CO.
Debco (asi/48885) announced that it has hired Sergio Munoz as national program development manager.
ESP/K&R Precision (asi/63770) has announced that MJ Morneau of Platine Marketing is its new representative in Quebec as of September 1. |
ASI
SHOW
EXCITEMENT FOR THE 2011 ASI SHOWS IS BUILDING!
With a star-studded year planned for The ASI Show, new distributor registrations are coming in daily. The industry is excited for next year's events, featuring TOP SUPPLIERS, UNMATCHED FREE EDUCATION, 24/7 NETWORKING and UNLIMITED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.
Here's a sampling of the unprecedented list of keynotes and special events you'll find 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 and 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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