Idea Center

Leaderpromos National Sales Director Profiled in Industry Magazine

2012-01-30T21:08:32Z

Actually, that's not entirely true -- our National Sales Director Christopher Yaw wasn't profiled in a magazine, but his desk was! Yaw, who leads our Partners Program, had his office featured in the On My Desk section of the bi-monthly promotional product industry magazine, Supplier Global Resource.

"That hardest part was actually finding the time to step away from my desk long enough for our photographer to get a picture," Yaw laughs. "Eventually, we got it done. It was flattering and fun to get my office and my desk accessories "profiled" in the magazine. I'm definitely looking forward to showing it to my kids."

The photograph features several promotional accessories (yes, we use them, too!), including our BlueLounge Nest, our Mini BlueLounge CableBox and our 16 oz. Stainless Steel Tri-Roll Travel Mug.

To see the article, simply click to enlarge the top right picture. (Also, we'd like to confirm that yes, Yaw really is addicted to coffee does have up to eight promotional tumblers on his desk at one time.)

Leaderpromos President/CEO to Present at The Ohio State University

2012-01-23T21:07:14Z

We're pleased to share that our President and CEO, Stephanie Leader, has been invited to speak in the Fashion and Retail Studies Speaker Series at The Ohio State University.

"We are looking forward to Stephanie sharing with our students the ins-and-outs of LeaderPromotions, what she does on a daily basis, how she reached this point in her career, and more about this side of the retail industry," says Kathleen Whitman of the Department of Consumer Sciences in the College of Education and Human Ecology. "We try to share with our students a variety of careers in the Fashion and Retail industry, and Stephanie will be our first speaker with this type of experience."

Like Leaderpromos, the university is located in Columbus, Ohio, the hometown of five of the biggest retail brands in the U.S. and a burgeoning retail and fashion city. Leader was asked to speak about her professional background and her company's groundbreaking promotional product and gift-with-purchase work for clients under the organization's LeaderPromotions team.

"I am excited to share my professional background with the students," Leader says. "I am also pleased to speak about the fun, creative and successful promotions that we've done for high-end retail brands."

Leader will speak on Thursday, January 26th the Main OSU Campus in 100 Stillman Hall.

Three Hot Promotional Product Trends For 2012

2012-01-17T19:15:26Z

We've just returned from the biggest promotional product trade show of the year - the 2012 Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Expo at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. It's a massive showcase of new promotional products, decorating methods and innovations for the coming year.

At 1,000,000 sq ft, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center may be the 5th largest convention center in the United States, but don't worry, that didn't stop us from covering every inch! We gathered as much information as we could and sussed out the good stuff, just for you!

To start, here are three hot promotional product trends that emerged from the chaos of the show:

	Hi-Tech Accessories Nearly one in three people in the U.S. now owns a smartphone and one in 10 owns a tablet computer. And, of course, all of those folks love to accessorize their devices--a fact not lost on our industry. Custom cases, portfolios, styluses and stands for tablets were everywhere, as were car mounts, desk stands, chargers and cases. Additionally, for all of you audiophiles out there, we saw speakers and headphones with fun customization options, such as all-over full-color printing or custom molding that can replicate your logo in 3D. And last but not least, to keep all these touch-screen devices smudge-free, many vendors were offering new types of screen-cleaners and wipes.
	Bright, Vibrant, Full-Color Logos Life comes in full-color, so why shouldn't your promotional products? Full-color logos used to be limited to certain promotional products - or worse, had to be built up from a series of expensive spot colors. Luckily, change is in the air! For 2012 many of our vendors are now offering full-color printing on a wide range of products, including logoed bags, imprinted drinkware, promotional apparel and more. And they're coming at a cost savings to you.
	QCA-Certification What do you do to protect your brand? It's a question more and more organizations are considering. We're proud to be at the forefront of a growing trend in the industry by offering select promotional products that are endorsed in the following areas: Quality Assurance, Supply Chain Security, Environmental Stewardship, Product Safety and Social Compliance. Read What Are the Benefits of QCA-Certified Products? to learn how this accreditation program can help your organization and look for the QCA logo on certified products in our online catalog.

Over the next few weeks, look for our photos, videos and content from the show on our blog, Facebook and Twitter that you can use to help you promote your business this year.

What Are the Benefits of QCA-Certified Products?

2012-01-10T21:14:58Z

You may remember our blog post from the beginning of 2011 about a new development in our industry - the Quality Certification Alliance or QCA. The QCA is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit accrediting organization for the promotional product industry. It was founded to certify promotional products in the following areas: Quality Assurance, Supply Chain Security, Environmental Stewardship, Product Safety and Social Compliance.

What does that mean to you? It means that when you purchase items that are QCA-certified, you are also purchasing credibility and responsibility for your branded promotional products.

With that in mind, we'd like to present the QCA: Protect Your Brand video (featured above), which explains more about the benefits of purchasing QCA-certified promotional products.

As you browse our site, look for the QCA logo on accredited items. You can expect the number of QCA-certified products to grow over the next year. Stay tuned to our blog for more information on the Quality Certification Alliance as it grows and establishes itself in the promotional products industry.

Happy New Year from Leaderpromos!

2012-01-01T18:57:00Z

All of us here at Leaderpromos would like to thank YOU for helping us make 2011 such a successful year. We appreciate your trust, confidence and business.

Please note that our offices will be closed for the holiday on Monday, January 2nd. We will reopen bright and early Tuesday morning.

Have a fun and safe New Year's celebration. We look forward to working with you all again in 2012. Cheers!

Five Promotional Products in the Hot Hue of 2012

2011-12-28T16:47:50Z

You may recall our Orange You Glad post from earlier this year where we reported on a trending hue - orange! Now, the color experts at Pantone have just confirmed that the hottest color of 2012 is none other than Tangerine Tango Orange.

In light of this announcement, we're revisiting this fashionable color and bringing you five of our favorite stylishly-hued promotional products. If you don't see what you need below, then we can help! Simply call your rep or contact us!

Signature Grommet Tote

Stand out from the crowd with our fashionable Signature Grommet Tote! This 17" tall by 15" wide bag is both roomy and stylish and features a signature metal grommet handle that is easy to carry on your arm or in your hand.

Port Authority - R-Tek Fleece Scarf

In the cold of winter this season, use our Port Authority R-Tek Fleece Scarf to stay warm. Our scarf is both fashionable and practical; it is soft to the touch, as warm as a blanket and features stylish contrasting stitching.

12 oz. Contrasting Interior, Matte Finish Noir Collection Mug

Looking for a promotional mug that is different? Then consider our hand-dipped Matte Finish Noir Collection Mug. It features bright orange on the inside and slick and chic black on the outside.

The Lil Shorty 17 oz. Sports Bottle

Our BPA-free 17 oz water bottle is both reusable and environmentally friendly! It's made of 100% recyclable aluminum and has a 5 mm carabiner, so you can take it with you on the go.

Travel Photo Frame

Our 3" x 3" faux leather double travel photo frame lets you take your favorite pictures on your travels or just keep them close to home or work.

Need More Ideas?

Must Haves

Spring 2012 Color Forecast

Polka Dots: Catch the Trend

Catch the Trend: Promotional Tote Bags Can Convey Status, Taste and Wealth

2011-12-27T23:37:59Z

This just in - promotional tote bags are replacing stylish (and expensive) brand-name handbags on the arms of trendy affluents and celebrities, such as actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

According to the New York Times article A Message on Every Arm, the "seemingly democratic and certainly affordable (if not free), the tote might be the ideal carryall for these post-luxury recessionary times. The tote's status is stealth. It telegraphs not money but access, ethics [and] culture..."

So, in other words, people want to carry a promotional tote that broadcasts their association with a brand that "represents" their interests, taste and social status. And, in a time where extravagant shows of wealth are frowned upon, the (usually) free promotional bag is the perfect and tasteful way to do it!

We can help you make sure your promotional tote bag gets the same attention and affection as the ones mentioned in the article. Simply call your rep or contact us and we'll help you choose the right item out of our wide selection of promotional bags and totes. After we pick your product, we'll work hand-in-hand with you to make sure your logo is represented in a creative and on-brand way. In no time, you'll have a unique and fun promotional tote back that everyone will want to display on their shoulder!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-22T22:34:46Z

Please note that our offices are closing at 3PM EST Friday, December 23rd and will be completely closed on Monday, December 26th.

We will reopen bright and early Tuesday morning. Have a fun, be safe and enjoy your holiday break. We look forward to helping you with all your promotional product needs next week.

Your Promo Experts are Traveling to Las Vegas!

2011-12-22T22:03:47Z

It's almost that time of the year (and no, we don't mean the holidays). January 2nd through 6th is our industry's largest tradeshow - the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Expo in Las Vegas! We are so excited to bring you news, photos and videos on the latest and greatest trends, fashions and unique promotional products for 2012.

Stay tuned to our blog, our Facebook and our Twitter over the next few weeks for updates and articles that you can use to help promote your business.

The Dirty Truth: Who is Really Stealing Promotional Products?

2011-12-16T17:40:40Z

The stats are in! According to the Advertising Specialty Institute's latest study, An Analysis of Channel Belief vs. Customer Needs, promotional products are being "stolen". But who are the culprits? Well, it's you! Yes, you heard us, you are stealing promotional products from your friends, family, workplaces and even businesses or organizations that you frequent. (You really like promotional items, don't you?) So, who are the biggest offenders?

Overwhelmingly, men are stealing more promotional products than women. (For shame, gentlemen.) And what are the men pilfering? Well, apparently they're adding to their wardrobes by snagging promotional shirts (10.3 percent of men spirit these away while only 7.6 percent of women do), promotional hats (11.4 percent of men vs. 2 percent of women) and - no joke - logoed bags and totes (10.9 percent of men vs. 4.8 percent of women). (What we'll never know: How they did it. Are they stealing the promotional shirts off someone's back or removing embroidered caps off of heads? It's a mystery!)

In addition, men are also looting promotional mugs (11.7 percent vs. 6.7 percent of women) and corporate gifts, like stress relievers and branded desktop items, at almost quadruple the rate of women. (13.6 percent vs. 4.2 of women).

Now, most of the focus here has been on the thievery of the men, but ladies you aren't entirely without fault. Women take the lead in one category - the kidnapping of promotional calendars! That's right ladies! You are nearly two times more likely to steal a logoed calendar than men are (20 percent of women vs. 11.7 percent of men). You know what else women like? Promotional pens. Yup, you take those, too. (34.5 percent of women vs. 25.8 percent of men.)

In fact, imprinted pens are the most often stolen promotional item - with 32 percent of all men and women admitting to this crime.

So, how can you use this information to your advantage? Well, with the exception of chaining your promotional products to your desk, there's not much you can do to prevent this - so, if you can't beat them, why not join them? Choose a great promotional product, imprinted with your organization's logo that folks will want to steal! That way, (whether it's spirited away or not), you can ensure that you get a great return on your advertising investment. We all know that promotional products have a long life, let's make sure it's a full one, as well.

Need help deciding on a burglary-worthy promotional item? Then call your rep or contact us. We'd be more than happy to help!

Leaderpromos President/CEO Profiled in Huntington Bank Advertisement

2011-12-12T18:38:07Z

We're excited to share that our President and CEO, Stephanie Leader, was featured in an advertising campaign for the 24th largest bank in the nation, The Huntington National Bank. The print ad, targeted at small, diverse and women-owned businesses, highlights our company's relationship with the bank - Huntington supplied us with the credit we needed grow and now we supply them with their promotional products.

"As a valued customer and woman-owned, small business supplier to Huntington, Leaderpromos was the ideal success story and partner to highlight", says Traci Dunn, Senior Vice President and Inclusion Director of Huntington Bank.

We're happy to see our mutually beneficial partnership profiled, because relationships are of utmost importance to our organization - and this advertising campaign drives that point home.

The advertisement appeared in The Women's Book, a publication focused on diverse, women-owned businesses and non-profits in the Cleveland, Cincinnati and Central Ohio areas.

Overseas Sourcing - It's Easier Than You Think!

2011-12-09T18:28:05Z

Interested in sourcing your custom promotional product overseas but are uneasy or unsure about the process? We can help you! We have over 15 years experience in the sourcing business. With the Leaderpromos team as your partner, ordering your custom promotional item is easy and hassle-free.

In fact, we can start to help you now. Let's walk through some of the things you should expect while placing your order:

1: Design

If you already know what you want and just need a partner to source it, we can take care of it! Just send us your tech pack and don't forget to include as many details as you can (such as desired fabrics, logos, dimensions, packing requirements, testing requirements, etc) so that we can get you your quote as quickly as possible.

If you don't have a product in mind or just need some help with an idea, it's no problem. Our creative team loves to collaborate with our clients. We'll sit down with you to learn about your project and your target market, so we can brainstorm ideas and give recommendations. After our meeting, we'll provide a custom proposal, full of conceptual drawings, suggested fabrics and materials.

2: Ordering

Existing items are usually quoted in 24 hours and, in most cases, custom product proposals are generated within 48 hours. Your quote will include all of the information you need, including estimated shipping charges and a timeline, so that you know what to expect. Once you approve your proposal, your order is sent to our trusted overseas business partners, who will produce a pre-production sample.

3. Pre-Production

Your pre-production sample will be sent to you for review and approval. Once we have your feedback, we can move into production!

4. Production and Shipment

We will be on-site to check the quality of your custom promotional products as they are manufactured. Also, we work with our associates at inspection and certification organizations SGS, Intertek and Bureau Veritas to ensure that all your custom products are tested and safe.

We'll take care of the shipping and customs paperwork - all you have to do is sit back and wait for our scheduled updates!

5. Delivery!

When your products arrive stateside, we'll deliver them where ever you want. Your new, custom promotional products will get to your customers, on-time, on-brand and on-budget.

Your entire order will take 30 to 120 days, depending on your order and how much customization you need.

Want some more details? Then call your rep or contact us and we'll get you started!

Save 20% on Harriton Fleece Jackets for Men & Women

2011-12-07T21:48:06Z


Take the chill out of winter with our popular 8 oz. fleece jackets. Perfect for layering, these midweight zip-fronts are warm, yet breathable. Both Men's and Ladies' styles feature high-end touches like an anti-pill surface treatment, dyed-to-match zippers and drawcord bottom hems. Fleece jackets are a great addition to any corporate apparel program. Our pricing includes up to 10,000 stitches of embroidery in one location, making it easy to add your logo. Mix and match sizes to outfit your team. But don't delay, the sale ends December 20th!
	Men's Harriton Full-Zip Fleece Features front-zip pockets, a front yoke and non-roll elastic cuffs. Available in sizes S-4XL $23.55 Now as low as $18.76
	Ladies' Harriton Full-Zip Fleece Features front-zip pockets, a front yoke, non-roll elastic cuffs, raglan sleeves and princess seams for a distinctly feminine shape and fit. Available in sizes S-2XL $23.55 Now as low as $18.76

10 Fun Holiday Gift Ideas Part 2: Food and Kitchen Items!

2011-11-23T19:54:45Z

Thanks to popular demand, we're rolling out another "Top 10" list of promotional holiday gift ideas. We chose a "Food and Kitchen" theme, because first, we love food (doesn't everyone?) and second, it's the holidays! Food is what brings us together as we celebrate the season with co-workers, friends and family. Plus, as you may remember, it's also the #1 business gift.

So take a moment and look through some of the Food and Kitchen holiday gift ideas we've listed below for some "types" of clients or employees that may be on your "nice" list. If you need more ideas, browse our Holiday Must Haves, call your rep or contact us.

Additionally, you have an idea of your own that you would like to share, tell us in the blog comment section or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you!

For the Foodie: Four Piece Cheese Set

Mmm, cheese. Bring a fresh, natural charm to your kitchen for our Four Piece Cheese Set! Our sustainable bamboo cheese set includes a cutting board and with a hideaway storage drawer that houses a stainless steel cleaver, a serrated knife and a sharp tipped cheese knife.

For the Environmentalist: Recycled Cotton Apron Kit

Our Recycled Cotton Apron Kit is the perfect gift for the "green" chef. It includes the apron, a detachable bottle opener, a padded oven mitt and a towel. The front features multiple pockets for storage, an adjustable neck and side tie strings, is machine washable and includes an educational product hangtag. Additionally, it is made from 85% recycled cotton fabric, so your recipients can feel good about their new kitchen accessory.

For the Adventurer: Liquid Lava Hot Sauce

Fire up your promotions with our delicious "Liquid Lava" hot sauce! Hot enough to add flavor - but not enough to burn off any taste buds. (That's not how we want your clients to remember you.)

For the Social Butterfly: Fondue Set

The perfect gift for your fun-loving and outgoing friends or co-workers. They'll love our eleven piece meat and cheese Fondue Set, not only because it features a quality 18/10 stainless steel pot, a fork rest, six stainless steel fondue forks and a ceramic cheese pot, but because it will also allow them to bring people together. It's powder coated stand with integrated base and safety burner use gel fuel for safe and convenient heating. Instructions and recipes are included, so that your recipients can spend less time on setting it up and more time socializing!

For the Smooth Gentleman (or Gentlewoman): Martini Shaker Set

For the smooth gentlemen or woman who liked their martinis shaken, not stirred. With its martini shaker, jigger and strainer, our Martini Shaker Set is ready to make the perfect cocktail - and the perfect gift.

For the Caffeine Fiend: Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Coffee Sampler

Give the gift of delicious, holiday-themed caffeination! Our Wolfgang Puck satin-lined, 10 inch black faux leather gourmet food gift box is filled with signature gourmet coffees, almond biscotti, Bellagio drink mix, latte flavored candies and 20 delicious chocolate hazelnut filled wafer cookies perfect for dunking. Add a coffee mug or tumbler (may we suggest our ginormous coffee-addict-friendly 22 oz. Insulated Travel Mug?), and we'll package them all together at no additional cost.

For the Chocolate Lover: Ghirardelli Chocolate Sleigh Gift Basket

'Tis the season for our festive Ghirardelli Chocolate Sleigh Gift Basket filled with more than a dozen assorted Ghirardelli chocolate squares. How long do you think these will last in the office? 60 minutes? 30 minutes? 15? (Sweets last about 60 seconds here at the Leaderpromos office.)

For the Tech-Lover: Brookstone Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer

A fancy and helpful new toy for the technology lovers in your life! Our Brookstone Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer BBQ takes the guesswork out of grilling. Wireless transmitter sends temperature readings from grill thermometer to the receiver up to 300 feet away, while the LCD Receiver Display shows target and current cooking temperatures and the bar graph tracks your cooking progress. It even includes a belt clip for added freedom and has a display backlight for nighttime grilling.

For the Wine Connoisseur: Decanter Set

An elegant present for those who appreciate and enjoy fine wine! This decanter's graceful neck opens into a wide base to provide maximum surface area to aerate your wine. The slanted spout on the funnel, with strainer, directs the wine down the sides of the decanter. Drying and storing stand is included for easy cleaning.

For the Fashionista: BUILT "The Sizzler" Oven Mitt

Colorful and fun, our BUILT "The Sizzler" Oven Mitt is the perfect gift for those who enjoy being stylish, even while in the kitchen! However, our mitt isn't just all looks and no substance - it's made from protective, stain resistant and easy-to-clean neoprene and features a textured interior grips that is heat-resistant up to 500 F. It fits either hand, has an extra-long sleeve that helps protect up to the elbow and comes in your choice of three fun patterns or classic, always fashionable, black.

Need More Giveaway Ideas?

Holiday Must Haves

Promotional Food and Candy

Home and Kitchen Items

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T16:50:34Z

Please note that our offices are closing at 3PM EST today and will be completely closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th. We will reopen bright and early Monday morning.

Have a fun and safe holiday - and try not to eat too much pumpkin pie. (If that's even possible.)

We look forward to helping you with all your promotional product needs--and those last-minute client and employee gifts--next week.