U.S. Census Bureau uses promo items (and so can you!)

The United State government is using promo items to increase the response rate for the 2010 Census, according to a May 2010 press release by the Advertising Specialty Institute. Already, 72% of American households have returned their forms and using promo items as a reminder will save the government money, while also teaching businesses an important lesson. Companies in all industries should take note that small, lightweight products such as magnets or the new flexible vase make great additions to direct mail pieces while logo apparel and other wearables can enhance brand loyalty by keeping the distributors’ organization top of mind.

Promo Items for Summer Festivals

I think most people who live in the Atlanta area agree that the best part about summer here is the plethora of diverse festivals that occur every weekend and the promo items giveaways that go along with them. This weekend was Summerfest, a festival in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood complete with art, food and live music to celebrate the official start of the summer season. My favorite promo items at Summerfest this year were the paper and wooden fans that Dave FM was giving away. These functional products helped the thousands of attendees stay cool in the hot weather while promoting the local radio station.

Promo Items to Encourage Health and Well-being

This morning, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on one more reason to give promo items that encourage people to get outside and move around in the nice weather. The logic- according to Dr. Robert Gerszten of Massachusetts General Hospital- is that "ten minutes of exercise has at least an hour of effects on your body." This new finding could lead to increased health benefits for those who choose to be more active. Organizations can encourage the health and well-being of their employees by distributing promo items such as jump ropes and pedometers that promote movement. Recipients will also appreciate other branded items, such as MP3 players or water bottles, that they can take on a short run, bike ride or to the gym.

Egg-Themed Promo Items

Did you know that the month of May is National Egg Month? I honestly have no idea who comes up with these designations, or the reasons they have for correlating such products and times of year, but nonetheless such annual occasions provide yet another opportunity to brand your business with themed promo items – in this case, egg-themed ones. Consider promo items such as an egg-shaped stress reliever or an imprinted egg maraca. After all, eggs are good for you, inexpensive, and she be a daily part of one’s life – all things that you want to promote your brand as being too right?

National Emergency Medical Services Week Promo Items

One week each year is set aside to recognize and publicly acknowledge the contributions of medical personnel, and what better way to show appreciation for these emergency medical professionals than with awards and promo items? Consider sponsoring an event to thank emergency medical workers by presenting them with engraved trophies, medals, and/or dedication awards. Safety experts work tirelessly to keep our communities healthy, so one week a year does not seem sufficient to express our gratitude. Make EMS Week special by giving honorees promo items to communicate to them that their efforts to protect local citizens do not go unnoticed.

outdoor chairs make great summer promo items

Polyester folding chairs come in handy all the time during the summer -- at festivals, campsites, outdoor concerts, or barbeques. And any practical product makes a great promo item. Get your company or organization's name printed on these summertime promo items and use them as exclusive giveaways for top customers or donors.

You can also use branded chairs at your own events. How about holding a cookout next Friday? You know you're using promo items right when they make someone happy. And everybody likes being outdoors, right?

Promo Items to Promote a Cause

Over the past few weeks I have been fundraising for an upcoming walk for charity and have found that promo items are essential elements of my campaign. In fact, the majority of money raised has come from the sales of logo apparel, key chains, and other promo items imprinted with the organization’s logo. One reason that this strategy is incredibly successful is that people love to receive tangible goods in exchange for a donation. This strategy serves a dual purpose for the non-profit; in addition to promoting the cause through financial resources, logo apparel turns recipients into walking billboards for promoting the mission.