Kayak for a Cure Update</h1> <article> <h1>Kayak for a Cure Update</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:53:00 GMT</p> <p>Got the update from Mark Starkey on this year's <a class="" title="Kayak for a Cure Website" href="http://www.kayakforacure.ca/" target="_blank">Kayak for a Cure</a> event (see my <a class="" title="klt's blog" href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/archive/2008/08/18/kayak-for-a-cure-2008-success.aspx">last blog post</a>) - $30,000 was raised to help find a cure for cancer! Sure has come a long way in a very short time. Impressive. Announcements about next year's dates will be posted here when I get them.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Kayak For a Cure 2008 - Success!</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:01:00 GMT</p> <p>We're really proud to support <a class="" title="Kayak for a Cure" href="http://www.kayakforacure.ca/" target="_blank">Kayak For a Cure </a>again this year. It's been a real honor for us to play a small part in helping <a class="" title="Mark is the Man!" href="http://www.kayakforacure.ca/letter.php" target="_blank">Mark Starkey's</a> dream of a sustainable and meaningful event come together. This year's paddle in Vancouver was a huge success by every measure. I'll post the final tally here as soon as we get it. Our own John Van Den Brandt and his wife Jean participated again on their way up to see if John can get some more shots for his <a class="" title="Exclusive Calendar" href="http://www.4imprint.com/calendarcover" target="_blank">4imprint Wildlife calendar</a> (<a class="" title="Jean & John set off..." href="http://www.joshdevins.com/clients/kfac/content/GV8U2025_large.html" target="_blank">here is a shot</a> of Jean and John at the event!).</p> <p>Congrats again to the Kayak for a Cure team!</p> <p> -klt</p> <p> P.S. - <a class="" title="Cool Blue Gear From 4imprint" href="http://www.joshdevins.com/clients/kfac/content/GV8U1915_large.html" target="_blank">Here's another photo from the event</a>. Notice the great use of the color blue - really makes the event look polished and brings people together. We've got a <a class="" title="4imprint Blue Papers" href="http://www.4imprint.com/bluepapers">Blue Paper</a> in the works somewhere on that topic. Color coordinated <a class="" title="4imprint Promotional Products" href="http://www.4imprint.com/">promotional products</a> can really unify a team/event.</p> </article> <article> <h1>USB Kevin - More Than 1GB of Fun</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:07:00 GMT</p> <p>So, some members of the team here (who shall remain nameless - you know who you are!) had a bit of fun with a new product that we offer - <a class="" title="Customizable USB People from 4imprint" href="http://www.4imprint.com/USB-People-1G-Customizable-Male/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU102987/~CA102987-1G-M.htm" target="_blank">customizable USB People</a>. After having a 'USB Kevin' made (pictured below - check out the details including a pen in the shirt as I'm known to do and my <a class="" title="Livestrong!" href="http://www.store-laf.org/wristbands.html" target="_blank">Livestrong (TM) wristband</a> - clearly these guys have too much spare time on their hands! I'm partial to the one that looks like I'm running at least the USB Kevin is in good shape!) they created a contest for folks in the office that showed 'pictures' of USB Kevin in various places around the world. The person who correctly identified all the places my USB friend had been, won a real USB Kevin and tickets to a ball game. They even sent some USB Kevins to my house so my family could enjoy them (and enjoy them they did...the giggles as they pulled my head offf were a little alarming actually). My eldest theorized that USB Kevin with 1GB of memory represented a huge improvement in brainpower over the real thing.</p> <p>Anyway - it's another example of how the clever use of a <a class="" title="promotional products from 4imprint" href="http://www.4imprint.com/">promotional product</a> makes a connection with people and gets a conversation started. Need to do any of that as part of your marketing initiatives?</p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/IMG_0003.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/IMG_0004.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/IMG_0007.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/IMG_0007.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Thinking About the Wal-Mart Logo Change</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:33:00 GMT</p> <p>As you can imagine I'm always interested when companies update, change, refresh or otherwise 'tweak' their logos. Interesting to read why they felt it necessary and then look at the logo to see if the change seems to square with the rationale.</p> <p><a class="" title="Business Week Wal-Mart Logo Story" href="http://businessweek.com/innovate/content/jul2008/id2008072_324653.htm?link_position=link1">This Business Week article</a> gives you the background on the Wal-Mart logo update - does the end result match the rationale in your opinion? Do you agree with the reasoning behind the change?</p> <p>P.S. <a class="" title="Business Week Logo Slide Show" href="http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/07/0702_logo/index.htm">Interesting slide show</a> in this article as well showing several major logo changes over the years.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Beautiful Day</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:27:00 GMT</p> <p>Today was a great day for our team as <a class="" title="Best Companies" href="http://www.4imprint.com/Press/ReleaseDetails.aspx?ReleaseID=135">4imprint, Inc. was named one of the 50 Best Small & Medium Sized Companies to Work for in America</a> by the <a class="" title="SHRM" href="http://www.shrm.org/" target="_blank">Society for Human Resource Management(TM)</a> in cooperation with the <a class="" title="GPTW" href="http://www.greatplacetowork.com/" target="_blank">Great Place to Work(r) Institutue</a>. For our crew to be recognized in this way makes me even more proud than I was before to work with such wonderful people!</p> <p>Until today, I didn't think that was possible.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Lazing around on the water...</h1> <p>Richard Morton — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:12:00 GMT</p> <p> It's been a while since I posted, and even longer since I told you <a title="My old favorite 4imprint promotional item" href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/richardm/archive/2007/04/18/7891.aspx">my favorite 4imprint promotional product</a>.</p> <p> Well, in order to rectify both of these issues, I thought I'd tell you about my new favorite product and why that is.</p> <p>Last weekend, myself and a few 4imprint collegues, spent the weekend kayaking and camping in <a title="Phillips, WI" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Phillips,+WI,+USA&ie=UTF8&ll=45.692212,-90.400143&spn=0.041188,0.06197&t=k&z=14&iwloc=addr">Phillips, WI</a>. It's been quite a while since I went kayaking - infact I think this is my first time in the country since I moved here 9 years ago.<br />In order to protect all our food, drinks, cameras and such stuff, we took along a few <a title="Dry Bags" href="http://www.4imprint.com/search/bsearch.aspx?searchTerm=hydro-pac">Hydro-Pac Dry Bags</a></p> <p> <br /></p> <p>In my Kayak, I had one of our<a href="http://www.4imprint.com/Hydro-Pac-Roll-Top-Sling/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU100535/~CA100535.htm"> #100535 Top Sling Pacs</a> to store most of my items and a smaller <a href="http://www.4imprint.com/Hydro-Pac-Dry-Bag/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU100534/~CA100534.htm">#100534 Bag</a> to store my camera. Both dry pacs were clipped to the kayak using the provided clips and the larger bag was stowed in front of my feet, with the smaller camera bag clipped on the top of the kayak.</p> <p>Well, I'm happy to report that the bags did their job superbly! Nothing had a hint of moisture on it - which is very important when you're carrying a $500 camera mere inches away from a fast flowing river! <br />They even kept everything dry when one of my collegues (who shall remain nameless!) wiped out going over some rapids and rolled the kayak. The only thing she lost was her <a title="Water Bottle" href="http://www.4imprint.com/search/bsearch.aspx?searchTerm=water%20bottle">water bottle</a>, which wasn't clipped down. The dry pacs remained firmly attached to her kayak and their contents were bone dry.<br />I have added these pacs to my standard camping equipment and now that the weather here is better, they will be used again extensively.</p> <p> If you're interested in these items, starting at $5.85, <a title="Dry Pac search results" href="http://www.4imprint.com/search/bsearch.aspx?searchTerm=hydro-pac">please see our product pages here</a></p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/richardm/KayakTeam.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/richardm/KayakTeam.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/richardm/KayakTeam2.jpg"></a><br /></p> <p> </p> <p><br /> </p> </article> <article> <h1>This Summer Reading Program is Sure to Get Some Buzz!</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:36:00 GMT</p> <p>Kudos to the <a class="" title="Lester Public Library in Beautiful Two Rivers, WI" href="http://www.tworivers.lib.wi.us/index.htm">Lester Public Library</a> as they try to get try to get kids to catch the summer reading bug. Great use of a promotional product in their marketing program. Just goes to show you can do some very, very clever things when the product and imprint are used together to amplify the overall message of a marketing campaign. And you don't have to spend a fortune to get 'un-bee-lieveable' results.</p> <p>For more pictures check out their flickr page <a class="" title="Lester Public Library flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterpubliclibrary/sets/72157605044879636/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/LesterLibrary.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/LesterLibrary.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/LesterBuzz.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/LesterLibrary.jpg"></a></p> </article> <article> <h1>"Glide-topia"</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Fri, 02 May 2008 22:04:00 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">I’ve received incredibly positive feedback on </font><a class="" title="Introducing glide(sm)" href="http://www.4imprint.com/introducingglide/" target="_blank"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">‘glide(sm)’</font></a><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">, our new technology that allows you choose the quantity for any product <em>that’s right for you</em> - <u>not</u> the pre-determined quantities our industry (and others) have used forever. You just slide your mouse back and forth – super easy! </font></p><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> </font> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">It’s liberating not to have to have to think in terms of ordering in quantities like 100, 250 or 500. If you want 117 – go for it – and your price will reflect the discount earned at 117 pieces – you don’t have to wait until you get to 250 (which was an arbitrary number in most cases anyway!) for the price to change.</font></p><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> </font> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">The positive feedback got us all thinking in terms of <span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>‘glide-topia’ <span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>- what if everything worked like glide(sm)?</font></p><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> </font> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Imagine a ‘glide’ gas pump; the price you pay per gallon automatically drops with every additional gallon purchased! Want eight eggs instead of six or 12? No problem! In glide-topia you could buy eight and a discount per egg to boot!</font></p><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> </font> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">If you can think of some other good ‘glide-topianisms’ let me know…we certainly have had some fun with it...</font></p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Minor League Baseball Logo Contest is a Big Hit</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:09:00 GMT</p> <p><a class="" title="Darren Rovell Blog" href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/15837629/site/14081545/" target="_blank">Darren Rovell</a>, a sports business writer for <a class="" title="CNBC" href="http://www.cnbc.com/" target="_blank">CNBC.com</a> has been running a 'march madness style' <a class="" title="Minor League Voting" href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/23791565" target="_blank">contest that allows you to vote on your favorite minor league baseball logos</a>. Some of these logos are just great. They're fun, eye catching and give you a real sense of the team brand identity and in some cases, the community they play in. If you're interested in logo design it's worth checking out. With team names like the <a class="" title="Wichita Wing Nuts" href="http://www.wichitawingnuts.com/" target="_blank">'Wichita Wing Nuts'</a> and the <a class="" title="Grand Prairie Air Hogs" href="http://www.airhogsbaseball.com/" target="_blank">'Grand Prairie Air Hogs'</a> you simply can't go wrong - although I'm still upset after our local team, the <a class="" title="Wisconsin Timber Rattlers" href="http://wisconsin.timberrattlers.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t572" target="_blank">Wisconsin Timber Rattlers</a>, didn't make it further in the voting!</p> </article> <article> <h1>Thinking About How To Grow In A Tough Economy?</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:00:00 GMT</p> <p><a class="" title="Bad Economy? Time to Get Agressive" href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/03/smbusiness/startup_nation.fsb/index.htm?postversion=2008030318">Here's a series</a> on <a class="" title="CNNMoney" href="http://money.cnn.com/">CNNMoney.com</a> by Rich Sloan of <a class="" title="Startup Nation" href="http://www.startupnation.com/">Startup Nation</a>. It's geared towards small businesses, but this really applies across the board. I'm particularly fond of his advice about building relationships - although I suppose you could say (given <a class="" title="4imprint" href="http://www.4imprint.com/">who I work for</a>) that I might have an ulterior motive...</p> </article> <article> <h1>Logo Placement Matters!</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:39:00 GMT</p> <p>Was at my local Walgreens today and noticed they've done something clever with their corporate attire. Many of the employees (and all of the managers) were wearing a nice blue oxford, but instead of having the Walgreens logo embroidered on the front (they had their name tags with logo pinned to the front) it's actually embroidered on the <em>back</em>, just below the collar.</p> <p>Why did I notice? I spotted the logo on the shirt of a manager who was stocking shelves just as entered an aisle. Two great things here:</p> <p> 1. Love to see the manager with sleeves rolled up in the trenches (he did ackowledge me as I went by). But...</p> <p> 2. Given that many of the employees at a Walgreens are actively working stocking and facing shelves, having a logo on the back of the shirt makes it very easy to find human help!</p> <p>Good idea.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Tasty Advertising?</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:50:00 GMT</p> <p>Here's a new twist...<a class="" title="Lickable Ads" href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120287036186164289.html?mod=googlenews_wsj" target="_blank">'lickable ads'</a>.</p> <p>I've got to think about that for awhile.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Artwork for Our Education e-Newsletter Subscribers</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:07:00 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">For those of you who get our regular education e-newsletter, here are the free images mentioned in the latest edition on mentoring programs. These ideas are available for you to use to create your own ‘mentor recognition’ program. </font></p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">The thumbnails below show you what the images look like and underneath each is a link to download the .eps (vector) file for use in your favorite graphics package (to download, right-click your mouse and select 'save target as'. Of course, if you need help with this, let us know. (If you'd like to subscribe to any of our e-newsletters <a class="" title="Register at 4imprint" href="https://www.4imprint.com/registration/defaultreg.aspx?dc=1&loc=reg">click here</a>, we'd appreciate the chance to get you this information on a regular basis) -klt</font></p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%201.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%202.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%203.jpg"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%201.eps">Mentor 1.eps</a> <a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%202.eps">Mentor 2.eps</a> <a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%203.eps">Mentor 3.eps</a></p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%205.jpg"><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%204.jpg"></a></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%206.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%206.eps"></a></p> <p> <a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%204.eps">Mentor 4.eps</a> <a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%205.eps">Mentor 5.eps</a> <a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Mentor%206.eps">Mentor 6.eps</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Guest Post: John Van Den Brandt Shares a Story Behind the Photography in Our Wildlife Calendar</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:35:00 GMT</p> <span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;">I’m John Van Den Brandt, a Sr. National Account Manager at 4imprint.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>I’m also the photographer behind <span style="COLOR:blue;"><font color="#000000"><a class="" title="2008 Exclusive Wildlife Calendar from 4imprint" href="http://www.4imprint.com/4imprint-Exclusive-2008-Wildlife-Calendar/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU009367/~CA9367.htm">4imprint’s exclusive 2008 wildlife calendar</a>.</font> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>Wildlife photography is one of my passions and I’m proud of the images contained in this year’s calendar and excited about the response we’ve gotten from our customers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>Besides the photos, one of the calendar’s most popular features is my brief comments included with each month’s image, explaining how I got the shot or why I like the image. I thought you might enjoy hearing a more in-depth story of how I captured the first shot on the calendar - the tiny elf owl.<a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Elf%20Owl%20Pic.JPG"></a></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;">The adventure began with an e mail from Bruce in Arizona that read like a coded message in a spy novel, “The elf owls are waiting.” The news was anything but mysterious to me. Bruce is recently retired from Arizona Game and Fish and had been scouting the desert for the secretive elf owl. </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"> <span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/Elf%20Owl.JPG"></a></span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"></span> <span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;">Among the world’s smallest owls at only five inches, elf owls are strictly nocturnal, but with Bruce’s help, I hoped to find and photograph this tiny creature for the 2008 wildlife calendar being produced by 4imprint.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;">I met up with Bruce on the edge of the desert outside Phoenix as the evening sun melted into the horizon. We were only driving a short time before he pulled off the road and into the desert itself. No road – just a rock strewn washout choked with cactus. We violently bounced and swayed several miles to our destination.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;">We set off on foot with no paths anywhere and thick scrub brush in all directions. Full darkness had settled over the desert and only the stars gave definition to the towering cacti rising out of the brush. Bruce produced a series of soft barks and squawks – elf owl talk for “Hello, come over and introduce yourself.” Silence. He repeated the call frequently as we slowly edged through the desert. Suddenly his call was met by several unmistakable yaps in reply. My pulse quickened as I realized that our prey was nearby, concealed high atop a huge saguaro cactus.</span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;">We slowly traced our headlamps over the cactus, scanning the orderly rows of needles. Near the top, a small hole broke the pattern and a pair of yellow eyes shown down on us. An elf owl, no larger than a child’s fist, squawked inquisitively as my flash softly popped, capturing his image. </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;">As we lingered for a moment, staring up at his lofty perch, I shook my head in wonder and said aloud “Who gets to wander the desert in the dead of night and see things like this!?” </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"> </span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;">Bruce smiled and replied, “Tonight John - you do.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1;"> </span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;">I hope you enjoy the 2008 4imprint Wildlife Calendar and choose it as a great gift for friends, employees and customers!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1;"> </span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;">-John</span> <span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1;"> </span></span><span style="FONT-SIZE:10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span></span> </span></span></span> </article> <article> <h1>Some Additional Pictures From Kayak for a Cure - Vancouver</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:54:00 GMT</p> <p>Now that John is back from his adventure, he's passed along some additional pictures from Kayak for a Cure. Also sounds like the total raised for the Canadian Cancer Society has now exceeded $20k - good stuff....</p> <p>Watch this space - some of John's wildlife shots from this trip will be coming soon - and there are some definite images for the next edition of the calendar.</p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/IMG_4730-1%20copyCopy.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/IMG_4702-1Copy.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/IMG_4744Copy.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/IMG_4699Copy.jpg"></a></p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/IMG_4730-1%20copyCopy.jpg"></a> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/IMG_4702-1Copy.jpg"></a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Kayak(ing) for a Cure in Vancouver</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:08:00 GMT</p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/kayak_2007%20037.jpg"></a>Our own John Van Den Brandt participated in the second annual <a href="http://www.kayakforacure.ca/" class="" title="Kayak for a Cure Vancouver" target="_blank">Kayak for a Cure</a> in Vancouver yesterday. We were proud to play a very small part in this event (besides offering up John and his wife!), supporting them with all of the appropriate promotional products required for a successful fundraiser. </p> <p>Kayak is a labor of love for founder <a href="http://www.kayakforacure.ca/letter.php" class="" title="Mark's Inspiration" target="_blank">Mark Starkey</a>. He credits his grandmother for motivating him to make a difference - and he's certainly taken that motivation to heart. Mark is a go-getter. He's passionate, enthusiastic and I think he is a shining example of how one person can make a difference. With the help of friends, sponsors and a flotilla of participants, the second annual event is in the books raising nearly $20k - with all of that money going straight to the <a href="http://www.cancer.ca" class="" title="The Canadian Cancer Society" target="_blank">Canadian Cancer Society</a>.</p> <p>Great job Mark and crew! I've posted a few pictures of the event here - not sure who took them all, but it looked like a great day to raise money for a great cause (John is the guy with the dark sunglasses - his wife Jean is in front making sure he doesn't paddle into anything!).</p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/kayak_2007%20037.jpg"></a> <a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/kayak_2007%20018.jpg"></a> </p><p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/kayak_2007%20030.jpg"></a> <a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/kayak_2007%20033.jpg"></a><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/kayak_2007%20038.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/kayak_2007%20033.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://blogs.4imprint.com/blogs/klt/kayak_2007%20037.jpg"></a></p> <p>Now, there's more to the story as far as John is concerned. John is an Account Manager here at 4imprint and has always been a big supporter of cancer research related causes. He's also an avid paddler, so he was in on this event from the second it came onto our radar. </p> <p>However, the story gets better.</p> <p>John is also a very accomplished wildlife photographer. So much so that we created a <a href="http://www.4imprint.com/exclusivecalendar/" class="" title="2007 4imprint Wildlife Calendar" target="_blank">special promotional product last year - a calendar</a> - that our customers could put their logos on featuring <a href="http://www.wildwindimages.com/" class="" title="Wildwind Images" target="_blank">John's images</a>. The calendar was so successful, that we're doing another one this year. </p> <p>Now you can imagine what happens when we combine all of this right? John brought his camera along to Kayak, and will be spending the next few days capturing images for the 2009 calendar (the 2008 version is already being printed and will be announced shortly). There are few places more beautiful and more suited for capturing great wildlife images than <a href="http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/" class="" title="Vancouver Convention & Visitors Bureau" target="_blank">the Vancouver area</a>. </p> <p>Watch this space to see what develops!</p> </article> <article> <h1>I NOW KNOW WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT!</h1> <p>merchandising — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 19:25:00 GMT</p> <p>I can finally say that I have gone golfing! Actually, I can finally say that I have gone to a golf course and hit a golf ball on the putting green and driving range. WOW what a learning experience! I now understand why there are so many golf enthusiasts - it is addicting to hit that little ball, trying to make it go far and in the right direction.</p> <p>I'm excited to have the golf category and therefore I realized I needed to spend more time on the course...or at least that's the story I'm giving my boss. So with the assistance of two seasoned golfers, six inexperienced golfers from the Merchandising department hit the links:</p> <p></p> <p>When we weren't swinging the clubs, we had a moment to try out some of 4imprint's promotional golf products. The <a class="" href="http://www.4imprint.com/Bulk-Tee-2-34/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU009484/~CA9484.htm">long bulk tees</a> were great because then I didn't have divots after my inexperienced swings (but I hear that this is not the reason that the longer ones are more popular..something about larger golf club heads). The <a class="" href="http://www.4imprint.com/Mirage-Tee-Pack/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU009690/~CA9690.htm">Mirage tee pack</a> and <a class="" href="http://www.4imprint.com/GolfRound-Cleaner/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU009373/~CA9373.htm">golf ball cleaner</a> are perfect golf event giveaways. And our golf "experts", John and Dan tell me that the <a class="" href="http://www.4imprint.com/Promotional+products/~sku009328/~ca9328.htm">Divix divot repair tool</a>, <a class="" href="http://www.4imprint.com/Sunglass-Case-wTop-Flite-Golf-Balls/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU006335/~CA6335.htm">sunglass case with golf accessories</a> and the <a class="" href="http://www.4imprint.com/Promotional+products/~sku100644/~ca100644.htm">golf scope</a> would be great golf event prizes. Of course, don't forget the <a class="" href="http://www.4imprint.com/exec/product-group/golf-balls/grp22/golf-balls.htm">golf balls</a> because it seems to me that you might "misplace" a few of these during a typical day of golfing.</p> <p>Thanks to John and Dan for being such great and patient teachers! I think I'm ready to golf nine holes now...watch out!</p> <p>Mae</p> </article> <article> <h1>4imprint Exclusive Bic© Pens in Times Square</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 20:18:00 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;">Lead by our Merchandising team, and directed by our customers (who helped us select the perfect color palette via the web), we recently launched a range of <a href="http://www.4imprint.com/search/bsearch.aspx?searchTerm=exclusive%20bic%20pen">classic Bic© Pens </a>in new, metallic colors.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;">It’s always fun to watch new products, new designs – new colors – launch. These things generate such buzz and excitement and it’s great to see the team take such pride in their work.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;">You also get some fun little ‘perks’ occasionally – like this picture in Times Square! </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;"><font size="2">(photo courtesy: Times Square2/PR Newswire)</font></p> </article> <article> <h1>What women want</h1> <p>merchandising — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:40:00 GMT</p> <p>Elizabeth, who coordinates 4imprint’s e-mail marketing campaigns, forwarded our team an interesting article from <font color="#800080"><a href="http://adage.com/">Advertising Age</a></font> a few weeks ago. The article, titled <font color="#800080"><a href="http://adage.com/abstract.php?article_id=116506">“Steal This Bag,”</a></font> reviewed a recent study examining the contents of women’s purses, using the findings to offer insight into what promotional products work with women. Surveying women in the southern United States, these bag detectives found imprinted <font color="#800080"><a href="http://www.4imprint.com/search/bsearch.aspx?searchTerm=lotion">hand and body lotions</a></font>, <font color="#800080"><a href="http://www.4imprint.com/search/bsearch.aspx?searchterm=mints">breath fresheners</a></font>, <font color="#800080"><a href="http://www.4imprint.com/search/bsearch.aspx?searchterm=punch%20card">loyalty cards</a></font>, <font color="#800080"><a href="http://www.4imprint.com/exec/product-group/pens/grp65/pens.htm">pens</a></font> and <font color="#800080"><a href="http://www.4imprint.com/exec/product-group/key-tags/grp24/key-tags.htm">key chains</a></font> with surprising frequency.</p> <p> </p> <p>As a woman who tends to hoard receipts, gum wrappers and empty containers of lip balm, the idea of someone going through my purse is embarrassing, if not horrifying. Suzanne, Steph, Sara and Mae were not quite as shy though, and graciously opened their bags to see whether these findings translate to women in Wisconsin. A quick survey of their purses showed all the items mentioned above, plus a few more interesting selections. A sampling of what the ladies have hiding: <font color="#800080"><a href="http://www.4imprint.com/search/bsearch.aspx?searchterm=floss">floss</a></font>, <font color="#800080"><a href="http://www.4imprint.com/search/bsearch.aspx?searchterm=tape%20measurer">tape measurer</a></font>, hotel door card, stain-remover pen, hardcover book, <font color="#800080"><a href="http://www.4imprint.com/Mini-Madison-Digital-Camera/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU100211/~CA100211.htm">digital camera</a></font>, low-calorie sweetener and bacon dip recipe.</p> <p> </p> <p>In the merchandising world we’re expected to monitor the latest styles and trends, and we need to be ready for anything at a moments notice. I’d say our bags reflect that; especially should we develop a spontaneous craving for bacon dip this afternoon.</p> <p> </p> <p>Sam<br />Copywriter</p> </article> <article> <h1>Check out our AMAZING Cell Mate video!</h1> <p>merchandising — Fri, 11 May 2007 10:47:00 GMT</p> <span><font face="Arial"></font></span><span><font face="Arial"><span><span>I had to post a quick blog to make sure that you have checked out the latest AMAZING video on 4imprint TV—Marketing Specialist Eric Cernjar versus the <a href="http://www.4imprint.com/cellmate/?adShown=/_LOCALES/en-US/_IMAGES/RANDOMADS/HOMEPAGE/cellmate.jpg"><font color="#800080">Cell Mate (Item #7595). </font></a><span> </span>Sorry Eric<span>,</span> but I think that the cell mate won this challenge! </span></span><span> <p><span>The video shows Eric driving around an empty parking lot (all safety precautions were followed and Eric even made sure to check with the Oshkosh police department before making the video) to show that the cell mate does indeed do what it is supposed to do—keep things secure on your automobile’s dashboard, even in the tightest of turns (or quickest of stops or starts)! </span><span></p></span> <p><span>So check out the video and place your order for the amazing cell mate in lots of shapes and colors for your next promotion! I have already told Eric that he is NOT giving my almost 16 year-old son driving lessons! </span><span></p></span> <p><span>Mae </span></p></span></font></span> </article> <article> <h1>My Favorite Product</h1> <p>Richard Morton — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:15:00 GMT</p> <p>Yesterday in my inbox I received an email that was so striking that it literally made me stop and go 'Wow!' and the best news; it was one of our own!</p> <p>If you are subscribed to the 4imprint Staff favorites email newsletter then you will also have received it, but if not, then you <a href="http://www.4imprint.com/marketing/Staffpicks/2007/04/SF200704.htm"><strong><span>can see an online copy of it right here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>I personally think that this is one of the most striking images we have used so far in any of our newsletters, Jay and Sarah in our photography studio did a great job here and Heidi seems to be a natural in front of the camera - believe me I've learned the hard way, it isn't as easy as it looks!<br />Her story shows that sometimes when thinking about promotional products, it's good to think outside the box and yes, I have tested Heidi - she really does carry Sharpies around with her in her bag!</p> <p>Anyway, this got me thinking about my favorite 4imprint product and how I have a slightly unusual use for it. Everyone knows I'm a technology minded guy, so you would think it has to be USB drives, or wireless mice right....?</p> <p>.....well, you would be wrong!</p> <p><a href="http://www.4imprint.com/4imprint-Messenger-Bag-Embroidered/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU008877/~CA8877-CHARCOAL-E.htm"></a></p> <p>My all-time favorite product that we sell here at <a href="http://www.4imprint.com/4imprint-Messenger-Bag-Embroidered/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU008877/~CA8877-CHARCOAL-E.htm"><strong><span>4imprint is our messenger bag</span></strong> </a>and here's why:<br />Anyone who knows me knows that <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjmorton/sets/72157600049443865/">I am a photography nut</a>, frankly I spend way too much money on camera equipment and I always have a camera close by.<br />I like to combine photography with my love of travel/the outdoors and many weekends I can be found flying or driving off somewhere new with a camera or two.</p> <p>I don't like using a real camera bag because they're often uncomfortable to carry and attract too much attention, whereas the messenger bag is extremely comfortable on your shoulder (especially when combined with our <a href="http://www.4imprint.com/Grip-it-Luggage-Identifier/EXEC/DETAIL/SEARCH/~SKU009390/~CA9390.htm">Grip-it Luggage Identifier</a> which is so popular that we are out of stock of them at the moment, but I'm sure we'll have more soon) and doesn't advertise the fact that you have thousands of dollars of camera equipment in the bag. Best of all, this is a product exclusive to us; you can only buy it here at 4imprint.</p> <p>I've taken my messenger camera bag all over the world, from the mountains of Northern California, to a recent trip to my native England and it has done a great job. I can fit my large bulky camera, spare batteries, couple of extra lenses, guides books and more in there with plenty of room to spare. There are even two mesh pockets on the outside, perfect for holding water bottles which are essential when playing in the California State Parks.</p> <p>Don't take my word for it though, this item has received a 5 out of 5 rating from real customers who have purchased the bag. 4 customers have even gone to the trouble of <a href="http://www.4imprint.com/exec/all_reviews/~CA8877-NAVY-E.htm"><strong>leaving feedback which you can see right here</strong></a></p> <p>You can find our <a href="http://www.4imprint.com/search/bsearch.aspx?searchterm=messenger">exclusive 4imprint Messenger Bag right here </a>and if you'd like to sign up for our Staff Favorites or any of our other emails, <a href="http://www.4imprint.com/changesubscription.aspx">then you can do so right here</a>.</p> <p>Until next time, happy snapping!</p> </article> <article> <h1>Imprinted Cell Phone Holders Generate Buzz</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 18:10:00 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;">Just got a great e-mail from <a href="http://www.phroneticinternational.com/fellowshighlights.html">Robin Yap</a>, who is a partner at <a href="http://www.phroneticinternational.com/">Phronetic International</a>, a business training and coaching firm located in Toronto, Canada. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;">He shared with me that he distributed the <a href="http://www.4imprint.ca/Cell-Phone-or-Business-Card-Holder/EXEC/DETAIL/AFTERKEYSEARCH/~KScell+phone+holders/~SKU008588/~CAC8588.htm">Cell Phone Holders</a> he ordered at a conference in Vancouver and as a result he’s received some much appreciated positive press including this entry in CBC technology columnist <a href="http://www.foursevens.com/todbits/pearl">Tod Maffin’s blog</a>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN:0in 0in 0pt;">Thanks for sharing the good news Robin.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Good Stuff at Edgewood College</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 16:04:00 GMT</p> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>Recently a couple of us were in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on">Madison</st1:City> to accept an award presented by </FONT><A href="http://www.wisconsintrails.com/CRW/crw.html"><FONT size=2>Corporate Report Wisconsin Magazine</FONT></A><FONT size=2> and </FONT><A href="http://www.edgewood.edu/"><FONT size=2><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Edgewood</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">College</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> </FONT></A><FONT size=2>for Corporate Citizenship. It’s an award we’re all especially proud of and we were humbled to be recognized with seven other wonderful companies.</FONT></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><FONT face=Arial size=2> </FONT></o:p></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>You can read more about the award by clicking </FONT><A href="http://www.crwmag.com/TMG2/CRW2/AdditionalPDFs/WIcorpCitizen.pdf"><FONT size=2>here</FONT></A><FONT size=2> (required PDF reader). However, that’s not the point of this blog entry. This entry is about the great things I saw at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Edgewood</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>.</FONT></FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Arial size=2> </FONT></o:p></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Arial size=2>Prior to the presentation of the awards each of the business school professors talked about their part of the program (ethics, strategy, accounting, marketing, etc.) in terms of how they make sure that their students not only learn theory, but they put theory into practice by applying it ‘hands on’. They do this in a variety of ways, but they are always sure to include an element of ‘giving back’– of being good corporate citizens. The easiest example to describe is accounting students helping to prepare taxes for those less fortunate who need help.</FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Arial size=2> </FONT></o:p></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Arial size=2>The pride was evident in the teachers and students alike as they talked about their experiences and philosophies. I couldn’t help but think that the students who are part of this process will go on to be successful as a result. I imagine this sort of thing is happening at other colleges of all shapes and sizes across the country and it’s something that should be encouraged and nurtured.</FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Arial size=2> </FONT></o:p></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Arial size=2>Nice job <st1:place w:st="on"><A href="http://www.edgewood.edu/">Edgewood</A></st1:place>!</FONT></P> </article> <article> <h1>Simple, effective and inexpensive. Magnets get the job done - again.</h1> <p>Kevin Lyons-Tarr — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:05:00 GMT</p> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Arial size=2>I’ve mentioned this in a previous blog post, but came across </FONT><A href="http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770218013"><FONT face=Arial size=2>a story in one of the local papers</FONT></A><FONT face=Arial size=2> last night that once again points to the effectiveness of the unsung hero of promotional products – the fridge magnet.</FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><FONT face=Arial size=2> </FONT></o:p></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Arial size=2>The </FONT><A href="http://www.townofneenah.com/"><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>Town of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Neenah</st1:City></st1:place></FONT></FONT></A><FONT face=Arial size=2> is once again tops in </FONT><A href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=winnebago+county+wisconsin&sll=44.06366,-88.48938&sspn=0.175651,0.31929&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1"><FONT face=Arial size=2>our county</FONT></A><FONT face=Arial size=2> when it comes to recycling – something town residents and leaders are rightfully proud of. But if you read the story carefully you’ll notice a fridge magnet with the recycling schedule gets mentioned specifically. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the web article it’s just a mention. The printed edition last night actually called out the magnet deliberately.</FONT></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face=Arial size=2> </FONT></o:p></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=Arial size=2>If your organization needs to keep phone numbers or dates in front of your customers, patients, constituents, students, members – or anyone else for that matter – </FONT><A href="http://www.4imprint.com/search/bsearch.aspx?searchterm=fridge%20magnet"><FONT face=Arial size=2>a magnet </FONT></A><FONT face=Arial size=2>might just be the best advertising money can buy.</FONT> </P> </article> <article> <h1>Evolution not Revolution!</h1> <p>Richard Morton — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 21:19:00 GMT</p> <P>The sharper eyed among you may have noticed that something has changed on <A href="http://www.4imprint.com/">4imprint.com</A></P> <P>Last Friday we updated the site with a new header and menu system. Okay, so it's not exactly a revolutionary change but we like it and we hope you do too.</P> <P></P> <P>We developed this new look and feel based on customer feedback. We knew that a LOT of you like looking at the '<A href="http://www.4imprint.com/products/productsonsale.aspx">sales & closeouts</A>', '<A href="http://www.4imprint.com/products/newproducts.aspx">newest items</A>' and '<A href="http://www.4imprint.com/whatshot/hotproducts.aspx">hot</A>' sections of our website, so we made sure you can always get to them by clicking right there in the header.</P> <P>This is actually just the first of many mini 'evolutions' to come - my team is as ever working very hard on many new features for our site, so keep checking back.<BR>We'll also have some exciting news for our neighbors to the <A href="http://www.4imprint.ca">North of the Canadian border </A>very soon!</P> <P>Got any comments/compliants/compliments about the new header or any other part of the site? Then let us know by using the comments section below!</P> </article> </main></body></html>