2011 Year in Review: Politics
California Governor Bans State Promotional Products
Two time California Governor Jerry Brown fired the first shot across the bow at the industry when he banned the state government from purchasing any promotional products in February. "Not a cent of taxpayer money should be spent on flashlights, ashtrays or other unnecessary items, most of which likely end up in landfills," the governor said at the time. In a PromoMarketing.com poll, 66 percent of respondents said they felt the ban would have negative repercussions for the industry. One month later, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie would veto $45,700 budgeted for state promotional products, calling the expenses "unnecessary."
Kyle A. Richardson is the editorial director of Promo Marketing. He joined the company in 2006 brings more than a decade of publishing, marketing and media experience to the magazine. If you see him, buy him a drink.