Drinkware

Award season is in full swing. Help your clients take home the Oscar for "Best Party" with these five movie-themed promotions.

Visstun is holding a contest during the PPAI Expo 2013 to showcase its new variable ink jet print capabilities. Distributors that buy a drink at any concession stand on the show floor receive a Visstun cup with a custom code printed using Visstun's new printing capability. The winner will receive a cash prize of $500.

Starline USA Inc. recently announced the launch of its 2013 full line catalog and new products brochure, which included over 250 new products. This year's new products include the company's Vacuum Tumblers in Earth, Jewel and Energy colors series with a new patent-pending lid design, Bluetooth speakers, and a full new safety category with products such as hand protection, Bolle safety eye protection, head protection and Hi-Vis apparel. Other new products including CREE flashlights, quality knives and the Urban Peak line, which was designed to encompass versatility in both city and outdoor adventure lifestyles.

The most explosive claim of anti-BPA campaigners—that the plastic additive BPA causes an array of heart-related diseases—is in question, according to a peer reviewed paper on the science website PLOS One.

Environmental health scientist Judy LaKind from Penn State University and the University of Maryland and epidemiologist Michael Goodman from Emory University reviewed data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) that previous researchers concluded linked BPA to chronic diseases. Johns Hopkins mathematician Daniel Naiman did the analysis.

Ten years ago, Leed's took its revolutionary one-day turnaround service, SureShip, to the next level by extending it to include new art in addition to exact reorders. Since that time countless distributors have taken advantage of the 'in by midnight (EST), ship next day' program. This year, distributors can take advantage of SureShip orders for their last-minute projects through December 20, 2012.

K&R Precision Corp. recently announced it has acquired an offshore supplier and now has a 50 percent interest in a factory in Dongguan, China. "Inventory and raw materials of bags and umbrellas will be in stock," the company stated in a recent press release. "All product will be 100 percent quality compliant [and] supported by K&R at very competitive pricing."

The company plans to release more details at 2013's PPAI Expo. For all quotes and and inquires, please contact imports@k-and-r.com. The factory is now open for import direct orders.

For more information, visit www.k-and-r.com. 

A few weeks back my girlfriend picked up a neat promotional mug as part of a restaurant rewards program. I thought the mug and program might be of interest to you guys, so here's a real quick rundown.

Grand Island, New York-based supplier Starline USA Inc. recently donated over 100 flashlights and lanterns to the SAAGNY Foundation for those that are still affected by hurricane Sandy and those that may be affected by the Nor'easter storm.

The SAAGNY Foundation (the nonprofit division of SAAGNY) started collecting jackets and clothes for people residing in the areas that were hit the hardest. As the days went by and the cleanup efforts started, the need for other items increased. SAAGNY is reaching out to its local membership to create five local shipping points for the gathering and dispersal of needed items. Many of the SAAGNY members are participating with offers of products, warehouse space to receive items and preparing food for shelters.

Political campaigns can drain the fun from your promotions so here are three ways to liven up your non-political programs.

Crown Products recently announced the addition of a new factory sales representative, Rick Dolan. He will be responsible for sales in the Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska area.

"We are pleased to have Rick as a part of the Crown team," said Jay Paparone, director of sales at Crown Products. "He brings with him 18 years of industry specific sales and management experience and we are anxious to apply his skills to Crown."