Bankers Advertising

Well, we finally know which two teams will be facing off at Super Bowl 2018: the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots. In scrolling through social media in the wake of last weekend’s games, I saw a friend post: “And I’m officially only watching for the halftime show.”  

That’s the thing about the Super Bowl, isn’t it? Even if your team’s not in it, you watch. For many people, even if you don’t like football, you watch. It’s ubiquitous. It’s unavoidable. It’s classic. And, between the game, the halftime show, and the commercials, there really is something in it for everyone.

Wouldn’t it be great if your company could make those claims?          

Well, that’s why we’re here: to help you leverage the marketing power of promotional products to deliver Super (Bowl) Successes – campaigns that are ubiquitous, unavoidable, and classic. Campaigns that catch the eye and draw people in, even if they’re loyal to a different brand. Even if they know nothing about the product.

Like the football game of games, a good promotional marketing campaign takes head-in-the-game hard work, like the players on the field. It takes a bold dash of creativity, like the halftime show. And it takes reaching out with humor and compassion for the part that people usually ignore in other contexts: the commercials, or, in our context, the ask.

So whether you’re in it to root for the Eagles (hey, the Patriots are favored, and I’m a sucker for an underdog!), to check out the Justin Timberlake halftime show, or to laugh and cry at the commercials, remember that all three work together to draw in the over 110 million people who tune in every year. Bankers is here to work hard, get creative, make that ask – and deliver you Super (Bowl) Successes every time!

The new University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s hospital opened in early 2017. Architects designed it to have a wraparound view of Iowa City from the highest structure in the county, as a public space. They even designed a special, large room with floor-to-ceiling windows – known as the Press Box Café. During Football season, it’s set up like an indoor tailgate. Every inch of the field is visible from the windows.

In fall 2017, and in a truly grassroots fashion, a mom on social media suggested that Hawk football fans start a new tradition with the Children’s Hospital. The idea went like this:

At the end of the first quarter of every Hawkeye home game, everyone inside Kinnick Stadium was to wave in unison at the new University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, giving the hospitalized children a sort of long-distance hug. Some excitement. Some hope. The idea caught fire on social media.

Sure enough, at the Hawkeyes’ home opener on September 2, it happened. The entire stadium stood, turned around, and waved toward the hospital. The touching moment became the most popular and favorite storyline of the college football season.

Fueled by social media, the new tradition gained popularity immediately. It caught the attention of national news media including ABC, CBS and ESPN. The Hawkeyes were presented with the Disney Spirit Award for 2017 during the Home Depot College Football Awards in Atlanta.

“It’s a simple way for 70,000 people to recognize the kids, the parents and hospital staff who are the real champions, fighting every day to overcome significant medical challenges,” Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said in a news release. “I’m proud that a kind gesture has had a profoundly positive impact on so many people in our state and the nation.”

The opportunity to promote the heart-warming tradition included new items to sell in the Hospital’s Gift shop.

Lisa, Bankers Advertising’s promotional consultant, offered some fun promotional items for the gift shop to sell… adorable plush animals sporting t-shirts with the saying, “Wave, Fight, Win.” These huggable friends will be held, hugged and squeezed by its sweet (presumably little) recipients. A great way to remember and promote the tradition! Additionally, the gift shop selected sweatshirts, caps and beanies touting the same verbiage in big, bold letters.

What a fun, and touching way to use promotional products! Bankers Advertising Company is proud to have had the opportunity to be part of the start of the new tradition. At the end of the day, this has nothing to do with football or even promotional products. It’s all about those kids!

Source: www.HawkCentral.com

Color of the Year 2018

Each year, our industry waits in anticipation for a big announcement… the Pantone Color Institute’s Color of the Year. Their announcement came last week, and their color of choice has everyone in the marketing and branding industry talking: ULTRA VIOLET.

The rich, blue-based purple is simultaneously rebellious and calming; both a signature shade for recently departed rock royals like Prince and David Bowie, and a hue deeply associated with mystics, healing and mindfulness.

“A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future,” the Pantone team says.

WHY IS THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IMPORTANT FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS?

The Pantone Color Institute helps companies make the most informed decisions about color for their brands or products. Whether it is color trend forecasting, brand color development, custom color solutions, or product palette selection, the Pantone Color Institute guides creative designers and brand marketers through the development of a color strategy that fits a company’s unique needs.

The Color of the Year is one moment in time that provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design. In fact, Color of the Year is a culmination of the Pantone Color Institute’s year round work forecasting trends and developing color palettes for their clients.

ABOUT ULTRA VIOLET

After years of minty greens and soft pastels, Pantone is changing things up by announcing Ultra Violet as the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year.

“Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now,” they add. “The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.”

The Pantone team says that passionate purple has always drawn artists and musicians.

“Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance,” Pantone says. “Musical icons Prince, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of Western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.”

ULTRA VIOLET IN GRAPHICS DESIGN AND PACKAGING

As packaging design becomes more sophisticated, Ultra Violet offers complexity and nuance that appeals to our desire for originality in all that we touch. Similarly, in graphic design, Ultra Violet resonates with this dynamic medium through its multi-dimensional feeling. Shades of Ultra Violet are increasingly used in packaging and graphic design by forward-looking brands in the CPG, luxury, and beauty worlds as well as by personalities and artists seeking to stand out.

ULTRA VIOLET IN FASHION

On the runway or the streets, Ultra Violet is an enchanting purple that provides a theatrical linkage for both men’s and women’s styles. True to the coupled nature of Ultra Violet, created by combining red and blue, Ultra Violet lends itself to unique color combinations in fashion and is easier to pair with all colors on the spectrum than one might think. With golds or other metallics, Ultra Violet becomes luxurious and dazzling; with greens or greys it evokes natural elegance. Similarly, Ultra Violet takes on distinct appearances with different materials. Lush velvets in the color suggest intrigue for evening, but are also unexpectedly modern in athleisure or sneakers. In accessories, jewelry, and eyewear, Ultra Violet suggests the complexities of natural gems, textures, and florals.

COMPLIMENTARY COMBOS

Pantone has also created eight different color palettes that feature PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet to help designers bring this year’s special shade into your designs. All color bases are covered; brights, deeper hues, pastels, mid-tones, and metallics. With Ultra Violet as a versatile trans-seasonal and gender-neutral anchor in every palette, each of the eight palettes conveys its own distinctive feeling and mood and can easily cross-over fashion and accessories, beauty, home interiors, and graphic design applications. Within each palette, Pantone offers color harmonies to help you get creative with your own ideas of how to use the colors.

We encourage you to visit www.pantone.com to view all of the beautiful color combinations that come with Purple Haze! If you’re looking for product inspiration, check out Numo’s website.

Information source: www.pantone.com

This time of year is tough when it comes to company budgets. For businesses with the “use it orlose it” system, many scramble to spend their remaining dollars in fear of the budget being cut the next year if they don’t spend it all. As a result, many spend those dollars on inefficient or unnecessary purchases that bring little value to the business.

Did you know that spending among organizations in the last week of the year is 4.9 times higher than the rest-of-year weekly average? In addition, project quality scores in the last week of the year are 2.2-5.6 times more likely to fall below central value. In short, two things happen: spending increases and quality decreases. Rollover spending can lead to higher quality purchases for larger projects in the next budget period, but that’s not always an option. The good news is, having that year-end deadline to spend does help push projects out the door that might otherwise be delayed. It’s motivation against procrastination!

Here are some general tips for those of you who are making these difficult decisions:

• stock up on essentials
• ask colleagues what they’d like to see the remaining budget spent on
• make sure you’re getting the best deals for your available dollars

Beyond the general advice we can give, we believe supply items that will always be used is a good use of those funds. You want to choose a product that is versatile and usable all throughout the year.

Lip balm is always a fantastic choice because it’s small, gender and age neutral, and stays on the person. In fact, lip balm is used 2-10 times a day and lasts 3-12 months, which is staying power that’s difficult to match for less than $1 a stick!

Hand sanitizer is also a winning choice to ward off germs, especially during cold and flu season. The label can be personalized with their logo, contact information, or custom message.

Don’t forget other great items for year-end budgets: pens, sticky notes, kitchen items, notepads/books and calendars.

It’s hard to go wrong spending your remaining year-end budget on products that are long-lasting and will share your name over a long period of time. Promotional items are a small, useful way to make a very big impact!

Browse here for more ideas.

Source: Raining Rose Blog

For several years, it seems like we’ve all been constantly analyzing the personalities and buying behaviors of Millennials, the generation born between the early 1980s and the mid -1990s. Sometimes, it feels like the topic has been so exhausted, that all we’re left with is a bunch of unfair generalizations and clichés. It’s tiring, but don’t lose focus, there’s a lot to be learned from studying generations.

Enter Generation Z

Let’s turn our attention to the next big buying population. Generation Z – the post-Millennial generation born during or after 1995 will constitute 40% of U.S. consumers by 2020. The oldest members of the group are only recently out of high school, but they are about to be our customers and employees and we need to start reaching them.

Good news! Early research indicates that promotional products are uniquely suited to connect with Gen Z buyers. Here’s why:

1. Promotional products break through the “ad blindness.” As a recent Forbes article points out, modern consumers are so used to seeing messages on their smartphone and television, that they become highly skilled at ignoring ads on their screens. Promotional products, tangible and useful, will be vital for amplifying messages in ways that Gen Zers are not used to. Remember, these are individuals who only know a world with The Internet.

2. Gen Zers prefers a cool product over a cool experience. A recent study by Deep Focus, a leader in consumer behavior research, indicates that Gen Z prefers being sold a cool product (60 percent) over a cool experience (40 percent), while Millennials prefer the opposite. This is good news for promotional products – but there’s a catch. With a world of information at their fingertips and having grown up with the Internet, Gen Z is selective with their purchases. A product better pass the quality test or your brand will be in serious trouble.

3. Selfies! Gen Z consumers take selfies, a lot of selfies. One poll found that every third photo taken by those between the ages of 18 and 24 is a selfie. And since they post those selfies all over social media, savvy marketers will take advantage of the trend and use giveaways, contests and events to get their promotional products in Gen Z selfies. Think about all the impressions as those images are shared around the world by your new brand ambassadors.

The Bottom Line Gen Zers are skilled message consumers and ignorers, looking for exciting things they can show off to the rest world.

Some cool products ideas to help get your clients brand front and center in all those Instagram posts are: water bottles, Bluetooth earbuds, hooded sweatshirts, Bluetooth speakers, ballcaps, snap photo remotes, cellular leashes and basically any tech gadget.

Source: Polyconcept NA Idea Hub Blog

As this year winds down, your company might be looking for a way to recognize your top producers, whether they are in sales, administration or production. You may have even considered giving cash rewards. It is true that people appreciate cash. However, from the company’s perspective, cash has no memorable long-term benefit with your employees. Employees will soon forget their achievement, as the money will be used to pay bills, purchase family and/or household items and for personal gratification. On the other hand, receiving jewelry (watch, ring, etc.), a high quality plaque or a glass award is something the employee will cherish and which serves as a constant reminder of their hard-earned achievement!

A recent World at Work-study discovered that 85% to 95% of all company incentive programs reach or exceed their goals! A key asset for any company is their employees. Competition is keen today for this very important asset. As a result, an organization, in order to stay competitive, absolutely needs to make employees feel valued.

Studies have shown that companies that offer recognition programs out perform their competition, increase employee loyalty and are more highly thought of in the community. Awards & Recognition are increasingly important in today’s business environment and competition for the best workers is intense. At the same time, the importance of human resources is paramount – a company needs to obtain extraordinary results from ordinary people. Yet another factor is the attitude among today’s employees, who value job satisfaction over most other criteria.

An Awards and Recognition program is not just for key performers. It also sets a benchmark for the other associates as to what gets noticed. People, as a rule, possess a competitive nature and do not want to be viewed in a negative light by their peers.

Here are the key attributes to an Awards and Recognition program:

• Reinforce company goals
• Helps strengthen the company’s brand
• Helps improve employee loyalty
• Encourages personal achievement
• Rewards performance
• Increases productivity
• Builds self-esteem and motivation
• Builds a sense of accomplishment
• Most importantly…it says, “thank-you!” For a job well done!

More facts about awards and recognition:

• Companies that incentivize employees are 44% more likely to have above average profits
• 47% of employee recognition gifts are company logo merchandise
• Companies spend $46 billion dollars on recognition programs each year

Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant, who can help you create a successful awards and recognition program from start to finish! Browse ideas here.

SOURCES:

http://www.incentivemag.com/Strategy/Engagement/The-Power-of-Perks, March 2013

https://www.bersin.com/News/Content.aspx?id=15543, June 2012

http://www.worldatwork.org/adimLink?id=72689, June 2013

We’d like our clients to consider us to be their experts on all things branded. And, we enjoy searching high and low to find the most suitable promotional item that is functional and valued by your unique recipient. Part of being experts means brushing up on seasonal trends each year. That’s the fun part of our job! Here’s what’s hot this fall and holiday season:

Wood accents

Wood accents are having a moment. With a natural ability to add depth and warmth to a range of stylish interiors, wood has designers branching out and going with the grain when it comes to creating meaningful home details with a fresh, modern look. In an increasingly virtual world, wooden accessories are providing an organic, earthy sense of soul. Easily tailored for style preferences from the rustic and to the refined, it’s no wonder wood finishes appeal to nearly everyone. They’re hitting the promotional products industry in a big way — and we are loving it!

Sources:

BIC Blog
latimes.com/home/la-hm-wood-accents-at-home-20171229-story.html
blog.promotionsnow.com/trend-report-wooden-products-and-wood-grain-finishes

Camo

Camo is back with a vengeance. Urban adventurers everywhere are donning this trend. Givenchy, Dries Van Noten and Valentino are major (fashion) designers who want us to  be seen (or not seen) in camouflage this year.  BIC Graphic added several new products to its camo assortment  in 2017. Expanding existing product categories such as koolers and drinkware and moving into new ones such as Captain’s Chairs and backpacks.

Sources:
BIC Blog
www.topman.com/blog/ten-trends-watch-2017

Shades of Gray

Two-tone grays and patterned grays are increasing in popularity and add a new dimension to the always classic black and white. The color gray is everywhere these days. It’s one of the hottest neutral colors on the market and design experts predict that it will be around for a long time.  As a color, gray encompasses everything from a soft silver to a stark, dark charcoal. It’s the perfect neutral because it’s compatible with almost every other color, and it folds easily into every style of decor. It’s the sort of color that complements a full spectrum of shades, from bold red to mellow ivory.

Sources:
BIC Blog
utrdecorating.com/blog/color-gray-still-trend/

‘Tis the season! Our Gift Guide will have your brand rockin’ the holidays. Our brochure features plenty of holiday helpers and stocking stuffers. Let Bankers help take the stress out of finding the perfect promotional gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Our incredible variety of decorated promotional gifts includes items everyone will love including helpful tech gadgets, high-quality apparel, gourmet chocolates, and more. Here are a few more of our favorite items.

Rachel Manthey

KANGA Wallet #06593, page 8 – No need to carry a bulky wallet anymore. Just have your phone and all your cards and license with you. Since it closes, nobody can see that you are carrying credit cards. Round Sherlock COB lighted Magnifier #BA59RM, page 14 – Everyone has a use for a magnifying glass, but how many people will go buy one? Even if it’s not front and center on a coffee table, it’s a product that will be kept for years – your logo will have longevity with the customer that receives it.

Erica Kelley-Gogel, CAS

I like the from Tube of Savory Treats #TUBE-SAV, page 13 – not only for their selection, but for the large, full color imprint area. It can make a big impact. The Moderne Stadium Seat #45758, page 17 is a new favorite because I see a need for one in my immediate future with my girls’ sports schedules, I will be attending a lot of games. It is more comfortable than the average stadium seats, and the back is adjustable. The Epic Hydration Holder#3944, page 16 – I like that it’s adjustable for different sized bottles and that it will hold a phone, and has the earbud port. Sabre Umbrella #MFL29, page 17 – just because it’s really cool! I like that the shaft and handle light up. It adds a measure of safety to the item.

Molly Beavers, CAS

Ceramic Ornament #1793, page 2. These are really attractive ornaments that make a nice keepsake. Everyone has seen the glass ball ornaments, so consider something new and different. Brookstone® Night Light Charger #70274 on page 3. I love this item especially when I travel or even in my bedroom at night. When I travel, I want a light in the room resulting in leaving the bathroom light on. Now I can have a nightlight and charge my phone at the same time. At home, we usually have two phones to charge at the same time, and a night light too. It’s a great multi-function item anyone can use, plus it’s a recognizable brand name. Sound Dome Bluetooth Speaker #ESP-SD17 on page 8. The sound quality is great for an $8.00 speaker. This is a great buy that your customers won’t be disappointed with. Palmero Ceramic Mug on page 12. As an avid coffee drinker, I love coffee mugs like most people love shoes. I especially like the marble look of this mug, it’s so unique and classy. All the colors are sharp. Laser Level with 8’ Tape Measurer #T78LL on page 19. Everyone enjoys receiving items that are useful and they can use around the house. With the growing trend in DIY projects, this item makes a practical gift for anyone.

Whether you are looking to thank your best team members or show appreciation to your customers, we have all the corporate gifts you will need. Check out our Gift Guide or contact us to learn more.

Make your brand shine bright this season. Check out our Bankers Gift Guide! Our brochure features over 90 exciting products that are sure to make the holidays sparkle. We thought we would share some of our personal favorites from the brochure.

Brenda Thurness, Sales Manager:

I like the Tartan Kooler with Fleece Blanket on page 5. It is great for ballgames. I like the carrying strap for the additional $0.40 and love being able to throw things over my shoulder when you have to walk a distance. I was impressed with the Tube of Savory Treats on page 13. It is really a nice large item at 18” tall. This is a great Christmas food gift. I also really like the Tech Wrap & Snap Organizers on page 14. I picked one of these up at the Chicago show and I still have it in my purse. I love not having all those cords tangled up in my purse. The other item I was impressed with was the Sabre Umbrella on page 17. I haven’t had a chance to use one, but it looked really neat lit up and I liked the idea of having an umbrella and flashlight all in one.

Melanie Lamb, Sales Manager:

I think the LAMZAC Original Lounge chair from BIC® is really cool. I watched several videos of different things you can do with them such as a chair for two and even a raft for the water. What a very versatile item that is very compact. Just remove from the carrying bag, open the end and move the piece through the air to fill for seating within seconds. If it is a windy day, it sure helps fill it up. Simple and easy to use and instructions are included. This lounge chair has a low minimum of 10 pieces so they would make a great appreciation gift.

Item #26024, page 17. Multi-use items seem to be very big right now. The Ultimate Auto Safety Tool is just that. This handy device is prevention and emergency safety wrapped into one tool. This tool features a seat belt cutter, flashlight, digital tire gauge and glass breaker. What a great give away for everyone at the holidays.

If gifts are not in your budget this year, consider holiday cards. Let your customers know you’re thinking of them during this special time of year. See page 2.

Brian Johnson, Marketing:

The #ZIP1524 Ultimate Auto Safety Tool on page 3 would a great piece for every car with the safety features, flashlight and tire gauge. You’d hope to never have to use the window hammer or seat belt cutter, but it also has utilitarian features like the flashlight and tire gauge.

The #Mi1720 Holiday Mini Cookie Cutter Collection on page 2 – Kitchen items are always popular and the shapes are great for many holidays when making cookies or cutting sandwiches into shapes for grandkids.

#G256 Kitchen Basics Gift Set, page 6 – Another item for the kitchen and it’s hard to find better knives than those from American Made Cutlery and the peeler is the best around. A great set for under $20.

#32088 Dual Charging Cable, page 8 – I use this charger all the time. I like that the apple charger will work even with my Otter Box case on.

Stay tuned for more of our Favorite Things Part 2!

Food gifts draw attention, are affordable and is appealing to all people. Over the years we have seen a trend toward businesses sending gifts to be shared by the entire office staff or department. This necessitated the development of larger gifts with greater quantities of food than you would find in a traditional box of candy or nuts. We offer delicious Gourmet Gift Towers fill that need perfectly.

If you’re considering sending gifts to be shared in the office, the first step is finding out about how many people are in each office. Frequently, our clients will purchase large towers for the largest offices, mid-size towers for the mid-size offices and smaller towers for the smaller offices. We offer over 50 different towers ranging in price from $25 to $250 to fit any budget!

Check out some beautiful options here!