Guest Blog: Michele Bell’s Travels and new Products from Overseas

Filed under: Community

From Michele Bell, Editor for ASI Publications:

Hello from Asia!

I have been busy traveling overseas with Rich Fairfield, ASI’s senior vice president and publisher, and visited four trade shows that have advertising specialties: the Hong Kong Electronics Show, the Global Sources’ Gift Show, the Canton Show in Guangzhou, China and the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair.

There are many new ideas for distributors and suppliers at these shows, including some rather interesting, hi-tech products and also some that are practical and useful. They can get your clients talking and placing orders. Watch for many of these products to make their way to the States within the next few months.

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Trying to help after Virginia Tech

Filed under: Community, Industry Initiatives, News About ASI, Using Ad Specialties

One of the things I like to talk about is the “drop-everything-and-help” nature of so many companies in the ad specialty industry. Many times, when unexpected events happen, businesses in our industry and the staff working for them pitch in and help people in need.

In the aftermath of last week’s horrific events at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, two ASI members stepped in to contribute what they could.

L. R. Silver, of Silver Star Promotions, a distributor in Sarasota, Florida, received a call from a public relations firm representing the Cook Counseling Center at Virginia Tech. The firm was requesting an order for 5,000 orange pens with maroon caps – the college’s colors.

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Baby’s life saved | Real heroes where we live

Filed under: Community, News About ASI

I believe that there are many hidden heroes living within our local communities, and that they have an impact on our lives every day through their volunteerism, admirable leadership, and heroic acts.

Alex Maratea, daughter of Jim Maratea, who works at ASI, is one of these people and she was just honored as a Real Hero by The American Red Cross for her bravery in saving the life of her nephew, Derrian.

Me, with Alex Maratea and nephew, Derrian, and Jim Maratea at a recognition event hosted by the Red Cross.

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Hall of Fame | Don’t forget your roots, for better business

Filed under: Community, News About ASI

One of the items on my “Top Ten Ways To Be More Successful” list is to never forget where it is that you came from.

On Tuesday I had an experience that drove this point home in real-time. I was one of thirteen people inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame at my alma mater - Ball State University.

The honor recognized success in business and contributions to philanthropy and I share these accomplishments with many people – including associates and friends in the advertising specialty and publishing industries.

Marilyn Weaver, chairperson of the journalism department, hosted the ceremony and presented me with a plaque (left) for the honor.

David Knott, associate professor emeritus of journalism at Ball State, was also present.

He helped me learn about the field as I pursued my degree in journalism and he was the faculty advisor for The Ball State Daily News when I was an editor and columnist there.

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