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Tuesday
January 25, 2011 Twisting for a Good CauseFiled under: ASI Shows, Community, Media Coverage, News About ASI I haven’t danced the twist in at least 30 years, but Monday night I happily joined nearly 2,000 other hearty souls in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record for twisting. The “Peppermint Twist-off” took place at our ASI Show in Orlando and it was a hoot. The twist-off was for a good cause – and made for great TV. The NBC affiliate in Orlando, WESH, ran a segment on our efforts and WKMG, the CBS affiliate, promoted it on their broadcast Monday morning. Joey Dee – nattily decked out in a brilliant red suit and shoes – led the crowd in twisting to his No. 1 hit, “Peppermint Twist.” Dressed adorably in classic ’60s “poodle” garb were Sydney and Mackenzie Cohn, the daughters of ASI Vice-Chairman Matthew Cohn. The girls, who were diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 7, co-chaired the twist-off to help raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. So far, Sydney and Mackenzie, now 11 and 9, have raised over a million dollars for the foundation. Monday, they helped raised a few thousand more. It’s remarkable how much they’ve accomplished at such a young age, especially in the face of such a sobering disease. No one knows why their immune systems went haywire and started attacking their pancreases, keeping their bodies from making insulin. Now, they live each day trying to balance their blood sugars with small machines attached to their bodies, constant blood tests, counting carbs, and insulin injections or infusions, all while trying to be regular kids. Monday, they were exactly that. Click here to watch a video of the girls discussing the twist-off and if you can, please make a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. Click here to watch a video of the twist-off. We won’t know if we broke the record until Guinness officials get back to us. But that’s really not as important as the effort everyone made to come together for a good cause – while having an awful lot of crazy fun. If you were at the twist-off, please let me know how you did by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Monday
January 24, 2011 ASI’s Grade A Day for EducationFiled under: ASI Shows, Community, Education, Member Benefits, Members, News About ASI We just enjoyed a milestone day in ASI’s education program. Monday, we “pinned” the first graduates of the Advertising Specialty Institute Certification Program and awarded them their certifications in a ceremony at The ASI Show in Orlando. The certifications represent the industry equivalent of a bachelor’s or master’s degree. I was very proud to join ASI Chairman Norman Cohn, Vice-Chairman Matthew Cohn and Corporate Vice President Stephanie Cohn Schaeffer in getting my pin and certificate. To date, 29 industry pros have received either a Master of Advertising Specialty Information (MASI) or Bachelor of Advertising Specialty Information (BASI) certificate. We launched this program to provide members with the skills they need to out-think, out-perform and out-service the competition. And we couldn’t be happier so many members are seizing the opportunity to set themselves apart through quality education. So far, 3,327 industry professionals have registered for classes needed to obtain an ASI certification. In 2010 alone, 4,600 distributors took more than 16,000 live education courses at ASI trade shows, making ASI the largest educator in the $17 billion ad specialty industry. We take education very seriously: Each year, ASI commits $1.3 million to educate its members. The following are now certified: Master of Advertising Specialty Information
And the following ASI employees: Ron Ball, Chris Lovell and Mary Sells. Bachelor of Advertising Specialty Information
And the following ASI employees: Nick DiNicola, Heather DiPrato, Jim Padilla and Pamela Vicik-Smith. The Advertising Specialty Institute Certification Program is the industry’s only free certification program, created on a user-friendly digital platform. All courses are tracked automatically via a digital campus, so participants can easily access their transcripts and remaining course requirements. Register here to get started taking your on-demand courses today. If you’ve taken any education courses toward your certificate, let me know how you’re doing by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Monday
January 24, 2011 Enjoying a Hot Time in OrlandoFiled under: ASI Shows, Community, Members, News About ASI The ASI Show Orlando is off to a dynamic start. Sunday, show-goers took advantage of a bustling Education Day featuring more than 60 sessions, and last night we celebrated the 2011 Counselor Distributor Choice Awards. ASI and Counselor magazine honored Hit Promotional Products as the industry’s most-valued supplier during our premier awards ceremony. In addition, we recognized the most-valued ASI suppliers in 54 product categories, as determined by ASI Supplier Performance Ratings and distributor votes. A record 2,792 distributors across North America cast 79,664 votes in the 2011 competition. More than 250 finalist companies were recognized and 40 suppliers were named winners. As Counselor Editor Andy Cohen puts it, “The winners of our Distributor Choice Awards represent the best of the best suppliers in the ad specialty industry. The winners obviously care about providing the best possible customer service to their distributor customers. They put a premium on the service they offer, and they make it a focal point of everything they do. Distributors honor this level of service by voting for suppliers in this awards program.” After the awards, C.J. Schmidt, Hit’s VP of sales, echoed that sentiment, saying, “It comes from our customers, which means the world to us.” Click here to watch Andy’s interview with C.J. (pictured here) on ASI TV. For the list of winners and finalists, and to view photos from the ceremony, click here. ASI Orlando is being held at the Orange County Convention Center through Tuesday. The industry’s largest event on the East Coast, the show features hundreds of leading suppliers, including 197 new to Orlando. If you’re at the show, let me know what you think so far by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. We’ve got lots more coming up – including our Guinness World Record Peppermint Twist-Off contest today at 5 p.m., where we’ll attempt to hold the world’s biggest dance party and set a new world record for doing the twist. Wish us luck!
Wednesday
December 1, 2010 Laura Bush Offers Advice and InsightFiled under: ASI Shows, News About ASI One statement really made an impression on me during Laura Bush’s interview on ASI’s radio program this week: “It’s important to nurture boys as well as we’ve nurtured girls.” The former first lady wants to be sure both boys and girls are given the chance to grow up happy and strong. One way to help make that happen is by volunteering, especially at your local elementary school, where a few hours a week can really make a difference in someone’s life. At this time of year, I can think of no better message to spread. No matter what your politics, a front-row seat to history makes for fascinating stories. In her interview with our radio hosts, Mrs. Bush discussed everything from the way a presidential visit to Africa inspired her daughter to study global health issues to her current obsession with her BlackBerry – a promotional product she got from an event sponsor. To listen to the entire archived interview, click here. To read our press release, click here. Mrs. Bush spoke to us to advance her free upcoming keynote, “Life in the White House,” at the ASI trade show in Dallas on Friday, February 18. The same day, she will also address the ASI Women’s Summit in a luncheon talk titled, “Shaping the Future: Empowering Women Around the Globe.” Reserve your spot now by clicking here. In her radio interview, Mrs. Bush discussed her continuing efforts on behalf of Afghanistan women, the importance of volunteering and the pleasures of private life. She also talked about a new initiative being championed by the George W. Bush Institute to improve the performance of school principals. Mrs. Bush says the Alliance to Reform Education Leadership hopes to certify at least half of the nation’s public-school principals through its program by 2020. Her advice to business owners who might be facing adversity? “Keep your eye on the ball. “You’ve got to continue to work toward goals and not be sidetracked by criticism or other problems that come up.” Please let me know what you thought of the interview by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Tuesday
November 16, 2010 What’s Your Question for Laura Bush?Filed under: ASI Shows, News About ASI Since leaving the White House, former First Lady Laura Bush has spoken out loud and clear on a number of issues. On Tuesday, November 30, she’ll speak her mind on ASI Radio. If you have your own burning question, now’s the time to share it. Send your question to radio@asicentral.com by 2 p.m. this Friday and we might read it on the air – or ask you to call in and ask it yourself. The subject possibilities are endless, from education, Afghanistan and women’s health care to life after politics and her hankering for grandkids. I’m sure you can think of plenty of questions for one of America’s most popular First Ladies. The radio interview will advance Bush’s free keynote at the ASI show in Dallas Friday, February 18. Her speech, “Life in the White House,” is being co-sponsored by Pepco Poms (asi/77280). Early admission and a special meet-and-greet limited to 50 people are also available. No question about it, the former White House occupants are hot topics these days, coming on the heels of both their books: “Spoken from the Heart” (hers) and “Decision Points.” On November 14, George and Laura Bush appeared together on “60 Minutes” and discussed everything from weapons of mass destruction to jigsaw puzzles. Tune in November 30 to listen to our interview with Laura Bush online at www.asicentral.com/radio. And send in those questions now. Who was your favorite First Lady? Let me know by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Tuesday
October 12, 2010 MJF: Funny, Frank and Fond of PromosFiled under: ASI Shows, Community, News About ASI Tuesday, we enjoyed an unprecedented event here at ASI – an interview with actor and Parkinson’s activist Michael J. Fox. Personally, it was a thrill for me to participate in the freewheeling discussion on ASI Radio – and to ask Fox a question. We’re about the same age and I unabashedly admit I’m a huge fan who saw “Back to the Future” five times when it first came out. I’ve followed Fox’s career ever since and think his upcoming keynote at the ASI show in Orlando January 25 will be the best we’ve ever delivered. Fox was exactly what I’d expected. Frank, funny and fast. He didn’t dodge a single question and barreled through the interview in his unmistakable voice. He talked about everything from overcoming challenges and his love of promotional products to the way to his wife calls him “Mr. Mayor” when they stroll the streets of New York because of all the people who recognize him. Fox’s upcoming speech is co-sponsored by Evans Mfg. (asi/52840) and Showdown Displays (asi/87188). Tuesday, Michelle Mann from Evans and John Bruellman from Showdown were among those asking questions. To listen to the archived show, click here and turn up your speakers. Feel free to Tweet the link to your friends and followers. Below are some edited excerpts from the interview: Q: How did you react when first diagnosed? A: Obviously, it was a shock. I was 29-30, and not thinking about Parkinson’s. I thought it was something elderly people got. I originally thought I had a physiological injury and it turned out to be neurological. It took a while to sink in. Then, it was just a matter of dealing with it. But accepting it is not the same as being resigned to it. Second, it was becoming an activist. Q: What does it take to battle the disease while becoming a force for change? A: When you face struggle, you face the truth of it. You go moment to moment. When you do that, you don’t recognize loss, you recognize opportunity. Q: When you were acting full-time, what was your most challenging day? A: It was a series of days, while doing “Spin City,” before I’d disclosed I had Parkinson’s, when I was performing in front of a live studio audience. I was twisting, grinding and shaking, waiting for my pills to take effect, thinking “Could they laugh at somebody they knew was sick?” I had to go moment to moment and think about the goal. The audience always laughed, thank god Q: Like so many people in business you’re forced to overcome obstacles. Do you have any advice for businesspeople facing personal or professional challenges? A: Loss is not a vacuum. With any unpleasant challenge, you have to acknowledge what’s taken from you. And create a new landscape with new opportunities and challenges. You might be forced to take a different path. And it could lead to new growth. Q: Do you need to find your own personal happiness in order to succeed in business? A: When you find happiness in life, you find it in business. When I was first diagnosed, I worked non-stop. A doctor said I had 10 good years left to work and I wanted to fill that up. But then I started to realize how crazy that plan was. I was in New Zealand for five months working while my family was back in New York. And I’m thinking “This is nuts.” You’ve got to try and find balance in your life and be able to bring more to your work. Nothing I accomplish would be possible without my family. Q: You’ve enjoyed a very successful career. What are you most proud of? A: Being able to raise a family outside the business while living in New York. We get to deal with people from all walks of life, which gives my family a wider experience. That’s the accomplishment I’m most proud of. Q: My favorite role was in “An American President” when you played the assistant to the president, Michael Douglas. What’s your favorite? A: From a pure acting challenge, playing in “Rescue Me” with Denis Leary. It was so cool. I played a bitter, paraplegic guy in a wheelchair. When Denis first called me about it I said, “You do realize with my condition I can’t stop moving? And you want me to play someone in a wheelchair?” I’ve also recently been in episodes of “The Good Wife” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Usually, the last thing I’ve done is the most fun. Now, I’m involved in fundraising for Parkinson’s and moving the dial a little bit in this mission. Q: What’s your favorite promotional product? A: I have tons. I love swag. At the foundation we have Team Fox, which is involved in fundraising drives, and we’re always sending out hats and T-shirts with logos that I and my kids also wear. I’m a terrible golfer but some of the most effective advertising for me is on golf balls. Including one that said, “If found, return to Randy.” It all reminds me of what we do at the foundation: It’s all about getting people together, sharing ideas and goals. It’s important to have something recognizable that represents you and your brand. To register for the ASI show in Orlando January 23-25, click here. For more information on Michael J. Fox’s keynote on January 25, click here. Let me know what you thought of the interview by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Monday
October 11, 2010 What’s Your Question for MJF?Filed under: ASI Shows, News About ASI There’s still time to email a question to Michael J. Fox, who is being interviewed on ASI Radio Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Send your question now to radio@asicentral.com and we might read it on the air – or ask you to call in and ask it yourself. Tune in Tuesday to listen to the interview and Q&A online at www.asicentral.com/radio. Fox – the actor, New York Times bestselling author, Parkinson’s activist and incurable optimist – is speaking to our audience to share his remarkable life lessons. And maybe answer a question or two about the “Back to the Future” blockbusters. The radio interview will advance his keynote at the ASI show in Orlando January 25. His speech, “Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist,” is co-sponsored by Evans Mfg. (asi/52840) and Showdown Displays (asi/87188). In his wide-ranging keynote, MJF will discuss his work, politics, faith and family while explaining the emotional, psychological, intellectual and spiritual outlook that has served him throughout his struggle with Parkinson’s disease. So send in your question for Mr. Fox now – and if it’s used, we might notify you with a time and number to call in on Tuesday to ask it yourself. Have you ever questioned a star or experienced a brush with fame? Let me know by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. |
