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Wednesday
June 13, 2007 Guest Blog: Going Direct From China?Filed under: Guest Blog, Members, News About ASI From Dale Denham, senior vice president for ASI: My first visit to China. Now I can go direct, but why? For over 15 years I’ve heard how going direct is the biggest threat to our industry and I finally decided to see for myself why everyone is so afraid of distributors buying direct from China. And now I’m scared. But not of what going direct does to do our industry, but why this fear continues after all these years and with so many smart people. Don’t get me wrong, going direct is a threat, but it is overrated based on my recent experience traveling.
Tuesday
May 29, 2007 Guest Blog: Tim Andrews Promoted to President and CEOFiled under: Guest Blog, News About ASI From Norman Cohn, Chairman of ASI: It is with great pleasure that I announce today that Timothy M. Andrews has been promoted from President of ASI to President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ASI. You can see a copy of the full release below. Tim joined ASI as its President in 2003 and, since that time, we have seen how he has successfully developed and shaped the strategic direction for the company. Tim has been largely responsible for leading the overall growth of the Advertising Specialty Institute during his four years as President, and this promotion to Chief Executive Officer is a continuation of the confidence we have in his abilities and a well-deserved honor. Since joining the company, Tim has enhanced ASI’s membership services, not only introducing many valuable new member benefits, but also significantly improving the quality of service ASI members receive. Two significant accomplishments include the development and launch of ESP Online and the implementation of ASI’s new business management platform, combining dozens of databases and software systems into one platform. The innovative ideas that Tim provides, the expertise he demonstrates when making strategic business decisions, and his passion for leading by example, are all admirable qualities and skills. ASI is proud of all that Tim has accomplished in the last four years, and we look forward to even greater success in the future with Tim’s increased responsibilities as President and CEO. Sincerely, Norman Cohn
Wednesday
May 23, 2007 Guest Blog: Michele Bell’s Travels and new Products from OverseasFiled 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.
Tuesday
May 8, 2007 Five Snappy and Smart Products from Philly Show – Watch VideoFiled under: Education, News About ASI, Using Ad Specialties
Monday
April 23, 2007 Trying to help after Virginia TechFiled 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.
Thursday
April 12, 2007 Baby’s life saved | Real heroes where we liveFiled 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.
Tuesday
April 10, 2007 GOT SPIRIT? | Super Embroidery redefines super…Filed under: Members, News About ASI The spirit found in running a family business is very evident in a story that Anna Johnson, owner and founder of Super Embroidery Inc., shared with us – as she was being presented with the Stitches Magazine Family Business award at the ASI Spirit Awards a few weeks ago. Super Embroidery Inc. was started in 1990 by Anna, with just one employee and two embroidery machines. Three years ago, her business was booming and running better than ever, and then in December, 2005, Anna had to leave the business due to an illness.
In the photo: Johnny Johnson, Anna’s husband, with Anna, myself, and Lou Meagher, Anna’s mother. |
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