Category: Events & Holidays

Thanksgiving brandingideas-thanksgiving-2016 is nearly here, and right after we’ll be observing a cluster of related events—many of which are consumer-focused, some of which are oriented towards social good: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at this moment, trying to figure out where you should be focusing your attention, don’t feel bad. A lot of people are! Here at branding ideas℠, we’re here to help you make sense of the dizzying area of events that are coming up so you can figure out which ones to participate in, as well as how to stay balanced and centered amidst the holiday frenzy.

Black Friday. This annual shopping megathon has become rather notorious for its focus on hyper-consumerism, and each year people get really worked up and stressed out trying to find deals on products they want to buy. It doesn’t have to be this way, however. You can use this post-Thanksgiving period to instead engage in mindfulness and emotionally prepare for the holiday season so that the hustle and bustle doesn’t define your experience.

Small Business Saturday. If you are a small business, then it may be worth your while to participate in the yearly #ShopSmall campaign that encourages consumers to patronize their local businesses, thereby stimulating the local economy rather than sending their hard-earned money off to giant big box retailers. Small Business Saturday has a special appeal in that it fosters a sense of local community, which can be beneficial to everyone’s well-being.

Cyber Monday. The online counterpart to traditionally brick-and-mortar Black Friday, Cyber Monday is another massive shopping event. Some major chains are even unveiling their coveted deals a few days in advance, heightening the anticipation around the day. However, as with Black Friday, it’s wise to consider indulging yourself in a different way—with a mindful approach to spending that curbs unnecessary purchases. That way you can be sure that the items you buy will truly add meaning and joy to your life and others’ lives.

Giving Tuesday. Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and Giving Tuesday aims to put that sentiment into action. You can help others by donating your time (as a volunteer), donations, or even goods to a social justice cause of your choice. Here at branding ideas℠, we have a related tradition (going on 10 years strong now!) in which we pick three or four charities each year and ask our clients to vote on the ones they’d like us to donate to. We then donate our charitable giving budget based on the breakdown of the vote tally.

Whatever your business or focus in work, this is a perfect time of year to take a brief pause and experience the gratitude of the season, then take mindful steps to express it to others with charitable giving or thoughtfully selected gifts. We at branding ideas℠ are your consultative partners, ready to make the process of choosing corporate holiday gifts smooth and even enjoyable.

Are you wondering how your company, nonprofit, school, association, or other organization can reward and acknowledge your staff, colleagues, business partners, clients, or honorees with the right gift this holiday season? Let us help you choose appropriate items for your organization that will thoughtfully express your gratitude and appreciation. Check out our holiday board on Pinterest, reach out to us on Twitter and Facebook, or call us at 877-881-6845. We’ll be glad to advise on ways you can make a positive impression through well selected gifts.

December Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

November 21, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

December is full of important holidays, events, and awareness dates you can tap into to promote your business, organization, association, school, product, or brand. This time of year offers great opportunities to connect with your community, bring aboard new and potential customers or supporters, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a stronger brand. December is AIDS Awareness Month and Universal Human Rights Month, for starters. Here are more daily and weekly observances that might spark some ideas for campaigns or promotions:

December 10: Human Rights Day

December 11: UNICEF’s Birthday

December 15: Bill of Rights Day

December 21: Winter Solstice

December 24 – January 1: Hanukkah

December 25: Christmas

December 26 – January 1: Kwanzaa

December 31: New Year’s Eve

Celebrating Accomplishments with Awards

November 18, 2016 Events & Holidays

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As 2016 draws to a close, many of you may be in the midst of planning a holiday party or end of year party. Traditionally, this is a time of year when many businesses, organizations, schools, and nonprofits take a moment to celebrate their milestones—and that includes recognizing exceptional contributions or achievements. One way to do so is with by giving your staff, business partners, colleagues, or honorees a thoughtful holiday gift. Another way to honor hard work and loyalty is through special awards, plaques, or certificates.

If you’re giving awards out to your top dealers or franchisees, who’ve made great successes in advancing your business, or if you’re recognizing the accomplishments made at your nonprofit, school, or other organization, we’re here to help you choose an appropriate way to celebrate. If you need a way to recognize members at an end of year industry event for your trade association, professional organization, clubs, school or organization, we can help you find an award that stands out.

Here are a few special mementos you may find fitting for any of these occasions:

#1. Paperweights

Both strikingly gorgeous and useful, crystal paperweights are a great reminder to your employees, business partners, colleagues, or honorees of how much they are valued. With your logo appearing alongside words of recognition and achievement, this attractive gift will be a stately presence on any desk, bringing smiles year-round.

#2. Plaques

If you want to recognize someone’s accomplishments, a plaque is a good choice. There are many decoration and branding options available, allowing your organization to craft a meaningful message in honor of the occasion. It will likely find a place of honor on that person’s office or cubicle wall, reminding them each day of how much they are appreciated.

#3. Crystal Awards

These glittering awards aren’t just for awards shows you see on TV. They are also perfect for a major occasion such as a holiday party or a gala in which you are honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of your team. A crystal award is an enduring symbol of the esteem in which you hold your awardee, and it will be cherished for years to come.

#4. Trophy Cups

As sports fans know well (especially hockey fans with their Stanley Cup), a trophy cup represents the pinnacle of achievement and success. If there is someone you know who has truly excelled in their role, surpassing all expectations or perhaps having contributed a lifetime’s worth of career accomplishments, this is an elegant and memorable way to honor them.

There are, of course, many other varieties and versions of the awards you see here—this is just a curated list to get you started. If you’re thinking about what gifts to get your employees, colleagues, clients, or honorees in a more general sense, check out our tips on corporate holiday gift-giving. We also have some pointers on how to plan a holiday or year-end party that everyone will enjoy.

Wondering if there are other kinds of awards that might be a good choice for a holiday party or other occasion you have in mind? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you could benefit from some creative and collaborative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

5 Types of Holiday Gift Sets That Your Clients and Employees Will Enjoy

November 17, 2016 Branding / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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Are you ready for the holiday season? Looking for a great corporate gift or special present for your employees, clients, or business partners? Holiday gift sets are a good choice for this occasion. From trendy Moscow Mule gift sets to tech gift packs for the gadget obsessed, you can find something great that everyone will enjoy.

Here are gift set ideas that are especially popular this time of year, with suggestions on who they’d be a good fit for. If you’re trying to decide which direction to go in, we find that it’s usually most effective to select a gift that matches your company’s messaging or a specific theme you may be working with (for an event like a holiday party, for example). We specialize in helping companies figure out what works best for them, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the contact points listed below for a conversation about your needs and how we can be of help.

#1. Moscow Mule Mug Gift Set

Craft beer and mixology have become very popular in recent years, and the Moscow Mule cocktail features them both. It’s a lovely warming cocktail, perfect for winter, and our gift set has everything needed to for two people to enjoy it while relaxing over the holidays. This would be a great pick for clients or colleagues who have a special interest in spirits or craft beer.

#2. Hot Sauce Gift SetLots of folks, especially but not only people from the South, enjoy having hot sauce on hand to enhance the flavor of a dish. A hot sauce gift set such as this one that includes cayenne hot sauce, spicy salsa, and barbecue sauce will be especially appreciated by someone who prefers their food with a kick. With your logo prominently and tastefully showcased, it’ll be a nice reminder of your company every time they reach for a dash of something spicy.

#3. Moleskine® Writer’s Gift Set

It’s not always about the food and drink—some of your clients or employees may have a special fondness for writing and fine stationery. For those who enjoy the written word, a Moleskine® Writer’s Gift Set is an especially fitting choice. It features a pair of notebooks, one for more extensive journal writing or note-taking and another, smaller version that’s great for jotting down thoughts on the go.

#4. Tech Accessory Gift Set

These days, everybody has a gadget or device they’re keeping charged or synced up while working or going about their daily lives. A tech accessory gift set fully equipped with the tools they need to stay connected is a perfect corporate or promotional gift for the holidays since it’s so useful. This one (above) features retractable ear buds and a handy power bank, but there are plenty of other combinations including power banks and car chargers, power banks and key chains, and complete mobile charging sets.

#5. Gift Baskets

When selecting a corporate gift for a client’s office or team, you may want to pick something that provides a little something for everyone so no one feels left out. A gift basket is good for this kind of situation. You can pick one that includes a pair of mugs, some tasty candy and cookies, and coffee or tea. There are even versions that include travel mugs for sipping a drink while traveling

Wondering if there are other kinds of gift sets that might be a good choice for holiday corporate gifts or a holiday event you have in mind? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you could benefit from some creative and collaborative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

5 Gift-Giving Tips for the Holiday Season

October 26, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: wuestenigel Geschenkbox für Schmuck / Heiratsantrag via photopin (license)

The holidays are almost here! Although we haven’t seen many decorations go up yet here in New York, that will likely change right after Halloween. If you’re thinking of giving corporate gifts over the holidays or if you’re beginning to plan a holiday party, you might be at a loss for what type of gift to select. Never fear! We’re here to help. Here are 5 gift-giving tips for the holiday season that will help make sure your present is met with a warm smile of appreciation.

5 holiday season gift-giving tips:

Get them something they’ll like. Gifts are most appreciated when they speak to someone’s unique interests. Does your client or employee has a favorite sport, a special hobby, or a pastime that they particularly enjoy? Then select a gift to match, like a Moleskine journal for a budding writer, a cheese plate for a foodie, or a power bank for a gadget-loving techie whose batter is always running low.
Take care with the presentation. Although the gift itself is the star of the show, presentation also matters. Make sure to have your gift festively or stylishly wrapped so that it will make a positive impression, and don’t forget to add a personalized, handwritten note to show you’ve taken special care in selecting the present.
Take cost into consideration. No one wants to receive a cheap-looking gift, but it can also be awkward to receive an excessively expensive present. Aim instead for a thoughtful, quality gift that is not ostentatious but in good taste. If you have a corporate gift-giving policy, it may spell out precisely what you are allowed to spend on holiday gifts.
Be careful about regifting. Although regifting is becoming more commonplace, many people still prefer to receive an original gift that was selected just for them. You want to convey genuine feeling and sincerity, so make sure that the gift is still something they will like. It’s also wise to avoid regifting a present if the original giver is either likely to be there or could somehow find out. For more etiquette tips, check out our post on etiquette for corporate holiday gift giving.
Be the life of the party. If you’re giving a gift to a group of people in an office, make sure there’s enough of it for everyone to enjoy. Generosity is always appreciated at this time of year, so you may want to opt for a nice gift basket, chocolate truffles, or a cookie tin that is loaded with tasty goodies.

Are you wondering how you can surprise and delight someone with the right gift this holiday season? We’d be happy to recommend some fitting choices that will thoughtfully express your gratitude and appreciation. Check out our holiday board on Pinterest, reach out to us on Twitter and Facebook, or call us at 877-881-6845. We’ll be glad to advise on ways you can make a positive impression through well selected gifts.

November Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

October 13, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

November is around the corner, and it’s really beginning to feel like fall around here in NYC. Temperatures are dropping, and there are even a few leaves changing color. To help you prepare for your fall campaigns, here’s a full selection of November holidays, events, and awareness dates that will keep your business or organization top of mind with clients and business partners as the season changes. They’re well suited for promotional giveaways, and they range from fun occasions to more serious, meaningful remembrances.

November!

Daily Awareness Observances & Holidays

November 6 – Daylight Saving Time ends

It feels like it’s a little too soon, but yes, Daylight Saving Time is drawing to a close at the beginning of November. Savor those evening sunlight hours while you can, and don’t forget to turn your clocks back on November 6 (if you still have analog clocks or watches, that is)!

November 8 – Election Day

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that here in the U.S. we are about to have a Presidential election. And depending on where you live, there may still be time to register to vote. Whatever your political affiliation, make sure your voice is heard this year!

November 11 – Veterans Day

As we’ve written here on the blog, Veterans Day honors the many men and women who have either served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was created to mark the end of World War I (also known as The Great War).

November 13 – World Kindness Day

Celebrated each year on November 13, World Kindness Day is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the benefits of sharing kindness with the people in our lives. For more information, check out our blog post from last year on five simple ways you can give others the gift of kindness.

November 24 – Thanksgiving

Observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, Thanksgiving is an occasion to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of family and friends. As we wrote last year on the blog, Thanksgiving is a perfect occasion to express gratitude and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. It’s also a perfect opportunity to show your appreciation with a Thanksgiving gift such a Thanksgiving greeting card or a Thanksgiving basket.

November 25 – Black Friday

Observed on the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving since 1932, Black Friday officially kicks off the holiday shopping season. Many U.S. retailers open early and offer special promotional sales on this day.

November 28 – Cyber Monday

Since the arrival of the Internet and online shopping, Cyber Monday has been observed as an online counterpart to the traditionally brick-and-mortar Black Friday. Many American consumers snap up special digital offers on Cyber Monday.

November 29 – Giving Tuesday

Created in 2012 as a response to the commercial nature of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday aims to create an international day of philanthropic giving at the beginning of the holiday season. Interested in getting involved? Here’s how businesses, nonprofits, and individual donors can be a part of Giving Tuesday.

Weekly Awareness Observances & Holidays

November 6-12: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week encourages people to become acquainted with their local shelters and rescues and learn how they can assist their lifesaving work. Here are ten ways you can help your local shelter or rescue. You can also celebrate pets with special branded pet accessories such as a water bowl for dogs, a flyer or Frisbee, or a pet collar.

November 12-20: National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

Observed on the week before Thanksgiving, at a time when people across the country are giving thanks for what they have, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness about poverty, hunger, and homelessness while building support for the work of local anti-poverty agencies.

Monthly Awareness Observances & Holidays

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung cancer claims more lives each year than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined, with just a 16.8% five year survival rate. Lung Cancer Awareness Month promotes awareness of the dangers of lung cancer and the important work required to fund research leading to better diagnosis and treatment.

Movember

Observed each November, Movember is a movement to highlight the importance of men’s health—particularly the prevalence of young men passing away too early in life due to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health problems. Many men grow a mustache and raise funds for men’s health during Movember. Your business can help promote awareness with a range of branded mustache promotional products including mustache key chains, mustache stickers, and mustache pens.

National Alzheimer’s Disease Month

There are nearly 15 million Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers in the U.S. Begun by President Reagan in 1983, National Alzheimer’s Disease Month aims to raise awareness about both the rise in Alzheimer’s diagnoses and the importance of honoring and supporting the caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s.

National Diabetes Month

Diabetes affects many American lives, and National Diabetes Month seeks to raise awareness about the disease and its impacts. This year’s theme is focused on managing diabetes and living well with the disease, mitigating the ways it can compromise a diabetic’s quality of life.

National Novel Writing Month

Each year, participants in the global National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo) event challenge themselves to write a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30. They track their progress online and find a fellowship of supportive fellow writers along the way.

National PPSI AIDS Awareness Month

AIDS Awareness Month aims to increase public awareness and support of people affected by the AIDS pandemic, which has caused an estimated 39 million deaths worldwide to date as of 2014. Awareness events held during this month aim to help prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS as well as to reduce the stigma and discrimination that many people living with HIV/AIDS still face today.

Wondering if there are promotional products that might be a good fit for fall or the upcoming holiday season, or do you have a particular project or campaign on your radar we can help with? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you have an idea in mind that might benefit from some creative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

5 Tips for Staying Safe Online in Honor of Cyber Security Awareness Month

October 6, 2016 Events & Holidays / Technology

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October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and in honor of the occasion we’d like to share some tips on how you can better protect yourself and your company online. These days it seems the headlines are always filled with news about a massive data breach—Yahoo is just the most recent example. Business owners everywhere are wondering how they can avoid an attack or unwanted intrusion. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg even tapes over his webcam, as people who saw Snowden know (we recommend dark tape, by the way, not transparent tape). Here are 5 cyber security tips you and your business can use right away to stay safe and secure online.

5 cyber security tips*:

Keep your computers up-to-date and virus-free. You know those software updates that keep vying for your attention as you’re working on your computer? They’re there to help you. It’s wise to keep your computer, mobile devices, and any other connected devices you may use fully updated so they have the latest patches. Don’t forget to run regular anti-virus and malware scans to keep your PCs safe as well.
Safeguard your login information. Regularly update your password and make sure that it’s secure. If your online accounts offer additional security tools such as two-factor authentication, one-time security keys, or biometrics, take advantage of them. You’ll be glad you did. It’s also wise to have a unique username and password for each site you use. A password manager can help you safely keep track of them all.
Be careful about how you connect. Phishing and spear phishing are common exploits that cybercriminals use to stage their attacks. If something looks fishy about an email, it’s best to delete it. Likewise, be judicious about using Wi-Fi hotspots. Open, unsecured wireless networks are generally not safe for conducting online transactions of any kind. Also, make sure the sites you do business with use HTTPs, a secure form of HTTP. You’ll notice it by the ‘s’ that follows the HTTP in the web address (i.e. https://).
Stay on top of emerging threats. As Internet users become more sophisticated, hackers do too. Inform yourself about new threats as they emerge and adjust your online behavior accordingly. Promote safe online practices at your business, and don’t forget to back up all of your data regularly.
Be aware of how you share your information. Although we might take steps to protect our money and assets in the real world, we don’t always stop to think of how our valuable our digital identities are as well. Protect your login information, never share it with anyone else, and be cautious about which websites you choose to give it to. Take advantage of privacy settings on the websites and apps you use—they’re there for your protection.

Although it can sometimes seem challenging to keep up with best practices on staying safe online, there is some good news: There are a lot of places where you can get the information you need to protect your business. Stop Think Connect is a good place to start, as is the Department of Homeland Security’s page on National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

If you want to promote your brand while encouraging your team or clients to be aware of cyber security, we have small, easy to mail brandable webcam covers that put your name in front of your client while they’re using their computer. That’s just one of the many branded items we have that can help keep your business top of mind with your clients. If you’ve got a campaign or promotional initiative in mind, we can assist. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on the right products that can represent your company with grace and style.

October Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

September 23, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

Welcome to fall! With the official start of autumn, it’s time to begin thinking about fall events that might not yet be on your radar. As the air gets crisper and days get shorter, we’re not far from the holiday season. Here’s a full selection of October holidays, events, and awareness dates that will keep your business or organization top of mind with clients and business partners as the season changes. They’re well suited for promotional campaigns and giveaways, and they range from fun occasions to more serious, meaningful remembrances.

October!

Daily Awareness Observances & Holidays

October 2-4 – Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, which means, “Head of the Year” in Hebrew, is the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holy Days, also known as the Days of Awe, which typically take place in early autumn.

October 11-12 – Yom Kippur

Considered the holiest day in Judaism, Yom Kippur is also known as the Day of Atonement. Jewish people observe this important holy day with fasting and prayer, often spending much of the day at synagogue services.

October 16 – World Food Day

World Food Day, celebrated each year on October 16, is a day of action against hunger worldwide and an opportunity to promote the belief that access to food is a human right. Observance events include hunger walks, World Food Day dinners, meal packaging events, and food drives.

October 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Begun by the United Nations in 1993, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty promotes awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries. Poverty eradication is one of the core Millennium Development Goals as well as the developing Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN.

October 17 – National Boss Day

Begun by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958, National Boss Day is an opportunity for employees to thank their bosses for being fair and kind and throughout the year, with the goal being to strengthen intra-office relationships between managers and their employees.

October 24 – United Nations Day

United Nations Day marks the creation of the United Nations with the adoption of the UN Charter in 1945. It is celebrated with a special UN Day Concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall. Public monuments worldwide are often lit up in blue to promote the message of peace, development, and human rights.

October 31 – Halloween

Celebrated each year on October 31, Halloween is a children’s holiday in which kids dress up in costumes and go trick or treating in their neighborhoods. Homes and businesses often get into the spirit with pumpkin decorations and toys as well as other Halloween accessories.

Weekly Awareness Observances & Holidays

October 3-7: Customer Service Week

Begun by the International Customer Service Association in 1984, National Customer Service Week is a great opportunity for businesses to promote quality customer service and recognize the talent and dedication of their customer service reps.

October 9-15: Fire Prevention Week

Established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people, Fire Prevention Week promotes education on fire safety. This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait—Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every Ten Years.” It’s always a good idea to check your smoke alarm and refresh fire safety best practices.

October 12-18: World Rainforest Week

As tropical forests around the world are threatened by unsustainable logging practices, World Rainforest Week seeks to promote awareness of the situation and encourages people to take action. Communities around the world mark the occasion with documentary screenings, petitions for change, classroom presentations, and other special events.

Monthly Awareness Observances & Holidays

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer affects many women, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to increased awareness of the disease and how it can be detected in its early stages. Communities organize fundraisers, share educational resources, and offer support to women so they can learn how to protect themselves from breast cancer.

Cyber Security Awareness Month

Cyber security is a major issue for us all. As of this writing it looks like Yahoo may have suffered a massive data breach affecting several hundred millions users. National Cyber Security Awareness Month encourages us to learn how to stay safe online, protect our personal information, and identify hoaxes or exploits we may come across. To learn more, visit Stop Think Connect.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Observed each year in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and how it impacts our relationships, our families, and our communities. Many people volunteer or donate to domestic violence prevention organizations, and advocates wear purple on October 20^th, which is known as #PurpleThursday.

Employee Ownership Month

Employee Ownership Month is an occasion for businesses to recognize the many ways in which employee ownership, and having a stake in the company’s success, can help everyone within the organization align toward a common goal over the short and long term.

LGBT History Month

Celebrated each year in October since its inception in 1994, LGBT History Month is a month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history—including the gay rights and civil rights movements. It includes National Coming Out Day, which is celebrated on October 11. It also marks the anniversary of the first march on Washington by LGBT people in 1979. Since then, it has become a national coordinated effort to highlight exemplary role models from the LGBT community.

National Animal Safety and Protection Month

National Animal Safety and Protection Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of caring for both domestic and wild animals. People may mark the occasion by learning about how to microchip their pet so they can be reunited if they should be separated, create a pet disaster plan that includes their pet’s safety needs, volunteer at a local animal shelter, or foster a pet in need of a loving home.

National Book Month

Love reading? Then National Book Month is for you. Schools and libraries offer special events on reading and literacy around this time, but it’s also a great chance to pick a book off the shelf (or download one onto your tablet or e-reader) and get lost in a fascinating novel or biography. It’s also a nice prelude to National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which takes place in November.

It’s National Preparedness Month!

September 8, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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As peak hurricane season nears, with Hermine having just passed by the NYC metro area over Labor Day weekend, we think it’s a good moment to take stock of your emergency preparedness. Should an unforeseen situation arise, it’s wise to have a plan you can easily put into action to keep you and your loved ones safe. Fortunately, it’s National Preparedness Month! Here are 5 timely tips you can put into action now to prepare for an emergency.

5 emergency preparedness tips*:

Sign up for local alerts. During an emergency, local alerts can provide critical information that will help you and your family stay safe. If your area provides local alerts (here in NYC we have a system called Notify NYC), sign up for them now. You’ll also want to monitor local news and weather. You may want to download the FEMA app too—it includes National Weather service alerts, safety tips and reminders, a shelter finder, and resources for contacting FEMA in the event of an emergency.
Create an emergency plan. It’s essential to create an emergency plan so you don’t have to improvise one on the fly under stressful conditions if a disaster happens. Don’t forget to factor in the special needs and requirements of your relatives and loved ones with disabilities. If your family includes pets, be sure to create a pet emergency plan as well. If your school or workplace has an emergency plan, you’ll want to review it. Test your emergency plan at least once a year and update it regularly too.
Create an emergency communication plan. If a disaster strikes, it may be difficult to communicate with your loved ones. Part of a good emergency plan involves having an emergency communications plan that can help you plan how to stay in touch before and after a disaster as well as how to coordinate a safe location where you can meet up.
Get your emergency kit ready. If an emergency hits your area, you might need to have supplies on hand that can last you several days. Make sure you have an emergency kit that includes food, water, and medicine for your family and pets. We have several custom branded emergency disaster kits available that include US Coast Guard approved food and water, a thermal rescue blanket, a flashlight, guide, gloves, and other important tools you would need in the event of a disaster. Our disaster kits can even be customized to your specific needs.
Learn about your community’s preparedness. Should a disaster strike your community, you will need to know what preparedness plans are in place and what kind of local assistance you can expect. Get in touch with local officials to learn about their community disaster plan and review a copy, if possible, to make sure you are informed. NYC residents, for example, can access a wealth of information at the NYC Office of Emergency Management’s National Preparedness Month site.

If you are looking for branded emergency preparedness products or need guidance on an emergency preparedness campaign you may have in mind, we can assist. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on the right products that can help you and your community get prepared.

* These tips were sourced from Ready.gov. They do not constitute professional emergency preparedness advice. For guidance specific to your own situation, be sure to consult your local authorities.

September Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

August 11, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

Here comes September, and with it, Labor Day and the start of the school year. Where did the summer go? We hope you enjoyed those beautiful sunny months. Now, as everyone returns to work and school with a sense of anticipation and renewed motivation, it’s time to look ahead at what holidays, events, and awareness dates are coming up on the calendar. Here’s a selection of them that will keep your business or organization top of mind with clients and business partners as we transition from summer to autumn. These events are well suited for promotional campaigns and giveaways, and they range from fun occasions to more serious, meaningful remembrances.

September!

Holidays, Events, and Awareness Days

September 5 – Labor Day

Celebrated yearly on the first Monday of September as a federal holiday in the United States, Labor Day honors the social and economic achievements of American workers. Communities often observe the occasion with parades, while families get together for barbeques and parties. Labor Day marks the unofficial transition between summer and fall.

September 11 – Patriot Day

Observed each year on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Patriot Day is dedicated to the memory of the nearly 3,000 people who perished on September 11, 2001. As an unofficial observance, it is an opportunity to quietly reflect on the events of that day as well as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in which Americans can pay tribute to those we lost with an act of service in their community.

September 15 – October 15 – Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the many contributions that Hispanic and Latin Americans have made to the United States. It’s also a moment to celebrate the diverse heritages and cultures that make up those communities.

September 21 – International Day of Peace

Established in 1981 by the United Nations, the International Day of Peace is devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples. There will be a ceremony at the UN as well as a wide variety of community, athletic, spiritual, and cultural events held throughout the world.

September 21 – World Alzheimer’s Day

On World Alzheimer’s Day, Alzheimer’s organizations around the world engage in special events to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia. 5.8 million Americans are currently living with the disease, and that number is expected to quadruple to about 16 million by 2050. It’s a good occasion to learn more about the disease and how it impacts families while supporting research that could lead to a cure.

September 27 – National Voter Registration Day

If you haven’t heard about the U.S. Presidential election by now, you’ve probably been living under a rock. As Americans nationwide know, Election Day is coming up soon. National Voter Registration Day, observed on September 27, is an event in which volunteers, celebrities, and organizations from all over the country will engage in outreach to ensure that as many people who are eligible to vote register by the deadline so that they can exercise their franchise.

September 29 – World Heart Day

Heart disease is a leading cause of death among men and women in the United States. Each year, World Heart Day aims to create awareness about heart health in an effort to reduce the impact of heart disease in this country and all over the world. Simply eating more healthily, cutting down on alcohol, and stopping smoking can make a big difference in preventing cardiovascular disease.

Awareness Months September 2016

– College Savings Month

The cost of a college education continues to rise, and it’s even become a campaign issue in this year’s Presidential election. College Savings Month aims to spread awareness about the importance of saving for college as well as tips for doing so from a financial planning perspective. According to Sallie Mae, only 4 in 10 parents have begun saving for their children’s higher education. Now is as good a time as any to get started.

– National Preparedness Month

Are you prepared for an emergency? Do you have a go bag or a disaster kit prepped and ready to go in case of a disaster? National Preparedness Month aims to help Americans prepare for disasters with helpful advice on how to create a communications plan, ensuring the safety of relatives and pets, protecting your business and its employees, and more.

– Intergeneration Month

Created in 2000, Intergeneration Month is designed to promote closer relationships among family members of all generations. This event is observed worldwide each September. Loved ones of all generations, from Boomers to Gen Y and Z, can take advantage of the occasion to bond more closely through better communication, family celebrations, and educational activities.

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