Bankers Advertising

It’s almost time for March Madness… the time of year when even the ambivalent become invested in the outcome of college basketball games, and even those who actively dislike college basketball find other things to make guesses on in brackets, because the process is just that fun. If you’ve never filled out a bracket, it’s a 50/50 choice at every branching, narrowing a field of 64 down to one winner. Your odds aren’t great, but making the picks is entertaining, whether you’re basing your choice on the skills of the players or which team’s mascot looks fiercer!

According to a Smithsonian article, “you’re more likely to die an excruciating death by vending machine, become president, win the Mega Millions jackpot or die from incorrectly using products made for right-handed people (if you’re a lefty) than fill out a perfect NCAA basketball bracket.” In fact, according to Sports Illustrated, there’s no documentation that anyone has ever done so. Yet every year, ESPN reports, some 70 million brackets are filled out. With that much fun going on, it would be madness not to brand it! Great choices include pens or markers to fill out the brackets (nothing erasable!) or basketball stress balls for when the tensions get high. Check out these other great March ideas:

Employee Appreciation Day

A day to honor those who really keep the company going! Remind your employees that they matter to you with creative gift ideas they’ll be sure to appreciate.

Ideas: Gifts – candles, drinkware, coolers

Oscar Night

Get in on the award show fun. Movie lovers are sure to have conflicting opinions on the nominees, so give them something to agree on with these great branded giveaways.

Ideas: mood sunglasses, star-shaped chocolates, popcorn bags

National Plant a Flower Day

Indoors or outdoors, in a pot or in the ground – get your fingers dirty! Spring is right around the corner, so dig in!

Ideas: gardening gloves, gardening tools, blossom kits and seeds

Pi Day

For bakers and math geeks alike! 3.1415 … no matter how many digits you can recite of this irrational number, it’s a totally rational excuse for serving up the tastier version.

Ideas: slice-n-serve pie cutter, apple pie stress reliever, calculator

St. Patrick’s Day

This traditional Irish-American holiday gives rise to parades across the country.

Ideas: shamrock beads, good luck coolie, whiskey set

International Day of Happiness

Established via a U.N. resolution in 2012, this holiday, celebrated by all U.N. member nations, is in recognition of the value of happiness to our health and wellbeing.

Ideas: emoji hand fan, superhero smiley stress reliever

The ideas are endless. Feeling overwhelmed? Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant to help you select the perfect item for your brand building efforts this Spring! Check out our Guide for even more ideas!

Bankers 2023 Spring Guide has been released! You can always view our Guide online under the special offers tab on the Bankers website, or contact your sales representative for a physical copy.  We are excited to share our favorite products of the season.

Sales Manager Brenda Thurness

Brenda
#101462-XXX | Modern Sprout Rooted Candle (page 2)
I love the idea of this 2-in-one candle. This 6 oz. soy-blend scented candle not only gives you 42 hours of burn time (soy burns longer) but comes with a packet of seeds in a beautifully designed box for easy gifting. You have the choice of Sienna/Rosemary, Mustard/Lavender or Dark Teal/Thyme.

#WTV-PB22 | Power Breeze Rechargeable Mini Fan | Ariel (page 11)
This Mini Fan is lightweight, compact and has three fan speeds. It has a flip out stand for desk or table use and runs 2.5 hours on a single charge (depending on the speed you are using). It comes with a Micro USB power cable so you can keep it running daily or through the night. This would not only be a good addition for your desk but a nice travel piece as well.

Turnover Spatula
#R128 Silver Aluminum Handle, #W228 Black Resin Handle (page 15)

The Turnover has a 3 ¾” x 3 ¼” face, making it easier to flip burgers, chicken and fish. Also has slots to help drain the grease. It’s angled face and stability makes it easier when scooping up gooey brownies, warm cookies or sticky caramel rolls from pans. This product is made in the USA and covered by a Lifetime Guarantee.

#B819LE | 27 oz. Impulse Series Tumbler (page 19)
I’ve been using this tumbler for a few years now. It is stainless steel double walled and copper vacuum insulated to keep my drink cold all day. It has the narrow bottom which fits in my car’s cup holder. The straw is included for cold drinks and it has a nice thumb slide lid for drinking hot beverages. Comes packaged in a retail gift box. It’s available in pink, gray, black, seafoam and silver, all with a powder coat finish. This durable piece is also laser etched for a high end look.

#BGNW1811 | Bohemian Non-Woven Collapsible Tote (page 7)
I have several bags like this one. I like them for keeping blankets and umbrellas organized in the back of my car or hauling blankets, jackets, snacks and water bottles. I used them to haul presents to the different Christmases we had. The main compartment features a sturdy wire rim, giving the tote shape and the two 26” long web handles make it easy for carrying and free up your hands.

Director, Sales Development – Kevin Peska, CAS

Kevin
#BG6600 | Fleece/Nylon Picnic Blanket | The Magnet Group (page 4)
I really like the versatility of this product. People most often think of picnics, but the soft polar fleece is comfortable and warm. The water-resistant poly shell on the other side helps keep you dry. This blanket is great for sporting events, drive-in movies or just to keep in your trunk. It’s easy to fold up for convenient packing and storage and has a handle that makes carrying super easy! My son-in-law coaches the local high school girls tennis team and offered these with the school logo for all team members and fans. It was a great fundraiser for his program!

#H787 | Super-7 All-Week Pill Box | Bay State (page 6)
This product features seven, snap-tight lids, each screened with the day of the week (plus it’s inscribed with Braille letters). This one of my favorite items because it can be used for any business! Nine out of 10 consumers own promotional products and use them regularly. Your audience can use this helpful promo daily. It’s also great for pet medicine!

#CBP | Custom Back Playing Cards | Playing Cards on Demand (page 8)
With branded playing cards, what you’re holding in your hands are “mini” billboards, featuring full color process designs that allow for extreme creativity. Playing cards are great for tradeshow giveaways, branding projects, events, marketing collateral and more. Recipients will keep these and use them with family and friends. They are printed in the USA on high-quality, premium casino grade linen stock.

#S71446X | Bamboo Handle Whisk | WOW Line (page 15)
What’s better than a product that is useful, long lasting and appreciated?! Kitchen items remain one of the most popular because they meet all the criteria above. Adding sustainability only increases this item’s appeal. Reducing one’s carbon footprint is a movement that has been gaining (much needed) attention. The Bamboo is a sustainable material that is now trending!

Click here to view our Spring Guide and check back next week to see more favorite promos of the season!

Each year, the Pantone Color Institute selects a shade (or two) to represent not only what color is going to be popular in product design and fashion, but also represents the current state of the world. Using the evocative nature of color, the Color of the Year is a visual manifestation of where we’re at as a society, and what the next year looks like.

Viva Magenta was chosen for its bold sense of natural power, with red hues that give off senses of joy and visibility. After a few years of more subdued, lighter shades, Pantone is steering into bolder choices. The strong Viva Magenta is eye-catching and lends itself nicely to all sorts of applications across consumer products and branding identities.

Many campaigns are predicted to feature this shade in 2023. Vivid Magenta is bound to draw attention, so keep it in mind for your next campaign!

As the New Year nears, now is a great time to show your employees some appreciation. Anything that shows they are recognized as a valuable asset can make the difference for an employee who’s been giving it all they’ve got.

Recent PPAI studies have shown that recognition programs work:

• Recognition programs boost sales an average of 26%
• Promotional products as incentives can boost employee performance by 22%
• Team recognition boosts performance up to 44%
• Incentive programs that run for more than a year increase performance by 44%
• According to a recent survey, workers reported going 50 days since they last felt recognized.

Boosting morale is as easy as making use of our in-house capabilities! Certificates and awards give you the opportunity to make recognition personal; we can print them, and add a classy, branded holder to give with them, to boot! Nothing speaks as clearly as your own words: Custom thank-you cards are the perfect place to jot down thoughts on what an employee means to your company.

On the other hand, receiving tech, coolers, etc., a high-quality plaque or a glass award is something the employee will cherish, and serves as a constant reminder of their hard-earned achievement! These tangible awards, plaques and other recognition pieces are also critical. They greatly increase self-esteem and improve morale, they provide a visible reminder of achievement and appreciation, they are critical for retention efforts.

Does your company have an awards and recognition program? We can help you create a successful program from start to finish!

Key attributes to an Awards and Recognition program:

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

A recent World at Work-study discovered that 85% to 95% of all companies with 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 outperform their competition, increase employee loyalty and are more highly thought of in the community. Awards & Recognition are increasingly important in today’s business environment where 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.

Recognize and reward your best asset – your team! Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant for more incentive ideas. Explore awards and recognition here. 

No matter your holiday plans, most people do some traveling to get to their special place. I have compiled a list of traveling must haves from our Bankers 2022 Fall Gift Guide. Use this list to help you find the perfect gift for any group of people.

95195 TWS Earbuds with Charging Case (pg. 22) – Earbuds are a traveling necessity. Travelers are bound to need earbuds when in the airport or on long car rides, and especially when traveling alone. The case charges your earbuds when they aren’t in use.  The earbuds pair from 30 feet away and are perfect for hands free calling and listening to your favorite music. Easily distribute to employees or clients in the included gift box.

H2go Lumos (pg. 15) – If you’re a water bottle connoisseur like me, you always have one with you and have certain ones for each occasion: the gym, work, home, etc. When traveling there are a few things I look for in a water bottle. It must be well sealed, keep my drink cold or hot for an extended amount of time and be aesthetically pleasing. This water bottle is all of that in one. The sleek design makes it practical for the gym, but attractive and professional for corporate situations. It is vacuum sealed, double wall stainless steel, slim, has a carry handle and is available in seven colors.

TT-327 Overnight Amenities Kit (pg. 16) – When traveling, I always like to have a separate bag for personal hygiene necessities so I don’t have to go searching through my luggage for them when you are trying to get ready in an unfamiliar place. This overnight kit is the perfect size and has a hanging hook that allows the bag to be held open and the contents easily accessed.

J317/L317 Port Authority® Soft Shell Jackets  & J325/L325 Vests (pg. 12) – Weather while traveling can be unpredictable. It’s always good to have multiple layers available. This jacket is light weight, but also has a fleece chin guard and interior storm flap. As fall turns into winter, rainstorms happen more frequently. These jackets and vests shed rain and wind. The vest’s lining is made of 100% polyester microfiber lining. People are drawn to attractive clothing, but when it is visually pleasing and versatile your brand will gain more exposure. These also make great team and corporate uniforms.

TBC044 Laptop Clipboard (pg. 19) – This techy gadget is perfect for any client or employee. It can be used while traveling and working remote or just for ease when commuting from the office to meetings. Organize everything they need and have it all in one convenient place. It also doubles as a laptop stand to create an ergonomic workspace anywhere.

Contact your Bankers Sales Consultant for information on these products and other gift ideas or check out our Holiday Gift Guide here.

When you think “promotional door hangers,” does the word creative come to mind?

We’re guessing not. And that’s ok. We get it; a printed piece of paper isn’t inherently exciting. It’s what you put on that piece of paper—and how you use it—that can kick this budget-friendly promotional product up a notch.

How to use custom door hangers to promote your business:

Looking for some design inspiration for your promotional door hangers? We have some clever design ideas and case studies for you.

1. Keep residents informed

Keep a supply of pre-printed doorknob hangers on hand for municipal services to hand out to residents on an as-needed basis. For this design, the water department uses door hangers to inform residents of service or payment issues.

2. Give yourself some quiet time

Not just for outside doors, hang it on the office door if you have an important call, the basement door if you want a quiet, uninterrupted workout, or the den if you want to kick back and watch a show or read a book in peace.

3. Not just for doors! Bottle hangers for your branding.

Think of it as a greeting card that hangs on a bottle of wine or champagne (your alcohol gift of choice). Printed on the front and back, this useful branding tool is popular with realtors as part of their closing gift package for homebuyers. The #2004-C Bottle Hanger makes an inexpensive way for realtors to thank homebuyers. The realtor simply goes out and purchases a nice bottle of wine (a bottle of liquor would work as well) and places this full color printed bottle hanger on it with a nice message of “THANKS”. What a great “Welcome Home” gift.

4. Door hangers for privacy and Do Not Disturb signs

Whether it’s at the office, at an event, or just at home, privacy matters. Use custom hangers on your doorknobs to inform others that the room is currently in use. Here, a breast pump manufacturer provided door hang tags for moms who use their product. Door hangers are the perfect reusable “do not” disturb sign. Whether it’s at work or an event, give moms the privacy they deserve.

5. Show off the brand, give them documents they need with pocket door hangers.

Bills, invoices, receipts, marketing flyers, brochures… whatever you need to get to them, pocket door hangers are the answer. No more rolling up a flyer and awkwardly sticking it in the door handle. Just slip the papers into the pouch, and you’re done. That’s marketing made easy!

6. Use door hangers as a non-intrusive way to ask for help.

Whether homeowners are at home or out, leaving a doorknob hanger on their front door is an easy way to let them know you want their attention—but you don’t want to disrupt their day in doing so. This simple door hanger for a non-profit asked homeowners to share their excess fruit with others in their community. It was an easy way to promote a message. Simple message on the front, full details on the back.

Even more ideas!

We have many more ideas to share, so here’s a list of other ways to use custom printed doorknob hangers for your business, organization, or cause:

• Political campaign marketing tool: More practical than shoving a flyer in a door!
• Convention mini swag kit: Hand out pocket door hangers to attendees at registration or hang on their doorknobs. Fill the pocket with a small collection of mini goodies!
• Hotels & Inns: Want to use less water? If guests are staying multiple nights, offer them a door hanger so they can tell staff whether they want their sheets washed that night or not.
• Library Giveaway: Encourage library patrons to read more by giving out “Do Not Disturb” bookmarks for them to hang on their door at home.

Remember these inexpensive brand builders when adding to your promotional campaign.

Decades ago, the kitchen was simply a room for preparing meals. Unlike today’s multi-purpose space, kitchens were often small, separated rooms designed to conceal dirty dishes and food odors. But as trends and lifestyles changed, the kitchen became the heart of the home. Today’s kitchen is a versatile and multifunctional area where families and friends can gather, catch up and make memories together. In the kitchen, families can share the details of their day, parents can cook while helping with homework and guests can enjoy treats like the trending charcuterie board. The kitchen has become even more important as a place of comfort, fellowship and creativity. Brands wanting to reach end users should meet them where they are: in the kitchen.

Here are multiple ideas from page 8 of the Bankers 2022 Fall Gift Guide:

• Bamboo Kitchen Scale #8010
• Zonal Indoor Bamboo Weather Station #BA315WS
• Calacotta Charcuterie Board #HW102MACB
• Vida Stoneware Jar #21101

And Our Monthly Web Specials:

• CraftKitchen™ Chop/Prep/Serve Boards (Rectangle #RCK07) (Round #RCK06 )

Food is intertwined with lifestyles, religions and cultures. Whether vegan or gluten-free, people identify with the food they eat. According to research, once a branded item is in the kitchen, the average retention rate is four years. Simple tools, like pizza cutters and ice cream scoopers, are common favorites that can deliver extended brand exposure.

Contact your sales representative for more ideas today!

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body” -Joseph Addison

October is National Book Month! As winter approaches and we are cooped up inside, more of us want to snuggle up with a good book. Reading is a great way to relax and unwind. So, stock up on hot chocolate and get ready to sit back and read on those cold, snowy days.

Books make great business gifts and will be put on display for everyone to see! We offer over 3 million different titles.  As we near the holiday season, consider handing out Christmas classics, holiday themed cook books, coloring books, Mad Libs, sticker books and more! We can easily add any logo and personal page to any book. Every title. Every Author. Every Theme. Every Budget. Books are valuable, appreciated and never thrown away.

Choose a from a variety of options:

• Outdoors
• Cook Books
• Sports
• Success
• Animals
• Photography
• Holidays
• Coloring Books
• Children’s Books
• Health and Wellness
• Puzzle Books
• Religion
• Travel
• NY Times Best Sellers
• Gratitude
• Thank You
• Coffee Table

Promotional books are great for: 

• Doctors offices
• Waiting Rooms
• Receptions Desks
• In the Home
• Anywhere people are!

Customize books with cover, imprint, tell a story, write a letter with a promo page insert or wrap your logo around the books with a belly band.

Ask your sales representative about books today!

It’s World Smile Day®! What’s the first thing you notice about a person? Their smile is a common answer!

The smiley face was created by Harvey Ball in 1963 and in 1999 he declared that the first Friday in October would be World Smile Day®. Every year the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation challenges us to do an act of kindness and help one person smile. Join in with us!

Here are a few of our favorite SMILE quotes:

• “Nothing you wear is more important than your smile”
• “Everyone smiles in the same language”
• “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours”
• “Smile – It’s the boldest statement you can make without saying a word”

Did you know? It takes 43 muscles to frown, but only 17 to smile.

Remember – Smile and Dial

Smiles over the phone might be unseen, but they are most definitely heard. And since 84% of the message over a phone is your tone of voice, making sure that “smiling tone” comes through is imperative. I was given a mirror once for my desk, told to look at myself and SMILE when on the phone. It works. Have you tried it?

“Don’t let the world change your smile, let your smile change the world!”

Click here for more ideas!

It’s getting close to that exciting time of year again. Halloween is right around the corner. These bags for trick or treating are one of the best forms of marketing during the Halloween season. The trick or treat bags not only market your business because of the custom imprint on them, but they also have many safety tips to help keep the kids who are trick or treating safe.

If you are not taking advantage of this enormous marketing opportunity, consider these facts:

• Halloween is the second-largest holiday for promotional spending. Consumers spend over $6 billion on Halloween. Over $170 million is spent on advertising.
• 31 million children will go trick-or-treating this year. Over 25 million of them will carry a Halloween bag.
• Every year, increased emphasis is placed on child safety during Halloween. (designs promoting safety are offered)

Why should you distribute free Halloween bags?

• As children go from door to door their bag is seen by hundreds of people. Your thoughtful concern for child safety will be remembered by many parents who see a child with your bag.
• Halloween bags make great handouts at special holiday events like haunted houses, trunk or treats, fall festivals, etc.
• They help children stay safe on Halloween. We offer metallic Halloween bags made of reflective material that keeps children visible at night. Our designs include Halloween safety tips too.
• New this year: Add glow in the dark or fluorescent ink to bags. 

Halloween bags are great promo for:

• Banks
• Non-profits
• Police & Fire departments
• Restaurants
• Dentists
• Fast food chains
• Radio stations
• Real estate
• Schools
• Clubs
• Any local store

Looking for other fun Halloween giveaways?

#31HAP1115 Silver Reflective Ghost Bag

#31HAM1115 Silver Reflective Pumpkin Bag

#BG510 Pumpkin Drawstring Backpack

#3818 Pumpkin Cookie Cutter

#3910 Pumpkin Carving Scoop

#3522 Pumpkin Strobe

#7727 Pumpkin Photo Frame