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NEWS STORIES Staples Reports Q1 Financials Industry Offering Support To Tornado Victims Expo East Combines Fun And Games With Business Counselor's How-To Minute: Respond To Online Complaints Senator Promotes Nick To Chairman The Joe Show: Simple & Sophisticated T-Shirt Contest To Promote Anti-Cyberbullying Film ASI Radio: Networking In Your Community Do You Know The Next Wearables Trendsetter? In The News THE ASI SHOW! HELP WANTED SHARE PROMOGRAM

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Staples Reports Q1 Financials
Staples, Inc., the parent company of Counselor Top 40 distributor Staples Promotional Products (asi/120601), has announced its first-quarter revenues were $5.81 billion, a year-over-year decrease of 3%. Staples, Inc. did not publicly break out its ad specialty sales for Q1, but Staples Promotional Products increased its Q1 sales by "mid-single digits," according to Rich Witaszak, the distributor's general manager. The first-quarter gains came "mostly from existing business," Witaszak told Counselor. "Recent new business wins, Olympic licensed business and growth in existing business should contribute to stronger growth in the back half of the year."

Executives for Staples, Inc. also told investors that the rest of 2013 should be stronger for the Massachusetts-based firm, despite lower Q1 numbers. "We're gaining momentum in many parts of our business," said Ron Sargent, chairman of Staples. "We're driving growth online and in categories beyond core office supplies, and we look forward to building on our progress throughout 2013."

During Q1, besides a stronger dollar, Staples, Inc. was hurt by weak international sales, which slipped 13%. The company also said its sales of computers, business machines and software slumped during the first quarter. Online revenues, meanwhile, jumped 3%, and sales of tablets, breakroom supplies and print services were also higher. Staples' Q1 earnings were $169.9 million, down from $187 million during the same period a year ago. Revenue at stores in North America that have been open at least a year dropped 2%, as the average order size was flat. Customer traffic also dipped 2%, Staples said.

In its full-year outlook, though, Staples, Inc. expects sales to increase at a percentage rate in the low single digits, with earnings from continuing operations between $1.30 and $1.35 per share. At its present clip, Staples Promotional Products is once again poised for stronger year-over-year gains in 2013, compared to its parent company. The largest distributor in the industry, Staples Promotional Products generates annual North American ad specialty sales of more than $400 million, according to Counselor estimates.

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Industry Offering Support To Tornado Victims
Following this week's deadly tornado outbreak in Oklahoma, industry companies are rallying support for the victims in ravaged areas. Oklahoma City-based Robyn Promotions (asi/309656) is helping those in need by facilitating the delivery of items ranging from cell phone chargers to flashlights to ponchos. "My brother is a minister at a church in the affected area, and we've been serving hamburgers and hot dogs to families," said Bobby Lehew, chief branding officer at Robyn. "I've used that opportunity to hand out some of our promotional items that have come in handy."

Other companies that are donating products or contributing to the recovery efforts include Hirsch Gift (asi/61005), Rightsleeve (asi/308922), Zebra Marketing, Paperclip Promotions (asi/290142) and Leed's (asi/66887). "Some nice things are happening throughout the industry," Lehew said. "Leed's is sending us weather radios and we plan on using those, long term, for our community to help with weather preparedness. Our tornado season is not over. This community will be rebuilding for a long time."

If you would like to donate items, contact Lehew at (405) 641-1994 or send products to Robyn Promotions, 7717 W. Britton Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73132.

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Expo East Combines Fun And Games With Business
What do human puppets and excitable hitchhikers have to do with running a business? More than you think, as attendees of Expo East found out at a speech given by humorist and workplace expert Joel Zeff. At a reception following the first day of open exhibits in Atlantic City on Tuesday, Zeff played improv games with members of the crowd to drive home lessons ranging from rewarding employees to embracing change.

In one comedic game, two volunteers had to make sound effects for the actions that Zeff and an industry member were performing onstage. Zeff explained how it ties into the importance of working together to achieve a common goal and looking for ways to help others. "If you're out there helping people be successful, they will remember you," said Zeff, the author of Make the Right Choice. "And I promise you, it will come back around."

The keynote speech was part of the rebranded Expo East, the new name given to the Promotions East show that is jointly run by PPAI and SAAGNY. Under their agreement, PPAI has taken on responsibility for the production and growth of the event. "You cannot have an event like Expo East without recognizing the traditions that got us here," said PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, acknowledging the 16-year history of the Promotions East show.

On the show floor, made-in-the-USA products were an emphasis for a number of suppliers looking to capitalize on recurring concerns over the safety and quality of products sourced overseas. Kencraft Handcrafted Confections (asi/64233) makes its custom lollipops and circus sticks in Alpine, UT. Marni Ruller, promotional products sales manager for the company, notes how major retailers have their candy made a year in advance in places as far away as China. "Our candy is fresh, we have control over the ingredients, and we can change quickly with what the customer wants," Ruller said.

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Counselor’s How-To Minute: Respond To Online Complaints
In a video report, Counselor presents a business strategy video each week that focuses on how firms can overcome a specific challenge, make a key decision or rise to the occasion on an opportunity in front of them. In this episode: How to handle complaints posted on the Internet.

Can ignoring a complaint actually be the right decision? Should you reply in a public forum? What’s the best approach for following up?

In a quick, minute-long video, Counselor Senior Editor Dave Vagnoni walks viewers through three simple steps they can take to deal with online complaints. Click here to watch.

Senator Promotes Nick To Chairman
Michael Nick, the managing director of Senator Worldwide, the parent company of Senator USA (asi/86390), has been named to the German-based company's supervisory board as chairman. In addition to taking on a new role, Nick will continue his current responsibilities until another managing director is appointed.

"With substantial investment in the production facility and further development of the market, the basis for future growth is being established," the company said, in a statement. "This will reinforce the company's leading international position as a manufacturer of writing instruments and mugs in the promotional products and retail market."

Nick has served as managing director of Senator Worldwide since 2005. Nick's promotion will not affect the management structure of Senator USA.

The Joe Show: Simple & Sophisticated
In this episode of The Joe Show, Managing Editor Joe Haley showcases an array of fun promotional products for upcoming campaigns. Looking for a unique beach item? Been searching for a creative idea for the education market? How about for incentive programs? Check out the video.

Click here to watch another brand-new episode of The Joe Show.

Want more videos? Subscribe now to our YouTube videos.

T-Shirt Contest To Promote Anti-Cyberbullying Film
Industry apparel decorators, graphic designers and distributors with a talent for design have the opportunity to create a T-shirt print that will be seen around the world – and help raise awareness for an important cause. Makers of Submit the Documentary – a film that gives solutions to cyberbullying – are running a contest that challenges participants to create a T-shirt design with an anti-cyberbullying theme. The design, which must appeal to middle and high school students, will be featured on T-shirts that the filmmakers will distribute worldwide in promotions for the documentary.

The winning designer will have his or her bio/picture featured on the Submit website and promoted through social networks. The contest, which has a submission period that ends on July 1, is open to U.S. and Canadian residents ages 16 and up. The top two designs will be put on Submit's Facebook page where the public will vote for the winner. Voting ends July 12. Get more details about the contest here.

Submit The Documentary tells the stories of families affected by cyberbullying, with insight from victims, survivors, parents and experts. The film was produced and directed by Les Ottolenghi, founder of the digital media company P4MTech. Ottolenghi, a father, was inspired to make the film after seeing a news report about an 11-year-old boy who committed suicide after being cyberbullied. "I made this film so that all who watch it become aware and are not bystanders to cyberbullying," said Ottolenghi. "My goal for Submit is awareness. Awareness for this vast topic that is cyberbullying."

ASI Radio: Networking In Your Community
On Tuesday’s ASI Internet Radio Show, the hosts gave callers advice on how to improve their community outreach through networking. What conversation starters are most effective? Should you always stick to talking business? What types of local events can help you increase your company’s exposure? Click here to listen to the call-in segment.

If you missed the show, a recording is now available at www.asicentral.com/radio. And, don’t forget to join us on Tuesday, May 28, for our next ASI Radio broadcast. Log on to www.asicentral.com/radio at 10:30 a.m. ET to check it out.

Do You Know The Next Wearables Trendsetter?
Are you a fashion guru or designer extraordinaire? Do you know someone who is doing incredible style work in the wearables industry?

If so, we want to recognize that person with the annual "Wearables Trendsetter" distinction in Wearables magazine. The Trendsetter label strives to identify the creative minds that produce the leading fashions in our industry. Who is eligible for the award?

• Distributor personnel who routinely produce dazzling decorated garments or retail-worthy custom clothing
• Supplier designers who craft the trendiest and most innovative items in their company's lines
• Decorator owners or employees with a penchant for creating brilliant decorations

To be eligible, send in a nomination for yourself or someone else in the industry to Editor C.J. Mittica at cmittica@asicentral.com. Please include the person's name, company, qualifications and any examples of his or her high-quality work. 

The Wearables Trendsetter award honors individuals, not companies. Winners will be profiled in the annual "Style Issue" this September. The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 7.

In The News
Sweda Company (asi/90305) has released its newest LifeStyle catalog, which features 25 new products. For more information, visit www.swedausa.com.

ASI SHOW

A QUICK WAY TO STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE
ASI Virtual Trade Show • Wednesday, June 12 • 10 a.m.-3 p.m. EST

Register today and plan to attend the ASI Virtual Trade Show for FREE on June 12. From the comfort of your own office, you'll be able to stay up on the most current trends while finding out-of-the-box ideas to meet your clients' needs.

Here’s what you’ll benefit from …

VARIETY: From pens and mugs to apparel and gifts — find what your clients are asking for.
PERSONAL CONVERSATIONS: Discuss client projects with top suppliers.
NEW INITIATIVES: Take part in ASI Education to boost your sales.
SNEAK PEEKS: See early arrivals for the all-important fourth quarter.
RESOURCES: Find the latest catalogs, sales sheets and white papers.
NETWORKING: Join your colleagues in the Virtual Lounge.

Your clients count on you for fresh branding ideas. Make sure you are armed with invigorating marketing solutions by attending the ASI Virtual Trade Show on June 12! Register today for the ASI Virtual Trade Show at www.asivirtualtradeshow.com. It’s FREE!

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