Government Announces Credit Help For Businesses
Small businesses could get a financial boost from a new government plan announced last week which is designed to create credit options and unfreeze lending practices. At the heart of the $200 billion program is the establishment of a lending facility called TALF. "The approach announced is a significant and important breakthrough in our efforts to help unclog the secondary market and to help restore the flow of credit and credit products to normal levels," said Sandy Baruah, who heads the U.S. Small Business Administration.

TALF, or the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility, could revitalize a slumping market. Under the plan, TALF will lend money to holders of AAA-rated asset-backed securities that are additionally backed by recent loans, including those guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. The Federal Reserve hopes lenders will find it easier to sell the loans they make, using proceeds of those sales to make new loans. "We expect these efforts to help free up the capital both brokers and investors need to purchase new SBA loans," Baruah says. "As this cycle continues, we expect secondary market activity to begin to return to normal levels."

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Consumer Confidence Increases
Following an all-time low in October, consumer confidence rose slightly in November, according to a survey released by The Conference Board, a non-profit research group. The Consumer Confidence Index now stands at 44.9, up from 38.8 in October. "Inflation expectations, which have been at historically high levels in recent months, subsided considerably as a result of falling gas prices," says Lynn Franco, director of consumer research at The Conference Board.

Despite the moderate jump in confidence, respondents continue to feel the economy is steadily weakening. "Consumers remain extremely pessimistic and the possibility that economic growth will improve in the first half of 2009 remains highly unlikely," says Franco. Respondents' feelings about the job market and income levels remain mixed. While more people feel jobs are currently getting harder to find, there is optimism about the next six months. Nearly 10% of those surveyed expect there to be more job openings during that period. Only 7% felt that way in October. Also, 13% of consumers now anticipate a future increase in their incomes, up from 11% in October.

The Consumer Confidence Index is measured monthly, based on a survey of 5,000 US households. The Index is an average of several opinions, including business conditions, employment outlook and family incomes.

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Video Report: How To Prep Your Biz For '09
Wondering what steps you can take to prepare your company for a good start in 2009? Counselor PromoGram is launching a Gearing Up For '09 video series this week, which will offer distributors some tips for kickstarting their 2009 business now.

Throughout the month of December, each week we'll offer different strategies – from tax planning and supplier paring to client visits and budget cuts – that cover a broad array of disciplines within distributor businesses.

Click here to check out our first installment of this Gearing Up For '09 video series.

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Boundless Network Acquires Custom Solutions
Continuing a rapid expansion, Boundless Network Inc. (asi/143717) has acquired Texas-based distributor Custom Solutions (asi/173250), the companies announced today. Boundless has now completed six acquisitions in the last year. "Custom Solutions has strong relationships with some of the country's top brands," says Boundless CEO Jason Black. "Now, as part of Boundless Network, Custom Solutions will be able to leverage our technology platform to expand market share and offer quantifiable value to clients who are looking to save money in this recessive economy."

According to company leaders, Boundless is looking to further its growth in the ad specialty industry by acquiring more distributors in 2009. In just three years, Boundless has already added nearly 150 people to its staff, and now maintains 18 regional offices across the country. "The choice to move to Boundless made sense for Custom Solutions," says Custom Solutions CEO Chris Miner. " We have been able to create a partnership that is already producing positive results."

Founded in 2005, Boundless was recently named to Counselor's Best Places to Work list.

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ASI Internet Radio Is On The Air
Every Tuesday morning from 10:30am eastern time to 11:00am, a team of ASI editors will be debating the most important topics facing the industry. Oh, and we'll also be offering our own off-beat look at the market. This morning, we broadcast live from our home studios in Trevose, PA. We discussed why Black Friday wasn't as dark as some were predicting, we solved client dilemmas for distributor callers, and we offered up some investing secrets for entrepreneurs.

Obituary: Milton Antonoff, 89
Milton Antonoff was in business long enough that it seemed everyone knew his name. "He made many, many friends," recalls his son, Michael. "He would walk down Fifth Avenue, and he couldn't go half a block without someone saying ‘Hello, Milton.'" One of the longest-standing members of the ad specialties industry, the founder and president of Antonoff Enterprises (asi/122626) passed away on November 25 at the age of 89 following a long illness.

Before starting his business in 1950, Antonoff enlisted in the navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II. His dealings with company stores led him to promotional products, and his passion for the business never ceased as he worked over six decades, right up to his death. "He loved what he did," Michael says. "It gave him a lot of pleasure. He sacrificed a lot for his family, working a lot. The paperwork would be all over the dining room table on weekends. The thing was, he always got excited about new things. You could see, he would discover something and he would see how he could sell it."

And more than anything, it was the relationships with his customers that he valued the most. Family members say he was more intent on building decades-long relationships than making a quick sale. "He was a very ethical guy," says wife Judith, who would have marked her 60th anniversary with Antonoff in April. "He always wanted to take care of his customers."

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The Joe Show: Lunch Time
Is Managing Editor Joe Haley out to lunch? Not really, but in this episode of The Joe Show, he's showing off some of his favorite lunch time promotional products. Have a client looking to do a meal-time or food-based campaign? This episode could offer up the perfect items to fit their needs.

Obituary: Marsh Morie, 92
Marsh Morie was a renowned leader in the ad specialty industry in Canada, dedicated to building his business, improving his community and inspiring others. He recently passed away at the age of 92. "He was a big thinker and always tried to do new things that hadn't been tried before," says Jeff Morie, Marsh's son. "He loved this business. He would ask questions and was open-minded. His curiosity was phenomenal. He was way ahead of his time."

Morie founded his company, JM Morie and Associates in the 1950s. The company, now called JM Morie Specialty Advertising (asi/276350), is run by Morie's daughter Michele. Morie was one of the first Canadian distributors to attend U.S. shows. He was widely respected for his innovative marketing techniques, successfully promoting products in the oil, tourism and sports industries. And he was one of the first licensees to provide multicolor imprints on glassware, T-shirts, bolo ties and jewelry. "He was a great role model for all of us," says Michele Morie. "He never forgot people and people will never forget him."

Morie served in the Air Force in World War II. He was a proud Rotary member for nearly 60 years, honored by his call as a past Director of Rotary International.

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Join The Million Dollar Sales Summit
Attention high-performing distributor sales reps: ASI has a targeted and exclusive learning opportunity that's taking place during The ASI Show in Orlando on January 3, 2009. During the Million-Dollar Sales Summit, you'll be one of the first reps in the industry to receive a copy of ASI's groundbreaking Advertising Specialties Impressions Study, which will give you powerful ammunition to convince clients to increase their budgets for promotional products. This study compares the ROI of promotional products against other advertising mediums.

Additionally, you'll hear from a nationally-recognized sales strategy consultant, who will focus on leveraging your client base in these economically-challenging times. The program will conclude with a networking reception where you will have a chance to network with peers and talk with key industry suppliers about trends for their product line in 2009.

Click here for more information and to register for the Million-Dollar Sales Summit.

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Counselor Seeking Nominations for Product Design Awards
Have a great product? Don't miss the chance to have it recognized in Counselor magazine's Product Design Awards. Distributors and suppliers are both invited to nominate their favorite industry suppliers' eye-catching products in the following categories: Apparel/Caps; Awards & Recognition; Bags; Calendars; Desk Accessories; Electronics/Computer Accessories; Gift Cards; Housewares/Drinkware; Meeting Products; Pens; Sporting Goods; and Watches & Jewelry.

ASI Awards: 2008 In Review
With less than a month left in 2008, it's time to take a step back and reminisce about some of the outstanding achievements and awards that ASI doled out during the year. From January's Counselor Distributor Choice Awards to November's Counselor Power 50, it was an exciting year on the awards front. For a one-stop shop of all the year's awards, check the latest ASICentral.com blog post here.

For complete coverage of all our Awards and Events, click here .

Got questions, comments or any type of feedback regarding ASI Awards or anything ASICentral, don't hesitate to contact us at feedback@asicentral.com.

In the News
GEMPIRE/Floral Promotions (asi/55610) announced that it has helped to raise more than $1 million over nine years for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) research.

InnerWorkings, Inc. (asi/168860) was chosen as a winner of the InfoWorld 100 Award, which recognizes companies for creative uses of technology.

Prime Line (asi/79530) is expanding its Eco-Responsible Program, which provides distributors educational information about environmentally friendly products. The company has added more than a dozen Eco-Responsible products to its 2009 line.

People on the Move
Awardcraft (asi/36750) has announced the selection of new West coast multi-line representatives. Darren Cooke of West Coast Branded Solutions will represent Southern California. Pam and Dale Martin of Martin Represents will handle the Four Corners territory covering WY, MT, ID, NV, UT, CO, AZ, and NM.

Gildan has appointed Karla Schoenfeld to the newly created position of director of marketing.

iPROMOTEu (asi/232119) has hired Troy Mingo as its business development specialist.

THE FREE REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR ASIORLANDO – THE FIRST NATIONAL SHOW OF THE YEAR – IS THIS FRIDAY 
The excitement for ASI Orlando (January 3-5) is growing, with pre-registration numbers up 10% from 2008. Featuring weekend dates, a fun trade show destination, 800 leading suppliers, over 85 free education sessions and an inspiring Keynote by Tony Robbins (Sponsored by Broder Bros. Co., asi/42099), ASI Orlando is THE place to kick off the new sales season.
This Friday, December 5, is the deadline for ASI distributor and decorator members to register for FREE. Register today at www.asishow.com. And, order your tickets to the acclaimed Gala Celebration, returning to Universal Studios by popular demand (Sponsored by SnugZ USA, asi/88060). This year's Gala will feature private access to exciting rides, like Men in Black, Jaws and The Simpson Ride; an open bar; a wide-variety of food at a choice of restaurants and live entertainment and dancing. During ASI Orlando's around-the-clock networking, you are sure to cultivate important business relationships. Plan to attend free receptions, including ASI's 2009 Fashion Show and the Counselor Distributor Choice Awards.
Visit www.asishow.com or call 877-ASI-SHOW for more information.

BE ENTERED TO WIN $100 WORTH OF FREE GAS WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR ASI DALLAS
Ten lucky winners will enjoy $100 worth of FREE gas when they register for ASI Dallas (February 4-6) by December 10. The largest show in the Southwest will feature an action-packed, three-day schedule that will include a comprehensive education conference; a free factory tour of ASI supplier ThermoServ; a brand-new Lunch & Learn program entitled STIR THE POT!™ How to Put Marketing Into Action and Turn Your Company Into a Marketing Machine and one-on-one time with 600 top suppliers. Additionally, Don Hutson, co-author of the newly released book The One Minute Entrepreneur, will be headlining an inspiring free Keynote on Friday, February 6. (All Keynote attendees will receive a FREE copy of Don Hutson's new book.)
Register today for ASI Dallas at www.asishow.com and order your discounted tickets to the famed Ultimate Texas Bash at Eddie Deen's Ranch. ASI distributor and decorator members can enjoy free admission and a free hotel room.

ORDER YOUR DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO AN EVENING AT THE TOP OF THE ROCK AT ASI NEW YORK

Moving to the first quarter (March 8-10), ASI New York – the first and only major industry trade show in New York – promises to be an event like no other. Register today at www.asishow.com and plan to attend the brand-new Evening at The Top of the Rock (a sophisticated night of fun on the 64th floor of Rockefeller Center) and a FREE Keynote by best-selling author of Just Ask a Woman: Cracking the Code of What Women Want and How They Buy, Mary Lou Quinlan.

Located in one of the world's leading travel destinations, ASI New York will feature hundreds of cutting-edge suppliers, top-notch education and around-the-clock networking.

Register today at www.asishow.com. Or, call 877-ASI-SHOW with any questions. ASI distributor and decorator members can enjoy free admission and a free hotel room for ASI New York. 

The following are the dates and locations for The ASI Show in 2009:
Orlando: January 3-5
Dallas: February 4-6
New York: March 8-10
Chicago: July 21-23
ASI Holiday & Incentives Expo, Las Vegas: September 16-17
Plus, don't miss the ASI Advantages Roadshow, the industry's #1 traveling show. Visit www.advantagesroadshow.com for the complete schedule!