• Howdy, Neighbor!
• Certified Organic
• Distributor Lists Recession-Proof Products

Howdy, Neighbor!

The American workplace is rapidly surpassing such cornerstones of neighborhood life as the front porch and the living room to become the most powerful social network available to advertisers today.

A study from consumer intelligence firm BIGresearch shows that 68% of American workers socialize with coworkers while taking a break from work, and an additional 42% also communicate with friends and family during the workday via telephone, e-mail and texting.

This employee-to-employee networking has direct implications for marketers, since about 96% of at-work consumers say that they regularly or occasionally give advice to their peers in the workplace about products and services. Further, 93% indicate that they also seek advice from coworkers before making purchases.

“With Americans now spending a record-breaking 60% of their waking hours at work, the days of stopping by your neighbor’s front porch in the afternoon to discuss current events over an iced tea are over,” says Stephanie Molnar, CEO of WorkPlace Media.

The benefits of targeting consumers in such a highly connected, yet traditionally “ad-free” environment have not gone unnoticed by marketers looking to stay ahead of the pack. A staggering 95% of U.S. companies who have already granted advertisers access to this highly coveted demographic indicate that their employees regularly or occasionally talk about the advertiser offerings and promotions they receive during the workday, proving that individuals can become very influential and passionate brand advocates in the workplace.

For complimentary research and charts, visit www.workplace-media.com and click on “Complimentary Research.”

Certified Organic

Supplier Econscious (asi/51656), which brings you organic and sustainable apparel, has become the first and only United States supplier certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). GOTS is the highest and most comprehensive international standard for organic textiles, from farm to finished product.

“Our goal is to be the most trusted source for organic and sustainable promotional products,” says Econscious President Dale Denkensohn. “The GOTS certification is a hallmark achievement. It helps position Econscious to make a larger impact towards a better future by guaranteeing peace of mind to the growing market of conscientious consumers.”

The GOTS certification ensures that the entire manufacturing process adheres to a strict set of standards, including criteria such as types of dyes allowed, types of closures, substances prohibited in manufacturing, and the treatment of waste water. GOTS also includes important social components to ensure living wages are paid and a safe, hygienic work environment is provided.

Distributor Lists Recession-Proof Products

With companies searching for the most cost-effective ways to use their advertising budgets, ePromos Promotional Products, Inc. (asi/188515) has released a list of specialty items that could thrive in the current economic downturn. “While goofy freebie items were seen as a symptom of dot-com excess, practical promos are the ideal advertising vehicle during a recession,” says Jason Robbins, president of ePromos. “We feel consumers will respond very favorably to businesses that use their advertising budgets to help their customers in a time of need.”

For its list, ePromos has chosen products consumers could be more likely to use in a recession. For example, a jumbo reusable tote could become popular if taxes on plastic bags increase. The insulated lunch bag may be used more often as people take lunch to work, rather than eating out. Instead of buying bottled water, consumers may opt to drink tap water, in which case an aluminum sports bottle would come in handy. Another suggestion is a drawstring backpack.

“As people hold onto these items longer and use them more, the same investment in product gets you much more visibility,” says Mark Yokoyama, director of marketing and merchandising for ePromos. “In this economic climate, the average person isn’t going to throw away something useful, so the cost-per-impression goes way down.”

DO YOU have a similar story to tell? Did promotional products sold by you somehow wind up in the spotlight? Send an e-mail to khuston@asicentral.com. All company press releases and announcements, along with photos, can be e-mailed to this address as well.