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Dear Members,
My first newsletter begins on a bittersweet note. Our dear friend and colleague Vilia Johnson of BrandSource Incentives is retiring at the end of June. Vilia has been a very involved member of IMRA for many years, serving multiple terms on the Board of Directors. She has done an outstanding job of leading committees, and has been a major contributor to our education initiatives. She embodies everything I think of when I think of the word "Professional". Thank you for the many years of involvement in our little world. We wish you all the very best. We will miss you.
Thanks to all of you that attended the 2017 IMRA Conference in San Antonio! The Conference was fantastic and other than a couple of slow bartenders, it went off without a hitch. Personally, I loved the setting and I couldn't have been happier with the overall result. We had some great activities that tied in very well with the location. The survey results showed that most of you were very pleased with the Conference this year too. Congratulations to Ted Moravec and the conference committee for a job well done.
Planning for the 2018 Conference in Memphis is now underway. If you would like to volunteer for the conference committee please reach out to the Conference Chair, which once again, is good ol' Ted Moravec.
I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new Board Members: Sara Mischel Dattolo from Pilgrim Promotions and Randy Renz from Target Marketing. It was very exciting to see the level of interest in the IMRA election this year. I don't recall seeing so many new candidates in quite a while and it is very encouraging to know we'll have some fresh perspective on the board. This is what makes IMRA the strong alliance that it is, the incredible support that we receive from our membership.
I encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas, and by all means please consider volunteering for a committee or task force. I had several folks approach me in San Antonio and ask how they could be more involved and it is that kind of enthusiasm that makes doing this so worthwhile. I remember who you are so don't be surprised when I call you later this year...
The 2017 IMA Summit is just one month away. It's a magical destination this year - Walt Disney World Orlando from July 24th-26th. There are some exciting things going on with the IMA, the most exciting of which to me is being accepted to the ISO Technical Advisory Group. There are lots of great education and networking opportunities so I hope to see some of you there!
Have a great summer!
Chris Harrison
National Sales Manager, KleerWest
chris@kleerwest.com
IMRA President
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Integrated Marketing and Public Relations Efforts Increase Results for IMA, Strategic Industry Groups and Chapters
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The IMA's integrated marketing and public relations approach is increasing visibility for the business benefits of incentives and why IMA members are the best resource regarding this topic. In the past few months IMA and SIG members have been featured in national magazines and trade publications. Newly developed media relationships are also providing more opportunities for IMA members to reach key business decision makers. Educational presentations and marketing opportunities at industry trade shows are taking IMA's messages to hundreds of promotional product professionals and meeting and event planners.
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2017 IMA Summit
Join fellow IMRA and IMA members and incentive industry professionals this Summer in Orlando for another great education and networking event.
Sponsorship
Whether you can or cannot make the Summit, get brand recognition for your company by becoming a sponsor! Sponsorship opportunities include Transportation to Give Kids the World volunteer site, Silent Auction Table, Continental Breakfast and more.
Registration
IMA Members - $725
Non Members - $975
Attendee Guest (evening events only) - $350
The Grand Floridian room block is full but will be monitored for an openings - find alternative accommodations on the Summit webpage.
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2017 IMRA Conference - April 30 - May 2 in San Antonio, TX
The 2017 IMRA Conference was a great success with 118 attendees, 20 supplier-led sales meetings, multiple education and networking events and over $5,000 raised in the Silent Auction!
Thank you to all our Supplier and Rep sponsors for your support!
Photos from the 2017 IMRA Conference:
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"Reps Speak Out" Panel
From left to right:
Paul Hennessy, PIP Magazine
Grace Hanrehan, Alliance Marketing, Inc.
Mike Self, Special Markets Associates
David Rosenstock, Incentive Source, Inc.
Wes Nobles, Wescara Marketing
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RepLink Award Winners
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O'Rourke Sales Company
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Leslie Marfisi, Isaac Klemish, Micah Vander Tuig with Mary Hanson of Replink
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KleerWest, LLC -
Sarah Demetriou, Chris Harrison with Katie Fabienke of Replink
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Zane's Inc. -
Warren Weaver with Katie Fabienke of Replink
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Jura, Inc. -
Becky Sawicki with Jon & Mary Hanson of Replink
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Bissell Homecare, Inc. -
Craig Frechette with Jon Hanson of Replink
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Tuesday Evening Closing Reception - Tequila Tasting at Rio Rio Cantina
The tasty tequilas we enjoyed at Rio Rio Cantina during the closing reception. |
Ted Moravec, Elite Creations, joining in with the Mariachi at the Tequila Tasting closing reception
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2018 IMRA Conference
The 2018 Conference will be held in Memphis, Tennessee next spring. Additional details to come.
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A Closer Look at the ISO TAG260 Human Capital Standards Initiative
and Implications for the Incentive Industry
In February, the IMA announced our acceptance to the International Organization of Standards
ISO Technical Advisory Group (
TAG260) regarding establishing human capital standards worldwide. Many of you may not have heard of the important work underway, or the potential opportunity it presents for growth in incentive, reward and recognition programs.
Human Capital Standards is an emerging practice according to the
Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). This discipline emphasizes creating minimum but effective HR Standards and Human Capital Analytics that all organizations and HR professionals can use to measure the value of an organization's people and also take measures to improve them, for the purpose of enhancing organizational performance.
Read more about this exciting opportunity.
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The NEW IMA Industry Experts Bureau
A message from Vilia Johnson, past IMRA Education Chair:
The hard work of the IMA Industry Education Committee has come to fruition. The IMA has issued a call for IMRA Members to join the IMA industry experts bureau to be available to present or provide content for opportunities that arise in the industry and from media and the business community.
Experts are required to sign an agreement that they will observe the standards set forth by IMA and all presentations will be reviewed and approved to be sure they adhere to the message we want to promote.
This is an excellent opportunity for IMRA members to become the Experts we need spreading the word on the power of branded merchandise to incent and reward behavior and to delight recipients.
Details
IMRA members are a great resource for information and education about incentive, engagement and recognition programs. Help the IMA increase awareness and understanding of the business benefits of these types of programs. Submit your application to become a member of the IMA's new
Industry Experts Bureau. The experts bureau will serve as a resource for people within the industry who are looking for speakers and authors regarding specific topics, and for the public and media.
IMA industry experts will share their knowledge by developing and presenting educational programs and writing articles on a wide range of topics across the incentive industry.
The experts bureau will be an integral part of the IMA's marketing program to increase awareness of how business improves when employees and customers are recognized, rewarded and engaged through effectively structured programs with defined goals and proven returns.
Once we have established an initial set of experts we will promote the new Industry Experts Bureau, which will be featured on the IMA website where individuals can submit a request for an expert.
Thank you to all members who have completed submissions for this initiative. We are well on our way to having a large and diverse enough pool of experts to start promoting this resource to publications and a variety of other organizations. Stay tuned for details on the release of our gathered information.
How to Apply
Complete an application to become a subject matter expert and submit it to the IMA office. The application asks for your biographical information, areas of expertise and a signed Subject Matter Agreement and Release.
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Share a Booth with IMA at IMEX America
IMEX America 2017 planning is underway. planning is underway. The 2017 event will be held October 10-12 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.
IMA is offering to share its booth with interested IMA members. Each year IMA and the companies who share our booth find great success at this event.
We have filled the original booth which is the same size as last year's but we can still expand the booth to accommodate up to four more booth partners.
Costs for booth (includes space, display cases, counters, graphics, electricity, and more)
$7,500 with a commitment and deposit of $1,000 by August 1st
$7,750 with a commitment made after August 1st
Last year nearly 12,000 visitors attended the IMEX America conference. Every one of our booth partners was able to pre-schedule one-on-one appointments with potential buyers. The IMA staff supported booth partners to ensure that they took full advantage of the promotional opportunities associated with exhibiting at IMEX.
2017 Committed Partners:
- Bulova
- Citizen Watch Company
- Nike Gift Cards
- Pulse Experiential Travel
- RPG Card Services
- Top Brands
If you are interested in participating in a booth with IMA, please email IMA's Executive Director,
Karen Wesloh.
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Please join us in congratulating the IMRA member Companies who will be celebrating their membership anniversary this year!
15 Years of Membership:
Shaun MacKenzie -
Lapine, Inc.
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| Jon Hanson - RepLink/The DataDirect Group |
| Peter Adanalian - Dragon Distribution, Inc. |
| Eric Anderson - Power Merchandising Co./Almo |
| Debra Hopson - Incentive Associates, Inc. |
10 Years of Membership:
Paul Hennessy
- Premium Incentive Products Magazine
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| Carey Berg - Vivitar Sakar International |
| Ted Moravec - Elite Creations |
| Chris Ianello - 20/20 Special Markets |
| Don Killingback - Endless Vacation Rentals |
| Becky Sawicki - Jura, Inc. |
5 Years of Membership:
| Barry Stolzenberg - Dynamic Marketing Associates, Inc. |
| Micah Vander Tuig - O'Rourke Sales Company |
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Rep Merger Announcement - Award Marketing Services and Hoffman & Edgette
Whitehouse, NJ - Greg Canose, President of Award Marketing Services, Inc. announced that effective July 1, 2017, they will merge with Hoffman & Edgette to form Hoffman & Edgette Award Marketing Services.
The merger of these two manufacturer's representatives to the corporate & incentive channel will allow this larger rep group to offer the best and most respected brands along with the largest and most experienced Sales, Marketing and Customer Service team in the industry.
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BrandSource sells to Sharp Incentives
Bellevue, WA: BrandSource Incentives, a manufacturer's representative agency for premium brands, has announced an agreement to be acquired by Sharp Incentives of Phoenix, AZ. This expands Sharp Incentives territory from the Rocky Mountain/Southwest states through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. The rep agency will continue to operate under the BrandSource Incentives name in the Northwest.
Vilia Johnson, President of BSI, will retire effective June 30 but will continue to serve as an advisor and resource to ensure a smooth transition for both suppliers and customers. Vilia started BrandSource Incentives in 2008 to provide top tier retail brands to the Incentive and Promotional channels using business gifts and incentives to reward, recognize, and motivate valued employees and clients.
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Zane's Inc. acquires 20/20 Special Markets to become premier Housewares supplier in the Premium and Incentive industry
Branford, CT June 20, Zane's Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of 20/20 Special Markets Inc., the process of transtioning the operations including distribution, customer service, and sales begins July 1, 2017.
For 25 years, Zane's has flourished due to a company wide commitment to best in class customer service and on time delivery of orders affording Zane's the enviable position as the leading supplier to the Special Markets/Premium & Incentive industry. Since 2005, Zane's has diversified from its original offering of bicycles, into several different outdoor and recreational segments. The acquisition of 20/20, along with the 2016 migration of the EXP Group, positions housewares as a key component to the Zane's family. 20/20, under the direction of Chris Ianello, has built a successful and robust business in the housewares category while maintaining a high level of customer service and attention to the clients.
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Continental Premium Corporation Celebrates 50 Years
At their annual Tabletop Show June 7th, Continental Premium Corporation celebrated 50 years in business. Debbie Bertram, President, summarized the company history, "Bob Stelle founded the company in 1967. He created a loyalty program with truck drivers, charging them one dollar and sending them a key chain and membership card that entitled them to get discounts at Pure Oil truck stops. He realized it was better to get commission from vendors as opposed to using his own money for the promotions. And so it began........"
After 17 years with the company, Debbie took over as President in 2004. Her hard work, dedication, leadership and creativity have lead the company into the success it is today. Debbie and her team are grateful to their customers, suppliers, friends and family for the continued support. Let the celebration continue!
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IMRA Member logos available
IMA welcomes the use of its logo by IMA members in good standing. Strategic Industry Group (SIG) logos may be used by SIG members in good standing. As a display of proud membership in IMA and IMRA, the logo may be:
- Posted on your company website
- Printed on letterhead
- Printed on business cards
- Used in email signatures
- Used in advertising
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Welcome New Members
Please welcome our new IMRA members! Click on the company name to visit their website.
New Company & Primary Members:
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Shaun MacKenzie
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Ann Blackhurst
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Katie Karst
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Rachel Stark-Cappelli
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Primary Members:
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Lisa Pelzel
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Brent Falkenstein
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New Affiliate Members:
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Teresa Teta
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Todd Bold
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Zach Fletcher
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Memorial Day has concluded and summer is upon us. While this might normally be a time to rest and relax, the recent appearance and spread of the WannaCry ransomware virus was a shocking reminder that we need to staying vigilant in protecting ourselves as much as we can from the potential threats to our business. In
Tech Trends
we will look at WannaCry and things to remember about what you should be doing to limit your risks.
Trending at RepLink
is a reminder of the user group meetings being held every month and where RepLink folks will be in July.
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by David Boodey
On Friday, May 12, 2017, a virus attack affected organizations in more than 100 countries within 48 hours. The virus, one of the ransomware variant of viruses, known as WannaCry/WanaCrypt0r 2.0 caused the broadest damage ever done by a virus attack. If you were fortunate, or more correctly prepared, enough to have survived the attack, it remains a somber reminder of the importance to make sure your software is up-to-date with the latest patches put out by Microsoft, Apple, Google, and others that provide the operating systems for your computers and phones. Those who had the latest versions of Windows and/or the most recent patches were safe even if they opened one of the emails delivering the virus to so many. If you are curious, take a look at this video for a short, concise, and clear explanation of exactly what Wanna Cry was and did:
https://youtu.be/etPizFNPupk
Most important for the survivors of this latest attack is to be reminded and learn what you need to be doing to protect yourself in the future as much as possible when the next vulnerability is found and exploited.
Keep your software up to date.
This is perhaps the most important tip. Those that had the latest version of Windows and patches were protected against the recent attacks.
Don't click on links within emails.
This is so important as email is one of the easiest ways for a virus to make its way into your computer. If you do not know the person sending you an email DO NOT OPEN ANY ATTACHMENT or CLICK ANY LINK regardless of the promises of the contents of the file.
Use free antivirus software.
You do not need the expensive subscription antivirus programs but you should be using at least the basic protection either now provided with the latest versions of Windows or provided by third parties. See
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388652,00.asp for a review of options.
Back up your computer.
A popular approach of recent virus threats is to encrypt your data and require payment for it to be unlocked and released back to you. If you have a recent backup, you cannot be held hostage with this threat and while a pain, can reformat your machine and recover your unencrypted data from backup with minimal loss. Online backup services often provide the best protection as it also provides off-site backup. While not always the only choice as you may want local copies of the most important documents, these solutions provide ongoing regular backups happening in the background. Some reviews of possibilities can be found here:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2288745,00.asp
Minimize Downloads
Be vigilant about downloading only those files that you know are coming from a trusted source. Even when receiving emails with attachments or links from trusted senders, remember that they may not have been protected and could have had their email hacked, having emails with treacherous viruses sent without their knowledge so be smart and aware before downloading
Unfortunately, we cannot be 100% protected. But we need to do everything we can to get as close to that as possible. It may seem like a hassle, but take the time to follow a few key steps for protection and you can hopefully feel protected and secure this summer and beyond.
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+1 (952) 928-4661
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A Strategic Industry Group of the Incentive Marketing Association
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