Norwood & BIC Graphic North America

Bigger Imprint - Same Low Price! Check out the new imprint space on the popular Dart Pen! ow.ly/lMmKB

Norwood & BIC Graphic North America donated over 1000 first aid kits, sunscreens, hand sanitizers, baseball caps and water bottles to the clean-up and salvage crews working in Moore, Oklahoma.

“Our hearts go out to the families impacted by the tornados in Oklahoma,” said Emmanuel Bruno, VP & GM of Norwood & BIC Graphic North America. “We admire the efforts of the clean-up and salvage volunteers and hope these items will help them endure the summer heat and sun as well as manage minor injuries as they work.”

Maximizing Your Impressions Part 3 -- The Color Trend

In this final installment of Maximizing Your Impressions, we'll cover the trend of color in promotional products.  Color is everywhere - fashion, electronics, home decor...

Recent research revealed that ads in color are read up to 42% more often than the same ads in black and white.  Over 80% of visual information is related to color - in other words, color conveys information.  Color increases brand recognition by up to 80%!

Brands rely on color as part of their identity, but what about as part of their messaging to aid recall?  If color in imprints were at a more accessible price point, would you expect an increase in demand?  94% of distributors said yes!

So try it - offer your customers britePix(TM) by Norwood and give them a full-color photographic quality imprint that is sure to make an impression.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here for details!

~Margit Fawbush

 

Maximizing Your Impressions Part 2 - Providing Artwork

In this next post, I will cover the importance of providing artwork that best shows off a logo or brand message.  You don't want a fuzzy logo do you?

It all depends on the type of file your or your customer provides.  These days, we use a lot of jpgs to share photos and graphics online.  Unfortunately, those handy little files are no where near the proper resolution for a printed message to have clean lines and definition.  Avoid jpgs, pngs and gif formats.  Suppliers generally prefer "native" files - those that are saved directly from the program in which they were created.  So...pdfs, tiffs, eps, psd, cdr, bmp...all perfectly good options.  You can even provide ai files (Adobe Illustrator) or id files (InDesign).  These types of files are high enough resolution AND we can go in and correct or manipulate if necessary to ensure the best possible result.

See the difference?

Please feel free to contact your sales rep or customer service for any questions related to artwork. Getting the right file upfront ensures quicker order processing and delivery.

~Margit Fawbush

 

NORWOOD & BIC GRAPHIC HOSTS BIC GROUP BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

BOARD TOURED PUBLISHING AND HARD GOODS OPERATIONS IN MINNESOTA

Norwood & BIC Graphic North America was honored to host a recent BIC Group Board of Directors Meeting April 23-25, 2013. The board meeting was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota and included in-depth tours of the Norwood & BIC Graphic facilities in nearby Red Wing and Sleepy Eye.

The Board is led by Bruno Bich, Chairman, and Mario Guevara, CEO, and includes several Bich family members as well as high ranking executives of external companies. Traditionally, the BIC Group Board of Directors meets six times per year and from time to time includes a visit to a BIC operation.

On Wednesday, April 24, the Board visited Norwood & BIC Graphic’s Publishing Operation in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. The site manufactures both custom and imprinted calendars, notebooks and journals as well as the line of BIC® Sticky Notes. (Bruno Bich pictured).  

The following day, the Board toured the Hard Goods operation in Red Wing, where products such as bags, drinkware and awards are imprinted with over 20 different technologies, and the Norwood britePix™ innovation is based.

“We were very pleased to see the US promotional products operations first hand,” said Bruno Bich. “The complexity of the variety of technologies and products is truly impressive. The plants were well organized and the employees we met showed tremendous enthusiasm and pride.”

“Our commitment to BIC APP and the industry remains strong,” continued Bruno Bich. “We know that there have been service issues due to the recent reorganization and ERP implementation and we apologize for the inconvenience it created for our customers. However, I am confident we will prove ourselves again to be a top supplier with impeccable service.”

~Margit Fawbush

 

Maximizing Your Impressions Part 1 - Imprint Methods Defined

In this three part blog series, we'll recap how to make sure your imprint makes an impression.  First we'll cover the various types in imprints technologies (read below) and in future installments, discuss appropriate file types for artwork and the latest research on the importance of color in brand recall.

The following imprint techniques are most commonly used in the industry:

Screen Print - the process of forcing specialized ink through a stenciled, fine mesh screen.

Pad Print - the process of a pad dipping into ink and then pressed onto the product to transfer the image.

Heat Transfer - a multi-layer imprint is screened onto transfer paper, cut to size and then applied to the product using a combination of heat and pressure.

Offset Printing - the process of transferring ink from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface such as a paper cube pad

4-Color Process - the process of using a high quality digital printer to combine Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y) and Black (K) to create a full color image usually on a flat or paper product

Digital 4-Color Process on Vinyl Panel - combines 4-color digital process with laminating to result in a semi-permanent sticker

Enhanced 4-Color Process - combines the printing of a full color image onto a heat-transfer paper and then applying it to the product with the combination of heat and pressure

Dye Sublimation - typically used on cloth products, this process is multi-layered and involves an imprint offset printed onto transfer paper with special bonding dye.  The imprint is then transferred to the product surface with the combination of heat and pressure.

Embroidery - using a variety of stitch patterns to sew a customer's design onto the fabric of a product.

Laser Engraving - to cut or etch into the surface of an item such as wood or metal with a laser

Deep Etch - sandblasting an imprint to create a deep etched appearance that can appear frosted

Die-Cast Medallion - a process that casts an imprint into a brass (gold) or zinc (silver) metal medallion.  The medallion can be surface mounted or milled into the surface of the product.

Foil Stamping - the process which involves the use of a metal die, colored foil and heat/pressure machine.  When die is pressed into product surface, only the design on the metal die will remain adhered to the product.

Debossing - a combination of pressure and heat leaves imprint permanently depressed into the product surface

More to come!  Stay tuned...

~Margit Fawbush

 

 

 

 

 

So proud of our Publishing associates in Sleepy Eye, MN for cleaning up a local park and lake front. Way to celebrate Green Week!

NORWOOD & BIC GRAPHIC RECOGNIZED FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES BY EARTH CHARTER US

Norwood & BIC Graphic North America’s Tampa facilities were one of thirteen outstanding companies recognized for sustainable business practices at the Fifth Annual Earth Charter US (ECUS) Sustainable Business Awards. The luncheon celebrating the awards was held at the University of Tampa on April 12, 2013.

“We congratulate these well-deserving companies who embrace social, economic and environmental responsibilities,” said Herb Goetschius, Director and Chairman of the ECUS awards luncheon (pictured on left).

Developed in conjunction with the University of Tampa MBA program in the College of Business, selection is based on three criteria:  people (employee and community wellbeing); planet (environmental health); and profit (economic viability).

 Norwood & BIC Graphic North America was awarded in the Large Business Category.  Michael Butler, Tampa Site Manager, accepted the award (pictured center).

“We are very honored to be recognized for our commitment to sustainability,” said Emmanuel Bruno, Vice President and General Manager of Norwood & BIC Graphic North America. “Sustainability has long been part of our global corporate mission and we are continually challenging ourselves to minimize our environmental impact and to contribute back to our employees and the community.”

The Earth Charter is a global agreement, drafted by individuals from 78 countries and launched at The Hague Peace Palace in 2000. It is a declaration of 16 principles that foster growth of sustainable communities and economies and has been endorsed by over 4,500 organizations, including many governments and international organizations. Earth Charter US (ECUS), based in Tampa, is the national office with initiatives that include the Sustainable Business Awards and Coalition.

~Margit Fawbush

 

 

NORWOOD & BIC GRAPHIC ANNOUNCES CYCLE 2 PROMOTIONS

NEW PRODUCTS AND BEST-SELLERS AT SUPER LOW PRICES,PLUS LOWER MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITIES!

Norwood & BIC Graphic North America is pleased to announce that Cycle 2 promotional flyers have mailed to customers and will be in effect May 1, 2013. Developed specifically for the summer season, Norwood & BIC Graphic offers new and best-selling items at new low prices.

Key highlights:

Norwood:

• Over 70 Norwood products with aggressive offers available all summer. In addition, there are several items across many categories that are now available at lower minimum quantities!

• Norwood Good Value™ promises that distributors won’t find a better balance of value and price anywhere else. Over 20 Good Value™ products are included in the Norwood Cycle 2 flyer!

• Norwood’s britePix™ innovation will help customers transform their message into one that leaves a lasting impression. In addition to the highest quality full color imprint in the industry, one can personalize each product within an order at a very affordable price!

• Swing into Summer with specials from popular golf brands!

Click here to view the Norwood C2 Flyer online.

BIC Graphic:

• Best-selling BIC® writing instruments with a FREE 2-color imprint, plus EQP pricing on an “A” discount code –putting more profit in the distributor’s pocket!

• BIC® Tri-Stic®, WideBody® Grip and Grip Roller® at less than minimum order quantities!

• Great deals on BIC® Sticky Note™, BIC® Magnets, BIC® Lighters and Sheaffer® leather accessories.

Click here to view the BIC Graphic C2 Flyer online.

Norwood & BIC Graphic will continue to honor Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 promotional prices on exact repeat orders through December 31, 2013 - making reorders easy!

~Margit Fawbush

Over 40% off EQP on BIC Clic!!

http://ow.ly/klhVX Over 40% off EQP on BIC Clic! 2 weeks only!

http://ow.ly/klion Unique designs, free set-ups, great pricing! Check out Norwood Pacific Solutions for USBs!

BIC Fans - BIC recently launched "My BIC Notes", a note-taking and drawing app designed for iPads and now available at https://
itunes.apple.com/app/my-bic-notes/id611219106. Check it out! And use your BIC 2-in-1 Stylus while you're at it!

The Recovery of Luxury (Part 2) -- High-end Writing Instrument Trends

There are two trends in today's marketplace that could be influencing the resurgence of luxury writing instruments:

1)  The desire for the exception -- when it comes to spending a lot of money, timeless design sells.  Brands that can play up a history or tradition are in demand.

2)  Embracing analog -- in response to the evaporation of so many physical things into intangible formats (music, photos, stationery), we're seeing a renewed interest in experiencing tactile, physical artifacts that can be kept as keepsakes.

Even today, when the world has gone digital, the experience of writing with a fine writing instrument is enjoyable to men and women alike.  While luxury writing instruments remain a small fraction of total writing instrument volumes in the US, the highest end of the market outperformed the mid-priced brands showing a growth of 4% in 2012.

What types of high-end writing instruments are appropriate for your customers?  Here are some examples of appropriate uses from our Sheaffer(R) collection.

A senior VP with 20 years of service retires.  What would be an appropriate keepsake to give at his goodbye luncheon?  Consider an item like the Sheaffer(R) Legacy(R) Heritage Roller.  Packaged in a branded premium gift box, the Legacy(R) line is an elegant gift to last a lifetime.  Click for product details. 

 

 

You just closed a major real estate deal and you want your buyer to have something special as a thank you gift.  What kind of pen makes an impact and would keep you top of mind for future referrals?  Check out the Sheaffer(R) Intensity(R) Jet Stripe Ballpoint.  Sleek and streamlined with a little bit of an edge.  Packaged in Sheaffer's branded gift box.  Click for product details.

 

 

 

The local chapter of the breast cancer awareness organization just completed its big annual fundraiser and you need an elegant gift to thank top fundraisers for their efforts.  Consider the Sheaffer(R) Prelude(R) Mini for an understated, yet impactful keepsake.  The compact size and easy twist-action mechanism make it something everyone will want to hang on to.  Packaged in Sheaffer's branded gift box, this small item makes a huge statement.  Click for product details.

 

Keep high-end writing instruments in mind as you develop ideas for awards & recognition programs, gifts, company stores, and more.  

Contact your Norwood & BIC Graphic sales rep for more information on our exclusive Sheaffer(R) collection.

~Margit Fawbush

How to MAXIMIZE your imprint and therefore, your impressions! Register for our free webinar ow.ly/jRJyU

NORWOOD CRAZY DEAL: OVER 50% OFF FLOW PEN

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Limited time offer!

The Recovery of Luxury - High-End Writing Instruments Make a Comeback

According to a recent study published by Global Industry Analysts, Inc, the global market for Writing and Marking Instruments is forecast to reach US$21.6 billion by the year 2017.

Luxury writing instruments performed well in 2012, paralleling steady growth among luxury products in general.  Sales within the US luxury writing instruments market increased by 6% in 2012, reaching a market value of $881 million by the end of the year.

An increasing number of professionals regard upscale writing instruments as a reward and reminder of success in their respective professions.  High-end, high-style pens are increasingly being perceived as fashion accessories, similar to high-priced watches.

Fine writing instruments, such as Sheaffer(R) are becoming very popular again as special gifts for executives, departing employees, customer appreciation, milestone celebrations, and more.  Doesn't this bode well for a renewal of the category in the promotional products industry?  

Check back next week for more specific trends to watch for in the high-end writing instrument category and tips for selling these high value items as part of a comprehensive awards and recognition program.

~Margit Fawbush

The Stylus Trend - the latest in Writing Instrument Technology

Wasn't Steve Job's adamantly against the stylus?  Didn't Apple design the iPhone and iPad to be so intuitive that children with finger-painting abilities could use them?  Well, yes, but it seems that the stylus is becoming more and more necessary as note-taking and drawing apps become popular and higher-level functionality is developing.

Those of us with petite, pointy fingers can hit the most minute icon on the iPhone.  But there are some of us who still prefer one degree of separation between us and the screen (chronic users of handcream, you know who you are).  There are many reasons to use a stylus and now that there are many to choose from that are in combination with a pen, its a natural fit for the promotional products industry.

Pros of the Stylus Pen:

• Use the touch screen keyboard more quickly
• Draw on the touch screen with more accuracy
• Project a more professional appearance when using a tablet
• Use of stylus will keep screen cleaner
• In general, it is easier to interact with some applications with a stylus than with a finger
• Relatively inexpensive, yet high value perception

Consider recommending a Stylus Pen the next time you are promoting a technology brand, as an executive gift, employee appreciation gift, or at retail.

Norwood offers a variety of Stylus pens at several price points - click here for the assortment.

BIC also offers a sleek one - the BIC 2-in-1 Stylus - click here.

Contact your Norwood & BIC Graphic sales rep for more ideas and information!

~Margit Fawbush

 

 

 

2-Week Crazy Deal on BIC Pivo Pens

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50% off EQP! Offer ends April 8, 2013.

Looking for an affordable sign of appreciation? Consider Sheaffer's VFM. Bright, trendy colors and a streamlined, comfortable feel. Extreme Purple, Excessive Red, Neon Blue, Strobe Silver, Ultra Mint.
All include Nickel-Plate Trim. www.norwoodbic.com

Right on trend with single-serve coffee brewers - Norwood's Single Serve To Go Tumbler #45934. Stainless steel inside and out. A nice new item!

Check out Norwood's Double Wall Tumbler with Cooling Gel #45895. Keep your drinks cold - 4 great colors!

Need a health & wellness promo? Norwood's Cool Gear™ Freezable Gel Lid Storage Container #45641 is perfect!

Take your wine "to go" - with style! Norwood's Vino2Go(TM).

Need a stylus + pen? Check out BIC Graphic's STYV21 - 2-in-1 Stylus. A quality retractable with a stylus.

Updated Pricing on Industry Leading USBs from Norwood Pacific SolutionsUpdated Pricing on Industry Leading USBs from Norwood Pacific Solutions

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Awww - its so cute! We love the BIC(R) 4-Color Mini! Slide it in your pocket and go!

Have you seen the BIC(R) 4-Color Fashion Pen? Four bright colors in one! Makes taking notes so much more fun!

Health & Wellness Promotions - encourage employees to eat healthy

As we've discussed in the NBGNA blog before - health & wellness is a growing concern for employers as benefit costs continue to rise.

Distributors, have you reached out to the HR departments of your existing customers to ensure you're getting a piece of this growing market?

Focus on one type of promotion at a time so as not to overwhelm your customers with too many ideas.

This week, we'll talk about items that promote healthy eating and bringing your lunch (or breakfast or snacks or whatever).

Click here for a whole range of Cool Gear(TM) food storage ideas.  Everything from salad containers to cereal containers.  All of these feature a large imprint area for getting your brand or message across.

Then you need something to carry those nifty food storage containers in.  And of course, we have a full range of stylish lunch bags and coolers from our high quality Koozie(TM) brand.  Click here for the full assortment.

And finally, everyone knows, drinking water throughout the day is important.  So encourage employees to drink water from reusable bottles to cut down on waste.  Click here for a variety.

More great ideas coming soon - or contact your NBGNA sales rep to help you put together a presentation for your prospects.

~Margit Fawbush

 

 

britePix(TM) by Norwood won 2nd place for Best New Technology at the ARA Show!

NORWOOD & BIC GRAPHIC ANNOUNCES FIRST britePIX(TM) ORDER

Norwood & BIC Graphic North America is pleased to announce the first ever order of britePix™ products by Norwood. Currently available on over 300 Norwood products, the britePix™ innovation offers distributors an entirely new solution - bringing brand messages to life.

The first order, a 5-color logo imprint on Norwood’s Eco Non Woven Tote, came from Lisa Cook of SWAG|Blue Moon, a Safeguard distributor located in Nevada. “I was pleased to come across the britePix™ full-color solution in the 2013 Norwood catalog. A customer,             eBay® Motors, just went through their rebrand and the new 5-color logo has been a challenge to print in a cost-effective manner,” said Cook. “I was a little concerned using a new process on a logo that is so closely scrutinized but was very pleased when the product arrived with a correct imprint sporting a clean crisp look. I am very much looking forward to placing more orders using the BritePix™ business solution.” 

The britePix™ innovation has received tremendous enthusiasm from distributors across North America. “After having previewed the new britePix™ decoration technology, all I can think about is that once in a great while, revolution comes to our industry that returns the ‘fun’ to marketing products,” said Forrest Fairley, director of Channel Support Promotional Products at Safeguard. “This new britePix™ product revolution does just that and without inflationary added costs that most customers fear they would have to pay for such full-color treatment. Norwood & BIC Graphic has kicked off 2013 in a colorful way and we plan on taking full advantage by introducing this to our network of more than 250 North American distributors.”

One of the reasons the britePix™ concept is such a valuable business solution is the high quality imprint technology, ensuring perfect reproduction of well-known brand logos. The first order was placed for eBay® Motors for a Dealer Outreach promotion. The eBay® mark is one of the most well known brands in North America, if not around the world. Its type-set logo is iconic and brand integrity must be maintained in every reproduction. Companies like eBay entrust their brand assets to promotional products distributors, relying upon them to ensure that they will be properly represented on a variety of substrates. “Our logo and our brand is one our greatest assets. Printing it in color and making it look perfect on a variety of merchandise and clothing has long been tough,” said Clayton Stanfield, senior manager – dealer outreach, eBay® Motors. “Since I started working with Lisa, this process has become so easy and our logo always looks great, no matter what it is printed on.”

Applying decades of manufacturing and imprinting expertise, Norwood & BIC Graphic developed its britePix™ solution, a new proprietary process to apply sharp, clear, photographic quality imprints on more than 300 products. Many of these products were already a part of the Norwood range, made even better with a new larger imprint area. Brand messages also can get personal — and it is more than just a name. Dates, addresses, individual photos, QR codes and more can be individualized on each product within an order. Fast, easy and affordable, these personalization capabilities can provide distributors with a real added-value benefit for customers. The britePix™ icon, a brightly colored Toucan, was
designed to embody the brilliant, full-color innovation. Look for the Toucan in the Norwood catalog, denoting that the product is available with britePix™ full-color imprints and personalization.

~Margit Fawbush

Prince Harry in action - with a BIC(R) 4-Color Pen!

NORWOOD & BIC GRAPHIC ACHIEVES QCA CERTIFICATION

Norwood & BIC Graphic meets the rigorous qualifications to receive the promotional products industry’s only certification dedicated to product quality, product safety, supply chain security, social accountability and environmental stewardship.

The Quality Certification Alliance (QCA), the promotional product industry’s only independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping companies provide safe products, has granted QCA Accreditation to Clearwater, Florida-based Norwood & BIC Graphic North America.

To achieve QCA Accreditation, Norwood & BIC Graphic North America completed a rigorous self-assessment, followed by submitting its headquarters, its Sleepy Eye and Red Wing, Minnesota-based domestic facilities and its offshore supply base to multiple third-party audits. The QCA board then reviewed a scorecard representing the performance of the company and its supply chain on the third-party audits as the foundation for granting accreditation.

“While Norwood & BIC Graphic has already had a comprehensive, best in class, compliance program in place for many years, the QCA Accreditation process proved very valuable,” said Emmanuel Bruno, vice president and general manager of Norwood & BIC Graphic North America. “Today, our compliance program is documented in more detail, and we have conducted more training to ensure consistent application of all processes. We know from our distributor customers that more and more end buyers insist upon compliance, and they need a basis for selecting suppliers that will fit within these requirements. QCA Accreditation is the recognized symbol of quality and compliance in our industry, and it increases our distributors’ confidence when selling our products.”

http://ow.ly/h2e2Y Updated pricing on USB's! Check out this cool Carabiner USB - clip it on your bag or key chain and go!

Thanks to all the fabulous distributors who braved the cold and played in the annual Norwood & BIC Graphic Golf Invitational last week in Las Vegas!

Norwood & BIC Graphic becomes first Diamond Level donor to PPEF's Tomorrow Fund!

With britePix, by Norwood, your message takes life! http://www.norwood.com/page/96/britePix+Video/

Norwood Launches Good Value(TM): Value and Price at its Best!

Over 180 products with unbeatable competitive pricing!

Norwood & BIC Graphic North America is pleased to announce Good Value™, a comprehensive product assortment at extremely competitive prices. The Good Value™ brand is well-known in the industry as a value-priced calendar line, but now, Norwood is expanding the collection to include drinkware, health and wellness items, bags, pens and more!

“The Good Value product assortment delivers what distributors have been asking for – industry leading trends with competitive pricing,” said Emmanuel Bruno, VP and GM for Norwood & BIC Graphic North America. “You won’t find a better balance of value and price – that’s the Norwood Good Value promise.”

Good Value™ is specifically targeted to a distributor’s business, by bringing an assortment of products to market that are desired, quality driven, often unique and offer a competitive advantage. The Good Value™ collection encompasses over 80 new products across several product categories- bringing the latest, trend setting products at ultra-competitive price points. In addition, Norwood has lowered pricing on 50 popular current products to bring even more price value to the customer. Distributors can look for the “new low price” icon to quickly identify these great values within the Norwood catalog.

britePix™ by Norwood, a revolutionary new concept bringing imprints to life with full color, photographic excellence, is also available on several Good Value™ products. Look for the britePix™ Toucan logo denoting applicable products.

The Good Value™ launch will be kicked off at the January trade shows and promoted all year long with the Good Value™ and Good Value Calendars® catalogs, cycle promotions, print ads, promotional eblasts, social media promotions and more.

~Margit Fawbush

Norwood & BIC Graphic Wins 2 Counselor Distributor Choice Awards

Norwood& BIC Graphic North America is pleased to announce that the Norwood brand was honored with two Counselor Distributor Choice Awards at the annual ASI Show in Orlando, Florida.

Norwood was ranked top supplier in the following categories:
- Awards (Jaffa® brand)
- Calendars (Triumph® brand)

“We appreciate the recognition offered by our customers and the industry,” said Emmanuel Bruno, VP and GM Norwood & BIC Graphic North America. “Both Jaffa and Triumph are iconic industry brands that consistently win year after year. We are extremely proud of their success and reputation – which is of course only possible thanks to our dedicated employees.”

~Margit Fawbush

Norwood & BIC Graphic Launches britePix(TM)

REVOLUTIONIZING THE INDUSTRY WITH BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHIC IMPRINT QUALITY AND BREAKTHROUGH PERSONALIZATION CAPABILITIES

Norwood & BIC Graphic North America is revolutionizing the promotional products industry by launching britePix™ by Norwood. More than just a new imprint technology, britePix™, offers distributors an entirely new solution - bringing brand messages to life.

"britePix isn’t just an imprinting method, but rather a whole new concept where a brand message can truly take life,” said Emmanuel Bruno, VP and GM for Norwood & BIC Graphic North America. “We are offering a whole new level of branding and personalization.”

Applying decades of manufacturing and imprinting expertise, Norwood & BIC Graphic has developed a new proprietary process to apply sharp, clear, photographic quality imprints on over 300 products. Many of these products were already a part of the Norwood range, made even better with a new larger imprint area.

Brand messages can also get personal – and it is more than just a name. Dates, addresses, individual photos, QR codes, and more can be individualized on each product within an order. Fast, easy and affordable, these personalization capabilities can provide distributors with a real added-value benefit for their customers.

“As we developed britePix, we asked ourselves, ‘do we sell a product with a message or a message on a product,’” continued Emmanuel Bruno. “Clearly, the most effective promotions are made up of a combination of impactful, brilliant messaging, quality product and a personal touch that makes the item a keepsake.”

Distributors can easily transform their customer’s message into one that leaves a vivid and lasting impression. Norwood & BIC Graphic has made it simple to order:
- with pricing published in the 2013 Norwood catalog and on norwood.com (just look for the Toucan icon on BritePix™ products)

- modest up-charge for full-color and personalization

- standard production times (even 24-Hour turnaround on applicable products)

- standard set-up charges

- britePix™ Design Service – let us help you transform a 1-color logo into a vibrant masterpiece! Choose from full color stock images for FREE or let our designers enhance your logo to a full color option ($25/g)

Norwood & BIC Graphic will be promoting the launch of britePix™ with a year-long multi-media campaign, beginning with the January trade shows, ASI Orlando and PPAI Expo. The britePix™ icon, a brightly colored Toucan, was designed to embody the brilliant, full-color innovation. Look for the Toucan in the Norwood catalog, denoting that the product is available with britePix™ full-color and personalization. Full page advertising in all major publications, online and social media promotions, an independent, full-color catalog and cleverly designed sample kit are all part of the promotional campaign.

~Margit Fawbush

SHEAFFER PEN SHOWCASES “100 YEARS OF TIMELESS MEMORIES” ON TIMES SQUARE JUMBO-TRON

Sheaffer® Pen has an exciting message for the tens of thousands of people passing through Times Square, the heart of New York City.

Sheaffer’s most recent advertising campaign will be featured on the “Geoffrey-Tron” screen, located above the Toys R’ Us in the heart of Times Square from November 2, 2012 through December 31, 2012. The campaign will run two times each hour, appearing more than 2,800 times throughout the holiday season and creating millions of impressions with visitors from around the globe.

 

 

Known as “The Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is the most visited tourist attraction around the world and is famous for the astounding digital advertisements that illuminate the area.  Promotional products distributors can take advantage of the exciting Centennial celebration and additional brand exposure Sheaffer® will receive when presenting the line to their customers.  The Sheaffer® line of writing instruments, exclusively offered by BIC Graphic is an exclusive, high-value gift idea – perfect for your most discerning client or executive.

“2013 is going to be a phenomenal year for the brand,” said Gretchen Dickenson, Group Brand Manager – Sheaffer® Pen.  “Activities will surround the mark that Sheaffer made in history over the last one hundred years while also envisioning what the future will bring for the brand.”

~Margit Fawbush

NBGNA ANNOUNCES ALL STANDARD PRODUCTION TIMES HAVE RETURNED INCLUDING FREE 24-HOUR SERVICE ON BIC GRAPHIC CATALOG ITEMS

WE ARE ON TIME AND READY TO PROVE IT – IF WE SHIP LATE, WE’LL GIVE YOU $25 OFF YOUR NEXT ORDER

 Norwood & BIC Graphic is pleased to announce all standard production times, INCLUDING BIC GRAPHIC’S FREE 24-HOUR SERVICE, have been reinstated.  The organization is back to business as usual and ready to prove it – if an order ships late, the distributor will receive $25 towards their next order for either Norwood or BIC Graphic products.

“We are confident we can deliver and we’re ready to prove it,” said Rob Babb, VP Sales.  “We are completely back to standard lead times as well as 24-Hour service on hundreds of products.” 

Norwood & BIC Graphic recently underwent an IT system transition impacting Norwood Writing Instruments and the BIC Graphic product line. 

“Though the IT transition had its challenges, we believe that we will ultimately be a better, more responsive company thanks to the benefits of the new system,” said Emmanuel Bruno, VP & GM.  “Now that we’re past it, we want to show our customers we can provide the reliable service they deserve.”

 

“We are ON TIME & READY to Prove i!” promotion details:

We are so confident in our production times we will give you $25 towards your next Norwood or BIC Graphic order if we fail to ship on time!

Some exclusions apply. One-time $25 credit applies to your next order only. Calendars, Norwood Pacific Solutions, factory direct and sourced orders are excluded.

Offer ends December 31, 2012.

~Margit Fawbush

Norwood & BIC Graphic Hosts Legislative Director Brad Stine

Brad Stine, Legislative Director for Florida Congressman C.W. Bill Young, visited Norwood & BIC Graphic’s Clearwater headquarters on October 30, 2012. As a top supplier and US-based manufacturer, Norwood & BIC Graphic has taken an active role in supporting PPAI’s Legislative outreach initiative.

The visit included a meeting with several executives from Norwood & BIC Graphic, including Emmanuel Bruno, VP and GM, Lori Bauer, VP National Accounts, Jill Stirnkorb, VP Inside Sales, Dave Saracino, VP Field Sales, Joe Cade, VP and General Counsel, David Brown, VP Human Resources and Margit Fawbush, Communications Manager.

“We were very pleased to host Mr. Stine,” said Emmanuel Bruno. “We believe we were able to give him a better understanding of the value of promotional products as an advertising medium overall as well as the size and complexity of the industry as a whole. We hope that he and Congressman Young will continue to support our efforts to raise awareness of and generating support for our industry as issues arise in Washington.”

Mr. Stine also toured the BIC manufacturing operation, seeing first hand how the BIC® Round Stic®, BIC® Clic Stic® and BIC® Tri-Stic® are manufactured and decorated.

"As a congressional staffer nothing is more gratifying than to have the opportunity to see first hand how a successful business such as Norwood & BIC Graphic runs its day-to-day operations,” said Brad Stine. “After spending just a short time with members of the leadership team and on the manufacturing floor it became obvious why Norwood & BIC Graphic is a global industry leader in promotional products."

~Margit Fawbush

"Recyclable" - what it really means

We are all concerned about our carbon footprint, recycling our newspapers and plastic bottles and in general attempting to reduce waste in our personal lives,  but what does "recyclable" mean when selling promotional products?

The term "recyclable" is fairly specific - the ENTIRE product must be recyclable, not just part.  Recycling centers would not routinely separate a coffee tumbler made in part from recyclable plastic and in part from non-recyclable metal.  A pen is not recyclable because recycling centers do not routinely separate the plastic barrel from the ink cartridge. 

"Made from recycled materials" generally means that part of an item is indeed made from a recycled material, but not that the entire item is "recyclable".

"Made from recycled plastic" generally means that all or part of the plastic pieces making up the item are made from a recycled plastic.  But there are differences in the type of plastic:

    Pre-consumer recycled plastic is waste from the manufacturing process and not normally reused by the original manufacturer. 

    Post-consumer recycled plastic is wast recovered from the solid waste stream after a consumer has discarded it.

Impress your customer with a little bit of trivia about the world-wide symbol for recycling:

The Mobius Loop, recognized world-wide as the symbol for "recycled" was designed by Gary Anderson, a 23 year old college student who entered a design contest sponsored by Smurfit-Stone Container, a large producer of recycled paperboard in the 1960s-1970s.

And empty Mobius loop implies that the product is both recylcable and made from 100% recycled materials.

  When it has a percentage inside it, for example 60%, it meanst that the product is made from 60% recycled content.

Stay tuned for more information on "green" claims in marketing and manufacturing.  Is it really green?  Or is it "green-washed?"

~Margit Fawbush

 

NORWOOD ANNOUNCES CYCLE 3 PROMOTIONS

UNBEATABLE DEALS DURING THE GIFT-GIVING SEASON!

Norwood is pleased to announce that Cycle 3 promotional flyers have mailed to customers and will be in effect September 1! The last four months of the year offer a variety of opportunities – from tailgating to gift giving -- Norwood has put together a broad selection of best selling items that are sure to impress – at unbeatable prices.

Key highlights:
- Take advantage of their lowest prices EVER on a selection of their most popular Drinkware,
Flashlights and more!

- Enjoy the great out doors all year long with everything from KOOZIE® collapsible can
coolers to insulated picnic baskets. If it isn’t from Norwood, it isn’t KOOZIE®.

- Top selling Norwood Writing Instruments are available with “A” discount codes, giving
distributors more profit.

- Look for FREE set-ups on select Bags in the Norwood C3 Flyer.

Click here to view the Norwood C3 Flyer online.

 

~Margit Fawbush

NORWOOD & BIC GRAPHIC’S SLEEPY EYE PUBLISHING FACILITY EARNS ISO 9001:2008 REGISTRATION

Norwood & BIC Graphic North America is pleased to announce that its Sleepy Eye, MN Publishing facility has earned ISO 9001:2008 registration from NSF International Strategic Registrations, Ltd (NSF-ISR). ISO 9001:2008 is an internationally accepted standard that specifies requirements for quality management systems. NSF-ISR assessed the operation’s quality management systems via a two-day comprehensive audit in July of 2012 and found it to be in compliance with ISO 9001 standards. A certificate presentation was conducted on Thursday, August 16 at the Sleepy Eye facility.

“The principles of the ISO 9001:2008 include a strong customer focus, the support of top management, the process approach to drive efficiency and effectiveness, and a commitment to continual improvement,” said Ray Bodamer, Site Manager. “Using ISO 9001:2008 helps us ensure that our customers receive consistent, best quality products and services.“

This is the second Norwood & BIC Graphic facility to earn ISO 9001 management systems registration from NSF-ISR. The Clearwater Writing Instruments facility was awarded the registration in October 1999.

“Registration to ISO 9001 shows Norwood & BIC Graphic’s dedication to quality,” said Tony Giles, Director of Sales for NSF-ISR. “They clearly pursue excellence in their quality programs and this latest certification to ISO 9001 is one more example of the merit of their systems approach to maintaining superior performance.”

To maintain ISO registration, the facilities are audited annually to ensure continual improvement and verify that quality objectives are met and maintained.

“We are very proud of the fact that yet another one of our facilities has earned the ISO 9001 registration,” said Nicolas Paillot, CEO. “Earning this internationally recognized standard of quality demonstrates our commitment to our customers and the promotional products industry.”

 

~Margit Fawbush

NORWOOD & BIC GRAPHIC RELEASES 2012 SPECIAL GIFT EDITION CATALOG

FEATURING OVER 40 NEW PRODUCTS!

Norwood& BIC Graphic is pleased to announce the release of the 2012 Special Gift Edition catalog, full of gift ideas to impress, reward and promote. This new special edition catalog features items from both the Norwood and BIC Graphic lines, plus over 40 new products – perfect for the gift giving season.

-Fall and Winter colors for BIC® Clic Stic® and BIC® Round Stic® - these eye-catching colors are retail inspired and can be used in conjunction with the new BIC® Clic Stic® ColorMax™ capabilities.

-Since pens have multiple owners, the BIC® AZ-Antimicrobial pens are perfect for many industries by suppressing growth of bacteria, algae, fungus, most and mildew.

-The Sheaffer® brand symbolizes sophistication and elegance…impress and show your appreciation with a gift of new Sheaffer® Intensity® pens.

-Norwood offers several new features to tried and true best sellers. Check out these twists on a few classics like the Translucent Candy Cane Tumbler or the Chrome Dart Pen.

-The JAFFA® Collection from Norwood introduces prestigious new awards with the addition of SWAROVSKI® crystals. SWAROVSKI® uses a specialized manufacturing process and high-tested quality raw materials to achieve precision, consistency, and unmatched brilliance… a true complement to the JAFFA® brand.

As the gift giving and recognition season approaches, look to Norwood & BIC Graphic for the perfect, functional and unique products designed to impress everyone on your list! Click here for a link to the 2012 Special Gift Edition iCatalog.

 

~Margit Fawbush

NORWOOD & BIC GRAPHIC NORTH AMERICA BIG WINNER IN PROMO MARKETING 2012 SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Norwood & BIC Graphic North America is pleased to announce an impressive showing in Promo Marketing’s 2012 Supplier Excellence Awards. Both brands were named one of the top 3 suppliers in several categories, winning a cumulative 5 gold, 3 silver and 6 bronze awards. In addition, Norwood & BIC Graphic was ranked 4th on the Promo Marketing Top 50 Suppliers List.

Specific Awards/Categories as follows:

Norwood Gold (3) - Awards, Calendars, Outdoor Products

BIC Graphic Gold (2) - Writing Instruments, Markers & Other; Writing Instruments, Pens & Pencils

Norwood Silver (2) - Auto/Tools, Safety

BIC Graphic Silver (1) - Magnets

Norwood Bronze (5) - Computer; Drinkware, Mugs & Tumblers; Drinkware, Sports Bottles & Other; Golf; Health & Beauty

BIC Graphic Bronze (1) - Journals & Notebooks

“We are very pleased and honored to have been selected as a top supplier in so many categories,” said Nicolas Paillot, CEO. “We have refined our product offering to focus on high quality and innovative items as well as value-added services. We appreciate our customers’ support and recognition of our efforts thus far. We are aggressively bringing new products and services to market throughout the remainder of this year and of course already looking forward to 2013.”

Norwood & BIC Graphic recently launched the Norwood & BIC Graphic 2012 Special Gift Edition catalog including over 40 new products. Click here for a link to the 2012 Special Gift Edition iCatalog. The gift collection promises unique, fun, and functional products to impress, reward, and promote during the upcoming gift giving season.

 

~Margit Fawbush

NORWOOD INTRODUCES SPECIAL JAFFA COLLECTION CATALOG

Featuring best sellers, new products and JAFFA(R) Signature Series

Norwood is pleased to announce a special JAFFA® Collection catalog, featuring best selling and new products, as well as the JAFFA® Signature Series, an assortment from the world’s most renowned glass artists.

The JAFFA® Signature Series features select pieces from artists such as Mario Cioni, Val Saint Lambert, Stephen Schlanser and Pino Signoretto. The majority of these designs are made exclusively for Norwood. The newest addition is a very special collection of brilliant award pieces made with SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS. Only Norwood brings the promotional products industry recognition pieces incorporating these legendary crystals.

JAFFA® is a complete resource for Awards, Recognition, and Gifts, offering a wide assortment of high quality pieces from 24% Lead Crystal exclusives to Acrylics and Coasters. Norwood makes ordering easy with Free Set-Up Charges and Up to 20 Free Drop Ship Locations.

In addition, Norwood has dissolved the Less Than Minimum fee ($50(g)) on over 78 products! New low pricing is now available for small quantities. Just one more way Norwood makes doing business simple. The award-winning JAFFA® brand has been supplying the promotional products industry since 1972, providing the highest level of service and attention to detail.

The JAFFA® Collection iCatalog is available here. Contact your sales representative or customer service to request this special publication in print or you can view the full line of awards and recognition products at www.norwood.com.

 

~Margit Fawbush