In February my brother left one morning to go to work but he never came home, he was only 56 years old and never sick a day in his life (just the usual cold and things). Thom was a big tough guy, when he was younger he was a black belt Judo champion competing unbeaten until he retired from the sport. My brother had a huge heart and was kind to everyone he met – it was ironic when a few weeks later the coroner told us he died of a big heart. My brother never complained and only saw the good in everything he was just a big hearted, kind man always there to help whenever anyone needed him. Losing my brother so suddenly has taught me to slow down and not take life so seriously. I’ll never be as big hearted as he was it’s not my nature, but I have learned to be more open minded and less judgmental.
 
This past year we experienced the loss of two people in this industry that I also cared very deeply for; Randy Shippam and Athena Dunn. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to call Randy and Athena friends and their sudden passing should act as a reminder for all of us to live each day to the fullest.

Some people that I know left long-term jobs in 2009, I was thrilled recently to learn that Janet Trachter has joined Superex and that Gina LeTourneau-Atwell has joined Add Impact. Another lesson we need to remember during trying times is that most often things do happen for a reason and with patience and fortitude we can change a negative to a positive.

This past year also saw two friends of mine Bill Yelland and Paul Bami join forces to establish a new company DezineCorp., teaching us to nurture the relationships we establish as we go thru life as we never know what’s in store for us around the corner.

There’s no denying 2009 was a difficult year for many both personally and business wise – but we’ve made it thru. 2010 is an opportunity for us all to learn from the lessons of the past and move forward with a new zest for life and make the best of the opportunities presented to us!

Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Successful 2010!

Leslie Oesen

He writes:

“Industry Canada has contacted me via registered letter to inform me of new labeling regarding bamboo clothing. I received a registered letter from an Industry Canada Lawyer stating I had to change the way I label bamboo products on my  web site. I then had to comply by emailing all URLs that were updated.  

I also have to ensure that my suppliers have changed their labeling practices. So I have to call 5 different companies, get a hold of a management type and make sure they were aware. Most of them were but I had to do this legwork to come into compliance. 

Apparently “bamboo” isn’t a fabric. Its either Bamboo from Viscose or Bamboo from Rayon. I feel this might make a good blog topic for you or even a feature article on the ASI canada site. They are contacting thousands of companies that sell bamboo apparel.”  http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03021.html

I encourage you to visit the site above for further information! Thank you David for letting us know about this situation!

One of the sessions I sat in on pointed out the 10 most common pitfalls distributors fall into by David Blaise, this was a great session not only did he point out the most common mistakes we make but provided ways to be proactive and not make these mistakes.

Another great session was with Cliff Quicksell, one of the topics was what things we should focus on with our websites – Video is in! He also reviewed a recent study by B2B Magazine about what’s most important to buyers today. But what I found most shocking was at one point Cliff asked how many distributors send a thank-you gift to clients after an order is delivered - less than 5% of the people in the room put up their hand! I sure hope this was because people had been playing the slot machines the night before and their arms were sore!

The Wednesday was a buzz on the show floor aisles were full of people looking for the newest ideas and special offers from the suppliers exhibiting.

We also made an exciting announcement about a new show being added to the 2010 schedule – San Diego, CA. A popular destination featuring beautiful weather and a fun atmosphere, San Diego was voted as a top choice for a trade show by ASI membership. If you’re planning to attend a U.S. Trade Show in 2010 check out San Diego it’s a great location in February particularly for those of us north of the border and features competitive hotel rates.

Here’s my personal HOT Picks from the Vegas Show:

PRODUCT #: ASI-6701140
Push button web link. Simply plug in the USB connecter, Push the button and your default web browser will open your website URL. Seven individual internal LED lights rotate continuously when plugged in.

PRODUCT #: ASI-5061945
Corn plastic ice scraper, biodegradable. Made from NatureAd (TM) 100% U.S. corn plastic.  Essential item for every automobile. Environmentally friendly. Patent pending.

PRODUCT #: ASI-7947517
Bamboo plate with wine holder, disposable, reusable. Hand crafted from the sheath of the newly emerging bamboo plant. Elegant, strong, environmentally friendly. bamboo is 100% biodegradable. No dangerous chemicals or bleaches are used in the manufacturing process. Strong, durable, leak resistant.

PRODUCT #: ASI-6526201
Pet trash bag container with Aluminum carabiner. Our Trash Bag Containers are a great way to encourage pet owners to take care of the environment by picking up their pet’s waste during a walk. Comes with 20 poly bags and a handy carabineer to attach to your pet’s collar or leash.

PRODUCT #: ASI-7456726
4 Alarm pill holder, this handy device contains 4 pill compartments & 4 alarms a day to remind you of medication times. With the alarms that can vibrate, beep or both to alert you, and automatically reset each day, medication will never be a hassle again.

PRODUCT #: ASI-8004131
Mobile Apps. Patent-pending technology to brand popular and paid mobile apps and use as promotional items. Stay ahead of the curve with this first-time ever promotional item that’s environmentally friendly, easy-to-order, easy-to-use, tractable, and takes advantage of the global popularity of mobile apps. Currently available for Blackberry(R) apps. Can also be used as a music download card as well. Material: 100% recycled paper card.

PRODUCT #: ASI-7905401
Cell phone screen cleaners are the HOTTEST promo on the market today!  Limitless creativity and totally custom for just pennies.  Standard or custom unit shapes, 3 different imprint options:  spot color, full color process, Emboss/Deboss.  Custom packaging options, keychain included.  Call not for a free quote!

PRODUCT #: ASI-5815989
Floating cooler is designed to hold 12 cans with ice. Get everyone’s attention with this. Great for the pool, lake, fishing, boating, float tubes. Anywhere there’s water or fun! It really floats!

PRODUCT #: ASI-5903551
1.25 oz. custom chocolate covered cookie in business card box. Size: 3.25″ x 2.75″. A great price point for these delicious chocolate covered cookies makes them an excellent solution for countless promotional requirements. Choose milk or dark chocolate to mold your custom message or logo. Kosher certified. Our chocolate products have a shelf life of one year if properly stored at room temperature.

PRODUCT #: ASI-2253787
Business card box filled with gold foiled mini truffles. Our confection filled box provides the perfect vehicle to transport your business card. Use it for trade shows, client meetings, thank you’s and more! Kosher certified. Our chocolate products have a shelf life of one year if properly stored at room temperature.

PRODUCT #: ASI-7947281
Table in a Bag. Technical Specs weight, 9 pounds assembled dimensions are 27 square and 16 ” height.   Materials,  dark stain hardwood.  The table is lightweight, durable table that sets up in seconds and includes a carry bag and carry handle for easy use.  The table is a lightweight,  durable table that set up in seconds.

PRODUCT #: ASI-575824
Folding sports chair with fold out side table, side pockets, and insulated drink holder. Features detachable shoulder strap.  Made of aluminum and polyester canvas or nylon Doby.

PRODUCT #: ASI-5737127
Brownies in a box. Make a tasteful impression with new and loyal clients by giving a dozen gourmet brownies.  Our number 1 gift choice presents 1 each of all 12 rich chocolate flavors in a classic brown gift box with your company logo printed on the custom band.  All Fairytale Brownies are individually wrapped and certified Kosher.

PRODUCT #: ASI-7621460
Elegant faux fur throw made of 100% polyester. Faux fur top with silky smooth touch lined bottom. Machine washable for easy care. Embroidery only.

For more information on my HOT Product Ideas check out the products in ESPonline!

Last Thursday I was invited to the Admar Suite at the TOPS Show in Toronto and I’ve got to say I was amazed at what an incredibly great experience they treated their clients to this year.

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