Emily Potter

Workplace Literacy Program

Starting in 2011, we developed and funded a workplace literacy program for the factory workers. Our 6^th class recently graduated.

OC Sports is pleased to announce the promotion of Brad Reagan as the new National Sales Manager following Joe Rubertino’s retirement.

Kick Off Meeting

On Thursday, January 10^th, we had our annual Kickoff Meeting at Four Points – Sheridan in Bentonville. We started the morning off with an optional free breakfast and began the meeting with special guest introductions. 

The 61^st annual Pyramid Award Competition was held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in conjunction with the Promotional Product Association International (PPAI) Expo in Las Vegas last week.

Last week I told you about how politicians and other agencies use political products to acquire votes and positive public sentiment. Today, we’re looking at local, state, and national government, and how promos can benefit each.  

Political Products for Government Services

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the government shutdown, it’s that there are all kinds of businesses that are affected when things aren’t up and running properly. Among those affected include national parks, museums, and airport security. 

Whether you’re working at a local level, or have a multi-state territory, you should be selling caps and other political products to everything from the city mayor’s office to the Yosemite gift shop.  

Emergency Services

My brother is a firefighter, so who do you think he calls every time he wants a new embroidered FSFD hat? All emergency personnel including fire, police, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, military, and search and rescue wear uniforms, many of which include a cap. 

Reach out to the heads of departments to see how you can become their go-to distributor. They will place reoccurring orders at least annually if not every time they bring in new rookies.

Additionally, these guys do a lot within their communities. Police officers visit schools to do fingerprint assemblies and talk about safety. Firefighters invite the public to visit the station, play on the trucks, and slide down the pole. EMTs and paramedics teach CPR courses. Not to mention all the local charity events they attend and volunteer for.

Encourage them to order an excess of caps to give away at these events. This can help build a bond between the community and its emergency services. Especially in today’s political climate where the public is not always fully trusting of those in power. 

Social Services

A lot of governmental offices are set up to help lower income residents and families. Giving a gift like a promotional cap to these people can make a huge difference in their perception of the benefits they are there to receive as well as the politicians in office and local government as a whole.

Consider reaching out to elected officials at the state level and below to see how you can get in contact with decision makers at any of the following offices.

• County Officials
• Courthouses
• Disability
• Department of Human Services (DHS)
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Judges
• Medicaid
• Politicians
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Unemployment
• Welfare
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Infrastructure

The infrastructure sector builds things that the population will use like dams, bridges, parking garages, roads, and interstates. 

The main client for this business is government; usually at the state level, but sometimes it will be divided by counties or even cities. Using political products can help leaders get the approval they need for new infrastructure construction updates.  

Public Schooling

The education industry is said to be a recession-proof market. In the worst of economic times, after the 2008 crisis, the education market remained steady and even showed considerable growth, all things considered.

High Schools

It can be difficult to start working with a new school that you have not yet established a rapport with. Referrals from people who have an “in” can do wonders to help you kick-start a working relationship. 

Have you worked with a coach previously? Do you know someone on the school board? Break out your old Rolodex and see if you can make any connections. Smaller schools will usually have one buyer or decision maker. Larger schools may have one for each department. Try to schedule a meeting with the principal to discuss the school’s buying behavior.

To win that first sale, consider donating a percentage of the total amount of their order back into the school. This type of reciprocity will win you some faith and goodwill.

Consider all of the school’s organizations:

• Booster Clubs, PTAs & PTOs
• Clubs & Activities
• Athletics

Elementary Schools

School sponsored sports are less common at the elementary level. Often, athletics for younger children are organized through a community center or local league system. Reach out to your contacts at the schools; chances are they can get you in touch with a decision maker for community activities as well.

Be sure to read the previous article where I covered politicians, public transit, and more. And let us know about any success you’ve had selling political products in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

In an effort to improve capabilities and expand domestic operations, OC Sports has re-vamped what was previously known as the Domestic Embroidery program to include domestically produced embroidered and sublimated cap patches.

“Patch caps have become highly sought-after headwear and the addition of this program will fuel both our growth and our goal to lead the industry as The Headwear Experts,” says Jim Haworth, President and CEO of Outdoor Cap, the parent company of OC Sports. “It is always important to try new things as we are looking for ways to satisfy our customer’s needs and gain market share!”

Customers may choose from the following patch shapes in a variety of sizes: circle, oval, square, and rectangle. Embroidered fabric patch backgrounds come in 14 colors including two licensed camouflage patterns. All patches are available in either a satin stitch edge or a merrowed edge. There are 12 thread colors to choose from for merrow edge patches.

Outdoor Cap is pleased to announce the hiring of Jeanelle Harris as the Senior Vice President of Retail Sales.

I think we can all agree 2016 was the most emotionally charged presidential election in recent years on both sides of the aisle. It was my first presidential election since joining the promotional products world. 

Street Clean Up

On Tuesday, December 11^th, a team of OC volunteers picked up litter on our adopted street from Main Street at the Bentonville Square to 14^th Street.

Last week, we discussed local news sources and social media channels, and how to use branded hats to build brand loyalty with consumers of each.