What’s The Buzz?

In what ways are you and your business preparing for a possible recession this year?

Here’s what PPMN members are saying:

“I would anticipate that there may be more pressure on rush orders, with customers holding off on commitments to promotional investments to the last minute, so we will be prepared to work closely with our distributors to make sure we can help meet their in hands dates and other special service needs.  Teamwork will be the key on all fronts!!  Also, while business is still strong, we are definitely watching our expenses.  There is a lot of pressure on our bottom line from the increase in oil/gas and raw material prices.”

Kippie Helzel, MAS

Vice President of Sales

C.P.S./The Keystone Line

“We've ramped-up our self-promotion activity to ‘make our own economy.’”

Joseph G. Scott, MAS

Vice President

Scott & Associates

“I do not believe the economy is headed into the traditional definition of a recession. I believe the correction in the stock market has reached a low point and will begin a gradual recovery for the remainder of 2008. Spending will continue to be guarded as many homeowners have had their funds cut by the elimination of their home equity loans that have been used like a huge ATM.

“In response to the potential slow down, Windbrella is waiting as long as possible to hire new employees and we are watching our largest expense (tradeshows). I will resist cutting out any shows but I am bringing fewer people and stressing expense control.

“I believe that the promotional products industry will benefit from this economic climate we are in if clients can be shown creative ad campaigns over product.

“Our industry has the ability to influence an end user better than almost any other media.”

Bob Hechler

President

Windbrella Products Corp.  

“I have a number of clients that have found, during periods of recession talk, that it is most productive to step up their marketing efforts. I have found this to be true as well.  While others complain about the reports, I focus on better customer service, new prospecting and better direct mail marketing. I don’t cut back on tradeshows that I display at--in other words I keep up the marketing efforts.

“I do watch expenses and utilize better planning for client visits but the bottom line is that you must keep your benefits in front of your clients and those you want to do business with.”

T. Neal Munn, MAS

Promotional Consultant

Rhino Marketing / Geiger

“I am not intentionally and specifically preparing for a recession. I am trying to develop my business, Classy Glass, Inc., to achieve our mission statements: to be the best glass and crystal awards supplier in the U.S. This includes product development, as well as looking for new sources of raw materials that will increase our profit margin. Achieving these goals will help us deal with recession.”

Gene Rainone

General Manager

Classy Glass, Inc.

“Gemaco has started the process of ‘lean manufacturing’--helping us get rid of waste, streamlining our manufacturing processes and becoming more efficient. We will be
shortening our lead times as a result.”

Bonnie Clark, MAS

Sales & Marketing Coordinator

Gemaco, Inc.