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Past Issues

November 2006

Bank Makes Play For Football Fans

Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions. When they do a promotion, they do it big-time. For example, for the home opener for the Carolina Panthers NFL season this year, they gave out 75,000 Panthers-branded checkbook covers to fans as a way to introduce them to Panthers-branded checks.

"The idea for the promotion is 'Our customers' passions are our passions,' " says Joseph L. Goode III, corporate spokesperson. "So the promotion was really a way of helping our customers express their passion for their favorite football team and to make that passion and their loyalty and interest in the team a key part of their everyday banking experience. It's really about affinity."

The goal, of course, is to get fans interested in opening accounts and ordering Panthers' checks, but Bank of America hopes to expand on the concept. "Potentially," Goode says, "in addition to branded checks, 'affinity banking' will afford us the opportunity to develop detailed agreements with partners from many different sectors -- not just sports but things like retailers, professional organizations, cause-related institutions -- and provide things like branded statements, debit cards, maybe even some additional consumer-oriented products."

Bank of America is also giving away checkbook covers for three other NFL teams this season: the Cowboys, the Patriots and the Redskins. It's too soon to say how the promotions will impact business, but based on past experience, the company expects good results. "We have done this similarly with the Dallas Cowboys," Goode says, "and we've been pleased by the response ­ not only with the number of existing customers but also new Bank of America customers who are signing up for checking accounts."

Standing Out During the Holidays Pays Off

The Jack O'Lanterns are gone and the smell of turkey and freshly baked apple pie will be here in a couple of days. Brightly wrapped gifts under a tree sparkling with twinkling lights and tinsel will follow before you know it. The holidays always conjure up such wonderful, cozy images, yet for businesses, it can be a trying time. Holiday gift giving can be a bittersweet experience for some companies. They want to do something to say thank you to their best customers, prospects and suppliers, or to reward their employees, but they also resent feeling they are obligated to do it. Companies are also challenged with distinguishing themselves from many others who are giving out gifts or sending cards.

If you can give them an item that will help them stand out from the crowd, and at the same time bring a smile to the face of the person receiving it, you are ahead of the game. One thing that often fills that need is holiday music. A familiar holiday song immediately puts someone in the holiday spirit, and when you add high-quality artwork and packaging, you have a gift that will be appreciated and remembered. Of course, that would include your name and logo for constant reminders throughout the season and beyond.

Although traditional jewel cases make a lasting impression, a greeting card format is particularly popular during the holiday season. It is easy to give out or mail, and it has the look of a high-end greeting card. When recipients open it, they are pleasantly surprised to find a holiday music CD inside.

Another very popular choice is a customized holiday ornament. Options available include pewter, brass, silver plated steel, cut glass, stained glass, and hand-painted resin. Ornaments are small and can be easily and economically mailed, but can make a big and lasting impression.

65% of all businesses turn to food gifts for their holiday giving. While food gifts are welcome at anytime, our suppliers report that 90% of their annual business comes after Thanksgiving! That really shows how popular they are. From sweets to baskets to holiday hams, there's something for every taste. Having something that everyone in the office can share is a real bonus.

Did You Know?

If you missed our recent company overview issue, it's archived here.

If you missed our recent company overview issue, it's archived here.

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Favorite Quotations

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

Just For Grins

A very pregnant woman made her way to the nurses station in the labor-and-delivery ward. Her mind understandably elsewhere, she explained, "I'm here to be seduced."

The nurse on duty replied, "I think you already have been."