JUNE  2023

From Your Executive Director

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression"  

-Will Rogers

A growing number of organizations are doubling down on their onboarding process in order to retain and improve performance in light of college graduates and the continued wave of career changes. The goal is to create an engaging initial welcome experience, as well as ongoing orientation throughout the first year and beyond. Whether onboarding clients or new hires, using branded merchandise can enhance the experience and make them feel welcome from the start.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find articles, products, and social media images for you to share reiterating the power of a first impression. Also, below you will find information about our upcoming REFUEL event as well as a feature about new supplier member Mary Dobsch from The Chest. Keep reading!

Dana Geiger | Executive Director

Up Next With PG

Refuel your mind and body by joining these lunch-time presentations with PG suppliers. Each day of this week-long event members will be inspired with new ideas as they digest these fast-paced presentations. Register by August 25 to be eligible to win prizes throughout the week!

Biz Hacks

Why Effective Onboarding Is More Important Than Ever

Have you ever had an incredible onboarding experience that made you think, “Yes! I totally made the right decision — this is going to be so amazing”?

Science actually shows that people start to form a first impression within less than one-tenth of a second. While this is mostly appearance-related, there’s much more you can do to set an initial meeting off on the right foot.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

- Helen Keller

Supplier Spotlight

Meet Mary Dobsch

President/ Owner

The Chest

Q: What's your motto or personal mantra?

A:  There is good in everything and everything happens for a reason.  You just had to look harder some days.  Meaning.... A negative mind will never give you a positive life.

Q: If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?

A: Pizza - I could say it has all the food groups, but mainly the cheese! And it pairs well with wine.

Q: What's your favorite project of all time?

A:  Wow - after 40 years in the industry it is difficult. During Covid a hospital group in California did a package for their 9,000 employees. Each received a gift box The Chest produced that contained snacks, a gift card from Albertson's grocery store for Thanksgiving Dinner, a movie download gift card and a puzzle that we produced. It was a thank you to them and their family for giving up so while working through Covid. The distributor actually send us examples of the e-mailed thank you's from the employees - it was so gratifying.

Enter and Win!

Get Social

We have chosen a few choice images you can share to get your audience ready to make a good first impression with custom packaging and start getting outside in the warmer months!

To share - simply right click on the image, save, and add your own little message to your social feed.

Membership Changes

Members can access our Online Directory at any time for an updated list of PG Members. Below are a few recent changes to take note of. 

Welcome Distributor Member Wallace Graphics! 

Wallace Graphics, an Atlanta-based commercial printer, recently acquired The Corporate Shop. Wallace Graphics owners Jonathan and Jake Wallace are excited about branching into the promotional product space through this acquisition. John and Wendy Neubauer will remain active over the next two years helping to create a productive and seamless transition.

American Ad Bag and Augusta Sportswear are no longer part of the Premier Group membership. We thank them for their dedication to our membership while in the group. Please update your rosters accordingly.

Members In The Wild

Do you have photos to share? Maybe a team event? Or perhaps you connected with other members while traveling or at an industry event? We'd love to share them. Send photos to Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com

POP! Promos celebrates winning the Paul Smith Award for 2022 in their category.

Matt Wagner (Fields) visits Action Plus Ideas Alicia Rhodes and Eric Lerner in Charlotte, NC.

The Promotions Dept. Richard Hill shows off his PG Award  - The MacGyver Award. Nominated by a supplier for making the impossible happen.

Cap America hosts a group of members for a day of fun and learning.

Callard Company celebrates being awarded the Doug Bruce Award for excellence in their category.

Callard Company CEO Michelle Guetle was deservedly awarded the MVPG Award for her continual support and leadership. Contributing to the association in significant ways.

JH Specialty, John Henry visits The Corporate Shop's Wendy and John Neubauer in the Atlanta area.

City Apparel + Merch's Andrea Kramer and Michael Steeb meet with legislators as part of PPAI's LEAD.  

Board Matters

In early June the PG Board met for a one-day retreat in Virginia Beach. With the mission of the center stage, the Board evaluated the association's strengths and weaknesses with a future focused organization in mind.

The goals developed will drive objectives and reorganization to streamline efficiencies, ultimately bringing additional value to all members. Premier Group is committed to serving the uniqueness of each member company and is driven to fuel growth individually and collectively.

Members are welcome to participate as we move the association forward. Please reach out to Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com to learn more about the different committees and where you may wish to serve.

Member News

Know of a PG member doing great things? Let us know here.

PG Suppliers Represented Well in PPAI's Top 100 List

Premier Group Celebrates 2022 Award winners at Annual Meeting

Slack 

PG strives to connect our community. Slack is just one more way you can connect with other members. 

Supplier Network

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