Get caught up on all the latest industry news 4

Best-selling author Jon Gordon reveals simple

habits to transform your year and your life 14

The International Monetary Fund's most recent

World Economic Outlook (WOE) is examined 16

Trendex North America highlights the lastest in

Canadian Apparel statistics 34

WHAT'S INSIDE

Using Instagram to Build Your Brand's Online PresenceBy Adriano Aldini, Imprint Canada

A Tristan Communications Ltd. Publication Volume 22, Issue 2

IMPRINT CANADATHE MARKETING AND INFORMATION SOURCE FOR IMPRINTABLE PRODUCTS

2015 Golf Imprintables: SWOT AnalysisBy Steve Silva, Imprint Canada

Th e most recent Economic Impact Study of Golf in Canada - which was con-

ducted last year by Strategis Network Group on behalf the National Allied Golf

Associations (NAGA) - found that

rounds being played across Canada

are down approximately 10 per cent

from 2008 levels.

Th is drop coincides with a 2012

Golf Behavioral Study by NAVICOM

which found that among the popula-

tion of approximately 5.7 million golf-

ers, the number of people entering the

game is equal to the number of people

leaving the game (18 per cent or

approximately 1.026 million people).

Despite this drop, Canadian golfers

increased their spending on golf in

Canada to $15.6 billion (2013$) compared to $14 billion (2013$) in 2008, while

Canadians' spending on golf and golf-related travel outside of Canada jumped from

$1.9 billion (2013$) in 2008 to $4.6 billion (2013$).

Instagram - the popular mobile social networking plat-

form that enables its users to take pictures and videos, and

share them on a variety of social networks, like Facebook,

Twitter, Tumblr and Flickr - now has almost as many month-

ly active users as there are people living in Canada.

If your business isn't using this social media platform

yet, it may be time to take

notice; the world's biggest

global brands have been for

years with much success.

Originally launched in

October 2010, what began

as an idea by founders Kevin

Systrom and Mike Krieger

has grown into a global

community with 30 million

users that shares more than

70 million photos and videos each day. 

By 2011, some of the world's biggest companies - like Red

Bull and Starbucks - were tapping into this new social net-

work, and by the spring of 2012, social media giant Facebook

saw the future potential and acquired Instagram for $1 billion.

So what does this mean for your brand and your business? Well, for starters it means that Instagram gives you access

to a large audience with which to engage and share compel-

ling stories via beautiful imagery. Instagram's clean design

allows captivating visuals to fi ll mobile screens without clut-

tering user experience.

WE CHANGED OUR NAME, BUT NOT OUR COMMITMENT TO:• CHOICE • INVENTORY • DELIVERY • ACCURACY

Ash City is now alphabroder Canada

EVEN BETTERCANADIAN CAPABILITIES:• dedicated customer service• dedicated distribution centre• North American product design

www.alphabroder.ca 866.274.2489

® ®

I Got Cheap GasConsumers are very happy with the low price of crude oil.

As long as the money saved on gas is spent in Canada, Canadians have greater purchasing power. Outside Canada's borders however, the Canadian dollar's weakness puts a huge dent in our purchasing power.

South of the border, the strong American dollar - coupled with low interest rates and reduced costs for oil consuming sectors - creates a further divide in our economies.

Th e potential of American purchases of Canadian exports is in an ideal situation for both nations. In order for Canadian manufacturers to take advantage of this market condition, they must continue to invest in new technologies to effi ciently compete with other countries whose currencies have also been devalued against the American dollar.

Th e onus now falls upon Corporate Canada to fi nd ways to supplement and off set the impact that low oil prices will have on Canadian oil export sectors. For so many years, that sector has helped out the rest of Canada, it is now time for other export sectors to step up and play their part in maintaining and pushing the Canadian economy forward.

Th ese sectors must sharpen their skill sets and empower the thinkers to discover market opportunities/prod-ucts to take advantage of America's buying strength.

Th e goal is to get them to be as happy BUYING CANADIAN as we are when we buy cheap gas.

Th e other goal is to get the rest of Canada to be just as happy BUYING CANADIAN as we say the Americans should!

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Follow us: twitter.com/imprint_canada

1 GOLF IMPRINTABLES: SWOT ANALYSIS, CONTINUED PG 8

1 USING INSTAGRAM TO BULD YOUR BRAND, CONTINUED PG 12

4 INDUSTRY NEWS, CONTINUED PG 6

10 WESTERN IMPRINT CANADA SHOW

14 POSITIVE HABITS FOR A BETTER 201516 GLOBAL ECONOMIC UPDATE

20 WEARABLES SHOWCASE

28 AD SPECIALTY SHOWCASE

32 SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT SHOWCASE

Imprint Canada is published six times per year by Tristan Communications

Ltd. Th e contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in part or in

whole without the consent of the copyright owner. Th e views expressed in this

publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Request for missing issues

are not accepted aft er three months from the date of publication.

TRISTAN COMMUNICATIONS LTD.Publications mail agreement no. 40025740Return undeliverable mail to: 190 Marycroft Avenue, Unit 16,

Woodbridge, Ontario, L4L 5Y2

Email: shows@imprintcanada.com

ISSN: 1480-1884 GST Registration #: RT892913294

IMPRINT CANADA

PUBLISHER: Tony Muccilli : tony@imprintcanada.com

PRODUCTION: Adriano Aldini : news@imprintcanada.com

CONTRIBUTORS: Adriano Aldini, Steve Silva, Jon Gordon

GENERAL INQUIRIES: feedback@imprintcanada.com, (905)856-2600

ADVERTISING SALES: Tony Muccilli (Toronto) Tel: (905) 856-2600 Fax: (905) 856-2667

March/April 2015 - Volume 22, Issue 2

IMPRINT CANADA

TM

Epson SureColor F2000

IMPRINT CANADA

Industry News

Canada Sportswear announces new addition to design teamCanada Sportswear Corp., is excited to announce the

addition of the design team formerly of Needleworks/

Westhall Apparel. Th e leading-edge creative team and newly acquired state

of the art decorating equipment is fully operational and

running in Canada Sportswear’s premises, located at 230

Barmac Dr. Toronto, Ontario.

Th e fl eece collection will be available under the brand

name of MUSKOKA TRAIL GARMENT COMPANY.Canada Sportswear is Canadian owned and managed by

Ralph Goldfi nger and Howie Goldfi nger. "We are very excited

to have added this innovative and nationally-renowned

decorating element to our product off erings and embel-

lishing services. Along with Embossing Solutions, and

Ecorite, Canada Sportswear’s decorating department will

continue to enable distributors to help build the identity of

organizations from promotional products we supply and

decorate.   We will help build brands through our creative

services," commented the Goldfi ngers in a joint statement.

Tony Mannucci, National Sales Manager for Canada

Sportswear  Corp. explains this is a great step forward pro-

viding a one stop shop for all their decorating needs.   Ron

Brownstein who heads up Canada Sportswear’s custom division

adds this will greatly enhance the off erings to its customers. 

Gildan Activewear Inc. (TSX:GIL) (NYSE:GIL) will be

donating the totality of a grant to be received from the Government

of Honduras in the amount of more than U.S. $3.5 million.

Th e entirety of the grant will be donated to special com-

munity projects selected by Gildan, as well as other projects

designated in collaboration with FUNDEIH (Foundation for

the integral development of Honduras) and the Offi ce of the

First Lady of Honduras.

Gildan selected four key projects aimed at improving

education and health care services in the northern region of

Honduras, where its operations are located, and to facilitate

access to housing for its employees.

“Gildan’s positive impact on job creation in the country

entitled us to receive a special grant as part of this governmental

program, which we decided to redistribute entirely into edu-

cational, healthcare and housing projects, as we believe this

will have a signifi cant impact in the communities where our

employees live,” explained Benito Masi, Executive Vice-President,

Manufacturing at Gildan. “In 2014 alone, Gildan generated

more than 7,000 new jobs in Honduras, making the company

the country’s top recruiter within this program,” he added.

Acquires Comfort Colors; Signs Blake SheltonGildan Activewear Inc. recently completed the acquisition

of Comfort Colors, the leading supplier of garment-dyed

undecorated basic T-shirts and sweatshirts for the North

American printwear market, for a total purchase price of

approximately $100 million US.

Th e company also recently signed a celebrity endorsement

partnership with Blake Shelton, the fi ve-time and reigning

CMA Male Vocalist of the Year and coach of NBC's real-

ity competition series, Th e Voice. Mr. Shelton will support

and promote Gildan® branded products through diff erent

consumer initiatives.

"As a real Oklahoma guy who likes to kick-back in com-

fort at the end of the day, I am excited to promote Gildan®,

a brand that I appreciate for its quality and comfort," said

Blake Shelton.

"Blake Shelton's authenticity coupled with his fun-loving

roots makes him the perfect fi t for Gildan®, a genuine family

apparel brand", said Rob Packard, Vice-President, Marketing

and Merchandising, Gildan Branded Apparel.

Champion® Apparel now available

at HD Brown Enterprises Ltd.HD Brown Enterprises Ltd. announced the dis-

tribution of Champion® apparel to the collegiate, team

dealer, concession, proshop, pro specialty, promotional

and imprint markets in Canada.

HD Brown is off ering styles from both Champion

AUTHENTIC and PERFORMANCE collections.

AUTHENTIC is the heritage, heart and soul of the

Champion® line off ering athletically inspired apparel for

everyday wear. Th e PERFORMANCE collection off ers

training gear powered by technology, such as Double Dry™

moisture management, for a cooler, drier workout.

“Th is is an exciting time for us as we continue to expand

our portfolio of products off ered to the Canadian market-

place,” said Robyn Tomlins, Apparel Division Manager for

HD Brown Enterprises Ltd. “We are committed to off er-

ing great brands and exceptional product choices, such as

Champion®, to our customers.”

Product is being shipped to customers from HD Brown’s

Brantford, ON distribution centre and the entire Canadian

product line will be in stock by July 1, 2015.

Please contact customerservice@hdbrown.com or call

1-800-265-0777 to request a copy of the Champion® cata-

logue and price list.

Gildan to donate $3.5 million to community projects in HondurasAcquires Comfort Colours; Signs Endorsement Agreement with Blake Shelton

alphabroder Canada introduces Team 365 Collection

alphabroder Canada recently announced the release

of its highly-anticipated Team 365 collection, a propri-

etary team-concept brand of athletics-inspired apparel

for teams, coaches and fans, in 16 team-approved colours.

"We are extremely excited to bring Team 365 to market –

it's an entire concept, revolving around the importance of

authentic apparel and gear in the right team colours across

our brand and our brand partners," said Andrea L. Routzahn,

Vice President of Portfolio and Supplier Management.

"Colour is a team's identity. It's their brand. Team 365 gives

athletes, coaches and supporters the opportunity to select

from an extensive gear assortment, all in matching team

colours, to achieve that cohesive team image."

Th e collection includes multiple product categories such

as Competition & Training, Coach & Staff , Warm-Up &

Travel, Team & Championship, Fan & Support gear and more.

FIEL adds in-house screen printingAppoints New Marketing Manager

Fairdeal Import & Export Ltd. is now off ering in-house screen

printing. Th is new capability brings the entire manufacturing process

of the company’s product line under one roof.

"We are proud to introduce a true one-stop shop for 2015,” said Arif

Bandeali, Vice-President of FIEL. “Th e press is in our Mississauga facil-

ity. Th is is another addition to our manufacturing plant which consists

of more than 100 employees producing textile products made in North

America. Th is is a great way to celebrate our 25th anniversary and

show our commitment to our distributors and the promotional prod-

uct industry as a whol

New Marketing ManagerTh e company also announced that it has promoted Munira Kasamali

to Marketing Manager.

Munira has helped to build the FIEL brand and contributed to many

of FIEL's departments including production and new product develop-

ment, along with other marketing tools, over the 15 years.

"Munira has passion, creativity and wants to go the extra mile each

and every time," said Bandeali. "In this new role, Munira will lead her

team and ensure the FIEL brand is well positioned now and in the future,

and provide the latest tools to help our distributors seal deals," he added.

F

Transfer Express releases new video for creating billboard print shirtsTransfer Express has a new educational video to

show how easy it is to print billboard shirts with cus-

tom screen printed transfers. Billboard print shirts are a

popular customization trend that is also known as shoul-

der, oversized, and pom pom prints.

To see the video, visit https://youtu.be/M5IV1k09EHkFor more information, contact STAHLS’ Transfer

Express at 1-800- 622-2280; email: info@TransferExpress.

com or visit the website at www.TransferExpress.com

anvilknitwear.com

420

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F A S H I O N F O R E V E R YO N E

RESPONSIBILITY IS WOVEN INTO EVERYTHING WE MAKE. OUR COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR FABRIC. ANVIL® WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO DEVELOP AND USE ORGANIC COTTON AND RECYCLED P.E.T. IN OUR ANVILORGANIC™ AND ANVILSUSTAINABLE™ APPAREL, AND MOST OF OUR PRODUCTS ARE CERTIFIED OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. TO LEARN MORE, VISIT ANVILCSR.COM.

MEMBER

technosport.com

EARTH DAY IS APRIL 22DOWN TO EARTH

IMPRINT CANADA

RB Digital announce Open House & Roadshow dates across Canada

Debco promotes Daniel Baker to Marketing Manager Position

PICS / Promo Expo Roadshow Series

News

n equipment as RB Digital travels across Canada

presenting local seminars and equipment demonstra-

tions.

During the two-day sessions, attendees will partici-

pate in personal training with hands on demos and

seminars, so bring your own designs and watch them

print. RB Digital's certifi ed technicians and product

specialists will conduct  machine operation semin-

ars  that will teach you how to keep your equipment

in tip top shape to maximize productivity and reduce

downtime.

Attendees will also learn fi rst hand how to grow their

business and diversify into garment decorating servi-

ces.

Day 1 of is an open house which is free of charge.

Attendees are encouraged to drop in to see the equip-

ment, mix and mingle. Day 2 is broken into four sem-

inar sessions which will focus on: Tajima Embroidery

Maintenance Seminar, Large Format Printing,

Garment Printing, and Digitizing 101. Cost for sem-

inars is $100 per person, with 2nd and 3rd registrants

from the same company will be $50 per person.

Th is fee includes the whole day of seminars.

Attendees can pick and choose the sessions they would

like to attend.

THE FULL SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS:Montreal: March 30-31  RB Digital Office, Montreal, QC

Edmonton: April 9-10  RB Digital Offi ce, Edmonton, AB

Calgary: April 16-17  Lakeview Signature Inn, Calgary Airport

Regina: April 23-24  Best Western Seven Oaks Hotel, Regina, SK 

Vancouver: April 30-May 1  RB Digital Offi ce, Richmond, BC

Winnipeg: May 7-8  RB Digital Office, Winnipeg, MB

Toronto: May 21-22  RB Digital Office, Toronto, ON

Halifax: May 28-29  Residence Inn by Marriott, Halifax, NS

For more information please contact: Bill Dean, Vice President Sales, Edmonton, Alberta, TF: 1-866-890-9488, 780- 478-0073

Pour plus d'informations s'il vous plaît contacter: Peter Berardo, RB Digital Montréal, TF: 877-928-3354, 514-228-3354.

Please note: As of April 1st RB Digital's new address

in Edmonton is 10751-178St. Edmonton, AB. T5S 1J6.

Debco has promoted Daniel Baker to the position

of marketing manager. Daniel began his career with

Debco three years ago, and has proven to be an active

contributor to the building of the Debco brand, and

has also built considerable momentum behind the

company's innovative sales and marketing tools.

"When we bring someone into the Debco family, the

fi rst two things we look for are passion and energy,"

said Alex Morin, executive vice president of sales &

marketing. "Daniel brings both of these traits to every

facet of his role. He challenges the company to look

at opportunities in creative new ways and inspires his

teammates to look beyond obvious solutions."

Daniel Baker can be reached by email at:

daniel.baker@debcosolutions.com.

Th e 2015 Promotional Idea & Concept Show and

Promo Expo Spring Roadshows dates are as follows:

April 21: Saskatoon, SK (Th e Ramada Inn, 9:30

a.m. – 2 p.m.)

April 22: Regina, AB (Th e Holiday Inn Express &

Suites, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

April 23: Winnipeg, MB (Hilton Winnipeg Airport

Suites, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

April 28: Barrie, ON (Barrie Country Club, 9:30

a.m. – 1 p.m.)

April 30: Peterborough, ON (Parkway Banquet

Hall, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Shows are open to all promotional distributors and

their sales teams. End-users accompanied by their dis-

tributors are welcome. Business cards are required for

entrance. For more information, contact Modern Flare

Sales at (905) 760-9333.

GLOBAL APPAREL NEWS

our newWORK-TO-PLAYperformer

What goes from conference rooms to tennis courts without breaking a sweat

(or stopping for a wardrobe change)? Gildan Performance® Sport Shirts. New for

2015, they’re made from 100% filament polyester micro piqué knit, come in eight

colours and feature AquaFX™ wicking technology. So you feel cool and look great.

Featured: 45800L Ladies’ Double

Piqué Sport Shirt and45800 Adult Double

Piqué Sport Shirt

myGildan.caGild

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Max. print: 24”x16.5” Media Thickness: 5.9”

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Simultaneous white ink under or overprintthat does not slow down the printing speed

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UJF-6042426UF Print on:

Plastics

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Wood

Rubber

So while Canadians are not playing as much golf as they

used to, and new entrants to the game is relatively fl at,

spending is still increasing, powered by avid golf enthusiasts.

Within this context, we sought to look at Golf Imprintables

in our industry – both apparel and hard goods – to get a

glimpse into what strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and

trends currently exist.

Strengths:On the wearables’ side of the business in our marketplace,

golf season is a heavy hitter (simply at the number of polos

available from leading suppliers).

Th e fact is that golf apparel has continued to thrive in the

ever-growing casual business work environment.

Th is has been helped by the fact that golf wear has evolved

to include both functional and fashionable properties preva-

lent at the retail level, making it a popular choice during

offi ce hours and on the fairways.

Couple this with a growing ladies’ segment of the market,

and you have a niche category that is strong and well.

"Th ere has been a huge growth in women’s golf wear

recently," says Elson Yeung, Director of Private Label

Design & Merchandising at alphabroder.

He explains that this infl ux has placed even

more importance on design details – as

females are generally more discerning with

their apparel choices – and those fashionable

cues have carried over into the men’s sector.

Additionally, the infl ux of younger golfers

emerging at the professional level has also

injected a much-needed dose of freshness

into the market.

"Tiger Woods was one of the fi rst golf-

ers to bring fi tness into the game," notes

Yeung. "As emerging golfers are becoming

more fi t, you’re seeing more colourful, bold

off erings from retail brands."

Even the traditional golfer has adapted

to a wider gamut of colours and is more

comfortable wearing brighter shades.

As a result, industry suppliers have been

quicker in adapting to retail trends and

incorporating them in their seasonal off erings.

"At the end of the day, buyers are looking for options not

only that they want to give away at events, they want to be

able to wear them on their own time," adds Yeung.

On the hardgood side of the imprintable business, golf

has traditionally been a relatively popular segment.

"It’s a strong segment of the year and a great appetizer for

the busy spring/summer market," says

Alex Morin, Executive Vice President,

Sales & Marketing at Debco.

One of the strength’s Morin points

to is in fi nding interesting associations

to tie into golf product-wise; the ability

to fi nd complimentary products that

work well in a golf context.

"Specifi cally, we see a real strength

when it comes to tech products that

can be slotted into golf," explains

Morin, who singles out the selfi e-

stick as one of this years’ best complimentary product to

the golf segment.

Weaknesses:In terms of weaknesses for the golf

imprintables segment, an abundance of

choices has led to over saturation and

given rise to the desensitized buyer.

One has to look only at the sheer

breadth of golf apparel off erings – from

polos, windshirts, mid-layers, jackets,

vests – it can be daunting. And that’s

not even mentioning headwear options.

"Th ere are simply too many choices

for the consumer and it’s becoming more

challenging, for example, for our buyers

to make a pitch that really stands from

the others," explains Yeung.

While, from the consumer’s standpoint,

it may seem like a good idea to have end-

less options, when it comes to our industry,

Yeung points to the over saturation that

occurs when a trend occurs.

Several years ago, moisture-wicking

became all the rage; now you’d be hard-pressed to fi nd a

supplier that doesn’t off er this technical property in at least

a polo. But how does this technical function truly measure

up? What testing is being done? What story is being told?

Yeung points out that these are the questions that must

be asked in order to be able to cultivate a full story in order

address the true needs of the market.

"It becomes fast-fashion. Everyone

jumps on it and what happens is it

loses its aesthetic and true reasoning

for its existence in the fi rst place."

Th e overabundance of off erings

can also be said to exist when you

look to the advertising specialty

off erings of this segment.

According to Morin, one of the

weaknesses in the golf segment is

that you don’t need very much to

actually play the game, and what you

do need has already been done.

Technically, all you need to golf is clubs, a bag and a ball.

Everything else can be considered non-essential and yet there is

multi-billion dollar industry built around accessories for golf, and

every year more and more golf-related products come to market.

"You cannot keep fi nding golf products every year so you

are forced to fi nd complimentary products," he explains. "It’s

a bit of a strength and a weakness."

Opportunities:One of the opportunities inherent in this segment is - with

the overabundance of golf off erings on the market - it may

actually be easier to stand out from the crowd.

If you know your competitors are all pitching the same

handful of products, you can separate yourself by diff eren-

tiating your off erings and building an interesting storyline

around them. Anyone can choose a blue moisture-wicking

polo, but how you can make it stand out is where the real

opportunity lies.

Another opportunity lies in leveraging the advancement

of decorating technologies, such as laser embellishment,

sublimation, embossing / debossing, and full colour photo-

graphic-quality prints. Th ese embellishment techniques

have aff orded a wealth of opportunities to distributors to

help make their product solutions stand out.

Golf is played in a beautiful landscape, and it’s only natural

to take the most exciting decoration techniques and apply

them to the products you’re going to associate with this seg-

ment, whether it be for giveaways, tournaments, or events.

Trends:Trying to decipher what trends are emerging within any seg-

ment of the promotional marketplace can be a tricky endeavour.

With respect to golf, you need to examine what’s happen-

ing on golf courses across the continent.

"Th ere is always going to be technological improvements

- better balls, better clubs," says Morin. "We see the incorpora-

tion of your cell phone more and more on the golf course."

In that context, Morin goes back to the popular selfi e-stick

as an innovative complimentary product.

Virtually everyone is taking selfi es right now, the prod-

uct fi ts perfectly into a golf bag and even features a handle

that resembles a golf club; from a marketing perspective,

the fi t is perfect.

From the apparel perspective, a trend that is emerging

(above and beyond brighter colours and more fi tted sil-

houettes) is the increasing usage of developmental fabrics.

"When I visit golf retailers, I see some of the big brands

really testing the limits of fabric," notes Yeung. For better or

for worse, these brands are pushing the envelope in hopes of

discovering the ‘next big thing’ and pioneering that innova-

tion to the market.

As the weather starts to warm up, the grass will thaw

and the days will grow longer Be sure that you’re ready to

tap into this lucrative segment before the golf season gets

into full swing.

www.stahls.ca/myogrid

WHERE THE BRANDS ARE

3630 Macleod Trail South Calgary, Alberta T2G 2P9

(403) 287-3900 http://www.bwcalgarycentre.com

For reservations, call: 1-877-287-3900

SPECIAL RATE FOR SHOW GUESTS: From $135.00 (Includes a complimentary hot breakfast.)

SHOW CODE (Please quote this when reserving): Imprint Canada Show

DEADLINE (To receive special rate): September 1

4206 MacLeod Trail South, Calgary, AB

(403) 287-2700 or 1-866-554-0162

www.hihotelcalgary.ca

RATE: $139

CODE: ICS or Western Imprint Canada Show

DEADLINE: August 4

3828 MacLeod Trail South, Calgary, AB

(403) 243-5531 or 1-800-361-3422

www.daysinn-calgarysouth.com

RATE: $99

CODE: CGIC15

DEADLINE: August 8

119 – 12th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB

(403) 266-4611 or 1-800-661-9378

www.hotelarts.ca

RATES: Starting at $109 (Friday-Sunday)/

$189 (Monday-Th ursday) - Call For Details

CODE: 1509WESTER 001 or Western Imprint Show

DEADLINE: August 7

WestJet is pleased to off er a 10% discount off our best available Econo

or Flex fare at the time of the booking (excluding seat sales and web

fares) to delegates fl ying to and from the Western Imprint Canada Show in Calgary. Th is discount does

not apply to Plus fares.

To book your WestJet fl ight, please visit www.WestJet.com and enter BOTH the promo code with the

coupon code above. Th e discounted rates are available for travel up to seven days prior to and seven

days aft er the Show. For travel outside of these dates and during WestJet Blackout dates*, WestJet will

off er the best available fare at the time of booking.

*Please note that September 3-8 are Westjet Blackout dates.

Air Canada is pleased to off er special rates to delegates attending the 2015

Western Imprint Canada Show. Please book your Air Canada fl ight by visit-

ing AirCanada.com and enter Promotion Code C7BGHVT1 in the search

panel. Discounts do not apply to TANGO packages nor Executive Class.

Rates are available from September 2-19, 2015.

You Can Order Mill Direct!

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IMPRINTCANADA.FULL.04.2015.indd 1 3/16/15 5:26 PM

"We deal with a lot of tech-savvy individuals, and

Instagram is a low cost marketing option for us,"says

Gord Gabel, owner of Edmonton-based custom decora-

tion company Rogue Star (@ROGUESTARONLINE).

"We do a lot of non-traditional decorating for our

own customers as well as our

wholesale clients and Instagram

allows both parties to see some of

the unique things we can do and

can inspire them to order some

of the products we off er." Gabel

goes on to note that the company's

presence on this social platform

has helped generate new custom-

ers and has grown relationships

with existing clients as well.

According to one of the case

studies on Instagram's web-

site, Levi's® (@LEVIS), the

American denim retailer, lever-

aged Instagram to showcase its

apparel as the uniform for living in the moment, reach-

ing 7.4 million people.

"Not only were we able to reach a large audience…

on Instagram, but the metrics clearly show we engaged

with them in a memorable and authentic way. We’re

pleased with these results," said Julie Channing, Director

of Digital at Levi’s®.

For national promotional marketing fi rm

BrandAlliance™ (@BRANDALLIANCE), Instagram

helped advance brand engagement, showcase innova-

tive promotional marketing ideas and highlight the

functionality of products through the use of video.

"We invested in Instagram about a year and a half

ago," says Peter Kmech,

Executive Vice President

of BrandAlliance™.

Kmech explains that

the company lever-

ages this social net-

work to reach users

outside our industry

and related industries

by introducing them to

BrandAlliance™ and the

world of promotional

products. "Instagram helps promote our industry and

expose our brand to much larger community (as well

as) connecting with our own employees." Kmech notes

that the use of hashtags on Instagram - when properly

utilized - helps content reach audiences outside a brand's

circle of followers, employees, vendors and clients.

"Like a lot of social media, it’s a great way to show

your company’s personality, fashion trends and to

connect with customers in a more informal way," says

Nadia Vetere, Digital Marketing Coordinator at Trimark

Sportswear Group (@TRIMARK1975).

"For our brand in particular – with visual appeal

being such a key element of the apparel – Instagram

helps share this aspect with our audience, allowing us

to really engage with our customers and even their

customers." Vetere adds that above and beyond show-

casing apparel, Instagram allows the company to share

information, like education on promotional products,

trends and events.

"People love visuals, and Instagram is such an easy

tool to reach followers to show them the type of work

you do, specials you may have, and just communicat-

ing in general with your audience," explains Adam

Szeminski, Founder & CEO of Champion Print Studio

Inc. (@CHAMPIONPRINTSTUDIO).

"For us it's about showing people the cool stuff we

print, and giving them an inside look at what we do

day-to-day. It's great for advertising as well and it keeps

us connected to people that are interested in screen

printing and print media," adds Szeminski.

A notable Instagram presence can also generate added

business opportunities as potential and existing custom-

ers engage with your brand and message.

"We have noticed greater website traffi c as a result

of directing people to the web link in our Instagram

profi le," explains Vetere. "Our digital analytics continue

to show Instagram as an increasingly common referral

source, with interest not just in North America but also

from around the world."

INSTAGRAM CONTENT: STRATEGY TIPS FOR BUSINESSESHaving a presence on Instagram is really only as

good as the content you share. Like any other social

media platform, the messages you put out there to

your audience need to consistently refl ect your brand.

Most companies will establish clear guidelines for

posting content, which is especially needed if more than

one person or department

is responsible for what is

being uploaded.

1. Start with clear goals: Consider how Instagram

fi ts into your overall

brand marketing strat-

egy. Is your objective to

increase awareness, shift

perception, or reach a new

audience? Th e experts at Instagram suggest picking one

or two goals that can be achieved.

2. Be authentic: Choose content that is authentic

to your brand and best conveyed through captivating

imagery. Create posts that follow these themes for a

diversity of content that also remains consistent over time.

3. Share high-quality content: Th is may seem like a

given, however its crucial to work with your brand or

creative team to produce images and videos that are

well-craft ed and engage the audience you are targeting.

Quality imagery thrives on Instagram, and the better

your content, the faster it will spread.

4. Keep it Concise: Keep captions short and fresh.

Th e experts at Instagram recommend using a max-

imum of three hashtags so as not to detract from the

post's content. Asking questions to engage people is

also recommended.

5. Put a Tag on it: Including the location of your photo

or video will help better tell the story. Experienced

Instagrammers suggest using the "Add People" feature

when appropriate. Th is feature enables you to tag other

accounts in your image and will help your message and

brand reach a broader audience.

Follow these tips and with a little time, patience

and practice, you can help spread your brand's mes-

sage to existing and potential customers all around

the world.

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News

Creating a positive life for yourself both profes-

sionally and socially is much easier said than done.

"A Pollyanna outlook just isn't enough to sustain

us through life's slings and arrows, whether they

come in the form of fender benders, colleagues,

mortgage payments, a lingering fl u bug, or some-

thing more serious," says Jon Gordon, author of

the Wall Street Journal bestseller, Th e Energy Bus:

10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with

Positive Energy.

"It isn't enough to want a positive attitude. To

develop and sustain one throughout adversity and

challenges, you have to cultivate habits that lead to

resilience and mental toughness,” adds Gordon.

Th e good news is that positivity isn't just another

feel-good buzzword; it has

the power to infuse your

life with purpose, creativity,

accomplishment, and energy.

When you live your life with

positive energy you attract

positive opportunities and

people.

In his book, Gordon shares

real-life positivity tactics you

can put into practice to help

you develop both personally

and professionally.

1. Become a selective listener and focus on the

positive. It’s easy to listen to cynics and believe that success

is virtually impossible, or you can trust that with an

optimistic attitude, anything is possible. Th is really is

a choice you make for yourself every day and it will

shape your reality.

2. Zoom focus.Each day ask yourself, What are the three most

important things I need to accomplish today that will

help me create the success I desire? Th en, tune out all

the distractions and focus on these actions. Far too

oft en we let our attention slip to minor fi res that need

to be put out, and end up channeling our time and

energy away from what is really important.

3. Think about where you're directing your energy.We all have a fi nite amount of energy. Don't waste

yours on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts,

or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your

energy in your purpose, people, and the positive

present moment.

4. Focus on "Get to" vs. "Have to". Each day, focus on what you get to do, not what

you have to do. For instance, think, I get to go to a job that utilizes my talent and strengths and that is full of opportunities, instead of, Ugh!! I have to go to work today. Life is a gift , not an obligation.

5. Talk to yourself instead of listening to yourself. We all know what it's like for our fears, worries,

and what-if 's to completely hijack our minds. Th ese

negative thoughts can wreck our self-esteem, and

impact our health in a real way. Th e good news is,

you have the power to change the conversation hap-

pening inside your head.

6. Take a walk of gratitude. Take the time for a brief Th ank-You Walk during

which you challenge yourself to list things you're

grateful for: blessings in your life, events you're look-

ing forward to that day, and opportunities that have

come your way. Even a fi ve-minute walk around the

block will help create a fertile mind ready for success.

7. Eat and Sleep Right. What you put into your

body and how much time you

sleep has a very real impact

on how you think and feel

throughout the day. Healthy

food choices eaten at prop-

er intervals give your mind

and body the fuel it needs.

You can't replace sleep with

double lattes, no matter how

many you have. When you're

well rested, your brain, body, attitude, and relation-

ships will all operate at higher levels.

8. There is no overnight success. Th is is easy to forget in a world that's increasingly

built around instant gratifi cation. While more and

more things are available to us the moment we want

them, personal and professional success will never be

on that list. Th ere is no substitute for hard work.

9. Don’t Complain. Complaints are full of negative energy and fail to

enhance our lives in any way. Th ey don't off er strat-

egies, solutions, ideas, or encouragement.

10. Read more books than you did last year. Th e more you feed your mind, the stronger and

more agile it grows. Th e more ideas and viewpoints

you consider, the more innovative and empathetic

you'll be.

In his book, Gordon concludes that you have only

one ride through life, so make the most of it and

enjoy it.

Sure, there will be stressful situations and challen-

ges you'll have to overcome in 2015. But those things

don't have to defi ne your year. How you decide to

think and act. however, will.

Positive Habits for a Better 2015

Jon Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous NFL, NBA, and college coaches and teams, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, hospitals, and non-profi ts.

Gordon is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller, The Energy

Bus, The No Complaining Rule, Training Camp, The Shark and

the Goldfi sh, Soup, The Seed, and The Positive Dog; he is also co-author of One Word That Will Change Your Life.

Jon has been featured on Today, CNN, Fox & Friends, and in numerous magazines and newspapers. His clients include the Atlanta Falcons, Campbell's Soup, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Novartis, Bayer, and more. He and his training/consulting company are passionate about developing positive leaders, organizations, and teams. To learn more, please visit www.jongordon.com.

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IMPRINT CANADA

Cross Currents - The Global Balancing Act

Global Growth (GDP) & Infl ation

U.S. & Canada: Recovery continuing

Europe: Diff erent Stages of Recovery

Asia & Pacifi c: Lower Growth in China

as of March 19, 2015

Figure 1.3 Unemployment Rate (%)

Figure 1.1 2015 GDP Growth Forecasts

SOURCE: International Monetary Fund: World Economic Outlook - October 2014;World Economic Outlook Update - January 2015

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