Corporate gift-giving season historically gains momentum every November. Rymax Marketing Services, Inc., the Largest Manufacturer’s Representative in the premium and incentive industry, is extending tips for a successful Corporate Gifting Season by sharing some industry know-how to reconnect and strengthen ties with clients, employees and new business prospects.

Gift-giving practices are now customary and even expected. Corporate gifts should express appreciation and be tangible tokens of gratitude with a lasting shelf life. Companies must ensure the gifts they are giving send the right message and are valued by their recipients.

Five simple steps to ensure an effective Corporate Gifting Season:

Stay on trend: From an iPad 2 to Majorica pearls or Villeroy & Boch dinnerware — Items that are currently in demand hold a trophy value.

Personalize: Taking the time to choose gifts that reflect the interests and mindset of the recipient will make them more meaningful than a cookie-cutter approach towards all recipients. A techie might appreciate a docking station from Monster, whereas a fashionista may prefer a Michael Kors handbag.

Focus on the client: Regardless of the perceived opportunity, self-promotional items should not be considered for corporate gift giving as they do little to improve personal business relationships and may decrease the value of the gift in the recipient’s eyes.

Make a statement: Corporate gifts should emphasize the values of the company and signify appropriate feelings of appreciation towards the recipient.

A memorable presentation: Almost as important as the gift itself is the presentation. Gifts should be nicely wrapped, and delivered in person or with a handwritten note whenever possible.

Companies interested in gifting high-value items from top name brands while keeping an eye on the bottom line should look to companies like Rymax. Factory-direct relationships with leading brands allow such companies to purchase in-demand items at the most competitive price.

Rymax Marketing Services, Inc., the largest manufacturer’s representative in the Premium and Incentive Industry, is proud to announce new partnerships with Andrew Marc, iLuv®, Mag-Nif, Inc., Melissa & Doug®, and Soda StreamTM. These distribution agreements help broaden Rymax’s existing merchandise lines across several categories, including luxury fashion, electronics, toys and children’s products, kitchen accessories, and innovative consumer goods.

“We are thrilled to introduce five more premier brands in to our incentive and recognition program offerings,” announced Rymax’s Director of New Business Development, Randy Toth. “My goal is to ensure Rymax has the leading luxury merchandise, household brand names and most innovative, in-demand products entering the marketplace today. These new distribution agreements enhance the diverse mix of merchandise available to our customers, and further solidify Rymax as the leader in luxury rewards across all categories.

“What makes Rymax unique is our ability to offer merchandise that isn’t available in the typical incentive program. This provides a greater power of choice to our clients, and positions our brand partners for success in this lucrative $46 billion industry.”

About the brands:

Andrew Marc is a luxury product line for men and women offering soft leather goods, handbags, belts, travel bags, dresses, and cold weather accessories.

iLuv is the premier provider of the most comprehensive accessory line for the tablet and smartphone markets, receiving 16 prestigious CES Innovation awards for revolutionary products.

Mag-Nif is the nation's largest producer of animated coin sorting banks and has produced a wide variety of successful products ranging from puzzles and games to craft items.

Melissa & Doug is one of the leading designers and manufacturers of educational toys and children's products, from puzzles to puppets, plush to play food, magnetic activities, music, and more.

SodaStream is the world's largest manufacturer, distributor and marketer of Home Carbonation Systems, enabling consumers to carbonate water and to flavor carbonated beverages at home as an alternative to purchasing pre-packed bottles or cans.

Rymax Marketing Services, Inc., the largest manufacturer’s representative in the Premium and Incentive Industry, is proud to announce a new partnership with Violight Inc. The agreement provides Rymax with the exclusive distribution rights for their complete product line of innovative UV Toothbrush Sanitizers and personal care products in the incentive and premium products channel. Their award-winning product line is now available to ship exclusively through Rymax.

Violight is known for their innovation and design. Most notably, their UV Toothbrush Sanitizers—which kill 99.9% of germs including strep, staph, e.coli, salmonella, and H1N1—have received accolades from the dental industry and have been recognized as one of the top health devices of the year by CNN. Their innovative UV sanitizing products received the prestigious Housewares Design Award, and Violight was chosen as one of Time Magazine’s "Coolest Inventions of the Year." Their products have been prominently featured in leading consumer media outlets including news programs, consumer magazines and popular talk shows.

―Violight’s innovative and award-winning products are an excellent addition to our novel and ground- breaking product selection. We are happy to grow our partnership together within the industry,‖ announced Paula Ambrozic, Director of Compliance at Rymax. "As the largest manufacturer’s representative in the premium and incentive industry, we are very excited to introduce Violight in this channel."

"Violight is excited to enter into this exclusive partnership with Rymax," said Fred Reffsin, President of Violight. "Our award-winning product line is well-suited to Rymax, with their innovative product offerings, reputation and experience. We look forward to the successful launch of our products in this industry."

Rymax Marketing Services, Inc., the largest manufacturer’s representative in the Premium and Incentive Industry, is proud to announce a new partnership with Villeroy & Boch, a luxury tableware company known for its rich porcelain collections and 260-year heritage. The agreement provides Rymax with exclusive distribution rights for Villeroy & Boch’s expansive product lines in the incentive and premium products channel. The award-winning collections are now available to ship exclusively through Rymax.

Villeroy & Boch offers a complete range of products for a perfectly set table: beautifully crafted dinnerware pieces, crystal and glass stemware, cutlery, and a vast array of serving pieces, accessories and gift items. With a history steeped in European tradition, the company’s dinnerware sets the tables of Popes, crowned royalty and the most exquisite restaurants in the world. Villeroy & Boch has received many awards including the red dot design award for product design in 2011.

“Villeroy & Boch’s elegant designs and excellent craftsmanship will ensure its products become very popular within our redemption programs. The company’s focus on tradition, quality and authenticity is represented in every item created, and the collections make an excellent addition to our premium product selection,” announced Rymax Director of Compliance Paula Ambrozic. “As the largest manufacturer’s representative in the premium and incentive industry, we are thrilled to represent Villeroy & Boch in this channel.”

Rymax will be showcasing several Villeroy & Boch pieces at the upcoming Motivation Show in Chicago, including the best-selling New Wave Caffé, New Cottage five-piece pasta set, and Fine Flavour bourbon tumblers and whisky carafes.

“As a leader in the luxury tableware market, Villeroy & Boch is pleased to partner with Rymax as our exclusive representative,” said Bernard Reuter, president of Villeroy & Boch. “The company’s excellent reputation and commitment to providing choice products and solutions, combined with our luxury product lines, will ensure a successful launch in this industry.”

Rymax Marketing Services, Inc., the largest national direct manufacturer’s representative in the Premium and Incentive Industry, is proud to announce a new partnership with Majorica Jewelry, providing Rymax with the exclusive distribution rights for their pearl jewelry collection in the incentive and premium products channel. The organic, man-made pearl jewelry line is now available to ship exclusively through Rymax.

Majorica is a leading international pearl jewelry brand, and an excellent complement to the selection of aspirational luxury merchandise rewards in Rymax’s incentive programs designed to drive employee and consumer behaviors. Majorica’s jewelry line features pearls that have been man-made in an extensive one-by-one process, then hand strung and handset into individual jewelry pieces.

“Rymax is excited to add Majorica’s exceptionally crafted pearl jewelry to our product offerings. These fashionable pieces are sure to become a favorite in our customer loyalty, employee engagement and corporate gifting programs,” announced Paula Ambrozic, Director of Compliance at Rymax.

“Majorica is anxious to become part of the Rymax product selection,” said Shannon Carmean, National Business Development Manager at Majorica. “With their commitment to providing the best in products and services, we are anxious to enter the premium and incentive industry with Rymax as our exclusive representative.”

Rymax Marketing Services, Inc., the largest recognition and merchandise rewards provider in the premium and incentive industry, today announced the launch of its official Facebook page with exciting promotions and giveaways for fans of the brand. The Rymax page is designed to interact with the growing mobile customer base, keep the online community up to date on company news and announcements from brand partners, and provide exclusive rewards to fans for staying in touch with Rymax.

To kick-off the campaign, consumers who “Like” Rymax on Facebook during the month of August can enter for a chance to win the new SoundFreaq Sound System valued at $200. Compatible with smart devices – from the iPad and BlackBerry PlayBook to the Motorola Droid – the SoundFreaq Sound System features exceptional audio performance wirelessly or while docked, making it ideal for the mobile consumer.

With an established following for the company blog, The Rymax Insider, on Twitter and through LinkedIn, this Facebook initiative reflects Rymax’s continued commitment to staying connected with consumers and brand partners online. Planned additions to the page in the coming weeks include incorporating product videos, posting incentive and loyalty program Tips from the Experts, showcasing new advertising campaigns, and of course, more promotions for the fan base.

“Our goal is to remind consumers that there’s more than one way to interact with Rymax, to reach a larger audience, and to reward individuals who choose to become part of this exclusive online community,” notes Dana LaSalvia, Director of Marketing, Rymax.

Rymax Marketing Services, Inc., the largest manufacturer’s representative in the incentive industry, proudly welcomes Alice Cannon to its ranks as a member of the Product Sales Team. Based in Chicago, Cannon will focus on offering Rymax’s products and services to incentive program providers, premium resellers, incentive Alice Cannonhouses, distributors, and promotional product companies to both build upon existing accounts and expand Rymax’s presence in the Western US.

Cannon brings nearly 30 years of industry expertise to the role, during which time she’s earned designations in-cluding the Incentive Marketing Association’s Certified Professional of Incentive Management (CPIM). With experience both in-house and on the agency sides of the business, Cannon has previously served in key roles at Coach, Tiffany and Company, Samsonite, and ABC Incentives, where she successfully sold full-service loyalty, recognition and reward solutions, as well as corporate gifting programs to Fortune 500 clients.

“I’m thrilled to join the Rymax team and am energized about being able to tap such impressive in-house resources and having a limitless arsenal of brand name products available to offer clients,” notes Cannon. “With the industry’s continued desire for luxury products to engage workforces – especially the growing Generation X and Y segments – the demand for fashion and electronics rewards is at an all time high. Teaming up with Rymax to be able to offer exclusive access to emerging brands and product categories that support these segments is some-thing I’m truly looking forward to.”

International Customer Loyalty Month is celebrated each April and serves as an important reminder of how building a loyal customer base can help drive the long-term growth of an organization.  Rymax Marketing Services, Inc., the Largest Manufacturer’s Representative in the premium and incentive industry, is extending the news of this business holiday for 2011 by sharing some industry know-how to energize companies across North America to take some simple, effective steps towards converting would-be customers in to brand ambassadors.  

According to a study by Bain and Company, a one percent increase in customer loyalty is equivalent to a 10% cost reduction, and a five percent increase in customer retention can increase a company’s profitability by 75%.  Simply put, investing in ways to enhance loyalty is both impactful and measurable.  Times have changed dramatically from the days when loyalty was dictated simply by habit, convenience or family tradition, and companies must evolve too.

Five simple steps to drive customer loyalty for your company:

• Be creative: To initiate customer trial, marketing efforts should include innovative approaches to differentiate your brand from the competition in ways besides just price.
  
  
• Leverage what you have: Once a customer relationship is established, retention is essential and referrals are integral to build business.
  
  
• Create a positive experience: Regardless of company size, positive customer service and brand interaction can be simple to do and has a lasting and memorable effect.
  
  
• Make it personal: To capture the attention of potential customers or business partners, personalize the relationship to maximize the impact.
  
  
• Provide incentives: Recognize and reward customer behavior to drive repeat business.

Acknowledging customer behavior and rewarding them for their actions is at the core of an effective, structured recognition and reward program.

Rewards can be tailored to fit the targeted audience and can range from a discount on future purchases or a complimentary service, to a points-based incentive program with aspirational merchandise available for redemption.  Merchandise rewards in particular serve as a tangible reminder of an interaction with a company, reinforcing the positive memory and building brand allegiance.

Companies interested in focusing on proven business-building tactics this April should look to companies like Rymax that implement successful, creative customer loyalty programs year-round.  Loyal customers are the cornerstone of any business, and there is no better time – or holiday – for organizations to evaluate what actions they have been taking and ways they can improve how they engage with consumers to drive customer loyalty. 

Rymax Marketing Services, Inc. will again be exhibiting at the 2010 Motivation Show and proudly announces new manufacturer partnerships with ContourHD, eZeebike USA, Inc., Ion Audio, Menu’s and Music, Michael Kors, Nadri Incorporated, and Nourison Industries, Inc. Additionally, Rymax will exhibit new retail gift cards such as Destination MaternityCorporation, Staples, Sunglass Hut, and The Home Depot. These product and retail gift card additions widen the already extensive breath of offerings from the Industry’s Largest Manufacturer’s Representative. 

Booth visitors can view and demonstrate Rymax’s new product offerings, the innovative ContourHD wearable video camera, eZeebike’s Quando Big Apple Electric Bike, and Michael Kors Hamilton Tote Luggage handbag. Visitors can enjoy the world’s most realistic 3D viewing experience with Samsung’s 7000 Series 3D 1080p LED HDTV. 

Additionally, Rymax launches several social media initiatives to promote the Motivation show. Tactics consist of weekly show announcements on the Rymax Insider blog, updates on Twitter, a custom LinkedIn Group,Rymax at the Motivation Show, and sweepstake give-a-ways hosted via a Ping mobile campaign. 

“As social media continues to be a viral medium within the Incentive Industry, we are confident our promotional initiatives will increase attendee visits to our booth and promote the Industry’s awareness around the Motivation Show. We know how powerful social media is and we’re embracing it,” says Dana LaSalvia, Director of Marketing at Rymax. “Our primary goal with our integrated campaign is aimed to promote our new exclusive brand additions and help drive show attendance.”