Turning on the Lights
Thursday June 4, 2020 | Filed under:
I hope this finds all of you in continued good health. We’re entering another important phase in this pandemic, with many parts of the country reopening and more companies turning on the lights, bringing back employees and figuring out how to succeed in our reconfigured reality.
That’s exactly what ASI is doing: figuring it out, starting with a big announcement (click here for my video). We’ve rescheduled ASI Show® Chicago from July to Wednesday, September 30, and Thursday, October 1, with numerous high-level changes made to create a show experience in line with the demands of a safe, new business environment.
We’re proud to host an event for those members who want and need it, and I hope to see you there. For those who don’t choose to attend, we certainly understand and respect that decision and look forward to seeing you at our virtual events. We’ll continue to email updates and post the latest developments to the ASI Show website, where you’ll also find details on all our shows and events, including virtual options like “The Joe Show Live” and fASI Virtual.
Here’s what else is happening:
Transitioning Back to the Office
Like many of you, ASI is planning to transition employees who have been working from home the last two months back to the office. We’re making decisions based on data, facts and, most importantly, the health and safety of all.
Knowing many of you are in the same complex stage, ASI posted a multipart story on our news site, asicentral.com/news, with tips and strategies for your transition. For many, the logistics are staggering and emotions high. Our series can help you get better informed – especially on what the law says about employees who might refuse to return out of concern for their health.
ASI Counselor® Awards
This crisis has forced many of us to change long-standing traditions. This year, instead of hosting the prestigious Counselor Awards at ASI Chicago during a black-tie celebration, we’re bringing the celebration online on July 22, and you’re all invited.
We’ll give out the same awards honoring our industry’s best – including the 2020 Person and International Person of the Year. I’ll host as I always do, along with many other familiar ASI presenters. I may even wear a tux!
Check your inbox for more details as the date approaches.
ESP Searches
No surprise, ASI’s ESP® stats reports show masks and other PPE items still dominating search results. What’s also encouraging, though, is the uptick in searches for more traditional products, like caps and hats, pens, tote bags and coolers, which largely dropped way down on the list starting in March.
Innovation – something our industry excels at – is more important now than ever. Take the Touchless Opener tools that help you open public doors and even flush toilets, without risking surface germs. A month ago, I’d never heard of this product. Now, it’s trending.
Be on the lookout for other innovations coming from our industry as we move into the next, all-important phase: economic recovery. ASI will continue to post stories that matter, along with interviews with business experts whose job it is to help you get your business back on its feet. Be sure to check the new Covid section in the ESP Idea Center for campaign ideas as well.
More ASI Initiatives
In August, we’ll share our big, annual Counselor “State of the Industry” report. To make sure we could share historic as well as breaking data, we re-sent our survey to industry suppliers and distributors. Look for our special issue online and in print, along with stories on our 2020 Counselor Awards honorees, profiling exactly what makes them winners and how you can emulate their success.
Reminder: ASI’s fifth annual summer internship program is accepting applications but will close soon. It’s open to any member company in our industry, providing free online training, access to ESP and a chance for an intern to win a $1,000 scholarship.
The 2020 ASI Summer Internship Program is free to ASI members who hire one or more interns to work at their company, onsite or virtually, for the summer. Click here for more information or to register an intern. Already, nearly 100 interns have joined this year’s program.
Give So Others Can Eat
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to the #ASIcares food bank fund drive. Together, we’ve already raised over $15,000. The drive continues through June 30, with ASI matching donations to your local food bank dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. We’ll then make one big donation to Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization.
While the country starts to reopen, the crisis is not over, and more people than ever are going to bed hungry thanks to record unemployment.
Big thanks go to the Summit Group (asi/339116), which promoted our fund drive to their employees, who together donated nearly $400. Regional associations are also sharing the particulars with their members. Together, we’re making a difference in people’s lives.
Once you make a donation, please email your receipt to foodbankdrive@asicentral.com so we can count it toward the total, add your name to the Bess Cohn Humanitarian Society and acknowledge you during ASI’s annual Counselor Awards.
The Future
Our industry is nimble and flexible, and our products remain useful and affordable while providing high ROI – exactly what cash-strapped businesses need as they kickstart their marketing plans.
Yes, serious challenges remain, but so do opportunities and possibilities. ASI will continue to provide guidance and strategies, so keep checking our dedicated coronavirus page, asicentral.com/coronavirus along with ASIhelp.com, a one-stop resource center for members, with free downloadable marketing materials, education, podcasts and more.
If you have a story idea, industry news or just want to share your thoughts, email me at tim.andrews@asicentral.com. Stay safe, everyone!
