When I was thinking of the message I wanted to share with the promotional products industry as another year drew to a close, I kept hearing the “Gonna Fly Now” theme from the “Rocky” movies in my head. Whether you’re a hardscrabble boxer from Philly or a proud member of our industry, I’m sure you can relate to the central themes the series of movies explored.

Determination.

Discipline.

Going the distance.

ASI President & CEO Tim Andrews offers his year-end message to the promo industry (and unveils a nice one-two cross).

Technically, Rocky didn’t win that first match – but he never stopped fighting. Nearly every one of you faced almost unimaginable challenges this year. Ships stuck in harbors. Want ads ignored. Product shortages. Delays upon delays.  

But each and every time, you reached down deep and found another reason to keep going, another way to triumph over incredible odds. For yourself, your employees and colleagues, your family and friends, and for your community.

And now here we all are – on the cusp of another year, another sales opportunity, another chance at success. In a few short weeks, ASI will help the industry by opening the 2022 show season at our traditional in-person trade show in Orlando. We’ll do it safely and with the best interests of our distributor and supplier guests in mind.

I’m excited and hope to see you in Orlando, at another of our shows or events, or during the next regional Zoom meeting, where I “met” so many of you in 2021. It’s not where or how we meet – it’s the continued connections we make that remain most important.

On behalf of everyone at ASI, and the Norman Cohn family, I thank you for your business and your continued faith in our team. We’re all here for you, every step of the way.

I remain bullish on our country, our industry and, especially, on all of you. Please enjoy a safe, happy holiday season and a very joyful New Year.