In the fashion-fickle, what’s-in what’s-out world, what is here today is often not here tomorrow. Not so, however, in the case of leather.

Leather has been covering human bodies since hefty pelts first protected cave-dwellers. Since then, we have chiseled and crafted leather into an infinite number of forms, shapes and functions, and designers and artisans continue to create stunning leather pieces crafted as fine as precious jewels.

Our love of leather is based on a primal desire to cherish all things natural. Leather is a living material sculpted by the body’s own habits. Its look, feel, and even smell is affected by who we are, and what we do. And leather truly has run the gamut of styles in the 20th century. It has managed to represent attitudes form the tough virility of the Hell’s Angels to the sleek and sexy elegance of smooth-thigh leather boot with stiletto heels. From the alley-way to the run-way, leather continues to be the material that conforms to our personalities.

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Walk down the aisles of any major American sponsored trade show or convention, and you’re sure to see at least a few exhibitors using custom printed stress relievers or stress balls to attract attention to their booth. According to industry statistics, Logo Stress Relievers is a $38 million dollar industry, and increasing every year.

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Back in the promotional dark ages, when Mark Siegel, founder of Identity–Links started his career, things moved a little bit slower than a fast moving snail. Siegel likes to relate to the new sales associates, how orders were processed when he began in 1971.

The clients’ logo would actually be printed on letterhead, or if he was really hi-tech, he would have an ad slick with the logo. Because there was no FedEx, or even US Priority Mail, the logo, along with the order would be mailed to the factory. If the factory was in California, and the client was in Chicago, well that just meant it would take 2-4 days to get to the factory.

The factory would then prepare a proof. However, since there were no faxes, they would actually send the proof back through the mail, another 2-4 days. After reviewing the proof, Siegel would send it, or hand deliver it the customer. If all went well, and the proof was approved, the order would be put into production for delivery within the 10-14 days.

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USA Today recently ran a feature article about the rising use of hand sanitizers. Back in the early 80’s, when Purell had the market all to them selves, hand sanitizers were a “behind the scenes” product. Back then, if a business provided hand sanitizers, it would raise questions about cleanliness. Today, it’s just the opposite. Promotional hand sanitizers are being offered by thousands of businesses; from health clubs and schools to restaurants and supermarkets.

The popular web site, drgreene.com even recommends that parents pack a little bottle of alcohol based instant hand sanitizers in their children’s lunch box or back pack. The kids put on a little squirt, and a few seconds later the gel evaporates along with the bulk of flu-causing germs.

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Corporate America’s focus for 2008 will continue to be about protecting the environment, conservation, and “going green”. The promotional products industry has jumped onto the bandwagon in supplying a wide range of environmentally correct promotional products. With several of the world’s most prominent issues being global warming, the energy crisis, and sustainable resources, each company is looking to do their part to contribute to the cause.

Identity-Links is proud to be a part of this movement, by offering the industry’s most complete line of environmentally friendly promotional items. As leaders in the promotional industry, we have our finger on the pulse of corporate and small-business America, being the first to bring you the newest and most cutting edge custom promo items. From eco-friendly bags and hemp journals to recycled circuit boards, we believe that being environmentally friendly is not merely a trend, but a necessity. Our eco-friendly promotional products are high-quality, stylish, and fashionable. Make sure your company is promoting not only its products and services, but its commitment to our planet.

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The new marketing buzzword is pizzazz. Whether on the trade show floor, or upscale mall, a custom logo metallic shopping bag is a sure way to add pizzazz to your marketing image. The introduction of metallic shopping bags has gotten the attention of major retailers, who view their store’s shopping bags as walking billboards of their logo. And the best part of these logo bags is that there kept, and re-used, almost like a tote bag. The bags feature a reinforced bottom gusset area, and double sealed handles to insure maximum durability and service.

Precious metal promotional shopping bags come in 3 traditional sizes, and may be printed with the exact pms colors of your logo. Identity Links is proud to be the first-to-market with the metallic bags, and pledge to continue bringing our clients the newest, boldest, and creative promotional ideas.