Events

We all know that, in the digital age, communication has become much easier and more immediate. In just a few minutes, you can fire off an email to check in with a customer. Sometimes, if you have a personal relationship with folks who do business with you, just a text will suffice.

Small businesses might ask their marketing partners about "what's hot." Anytime trade shows are on the calendar, it’s a good time for them to consider the latest promotional products to be released. But it’s also helpful for them to understand the products that make up the biggest slice of the market and why.

Not all of us are the “runner” type. It takes a special something to take on the task of completing a marathon. Just training for a race — even a half-marathon or 10K race — is a major commitment.

While avid runners take to the blacktop in cities nationwide almost every weekend of every year, major brands look to go the distance too. Just about every marathon, 5K race or walk-a-thon funds charities and has a roster of major corporate sponsors.

In the 2005 holiday film “The Family Stone”, Amy Stone is introduced holding her favorite fashion accessory. The moment is meant to tell us a bit more about her preferences and perhaps her personality. Played by Rachel McAdams, Amy appears briefly with a “National Public Radio” tote bag slung over her shoulder. This initial image hints more to come about Amy: the Stone Family's eldest daughter is educated and up-to-date on political issues.

When you think of “Star Wars”, you might not jump up out of your chair and get excited. The George Lucas-directed movie that debuted in 1976 has, as we all know, grown into much more than just a space-age action adventure film. “Star Wars” to some has become a subculture and, to others, almost an obsession. Moreover, “Star Wars” is big business.