NEW YORK, NY, June 19, 2007 — Even rising gas prices can’t keep summer travelers at home this year. With leisure travel expected to increase 1.4% according to a study by the Travel Industry Association (TIA), it’s more important than ever for companies to maintain a strong presence with busy customers & dedicated employees. To help companies do just that, Mark Yokoyama, Director of Marketing and Merchandising at ePromos Promotional Products, and his merchandising team have developed for the 2007 summer season their Top 5 list of travel-friendly and functional promotional business gifts for customers and employees.

“Although summer may not be a traditional gifting time,” says Mark Yokoyama, Director of Marketing and Merchandising at ePromos Promotional Products, “effective branding opportunities do exist throughout the season. People like to be out and about during the summer, so it’s important to target your summertime promos to the outdoor environment. Our Top 5 list contains outdoor promotional items that will help set your company apart from competitors during a less aggressive gifting time,” he explains.

Top 5 Business Gifts for Summertime Gifting

  1. Because visiting the beach is one of the most common summertime activities. the Folding Beach Mat with Storage Tote (SKU: 8825574) is always a winner. This comfy straw beach mat comes with its own 5 oz. cotton canvas tote for easy storage and traveling
  2. Because 14% of people plan to take golf trips this summer, the Solid Color Performance Polo (SKU: 8825277) hits the number two spot on this year’s list. The high performance polo shirt’s unique micro fiber provides moisture wicking for cool, dry comfort, while its BodyFreshe ™ treatment inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
  3. Ready for the company’s summertime picnic? Even if your firm isn’t hosting its own, you can bet your customers and employees will be picnicking over the long, hot summer. That’s why we recommend the Solid Picnic Blanket (SKU: 8825503), a perfect promotional piece made of an ultra-soft, anti-pill, 100% polyester leece interior and a durable, water-repellent 200d Nylon Oxford shell. With attached carry handles, Velcro pockets, tubular binding and an easy-fold design, it’s the perfect promotional gift for fun on the run.
  4. Since 81% of U.S. households own a grill, and since grills and summertime to together like baseballs and gloves, the Walnut Grove 4-Piece BBQ Apron Set (SKU: 8824681) claims the number four spot on this year’s must-give summertime business gift list. This promotional BBQ set includes wood-handled stainless steel tongs, grilling fork and spatula packed in a durable canvas carrying case that doubles as an apron.
  5. Because tailgating is a 100-year-old American pastime, you can’t go wrong with the Rolling Insulated 30-Can Cooler (SKU: 8825533). Not only is it big—it holds five six-packs!—it’s also collapsible and comes with Velcro straps and a detachable and adjustable, padded shoulder strap for easy folding, carrying and storage. While it’s full, a telescoping handle and durable wheels make travel a breeze while a heat-sealed liner keeps the cold inside where it belongs. And if that’s not enough, a zippered front pocket and side mesh nooks keep bottle openers and coolies organized.

The promotional gifts on ePromos Top 5 Summertime Business Gifts list, and many others, are available at www.epromos.com and by calling 1-800-LOGO-216.