So, it’s already nearing the end of April and summer will be here before we know it (hard to believe with this spring weather, but it will come).  In about 6 weeks, my daughter’s school year will be ending and I’m putting together ideas for activities to keep the kids busy all summer-long!  I’ve been already gathering lots of information and schedules from the public library and the parks & recreation department, as well as other events going on around the area.

What types of activities are available in your area this summer, and how have you made the community aware of them?  If you haven’t yet, here are some ideas:

-If you’re promoting park programs or activities, send seed packets or a seeded mailer printed with your organization’s website and event calendar.  The seeds can then be planted, and be a reminder of your organization, activities or events.

-Hand out items at local schools, such as sun safety products imprinted with the hours of the community pool or animal shaped key tags along with brochures to let parents know about special activities at the local petting zoo.

-Tote bags are a practical way to communicate special programming at the library.  Include a flyer with a printed calendar of events, and keep them near the library entrance.

Regardless of weather, many kids will be done with school by early June and parents will be looking for ways to keep them busy!  Let them know what is going on in your area!

Summer is a crazy time in Oshkosh (where our 4imprint offices are located).  There are music festivals of all types, fairs, and of course, the world-renowned EAA AirVenture.  Something is always going on, bringing many people into the city and surrounding areas.  In fact, estimates for EAA alone are over 200,000-300,000 visitors each year.

With so many people at these events, and any events in your region, it is important to be sure all attendees, tourists, and visitors are safe.  Check out some of these ideas for your next community event:

Flashing lights that clip-on to bags and clothing, or reflective wristbands are fun ideas for evening events – kids love them, too – since they make pedestrians visible to passing vehicles.

There are bound to be trips, falls, and bug bites when the events are outdoors.  Have first aid kits and bandage packs available as needed, or hand out to the crowds.

Keeping visitors protected during events will keep them coming back year after year – have a safe and fun-filled summer!

As the next few weeks bring some warmer weather (hopefully!), and we begin to move into the summer season, many people will be embarking on outdoor activities. Make their adventures fun and memorable by providing them with a little something useful with your name on it.

Visitors to the local campground will appreciate the fun and quirky new Kuzil line of products – perfect kitchen tools for the camper, or unique S’mores kits for a cozy evening campfire!

Sturdy backpacks and multifunctional tool kits, including carabiners, flashlights and more, make practical giveaways for those trekking through a state or national park.

Families participating in local park activities will enjoy out door activities even more with sunscreen and hand sanitizers readily available, to keep the kids safe and germ-free!

To see some of these products and additional ideas, check out our Community Activities and Recreation Store!

It has been a long, cold winter in Wisconsin.  At least it feels that way, but this week,  we set our clocks ahead for more daylight, and it looks like the weather may be taking a turn for the better!  Highs near 50 by the end of the week!

What does that mean?  To me, the longer, warmer days, mean playing outside with the kids after work – one of my favorite ways to spend an evening.  It also means construction season, as it is affectionately known here.

Construction is a time when we all experience a little frustration, wondering how to get where we need to go.  Although there has been a lot of construction here and everywhere over the last couple of years, including some very long-term projects, our local government has been very open and forthcoming about when and where construction is occurring.  There are websites, such as http://www.us41wisconsin.gov/ which outlines timelines, closures, and city hall even has a scaled model of the upcoming changes.

Do you have any major projects coming up in your communities?  How are you communicating them? Check out 4imprint’s newsletter, Construction Communications, for ideas!

As I was driving through town the other day, I pulled over to to let some firetrucks, with their lights and sirens on, go by.  My daughter asked me why we were stopping, so I told her that the firetrucks needed to get to an emergency.  She then replied, oh yeah, because firemen save people and so do policemen.  I thought she put it well, in very simple terms.

Even though it isn’t Fire Prevention Week, or Crime Prevention Week, or Public Service Recognition Week, it’s important to take time out of our day to thank and acknowledge the men and women that keep our communities safe throughout the year.  Often a simple thank you is enough, but how about showing support with caps, tees, and sweatshirts emblazoned with the logo of your local fire or police departments?  What more pride could be felt by your local public safety teams when they see community members proudly sporting their logos?

Let’s not forget what they do for us day in and day out.  After all, they save people.

We’ve recently added some practical new products to keep employees safe on the job.

The 5-Point Vertical Stripe Tear Away Safety Vest is available in safety orange or yellow, and makes school crossing guards or transportation employees visible.  Or try the Hard Hat, printed with your municipality, to keep them protected.  And since it is construction season, at least here in Wisconsin, the timing of these products couldn’t be better!

For more new products, check out the website for 4imprint’s Government customers.  You’ll find unique stores with products specific to your needs, archives of past newsletters, and contact information for our Government Team.

As the fiscal year comes to a close for agencies on many government levels, you are most likely finalizing and beginning to implement plans for the upcoming year.  Announcing new programs, reinforcing your purpose to the public, and sharing important contact information may be some of the things you are planning.

There are many effective ways to communicate to the public.  Through open meetings, flyers, direct mail pieces, or giveaways, you want to be sure that the message sticks, and your budget dollars are spent wisely.

Research has shown that promotional products are an effective, low cost tool for reaching the right audience and having them recall your message.  Of those participating in a 2004 survey, 73% use promotional products at least once a day, while 76% remember who gave it to them, a full twelve months later.  Recipients of these types of products hang onto them because they find them useful (75.4%) and attractive (20.2%).  Continued exposure may be what you are looking for to get your message through.

There are many products available that represent your department’s message.  Recycled and earth-friendly products are ideal options for promoting a message of conservation, or an event within the park system.  Choose sanitizers or first aid kits to bring awareness to public health issues.  Or be sure the community has contact information of local public safety departments with magnets, pens and notepads.

Whatever method you are using to share your message, be sure the public hears it loud and clear.