Incentive - August 2008 - (Page 60)

The Latest Electronics PAGE 63 Exceptional Awards PAGE 67 Digital cameras, iPods, new GPS navigation units—a look at the latest gadgets your employees are clamoring for There’s high-end gifts, and then there’s super luxury: motorcycles, heirloom watches, even a horse DeBrand Chocolates Hit the Spot High-quality confections make an excellent corporate gift By Alex Palmer Photo taken by a Sony DSC-H50 simple gift like chocolates offers a range of motivational possibilities. When the people at Thunderbird Products in Decatur, Ind., decided they wanted to boost their corporate gifting program, they wanted something with the right balance of professionalism and a personal touch. It turned out that what they were looking for was just a few miles away. They went to Fort Wayne, Ind.–based DeBrand Chocolates and haven’t turned back, sending boxes of truffles and assorted confections to dealers and regular suppliers. DeBrand’s A chocolate truffles are the big hit with Thunderbird’s gift recipients, according to Dennis Via, purchasing and IT manager. “People say, ‘We’ve had chocolate, but this beats theirs hands down.’ They do a heck of a job.” Via acknowledges that local pride might also be a factor in his preference for DeBrand’s chocolates. With their headquarters just 20 miles away from Thunderbird, DeBrand not only offers Via a close-to-home quality in the gifts he sends suppliers and dealers, but allows him to offer an experiential reward now and then as well. “If I take a supplier out for dinner, I’ll take them up there for dessert,” Via explains. But proximity is not a factor for Trump International Hotel and Tower in Las Vegas, which has been using DeBrand to supply perks for those staying at the hotel since it opened six months ago, leaving a Trump-embossed dark chocolate on every guest’s pillow. “The guests love the quality of the chocolate,” says Katie Conway, marketing manager of Trump Hotel. She expresses particular satisfaction with the professionalism and consistency of the company, turning around the hotel’s substantial orders quickly. Besides the confectioner’s truffle assortments, another grouping, DeBrand’s Classic Collection, is also popular with its corporate gifting clients, according to the company spokesperson. Sales of Travel Goods Hit Record High $22.2 billion spent on travel goods in 2007 20.6% more pieces of luggage purchased 7.4% more travel/sports bags 1.1% more computer /business cases 4.4% fewer personal leather goods Source: Travel Goods Association 60 | Incentive | August 2008 | incentivemag.com http://incentivemag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Incentive - August 2008

Incentive - August 2008
Contents
Editor's Note
In the News
Cover Story: Amgen and Avnet, a Pair of Fortune 200 companies, are taking two very Different Approaches to Rolling out a Global Recognition Program
Incentive Interview: Author, Speaker, Professor, Refugee; Steve L. Robbins’ many hats have led him to ask, “What if ... The World isn’t as We Think It Is?”
Case Study: Rudi’s Organic Bakery Found that an incentive trip with a Strong Social Responsibility Component Works Wonders
Gift Card IQ
Banking on Relationships
Corporate Comics Make Serious Points
Incentive Primer: Tom Miller
Gas Incentives Rev Up
Legal Ease: Pitfalls Beyond Taxes
My Turn: Airline Frequent Flier Programs
Travel News: Where To Go and What To Do
Amalfi Coast: A Classic Italian Destination
Hong Kong: The Original Chinese Incentive
Ireland: South, East, West, and Now North
potentials Here and Now
Electronics: Top Tech Trends
Luxury Goods: Exceptional Awards
Corporate Gifting: Rules and Ideas
Excite and Incent: Spot Rewards
Advertiser Index
Off the Cuff: Hollis H. Malone

Incentive - August 2008