JOINS IMA BOARD: Leslie Demourelle of Walgreen Co., Deerfield, has joined the board of directors of the Incentive Marketing Association.

The definition of "promotional products" is expanding, at least if the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) has anything to say about it. This year's PPAI Expo, taking place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Jan. 1216, will feature "brand." a showcase of incentive, rather than traditional, promotional products.

Incentive Marketing Association, Naperville, Ill., appointed as board members:

Company incentives can help employee morale and retention, but small businesses on tight budgets must find the most effective and appropriate ways to reward employees.

Dec. 3, 2008 NAPERVILLE, Ill. The Incentive Marketing Association, the leading voice of suppliers in the incentive marketplace, has elected Norma Jean Knollenberg, owner and CEO of Top Brands, Inc., Oshkosh, Wis., as its 2009 president.

Many companies are choosing to reward their employees for their hard work with incentive travel, which offers the benefits of uniting the team and pushing people to do their best. A whole industry has grown around this type of travel, in fact. Corporate incentive travel companies offer travel planners who have experience in this field and know how to execute the perfect events at an affordable price.

Whether its saying thanks to valued clients or an inducement to boost productivity, there are thousands of gifts, incentives and promotional products from which to choose.

The New Castle, DE-based premier houseware brands of Emile Henry, Mauviel, Rosle and Cuisipro announced yesterday that they have retained the following sales representative groups for the Corporate Gift, Premium and Incentive divisions in the USA: Keystone Incentives, Dynamic Marketing, Target MarketingFlorida, Simcor, Rose Incentives, Incentive Source, Premier Incentives, Sharp Incentives and Greunke Co.

For many cash-strapped companies, perks like gym memberships, tuition reimbursement, and year-end bonuses may be among the casualties of this economic downturn. And while some budget cuts may be unavoidable, experts say that there are plenty of ways to reward, recognize, and help employees without gouging the bottom line.

When the holidays roll around, well-intentioned employers inevitably prove that it is better to give than to receive -- much to their employees' chagrin. This season, however, will be different. There's free help available to savvy companies who want to show their gratitude and avoid five common mistakes of corporate gift-giving.