The Platform Group Gallery

Welcome to The Platform Group Gallery

Hi -  I'm Allison Gower, one of the founders & President of The Platform Group Gallery (asi 78708 / ppai 216134).  Visit our robust catalog site here.

Find us at YouTube as EcoFriendlyBoxes

NEW: For a totally blind page-turner virtual sample enabled catalog - visit GREEN Cat (or to get it via your mobile phone, text 'platform' to 78247)

I and the rest of our team would like to extend a hearty welcome to you (especially readers of Rosalie Marcus' PromoBiz blog), ASI Member Distributors (visit us on ASI Social Networking and on ASI ESP) and PPAI Member Distributors.

We manufacture the galleryboard packaging line which is environmentally friendly and specifically designed for promotional programs.  The galleryboard line features over 300 ready-made Gift Boxes, Press Kits, Binders, Folders, Mailers and Desk Accessories. We offer custom designs as well.

The line is manufactured in the US with our employees, and ships quickly - usually within 7 business days from artwork approval.

Every item in our line is made from 100% recycled content fiberboard and ecologically sound paper-stock.  We recycle in our operations and office and offer telecommute options to our employees. 

You can decorate any item in the line with one (or more than one) of four imprint methods.  Choose Screen Printing (great for pantone colors and moderately tight registration), Offset Printing (for high qty, tight registration and CMYK colors), Vignettes (digitally printed name-plates with no minimums) and Blind Deboss. 

We have been a member of the promotional industry for a decade - winning many awards for customer service, printing, and sales support.  Just this year, ASI name us to their 1st annual HOT LIST, we were named one of Houston's Fastest 100 growing businesses, and PPAI awarded us the Most Beneficial Sales & Marketing Aids.

Here is a quick list of these award winning support tools --

Referral program (all end-user leads go to promotional distributors)

Free Self promotion (for promotional distributors)

Free Actual Samples No-charge samples & free FedEx Ground to your showroom or drop-ship to client

Branded Web sites

Branded Catalogs and new for 2009 Branded Decoration Catalogs

Client-Safe GREEN Cat - on-line page-turner catalog

Virtual Sample Enabled Web-Site (using TechnoLogo Virtual Sample technology)

24 Hour Challenge  - if you need help getting started, we provide ideas & quotes

We are here to help -- contact us anytime --

Email CustomerService@theplatformgroupgallery.com with a request or question or ring us at 888-880-4790
   

galleryboard Promotional Packaging on Facebook

The Platform Group Gallery featured in PPAI Members Drive

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The Platform Group Gallery is featured in PPAI's Membership Drive with a quote from President Allison Gower about the effectiveness of advertising in industry journals.

The Platform Group Gallery has been a member of PPAI since 1999 and is a proud supplier of made in the USA, ecologically friendly promotional packaging to the Industry.

Our line - GalleryBoard packaging features gift boxes, press kits, binders, desk accessories & more.  Every item in the GalleryBoard line is made from 100% recycled content fiberboard and FSC Certified paper-stock.  The line is made is USA with company employees and ships quickly!

Take advantage of our award-winning distributor support tools by emailing CustomerService@theplatformgroupgallery.com.  Tools include a no-charge self-promotion and branded web-sites.

83% of promotional distributors surveyed willing to promote a line via a web-catalog

During our recent participation in ASI's Virtual Trade Show, The Platform Group Gallery conducted a survey with promotional distributors.  Here are selected results - (of those surveyed)

• Only 37% of distributors had offered to provide a printed gift box to a client. 

WOW!  Think of the incremental sales you would have if you offered a gift box from the ecologically friendly galleryboard packaging line. 

Over 300 ready-made styles -- made from 100% recycled content fiberboard -- made in the USA -- decorated with offset, screen, vignette or blind deboss -- accessorized (optionally) with a PE Foam Insert -- shipping in 7 business days from art approval.  GalleryBoard Packaging has been an industry favorite since 1999 -- winning accolades from both PPAI and ASI for quality, service and distributor marketing tools. 

It's easy to get started and to make that first successful & lucrative presentation of packaging  -- contact CustomerService for your no-charge samples and no-charge self-promo program.

• 83% of distributors are willing to present a line using a web-site branded with the distributor's logo & contact information.

That is great - because The Platform Group Gallery offers no-charge distributor branded web-sites
that display the entire over 300+ item line of GalleryBoard packaging.  The sites feature a request a sample and contact us for quotes submission that goes directly to the associated distributor.  The items are virutal sample enabled - using technologo technology - the same VS system used by ASI on ESP.

Use your site to present the line virtually and in person to your clients.  You can also use our GREENCat - a page-turner style catalog that features the best sellers.

• 95% of distributors would like to receive end-user leads in their geographic area.

Super -- because we offer a referral program that SENDS end-users to distributors.  Get listed - it is totally free and boy does it work (read these testimonials).  End-users find The Platform Group Gallery because they google packaging or gift boxes - so they contact us directly -- and we get them sorted out with samples and match them immediately to a listed distributor.  These end-users are ready to buy - and often they buy a lot!

• 90% of distributors are interested in receiving free gift boxes with their logo.

Wonderful - because as part of our Gold Award winning Sales & Marketing Tools we offer a 50 piece, decorated, no-charge self-promo program to professional distributors.  Choose your gift box, present it to your clients packed with promo items and guess what -- they will ask you to not ONLY source their promo items, but also source their packaging. 

Get Started with any of the above at CustomerService@theplatformgroupgallery.com or 888-880-4790.  We look forward to working with you!

ImageWear Solutions loves GalleryBoard Packaging free self-promo

From Gary Powell of ImageWear Solutions -

I just wanted to thank you for the self promo boxes.  They turned out beautifully!   We have spread the word about your great company and will surely re-order these when the time comes.

Best regards,

Gary Powell

Thank you Gary!  We look forward to working with you soon.  For those of you who have not yet taken advantage of the GalleryBoard no-charge self-promo offer for professional promotional distributors - get started now by reading this post and emailing Customer Service.

The GalleryBoard Packaging line features over 300 ready-made styles of Gift boxes, binders, portfolios, press kits and desk accessories like coasters.  Every item in the line is made from 100% recycled content fiberboard and uses FSC certified paper-stock. 

Packages can be decorated with offset, screen, digitally printed vignettes or blind deboss. 

We also offer custom-cut PE foam inserts (PE Foam can be recycled) and fulfillment services. 

We manufacture in our own plant in the USA and ship within 7 business days from art approval.  Gold Award winning sales & marketing tools and Hot-Listed customer service. 

Become a Fan on Facebook & Follow Us on Twitter!

Be Part of the Solution - The Platform Group Gallery PromoBiz coach interview

Recently Rosalie Marcus asked The Platform Group Gallery to provide a special offer for the summer '09 to Promotional Distributors.  Allison Gower, President of the supplier, which manufactures galleryboard packaging is offering distributors a way to be 'part of the solution' this summer. 

Listen to the full-interview and here the spectacular offer - - Download Platform

Platform Group Gallery at ASI 1st ever virtual trade-show

If you missed ASI's first ever virtual trade-show yesterday - don't worry - the exhibit hall will be open for the next six months.  Yesterday you could chat with us suppliers in booths and network with other distributors -- but all of the presentations, videos and resources documents are all still live and I've just been in to look - and it is still a really great resource!

Visit ASI Central to get a free registration to log-in -- and walk through virtual booths from award winning industry suppliers like The Platform Group Gallery, Norwood, Avaline, Moderne Glass and many more!

At our booth, see the full-line of ecologically friendly galleryboard packaging, featuring press kits, portfolios, folders, binders and gift boxes.  Don't miss our free give-away!

Be Part of the Solution this Summer

Everyday, each of us experiences disappointing customer service and less-than optimal quality with a product or service.  I'm currently remodeling my kitchen, and am just in awe of the inability to order anything from a major remodeling company without it being damaged, back-ordered, lost or just plain incorrect.  And for the very first time, I've had an order with Amazon just not ship -- and after several emails with them, I'm being told that it's my fault for not getting it, even though they can't supply a tracking number. 

Guess what this means?

It means that for those willing to be part of the solution - you have sales just waiting there for you, ready to take from those who are part of the problem.

It means that YOU will get the orders and the repeat orders if you do something simple - put yourselves in the customer's shoes and then do for them what you would like done for you.

We do this at The Platform Group Gallery.  Recently we've had a shipping company mess up two orders -- I suppose they packed a refrigerator on top of our cases in order to cause the damage they did.  But we just replace them -- sight unseen, and get the product to the customer quickly!  Without arguing.  Does this cost money, yes.  Would it cost me a customer if I didn't do it? Yes.  It is a no-brainer.

Get started by taking advantage of

The Platform Group Gallery's

'Be Part of the Solution' offer.

Get $100 off any order placed between June 1st and August 31st -- on any item in the galleryboard packaging line. 

We provide confirmed ship dates, firm freight quotes and always ship top quality product.  Every item in our line is made from 100% recycled content fiberboard and is designed to be re-usable, and if must be discarded, can be recycled.  

We are GOLD Award winning and named to ASI's hot list. 

And even more importantly -- we treat you how we would like to be treated!

The Perfect Swag tweets a testimonial

Responding to the receipt of her no-charge 50 piece self-promo order, The Perfect Swag tweets --

ThePerfectSwag  Our self-promo packaging arrived and is above and beyond what we would have ever hoped for them to be. Thank you very much! NdS@TPS

... I can't tell you how pleased we are not only with the finished product, but with the amazing customer service!

Thank you The Pefect Swag -- we look forward to working with you again soon!

Follow twitter.com/theperfectswag and The Platform Group Gallery at twitter.com/aegower

Communities In Schools Welcomes First Lady Michelle Obama

The Platform Group Gallery is a huge huge fan of Communities in Schools, and works very closely with the Houston organization to help them keep kids in schools.  There is very exciting news out of the Washington HQ for CIS today -- as they welcomed Michelle Obama to Ferebee Hope Elementary School in Washington DC. 

To learn more about CIS - visit CantDoItAlone.org and view a wonderful selection of videos at youtube.com/cantdoitalonedotorg

Houston's CIS is celebrating it's 30th year of serving children, on campus, and keeping them in school.  98% of CIS case managed students stay in school.  That is a big deal.

Communities In Schools Welcomes First Lady Michelle Obama to Ferebee Hope Elementary School in Washington, D.C.

Mrs. Obama lauds after-school programs, meets Communities In Schools group to discuss best practices to serve families

Washington, D.C. – Communities In Schools, the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, is proud to announce that First Lady Michelle Obama today visited with students participating in an after-school program at Ferebee Hope Elementary, one of their partner schools in Southeast Washington, D.C. Before spending time reading with students, Mrs. Obama addressed and met with the Communities In Schools board of directors, and listened to their presentations about the organization.

“We were delighted to have First Lady Michelle Obama visit one of our partner schools,” said Bill Milliken, founder and vice chairman, Communities In Schools. “The long-term sustainability of this city – and our nation – is tied to the success of the public school system,” he added. “There is no greater priority than ensuring all children have access to a quality education, and the community resources they need to build their futures. We all have a stake in this.”

Joining Mrs. Obama at Ferebee Hope Elementary were School Principal Sharron Stroman, Communities In Schools National Board Chairman Elaine Wynn and Milliken. She visited a tutoring program and an after-school program, both run by Communities In Schools of the Nation’s Capital, the local affiliate of this national organization. The visit was a special surprise for the students, when Mrs. Obama dropped in for story time today with approximately 30 3rd graders at the school.

Communities In Schools works in partnership with public schools to identify and connect students with the community resources they need to stay engaged in school. These resources are then coordinated through a school-based coordinator and brought directly to the children who need them. Examples include mentoring, tutoring, health care, after-school programs and cultural enrichment.

“We were thrilled to have Mrs. Obama at our school today,” said Ms. Stroman. “For most children, school is a stabilizing force in their lives -- the place where they spend most of their days. It meant so much to have the First Lady show her support for these students.”

President and Mrs. Obama have voiced strong support for community engagement and improvements in both the quality of public education and the nation’s dropout rate, which is nearly 33 percent. In communities like Anacostia, where Ferebee Hope Elementary is located, the dropout rate can be as high as 50 percent. Communities In Schools is fiercely committed to supporting these communities.

Communities In Schools is the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, working in more than 3,200 K-12 public schools. Founded in 1977, Communities In Schools is headquartered in Alexandria, Va. Today, 1.2 million young people annually receive direct services through more than 200 Communities In Schools local affiliates in 27 states and the District of Columbia.

Between 80-90 percent of Communities In Schools’ tracked students show improvement in academic achievement, attendance, behavior and promotion to the next grade level. 

HAAS Associates Bring back the Bull

HAAS Associates is Bringing Back the Bull with a robust marketing program aimed at reminding corporations that now is not the time to cut-back on advertising.  Joe Haas created a program complete with gift boxes and press kits and select premium items to demonstrate to his clients that he walks the talk and can help them get noticed.

The gift box and press kit featured are from the no-charge distributor self-promo program.

Promo Biz Coach 2nd Quarter Sales-Boost Teleconference

Download Now:  Powerpoint for the 2009 2nd Quarter Spring Sales Boost - Download 2009 2nd Quarter Spring Sales Boost

Rosalie Marcus, The PromoBiz Coach, offered industry distributors advice on how to Boost sales with her 2nd Quarter Sales Boost Teleconference.  Each of the featured suppliers answered 5 questions, with the objective of providing tips & ideas for grow sales in 2009. 

Rosalie: What's the single best tip you can give distributors for getting business in today's economy? 

Allison: Target companies that are on the leading edge of new product / service / technology. 

For example; there are banks forming that are mobile-only, that is, they bank all online vs. bricks & mortar, and they need to create awareness.  USAA is one of these, and so is GreenBank.

Other examples would be any company providing an alternative energy.  Read 'Flat Hot & Crowded' by Thomas L. Friedman for a great outline of new energy.

The WSJ is a great resource for 'cutting/leading' edge companies / programs and is a good place to identify targets. 

Another good indicator is watching what companies are hiring -- there are some -- and those should be good targets, both for marketplace education and raising awareness with recruits.  CNN is a good source for this.

Rosalie: What is the best new idea you can give us for selling your product line now (in the spring season?)

Allison:  Ask questions and make suggestions.  Your client is too busy doing their 'real' jobs to think through a program totally, and you can drum up business by being the first to point out gaps and providing solutions.

For example, gift programs always need a gift-box.  Brochures need a leave-behind. Trade-shows required display packaging.  But your client will either forget totally or leave it until it is too late.  Bringing it up with a solution will earn you business.

Rosalie: Can you share a case history with us...or a successful promotion another distributor did? 

Allison:

Bring Back the Bull -- gift box / portfolio program by a distributor (self-promo program).  Filled with accessibly priced promotional items in a printed package.

Baker Hughes -- same distributor - many different offices within company -- gift boxes, portfolios.  Ask for referrals within a company.

Rosalie: What industries or niche markets do you see orders coming from? 

Allison:  Industries to watch include services using technology, for example, the mobile-based banking, education and non-profits (these maybe not surprisingly are growing & hiring).  Government is hiring, particularly in areas of intelligence like CIA and FBI.  They need to raise awareness with recruits and in marketplace.

Rosalie: What special offer do you have for our group? ( See attached coupons, you can use this offer or add another.) 

Allison:  EQP pricing on any gift box + 15% discount of custom foam insert.  Good through end of June on any gift box item, across all price groups.

Featured Suppliers -

1. Allison Gower, The Platform Group Gallery
2. Viktoria Sokolova, EMT
3. Bob Hechler, Windbrella
4. Pam Centina, Direct Connections
5. Julie Nieves, Wash. Promo Group
6. Glen Hersh, Admints and Zagabor
7. Ross Silverstein, iPromoteu

Featured Offers -