Give-aways, trinkets and trash, logo'd stuff, all names that have been given to the products we provide to our clients. Sometimes it's painful to hear how people talk about our business, but I guess it's like they say, "it doesn't matter what they say about you, as long as they're talking about you", and people are talking about promotional products.

If you stop to think about how often you come across a promotional product during the normal day, you'll have a better understanding of how important this communication medium has become. The golf items provided at the company outing, the t-shirts everyone wears on vacation, the pen that's sitting in front of you as you read this, and the coffee mug on your desk that probably needs to be washed, are all providing continual reinforcement of someone's message.

As much as these items are a part of all of our days, promotional products are often the last things considered when an advertising or marketing campaign is developed. Product positioning, communication strategies, product roll-out, branding, and viewer impressions are all important elements to a successful campaign, but none of these elements can succeed on their own and must be incorporated into a well conceived overall strategy.

Promotional products are the medium that keeps on working long after all the other communication tools have gone home for the day. With an average cost per impression of only $.004, these tools keep your message in front of the audience, continually reinforcing the intended message.

Like any tool, promotional products need to be used effectively to maximize their benefit. Poor item selection, inappropriate price point, ineffective delivery method, or any other issue that detracts from the message will negatively impact the execution of your marketing effort. So, it's not just about price, it's not a commodity, and it's not about having a brother-law in the business that should dictate who your promotional product supplier should be. Just like every other element in a marketing strategy, you need to find a partner who provides experience, professionalism, creativity, and service.

The Image Group has been part of the local advertising community since 1981. With our roots in award manufacturing, the company has grown to become the largest provider of promotional products headquartered in Northwest Ohio. In addition to this market we also have sales offices in, Cleveland, Ann Arbor, Chicago, and Fort Wayne.

Today we provide our clients with a wide range of services that include product selection and design, in-house silk screening, embroidery, award manufacturing, warehousing, fulfillment, web development and support, and data management. We're proud to be partnering with the leading companies in Northwest Ohio and throughout the US, providing our expertise to their overall sales and marketing strategies. Whether it's the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, The Jamie Farr LPGA Tournament, or the t-shirt you wear to the grocery store on Saturday morning, The Image Group had a hand in it.

We've grown based on the needs of our clients and the continual focus on our vision statement; "Our vision is to be seen and remembered as being the best at everything we do - as a company, and as individuals - whatever it takes".

Muir Graphics

In 1975, David Muir and Gerry Garner started MUIR Graphics in a garage in south Toledo.  They had one small printing press and a strong commitment to family and building a successful customer base.  The brother and sister team eventually outgrew that location and eventually landed at their present facility in Sylvania, in 1981.

That 15,000 square foot building now houses multi-million dollar commercial presses, state of the art pre-press equipment, and the newest addition--a Xerox 700 digital press. 

MUIR Graphics has weathered several recessions and out-lived other larger competitors.  Many things have changed over the years, but the commitment to providing on time delivery, offering the best possible service, and producing outstanding products, still remains the foundation of the company.

Although the original founders of MUIR Graphics are retired, Gerry's daughters are now in charge.  Karen runs the day-to-day operations and Linda is a graphic designer.  Both second-generation printers have the same commitment to family and the business.

The firm has hundreds of loyal, satisfied customers.  Lourdes College, Buckeye CableSystem, Sylvania Chamber of Commerce, Toledo Museum of Art, The Village of Ottawa Hills, and a variety of advertising agencies make up part of the customer base. 

Earlier this year, a new digital press was installed and it hasn't stopped running!  MUIR has printed labels, magnets, posters, personalized booklets and variable data postcards.

Call 419-882-7993 or visit www.muir-graphics.com to get started on your next printing project.  You'll be happy you did!