Crazy Fall!

Wow. A lot going on for everyone it seems. Fall is coming! Just returned from Chicago and IMTS - one of the world's largest machine tool shows. Thanks to the gracious hearts of Riten Industries for allowing me to camp out at their rented house near Wrigley Field. Riten Prez Andy Lachat brought in a chef for meals and we even had "Robert, a customer from Oklahoma who uses lots of Riten products" share some great guitar music in the evenings...he even let us sing along!

Riten unveiled what I believe to be a very effective new marketing "weapon" - The Colonel. The "Ask the Colonel" program allows clients and prospects to ask ANYTHING of The Colonel - an industry veteran who is OLDER than metal AND dirt!

It was hard to miss Okuma...the "city" they build at IMTS grows each show. Big news - Okuma is partnering with Chip Ganassi Racing for the 2011 Indy Car and Grand-Am season. This reporter heard lots of "wows" as folks stopped by to check out the blue version of the Target ride!

A last minute shout out for those not on the Neat Stuff U. email blasts! FREEEEE inspirational movies all weekend long in Charlotte at Ayrsley Cinemas - 485 and South Tryon. Check out http://www.projectinghopecharlotte.com/ for details. Saturday bonus: Live, outdoor music from 2 p.m. til 10 p.m. Come join us! September 23 (today) - Sunday the 26th.

Blizzard of 2010 and Best of Show!

Once again, several inches of snow qualifies as a Southern Blizzard. One of the many benefits for this old guy was to mellow out by the fireplace for a couple of days and enjoy the fellowship and great cooking (see Dianne's homemade cheesegrits!) of my wife and Bailey, the Beloved Golden Retriever.

Speaking of cool temps....several weeks ago, the Neat Stuff Crew spent 3+ days in chilly Orlando at the ASI Promo Show. Check out our VIDEO featuring Alan Patrick, the national sales manager with M&Ms, and others sharing Neat Stuff and how to make an IMPACT with promotional products.

Once again, Bobby Lehew was one of our favorite presenters during ASI Education Day. Our friend from Oklahoma City turned us on to MASHABLE, The Social Media Guide, a useful site that features Facebook and Twitter "guides" and other useful content for those of us trying to get a grip on utilizing social media.