AND THE WINNER IS…

(Neenah, WI)—-Ted Williams. Gordie Howe. Steve McNair. Mia Hamm. Tony Parker. Each name on that list has proudly worn the number nine on their back, performing effortlessly through the metaphorical (and sometimes physical) blood, sweat and tears associated with their nom de rigeur. Adventures in Advertising (AIA) can now consider itself among this elite group with its recent Counselor Award recognition and its number nine ranking on Advertising Specialty Institute’s list of top 40 distributors.

“This past year was a challenging one for us and having that hard work recognized by ASI is an honor,” said Rebecca Kollmann, AIA’s director of marketing. “We began adding franchisees again after almost three years and the results so far have been very encouraging.”

According to ASI’s Web site, the Counselor Awards recognize the select few individuals whose contribution in the preceding 12 months has been far-reaching and of significance to the industry as a whole. The Counselor Awards program includes honoring the outstanding sales achievement of the Top 40 distributors and Top 40 suppliers. These rankings are based strictly on sales revenues. Companies are notified in advance that they have earned a spot on the coveted Top 40 but the rankings are not revealed until the night of the awards ceremony.

Adventures in Advertising is a network of franchised and affiliated promotional product and corporate apparel distributorships throughout the United States. The independently owned and operated offices develop strategic marketing and promotional solutions for businesses of all sizes using top-quality products and creative techniques tailored to their clients’ unique needs. AIA is among the 15 largest distributors in the promotional products industry that includes more than 22,000 distributors and is the largest franchised company in its niche. AIA expects to grant 25 to 40 new franchises annually during the next two to three years, with an initial goal of reaching 500 franchisees. Long-term growth calls for 800 U.S. franchises. Systemwide sales were $127.7 million in 2005 with sales of $138 million projected in 2006. AIA currently has 315 franchised distributors in more than 40 states. For more information, visit www.exploreaia.com.