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Join Michelle Mercier, CEO and President of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, as she welcomes Steven Lutch, President of CRL Promotions, for an insightful conversation about the power of promotional products and the importance of local business relationships.

Discover how Steven transitioned from a career in education to becoming a successful promotional products entrepreneur in 2012. Learn why tangible marketing tools continue to thrive in our digital age and how the right promotional strategy can create lasting brand impressions for decades - literally! Steven shares the incredible story of a promotional jar opener that lasted over 30 years, proving the incredible staying power of well-chosen promotional items.

✅ Why promotional products outperform digital advertising for brand recall and engagement ✅ The importance of working with local promotional product suppliers vs. online giants ✅ How to choose the right promotional items based on your audience and budget ✅ The critical importance of getting proofs before production ✅ Real success stories, including battery-operated fans that disappeared in 90 minutes at a trade show ✅ Why apparel and writing instruments remain the most popular promotional products ✅ How networking and word-of-mouth referrals drive sustainable business growth

🎯 Strategy First: Every promotional product should serve a purpose and meet your audience's needs 📍 Local Advantage: Working with local suppliers means better service, faster turnaround, and accountability 🔍 Quality Control: Always request proofs to avoid costly mistakes with large orders 🤝 Relationship Building: Personal service and local connections create lasting business partnerships 📈 Proven ROI: Tangible promotional items provide continuous brand exposure that digital ads can't match

👕 Decorated apparel (including licensed brands like Under Armour and Patagonia) ✏️ Writing instruments and office supplies
☕ Coffee mugs and drinkware 🎪 Trade show and event materials 🏌️ Specialized items (golf towels, hand fans, etc.) 📋 Custom solutions based on your specific needs and budget

Steven partners with Kaser and Blair company for seamless back-office support, allowing him to focus on what he does best - helping local businesses succeed with strategic promotional marketing.

Each Chamber Spotlight episode features remarkable local business owners who are making a difference in the Marlborough community. From innovative solutions to time-tested strategies, these conversations showcase the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our local economy.

#MarlboroughMA #PromotionalProducts #LocalBusiness #CRLPromotions #MarketingStrategy #BrandedMerchandise #MarlboroughChamber #BusinessSpotlight #CustomApparel #TradeShows #Networking

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About This EpisodeWhat You'll LearnKey Insights from StevenCRL Promotions ServicesConnect with CRL PromotionsAbout the Chamber Spotlight Series