As the 2010 Winter Olympic Games approach, member businesses are geared up to help sports fans show their support through licensed promotional products—with a green twist.

Many sponsoring companies and official licensees are turning to eco-friendly products to highlight their brands, including Vancouver, British Columbia-based supplier Boardroom Eco Apparel (UPIC: 214844). Boardroom provides Olympic-branded apparel that’s created under strict eco-friendly guidelines to licensees such as the Hudson’s Bay Company in Canada.

“Promotional products have an undeniable impact when used during the Olympics, especially when they are eco-friendly,” says Mark Trotzuk, president of Boardroom. “These branded products are a key tool for promoting both leading brands and environmental protection worldwide.”

In addition to building excitement, promotional products are a key medium of brand marketing. “Some of the world’s leading corporations invest millions of dollars in Olympic sponsorships for the widespread brand exposure and association with such a historic event,” says PPAI Board Chair Sherri Lennarson, MAS, senior vice president of business development for Iowa City, Iowa-based distributor Bankers Advertising Co. (UPIC: BACADV).

“These Olympic marketing programs typically incorporate a variety of promotional products,” says Lennarson. “For the Winter Games, products will include t-shirts, key chains, buttons and drinkware, among others, all branded with official Olympic or sponsoring company logos.”

“As a spectator, whether you are viewing the games at home or in person, promotional products are among the first things you notice,” Lennarson said. “Apparel and souvenirs with the iconic rings, host city logos and designs from participating countries help create the sense of team spirit and unity associated with the Olympic Games.”

Source:  PPB Magazine, Dec 2009