Penn Emblem Company takes home the 2023 NAUMD Innovation Awards for PennFlex™ and PVC emblems!
Penn Emblem Company (Trevose, PA) is a 76-year-old textile manufacturing and full-service brand decoration company. With over 50 different decoration options, 13 markets served and 4 global locations, Penn Emblem is America’s largest supplier and brand decorator for the rental uniform and promotional product industry.
Penn Emblem recently entered the 2023 NAUMD Innovation Award Contest. The NAUMD (Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors) serves the Hospitality, Entertainment, Healthcare, Branding, Promotional Product, Safety, and Uniform Manufacturer companies. The Image Apparel Institute division promotes the manufacturing, sale, and brand awareness of image and identity apparel worn each day by millions of workers. Each year, the NAUMD Image Apparel division hosts a contest for the best of the best in design for a variety of categories including innovation.
One of Penn Emblem’s winning submissions was a PVC emblem created for Propper, a leading supplier of uniforms to the U.S. Military, Police, and of Tactical gear, as a promotional giveaway for a recent tradeshow event. They wanted something funny, different, and well-known in pop culture. The concept of the “Dumpster Fire” became famous in the aftermath of 2020’s pandemic. People humorously deemed the year a dumpster fire, and today, those who remember the year surely remember the slogan. The design itself appears cartoonish. The use of PVC allows for the design elements to appear three-dimensional and realistic. Propper had overwhelming response to the Dumpster Fire design and said that it was their most popular giveaway to date and they ran out of 2500 patches within the first two days of the show.
PVC emblems have made a vertical bound to the top of consumer’s lists when it comes to decoration techniques. PVC emblems are designed in 3D, providing an embossed, dimensional aspect while still offering a smooth surface, therefore delivering a sensory experience for consumers. PVC is an ideal choice for any market because these emblems never fade, crack or peel, maintaining clarity and detail. Utilizing a custom mold, any branding ideas can be created. PVC emblems are removable, flexible, and waterproof to keep consumers moving in all environments and are ideal for tactical gear, souvenirs, promotional products, and more. The three-dimensional aspect of this PVC emblem makes it stand out in the market and literally!
In addition to the PVC Dumpster Fire emblem, Penn Emblem was honored to also accept an innovation award for the PennFlex™ Penn Emblem Logo Design. In 2022, Penn Emblem celebrated it’s 75th anniversary of being in business. Penn Emblem Company is a 4th generation family-owned and operated company that got its start in the heart of Philadelphia on North 15th Street. What was once known as Penn Novelty Company, an emblem company providing primarily oval emblems and US Flags, has now become an award-winning, full-service, branded decoration and apparel company.
The PennFlex™ design technique was chosen for the 75th logo because it is one of Penn Emblem’s signature, award-winning innovations. Penn Emblem’s PennFlex™ is an intricate, thermoplastic emblem that creates a superior, three-dimensional effect for any design. With many customization options, such as a matte or metallic finish, PennFlex™ exceeds standard emblem expectations with its high definition, lightweight and flexible structure. Its durability is matched by its unique attention to details and depth created by meticulous gradients. In addition, the exceptionally thin texture of these emblems amplifies its functionality by allowing the wearer to not only heat seal apply but to sew on as well.
When deciding on the logo that would represent Penn Emblem’s 75th Anniversary year, designers decided that it needed to incorporate both a modern image and a nostalgic tribute to one of the vintage logos. The large ‘75’ is the predominant piece of the emblem to showcase the major milestone anniversary. Penn Emblem’s 2019 rebrand logo can be seen shadowed in the background, while the previous logo is highlighted below. The staple navy blue and silver colors are utilized in the ornate, three-dimensional details of the innovative PennFlex™ design. The honeycomb design shown in the ‘75’ is a unique style that is not used as frequently but was brought out of the vault for this special occasion.
The PennFlex™ 75th Anniversary logo was used in a plethora of marketing initiatives throughout 2022 as well as on decorated apparel for tradeshows and internal employees. The highlight use of the 75th Anniversary logo was for the multiple anniversary parties we got to celebrate in our three U.S. locations: Trevose, PA, Mira Loma, CA, and Santa Ana, MX. The logo was displayed on shirts for every employee, on backdrops, photobooth backgrounds, cupcakes, bags, and more. Everyone now has the emblem as a keepsake to remember this monumental year and it was just as well received throughout the apparel decoration community.
Penn Emblem is proud to accept these prestigious awards and was honored to be recognized for such achievements. Along with a tremendous line up of anniversary celebrations, great success at tradeshows, and new product innovations, winning the NAUMD Innovation Award is a tremendous accomplishment to end the 75th year. Thank you NAUMD!
Philly-Born Company Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Philly businesses and Philly Charities
It is rare to celebrate a company’s 75th year in business, but what is even more extraordinary is to celebrate such a prestigious anniversary with giving back to the community where the company first got its start – Philadelphia. Penn Emblem Company’s milestone was celebrated with current employees, past employees, local small businesses, and a few new, furry friends.
On Friday, October 21st, Penn Emblem Company celebrated their milestone at their corporate office in Trevose, PA. The celebration consisted of local food trucks, Kono Pizza and Have a Ball, big ticket raffle items, Ultra Photobooth, and donated sweets from Frankford Candy (Philadelphia), who also celebrates their 75th year in business in 2022. In addition to Philly made candy, attendees also enjoyed Philly Pretzel Factory pretzels, Philly’s favorite Tastykake treats, and PA-born Wawa drinks!
Penn Emblem Company is a 4th generation family-owned and operated company that got its start in the heart of Philadelphia on North 15th Street. What was once known as Penn Novelty Company, an emblem company providing primarily oval emblems and US Flags, has now become an award-winning, full-service, branded decoration and apparel company servicing 13 markets out of 4 global locations. Penn Emblem is America’s largest supplier and brand decorator for the rental uniform and promotional product industry.
While celebrating the company milestone was the focus of the event, the company shared the attention with local Philadelphia causes in honor of their anniversary. Philly Rescue Angels joined Penn Emblem’s celebration with 8 adoptable puppies in tow to spread awareness of their cause and to represent the organization’s mission. They are a 100% donor funded, Pennsylvania-based, non-profit organization who rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes animals that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. Employees spent the weeks leading up to the event collecting necessary supplies to be donated to the organization. Items included pee pads, beds, dog food, treats, and toys – all items Philly Rescue needs to be able to place rescued dogs in foster homes until they are adopted. In addition to donated supplies, the company raffled off big ticket items such as a TV, a Ring Doorbell, and a donated gift basket from Iron Hill Brewery Newtown. With the raffles, employees raised over $1,000 to be donated to Philly Rescue Angels.
Alongside Philly Rescue Angels, Philadelphia Youth Basketball came to support the effort. PYB is a community-built youth organization that leverages basketball to help today’s urban youth. Visiting their booth at the event allowed employees to not only learn more about their efforts, but they were also given a bonus raffle ticket for greater chances of winning.
Following food and fun with puppies, President, Randi Blumenthal, gave a heart-warming speech thanking all attendees and recapping a brief company history. Guests left the event with an assortment of treats and a specialty yearbook created by Penn Emblem’s marketing team that commemorates the 75 years of memories, giving back, and employee loyalty.
Penn Emblem Company prides itself on doing the right thing and doing things right and the generous display of community effort and inclusion was the perfect depiction of what those core values mean. With Philly-built companies supporting the event, Philly-based charities gaining critical exposure, and the Philadelphia Phillies heading to the World Series, Penn Emblem had one of the grandest celebration weekends of the year.
From Pumpkin Patches to Costume Patches
FROM PUMPKIN PACTHES TO COSTUME PATCHES
If you’re like me, Halloween commences on September 1st, 12am sharp. The decoration bins are uncovered, and the spooky transformation begins. Along with fall decorations, haunted hayrides, pumpkin picking, and scary movies, most families are beginning to plan their Halloween costumes. Over the years, costumes have become increasingly more elaborate and creative. One of the aspects of a costume that can make or break the authenticity of the look is attention to the small details.
Much like in real life professions and roles, patches are often an easy identifier for costumes. Whether it is the NASA name on a space suit or a letterman applique on a zombie football player, the patch brings the costume to life. In honor of September, here are some Halloween costume suggestions that patches can take to the next level.
1.) TOP GUN: GOOSE AND MAVERICK
One of the biggest, box office hits of the year…of course it will be one of the TOP costumes too! The patches on the Goose and Maverick uniforms can be easily googled and replicated to make your costume authentic. Of all the Top Gun costumes, yours will be the best!
2.) GIRL SCOUT/BOY SCOUT
Scout uniforms are simple. A matching khaki vest and skirt/shorts with some sneakers, paired with a handful of fun colorful patches. If you want to be detail oriented, look up what kind of badges scouts acquire throughout their training and mimic those milestones.
3.) NASA SPACE SUIT
No astronaut is complete without an American flag patch and a NASA patch. Take your costume TO THE MOON with a couple realistic patches. Get creative and add a name and title badge as well, such as COMMANDER, CHIEF, or CAPTAIN.
4.) JOCK/CHEERLEADER
Are you even a jock without a letterman jacket? No high school football player or cheerleader are complete without their chenille or tackle twill letters on their uniforms and jackets. You can even use your own school’s lettering to make it unique and special to you!
5.) POLICE OFFICER/FIRE FIGHTER
The most classic costumes of all time – the police officer and fire fighter. This costume works for little kids and adults, but the one thing that will make you stand out is realistic emblems. You can even have a title badge or a name badge!
6.) HIPPIE
Groovy, man! Patches became HUGE in the 70’s because it was a way to stand out with your own style and show off things that mattered to you. You can have fun with this one. Choose patches like peace signs, tie dye colors, hearts, flowers, and more! Add as many as you want.
7.) BIKER
Members of motorcycle groups are well known for having a variety of patches on their vests in addition to their group “colors” or motorcycle group insignia. You can add flags, eagles, motorcycles, skulls, and more.
8.) NASCAR DRIVER
Branding is huge in Nascar racing. Each driver has their sponsor logos plastered all over their car and their uniform. Pick out a couple of your favorite brands and add them to your Nascar costume. Gas station logos seem to be a popular choice!
9.) DOCTOR/NURSE
Another ultra-classic costume choice – the doctor and the nurse. These costumes are simple because you can add an authentic red cross patch as week as the medical symbol, a name badge or title. Don’t be afraid to add a bonus patch thanking the healthcare professions for everything they do!
10.) A LEAGUE OF THER OWN: BASEBALL PLAYER
Another great movie costume that can work well for groups, young and old. Google the patches that are on the uniforms from the movie and mimic them. You won’t be crying over not winning the costume contest for this look – especially because THERE’S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!
This Halloween, consider adding a custom decoration to your costume for a unique, detailed look! To learn about your emblem options, visit pennemblem.com today!
Penn Emblem Wins TRSA Safety Award 2021
Penn Emblem Company (Trevose, PA) is a 75-year-old textile manufacturing and full-service brand decoration company. With over 50 different decoration options, 13 markets served and 4 global locations, Penn Emblem is America’s largest supplier and brand decorator for the rental uniform and promotional product industry. Penn Emblem is honored to receive the 2021 TRSA The SafeTRSA Safety Excellence Award that recognizes a company or facility that manifests its embrace of safety as a true corporate value. Some examples of previous entry winners are consecutive injury-free workdays, safety committee enhancements, and wellness programs.
As safety should be in every workplace, the safety and risk management of each employee is of utmost importance and a core value to Penn Emblem. As a company, we are committed to maintaining a safe and healthful working environment and promoting it through best practices. To achieve this goal, Mira Loma and our Corporate office both have Company Safety Committees.
Penn Emblem Safety committees are guided and directed by a Safety Coordinator. The committees meet monthly to review any accidents or near miss accidents that occurred and assist with preventative recommendations. They help assist management at all levels in establishing and maintaining a safe working environment that is free from recognized hazards and in compliance with OSHA health and safety standards and other applicable standards, codes and regulations and security measures.
The safety committees are responsible for training and reviewing safety policies and tips with employees through safety meetings. Some of these important safety topics are how to Report Accidents and Injuries, Workplace Safety (Housekeeping, Slips, Trips and Falls), Material Handling, maintaining First Aid Stations and equipment, Basic Security Issues Procedures. Also, communicating the emergency evacuation routes, and having fire and evacuation drills.
The committee also performs the safety walk-through inspections and ensure that workstations are cleaned and organized with zero fire hazards. Most importantly, If you are injured on the job, a safety team member will be available to assist you whether providing first aid, calling emergency service if needed, taking you to urgent care, document the incident and report to OSHA.
A lot of effort goes into keeping employees safe at Penn Emblem Company. “We are committed to workplace safety and have always looked upon it as a core value. We are honored and proud of the work and the commitment at Penn Emblem,” says Penn Emblem President, Randi Blumenthal-Joseph.
Penn Emblem Wins TRSA 2021 Community Service Award
Penn Emblem Company (Trevose, PA) is a 75-year-old textile manufacturing and full-service brand decoration company. With over 50 different decoration options, 13 markets served and 4 global locations, Penn Emblem is America’s largest supplier and brand decorator for the rental uniform and promotional product industry. Penn Emblem is honored to receive the 2021 TRSA Company Community Service Award. The award recognizes Operators and Supplier Partners whose volunteer projects make significant contributions to their local communities. Prior award-winning achievements consist of events such as an Annual Day of Service, education partnerships, and hiring prisoners on work release program.
Like many businesses and companies, Penn Emblem pivoted abruptly in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While non-essential businesses were shut down, Penn Emblem’s main responsibility was to serve their essential customers with products that they could deliver to life sustaining industries such as hospitals, grocery stores, and factories. In addition, the need for masks rose staggeringly. To offer aid during the pandemic, reusable, adjustable masks, and standard, disposable masks became the newest products to be sold by Penn Emblem. In addition to the thousands sold, Penn Emblem donated to the following local non-profits, schools, and churches:
6,000 masks to Paul Robeson Charter School (Trenton, NJ) and Young Scholars Charter School (Philadelphia, PA). Both schools’ missions are to provide an education that challenges, inspires, and prepares less fortunate students for college and beyond through a committed community, thoughtful experiences, and a strong culture.
1,500 masks to Lower Merion – Narberth PA TV (Lower Merion, PA) for ‘Kensington in Crisis’. The organization dispersed the masks to approximately 700 homeless people currently living on the streets. Just like having a meal for the day or a warm place to sleep, the use of a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic was the difference between life and death for many homeless people.
1,500 masks to Woodside Church (Yardley, PA). The church gathers annually to assemble hygiene kits during the Advent season to be distributed to the homeless throughout Bucks and Mercer counties.
1,500 masks to JFCS (Philadelphia, PA), a 160-year social service organization that helps meet the needs of individuals and families throughout their lifetime in the local area.
500 masks to Resurrection of our Lord Church & Parish (Philadelphia, PA). With so many school years derailed, providing a safe environment for children to go back to school in the fall was vital.
Penn Emblem Company is grateful to have been afforded the ability to remain open and operating during the pandemic and to have had the opportunity to give back to local communities in this capacity. “Outside of food drives and other collections that we do as a company, this mask donation was something that felt especially good because the entire world needed masks at the time. We did our small part to help,” says Penn Emblem President, Randi Blumenthal-Joseph. The company intends to continue work in their local areas in various ways for many years to come and plans to begin initiatives in their Santa Ana, Mexico location and Mira Loma, California this Spring.
Penn Emblem Wins TRSA 2021 Diversity Award
Penn Emblem Company (Trevose, PA) is a 75-year-old textile manufacturing and full-service brand decoration company. With over 50 different decoration options, 13 markets served and 4 global locations, Penn Emblem is America’s largest supplier and brand decorator for the rental uniform and promotional product industry. Penn Emblem is honored to receive the 2021 TRSA Diversity Recognition Award that honors Operators and Supplier Partners (companies or individuals) who value the “unlikeness” of individuals and encourage or facilitate such variation in human qualities in their workforces. Award considerations are given to companies or individuals who address issues such as ethnicity, gender, and physical abilities/qualities.
A New Initiative
Penn Emblem works hard to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to be hired and to succeed, but for any company, it easy to fall short in some of the categories. In a year that has forced us to open our hearts to our neighbors, Penn Emblem is proud to further the focus on diversity and to kick off their 75th year with a bigger emphasis on inclusion. They announced a new partnership built around inclusivity in the workplace, specifically targeting people with disabilities. In November, the company solidified its work with grit&flow, a company that provides corporate training and inclusion/business consulting to corporate companies to help amplify their hiring practices and treatment for diverse individuals. grit&flow is a distinctive team with varied backgrounds that puts forth a multi-disciplined approach to inclusion. Their strategy is built on the foundation of data developed and written by experts. A combination of experiences and research-based practices guide their inclusive design strategies. Beyond human resources, they are fluent in measuring and understanding the organization’s data as a whole and translating it into workable solutions that impact your organization’s performance, inclusion, and sense of belonging.
Penn Emblem’s Mira Loma team have put a lot of effort into embracing the new initiative and learning how to effectively manage their new employees. The neurodiverse community has not been taken as seriously as they are today, and Penn Emblem has embraced the concept of bringing these individuals on board and appreciating their skillsets and willingness to work. Penn Emblem Managers have gone through extensive new trainings to learn how to properly interact and handle situations with the neurodiverse employees and have trained their teams as well.
The Importance of Diversity
In 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States employed roughly 19.3% of people with disabilities. However, while that number may seem higher than expected, it is small in comparison to the nearly 67% of people without disabilities employed in the country. Over 56 million people in America live with a disability, making people with disabilities the largest of the minority groups. What many people don’t know are the plethora of diagnoses that are categorized as a disability. More people fall into this category than are typically recognized. With unemployment rates skyrocketing since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is without question that this season of life will be significantly harder for those with disabilities to find work due to the mass amounts of people all searching for the same open positions. Penn Emblem has made it their job to be readily available to all people and to offer the same opportunities to everyone.
Penn Emblem’s Impact to Date
Since partnering, Penn Emblem has 42 new, active individuals with various diverse backgrounds due to the work being done with grit&flow. grit&flow founder Tiffany Jameson and her team have helped onboard 22% of Mira Loma’s facility. “It is not enough for us to simply say that we are open to hiring people with disabilities,” says Penn Emblem President, Randi Blumenthal, “we must walk the walk too. Individuals with disabilities are experienced, and eager to do a good job, just like anybody else.” Penn Emblem is excited to work closely with grit&flow in becoming even more of an equal opportunity and inclusive place to work. Penn’s entire staff was briefed and coached on the new initiative and is looking forward to welcoming their new team members in all departments and locations.
Penn Emblem WBENC Certification 2021-2022
Penn Emblem Company (Philadelphia, PA), a 75-year-old textile manufacturing and full-service brand decoration company, recently renewed their WBENC Certification for the 2021-2022 year in honor of showcasing their diversity in business. Penn Emblem has held membership within the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council for 11 years. The WBENC is “the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs.” The organization strives to not only certify women owned businesses, but also connect members for business opportunities.
With over 50 decoration options and serving 13 markets across four global locations, Penn Emblem is America’s largest supplier and brand decorator for the rental uniform and promotional product industry. Mirroring the versatility and longevity of their products and services, the company employs roughly 500 loyal, educated team members between its corporate location and manufacturing factories. Employees range from ages 23 to 72 with a plethora of diverse ethnicities, religions, genders, and disabilities. Inclusivity has always been a staple at Penn Emblem Company and having the WBENC certification helps to continuously brand the pride of having such diversity.
WBENC Certification substantiates that a business is 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. In 2010, Randi Blumenthal-Joseph, granddaughter of Penn Emblem’s founder, became the third generation of leadership to continue the legacy of quality and innovation, while also shifting the company to become certified as a Woman’s Business Enterprise, to better support clients focused on supply chain diversity, and to proudly represent female leadership. Penn Emblem continues to serve customers worldwide with an ever-growing array of image and identification solutions under Randi’s leadership and through the fibers of Penn Emblem’s rich history.
In addition to business networking, the WBENC also provides educational seminars, workshops and resources, a network of support and eligibility for various awards and recognitions. For more information on getting certified with WBENC, visit wbenc.org.
Debbie Martinenza promotion to Director of Client Support
Penn Emblem is pleased to announce the recent promotion of our new Director of Client Support, Debbie Martinenza. Debbie facilitates client support in both the Trevose and Mira Loma locations. Some of her daily tasks include but are not limited to managing the daily operations of the Client Support areas, serving as the liaison between Client Support, Sales and Service areas. In addition, Debbie oversees roughly 20 customer service employees. In this role she teaches her employees to oversee customer orders, customer issues and customer opportunities.
Debbie’s career with Penn Emblem began as a part time employee in 1988. As a junior in high school, she applied for the position because it was in walking distance from her school, Archbishop Ryan High School. Debbie was hired to help assemble customer literature such as Color Charts and flyers. After she graduated in June of 1989, Debbie was hired as a full time Order Entry Clerk. Since starting with Penn Emblem full time, Debbie has transitioned to a plethora of roles – Production Planning Clerk, Temporary Art Room Supervisor, Art Room Manager, Artist/Digitizer, Art Room/Digitizing Manager, Order Entry Manager, Customer Service Manager (PHL), Corporate Customer Service Manager (PHL and California), and ERP Manager. Debbie has been the recipient of the 1996 President’s Award, 2008 Chairman’s Award, 2012 Penn Award, 2014 Penn Award, 2016 Penn Award, and the 2018 Penn Award, which are all a reflection of her hard work and dedication to the company.
Throughout Debbie’s long tenure with Penn Emblem, she believes that it is truly the people that have made the journey the most rewarding. “I have been very lucky to grow up in an environment where everyone was treated like family. I was young and did not know anything about emblems but from the beginning I was taken under the wings of many great mentors who believed in me and my capabilities. It all started with Robert Blumenthal and now the same with Randi they believed in me and continued to help me grow over my 32 years at Penn by providing career growth, learning and development.” In addition, she is thoroughly grateful and proud of the team she works alongside between employees, managers, superiors, and plant team members. One of Debbie’s favorite parts about her job is working with the Client Support Teams.
With so much accomplished thus far, Debbie still has even bigger goals for the coming years. “My personal goal is to help implement a new ERP system along with a brand-new, fully E-commerce website,” she says, “Having the new platforms in place will help in so many areas but most importantly, it will improve our customer experience which truly is my number one goal. Our CS teams will have the appropriate tools and real time data to better service our customers and our internal Sales team.” Debbie’s goal is to continue working alongside the executive team members and managers to improve processes, procedures, KPI’s, and internal systems for which will result in better team morale, better outcomes, and a much more effective team. While working to create a better internal and external environment for Penn Emblem, Debbie foresees only one outcome “to be the best emblem and decoration company in the world.”
“Her contribution, loyalty, quest to continue learning, and her support to her team members and customers exceed the expectations,” says President, Randi Blumenthal, “She is an exemplary model of a team player, hard worker and brand advocate.” Thank you, Debbie for all that you do, we look forward to seeing what you bring to the table this year and many more to come.
Penn Emblem Win’s Churchill Safety Award 2021
Penn Emblem Company’s Mira Loma location was recently recognized and awarded the annual Churchill Casualty Ltd. 2021 Safety Achievement Award for outstanding achievement in safety and loss control. For the 2021 Awards in the Industry Category “Manufacturing (<250 FTE)”, Penn Emblem was honored to receive the award as the top scoring member. This is Penn Emblem Mira Loma’s 4th time winning the award and their highest scoring year yet. The award is based on various safety factors, accident claim times, and multiple plant visits for evaluation. Penn Emblem President, Randi Blumenthal-Joseph believes, “the protocol and measures taken in the safety of our people and facilities has always been a top priority, but the accomplishment of this specific award is rooted in the dedication and responsibility of the workers who hold each other accountable on a daily basis.”
Churchill Casualty Ltd. is a member-owned, diverse group located in the Cayman Islands, created from the need of businesses to obtain insurance coverage at a more affordable cost. The founding members of Churchill perceived that the commercial insurance industry was not responsive to this basic business necessity.
Penn Emblem prides itself on a variety of sustainability and sanitation protocols to always keep employees and customers safe. When the world changed due to COVID-19, the office and plants underwent additional safety changes to ensure that business could continue as usual in the safest manner possible. The office consistently recycles reusable textiles, utilizes energy efficient lighting, and minimizes paper as much as possible. During the pandemic, risk management became an intensified standard operating procedure within Penn Emblem. The multiple plants increased sanitation protocols, masks are always worn, and strict authorized personnel only policies were implemented. On a day-to-day basis, energy efficient lighting is cast over the workspace, solvent-free ink printing systems are utilized, and an air-dry silkscreen process is used as well. Penn Emblem is cautious about the carbon footprint they leave behind and plans to continue these measures and more.
Annual safety meetings are held to remind employees about internal safety protocols during emergency situations as well as to teach best practices for office and desk etiquette to keep surrounding employees safe from hazards. In addition, new hires are sent a safety PowerPoint to be made aware of internal safety policies upon starting at Penn Emblem. “It’s been great working with the Churchill Captive, I’ve Learned so much over the years and continue to learn. I am thankful our company owner, my HR Director and the Executive management encourage our manufacturing leadership to make safety a top priority. Our Safety program would not be successful without everyone’s support,” says Mira Loma’s Human Resource Manager, Miranda Garcia, who has played an essential part in the coordinating and integrating of this new initiative in California.
Penn Emblem thanks the Human Resources Department for all the work they do to maintain such safety protocols and educational resources. With the world adapting to environmentally friendly alternatives more each day, Penn Emblem is excited to continuously advance in sustainability and to make the office, plants, and products safer for employees and customers.
DECORATION ON PAR
From the pros to a popular hobby, the game of golf has historically been a widely held sport, but only recently did it become more mainstream and prevalent, specifically amongst the millennial generation. In March 2020, when the world shut down due to COVID-19, most sporting events and arenas were cancelled or closed. However, amidst the chaos, golf, being a socially distanced, outdoor sport, was able to prevail. “The NGF count showed 24.8 million golfers in the U.S. in 2020, an increase of 500,000 and 2 percent over 2019 which is the largest net increase in 17 years.” (Golf Digest, Stachura)
In addition to the pandemic resilience, camaraderie, mental health, and physical health of America’s favorite past time, golf also serves as one of today’s premiere branding platforms in sports. From unique attire to personal gear, branded decorations have seen a recent rise to the spotlight in the world of golf. Not only are fans viewing their favorite player’s brand choices on national TV, but also on every social media platform. With golf’s growing youth popularity, the visibility of the game and the branding has skyrocketed.
Penn Emblem’s Marketing Manager, Tyler Joseph, has been an avid golfer since age 6. Tyler learned to play alongside his father, Jon Joseph, Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Penn Emblem. Together, the duo played at Philmont Country Club and eventually Green Valley Country Club, consistently elevating their skills and bonding along the way. Tyler has since been a part of the Philadelphia Golf Association, competing in, GAP, PA, USGA tournaments, and country club held tournaments. Most recently, Tyler qualified for the PA Mid-Amateur at HVCC, and was this year’s runner up in the Green Valley Club Championship.
One of Tyler’s favorite aspects of the game, in addition to the competitiveness, is the gear. “I collect almost everything from each golf club I play at. I have a collection of over 50 needlepoint belts from clubs I have played and my life goal for golf is to play all top 100 golf clubs in the world,” says Joseph. So far, Tyler has 17 of the 100 crossed off his list. One of the first things he does at each club location is stop at the pro shop to browse the variety of decorated garments, hats, and headcovers. Most everything in a pro shop is decorated in one fashion or another. Direct Embroidery dominates the game with club and tournament logos; however, recently, embroidered emblems and woven emblems have been on the rise.
Branding plays a significant role in the golf world. Not only do professionals have sponsorship obligations, but amateur golfers also enjoy representing their home club or course during tournaments and recreational games with companions. Popular decorations include polo shirt insignia, hat embroidery, bag tags, embroidered belts, and shoe labels. In addition, golfers often carry towels alongside other accessories such as gloves and personalized golf balls.
While some still view golf as an old man’s sport, those with their eye on what’s trending know that golf is just beginning to get the publicity it deserves. From community to business, golf offers something for everyone, especially for brand decorators.
Works Cited
Stachura, Mike. “The Numbers Are Official: Golf’s Surge in Popularity in 2020 Was Even Better than Predicted.” Golf Digest, GolfDigest, 7 Apr. 2021, www.golfdigest.com/story/national-golf-foundation-reports-numbers-for-2020-were-record-se.
ISS Tradeshow Atlantic City
Atlantic City Convention Center hosted the 2021 Impressions Expo August 26th to the 28th. Impressions Magazine and the Impressions Expo offer business education and guidance on the software and equipment used for digitally driven decorations and the event annually showcases the year’s latest innovations and trending resources for screen printing, embroidery, heat-applied graphics, and various other techniques.
With one of the smaller events to date due to COVID restrictions, the Impressions Expo, which celebrated it’s 40-year anniversary this year, hosted stand out companies such as ASI, SanMar, and Madeira USA. In addition, many other notable decoration businesses were in attendance: 5B’s, Delta Apparel Co, Hirsch Solutions Inc, and more.
Penn Emblem Company, an annual Impressions Expo exhibitor and magazine subscriber, displayed a variety of standout products this year to highlight available capabilities and 2021 designs. Among some of the featured products were fan favorites and seasonal all stars: Leather and the award winning, PennFlex™. Leather, although a classic emblem style, continually stands out this time of year. It’s warm, earth tone colors and traditional embroidered typography are a non-negotiable winning combination for fall apparel. PennFlex™ is a lightweight, flexible, 3D emblem that is completed with either a matte or metallic finish. This innovative design technique consistently show stops in the sport and fashion markets, but shines even brighter as an upgrade for traditional, embroidered security badges.
The show featured many startups, which allowed Penn Emblem to educate and add value to rising stars in the industry as well as network and make future relationships. In addition, with veteran companies in attendance, there was an opportunity to connect over new business partnerships. Overall, the Penn Emblem team learned a lot about up-and-coming trends in the industry as well as necessary innovations to research. We had 5 members of our team work the tradeshow. President Randi Blumenthal Joseph, Vice President of Sales Jon Joseph, Marketing manager Tyler Joseph, Sales Reps Joe Lea and Rich Hirsh.
Penn Emblem Company and is grateful for the time spent together at the show and looks forward to connecting further with the attendees. If you would like further information pertaining to the Impressions Expo, featured products, or to book an appointment please contact Penn Emblem’s sales team from the show: Richard Hirsh (rhirsh@pennemblem.com) and Joseph Lea (jlea@pennemblem.com).
James Emmett and Company
Penn Emblem Company (Trevose, PA) is a 74-year-old textile manufacturing and full-service brand decoration company. With over 50 different decoration options, 13 markets served and 4 global locations, Penn Emblem is America’s largest supplier and brand decorator for the rental uniform and promotional product industry. Mirroring the versatility of their products and services, the company employees roughly 500 employees between its corporate location and various factories, with ages ranging from 23 to 72 and a plethora of diverse backgrounds.
While Penn Emblem works hard, like many other companies, to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to be hired and to succeed, sometimes it easy to fall short in some categories. In a year that has forced us to open our hearts to our neighbors, Penn Emblem is proud to announce a new partnership built around inclusivity in the workplace, specifically targeting people with disabilities. In November, the company solidified its work with James Emmett & Company, a team of Disability Consultants who supports companies in launching relationships with local disability employment vendors and helps build the internal capacity to recruit, hire, train and retain employees with disabilities.
In 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States employed roughly 19.3% of people with disabilities. However, while that number may seem higher than expected, it is small in comparison to the nearly 67% of people without disabilities employed in the country. Over 56 million people in America live with a disability, making people with disabilities the largest of the minority groups. With unemployment rates skyrocketing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is without question that this season will be significantly harder for those with disabilities to find work due to the mass amounts of people all searching for the same open positions.
James Emmett & Company has years of education and experience working in the disabilities landscape with key expertise in the development and implementation of an inclusive workforce amongst small businesses and global corporations. Using leading corporate development models to increase companies’ bottom lines, James Emmett and his team work tirelessly to instill the proper mindset amongst current employees as well as staffing qualified workers who are safe, productive, loyal and who have a lower turnover rate. Company founder and CEO, James Emmett, lives with a disability himself as well as having disabled children. He has made it his life’s mission to make sure that his children have a fair chance at life’s opportunities, as well as others struggling with their own handicaps.
“It is not enough for us to simply say that we are open to hiring people with disabilities,” says Penn Emblem President, Randi Blumenthal, “we must walk the walk too. These people are intelligent, experienced, and eager to do a good job, just like anybody else.” Penn Emblem is excited to work closely with James Emmett & Company in becoming even more of an equal opportunity and inclusive place to work. Penn’s entire staff was briefed and coached on the new initiative and is looking forward to welcoming their new team members in all departments and locations.
Why Patches will NEVER Go Out of Style
It’s a brisk, Spring day in Philadelphia, and people are buzzing about in the glorious, crisp air. It’s one of the early Spring days where some people are still in jackets and others are pushing the limit with a t-shirt.
As I get in line for the bus, I can’t help but notice the dazzling, army-colored jacket being worn by the woman in front of me. She is stylish in her own right, with her no-effort messy bun placed perfectly, gold Ray Bans reflecting the sun, and her worn just enough high-top sneakers – but THE JACKET, her jacket screams COOL. Not only is the bomber jacket’s style and color on point, but what caught my eye was the half dozen, beautiful patches that strategically decorated it.
I secretly inspect each colorful addition and begin to piece together who this fashionable female is. By the Rolling Stones Lips emblem, I can tell she has good taste in music. There’s a Chinese takeout box with octopus tentacles coming out of it – she’s got a sense of humor. Around the shoulder there’s a Ruth Bader Ginsburg wearing a crown and a Black Lives Matter sign, so I know she is interested in female rights and social justice. After viewing a few more stand out decorations, I feel a visceral need to compliment her.
“Hi! I love your jacket; can I ask where you got all of those cool patches?”
For the entire bus ride, we chatted about how she buys an awesome patch wherever she goes and when she sees one that she likes. Sometimes she buys them for herself to add to her favorite jackets and bags, and sometimes she buys them for friends and family who she knows will appreciate the thought. We talked about the meaning behind some of them and our views, and she shared an Instagram page with me for a shop that sold unique emblems. I thanked her for the good conversation, we exchanged Instagram handles and wished each other a great rest of the day.
Just as we started heading in our different directions, I heard my new friend calling from behind me, “Hey, wait up!” She thanked me for chatting and explained how she had felt extremely isolated over the past few months due to the pandemic. “With these masks on,” she said “sometimes it’s easy to feel invisible, but I’m glad today I was wearing this jacket.” She then reached in her bag and handed me a patch that was in the shape of an orange peach that read ‘stay peachy’. She had picked it up a few days earlier and had not decided on a home for it yet, but explained that giving it to a new, patch-loving friend seemed fitting.
After thanking her, I walked away feeling empowered, not because I had learned about a new small business or made a new friend or even because I acquired a cool patch, but because if it were not for all of the colorful, enigmatic, thought-provoking patches on that woman’s jacket, I most likely would not have gone out of my way to introduce myself, have a conversation and brighten both of our days.
In an age of burying our faces in our smart phone and trying our hardest not to make eye contact with any living soul that walks by, it is refreshing to be able to create an organic connection with a total stranger. Some people don’t see patches as a relevant decoration style in 2021; however, patches will never be dated. Why? Because they create real conversation, one that is spoken and exchanged; not typed or messaged. Patches invoke curiosity, they display personality, and they normalize uniqueness – everything the world is in so much need of. Kids today are growing up scrolling through apps for hours being taught how to look, feel, think, speak, dance, walk, and BE a certain way. Patches not only allow people to be themselves, but they also remind us to think back to a different time, reminisce on what is important to us, and to always stay true to ourselves. Patches are a showcase of who we are as a person because the ones you choose to wear represent your interests, passions, adventures, and causes. Just by being yourself, you can make someone’s day and connect with them without even saying a word. We never know how badly someone needs a friend, or even just to feel a connection, and in a time when standing close enough to make an acquaintance is outlawed, patches bridge the gap.
Patches will NEVER go out of style, and frankly, the world should be grateful that they won’t.
Penn Emblem Receives WBENC Recertification for 2020-2021
Penn Emblem Company (Philadelphia, PA) is a 73-year-old textile manufacturing and full-service brand decoration company. With over 50 decoration options and serving 13 markets across four global locations, Penn Emblem is America’s largest supplier and brand decorator for the rental uniform and promotional product industry. Mirroring the versatility and longevity of their products and services, the company employs roughly 500 loyal, educated team members between its corporate location and manufacturing factories. Employees range from ages 23 to 72 with a plethora of diverse ethnicities, religions, and genders. Inclusivity has always been a staple at Penn Emblem Company.
In honor of showcasing such diversity in business, Penn Emblem has renewed their WBENC Certification for the 2020-2021 year, making this their 10-year anniversary with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. The WBENC is “the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs.” The organization strives to not only certify women owned businesses, but also connect members for business opportunities.
WBENC Certification substantiates that a business is 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. In 2010, Randi Blumenthal-Joseph, granddaughter of Penn Emblem’s founder, became the third generation of leadership to continue the legacy of quality and innovation, while also shifting the company to become certified as a Woman’s Business Enterprise, to better support clients focused on supply chain diversity, and to proudly represent female leadership. Penn Emblem continues to serve customers worldwide with an ever-growing array of image and identification solutions under Randi’s leadership and through the fibers of Penn Emblem’s rich history.
In addition to business networking, the WBENC also provides educational seminars, workshops and resources, a network of support and eligibility for various awards and recognitions. For more information on getting certified with WBENC, visit wbenc.org.
Penn Emblem Donates Masks to Woodside Church in Yardley PA
Penn Emblem Company (Trevose, PA) is a 73-year-old textile manufacturing and full-service brand decoration company. With over 50 different decoration options, 13 markets served and 4 global locations, Penn Emblem is America’s largest supplier and brand decorator for the rental uniform and promotional product industry. The company was forced to pivot abruptly in March 2020 along with the rest of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While non-essential businesses were shut down, Penn Emblem’s main responsibility was to serve their essential customer base with products that they could deliver to their customers who serve life sustaining industries such as hospitals, grocery stores, and factories. t that Penn Emblem shifted gears again quickly as the continuous need for protective masks rose staggeringly. Reusable, adjustable masks and standard, disposable masks became the newest product offered by Penn Emblem, to offer aid during the pandemic.
Community and giving back has always been an initiative of Penn Emblem .We support many non-profits and groups that our employees are actively involved with. Michelle Burgess, a manager in our Philadelphia operation belongs to a group that pays it forward. The congregation of Woodside Church (Yardley, PA) gathers annually to assemble hygiene kits during the Advent season. The kits are distributed to the homeless throughout Bucks County PA, and Mercer County, NJ. In the past, over 4,000 kits have been given to those in need, now they have added a mask to the kit. Penn Emblem is proud to be able to contribute 1,500 masks to the Woodside Church and thankful to support the local area.
Penn Emblem Donates Masks to JFCS
Penn Emblem Company (Trevose, PA) is a 73-year-old textile manufacturing and full-service brand decoration company. With over 50 different decoration options, 13 markets served and 4 global locations, Penn Emblem is America’s largest supplier and brand decorator for the rental uniform and promotional product industry. The company was forced to pivot abruptly in March 2020 along with the rest of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While non-essential businesses were shut down, Penn Emblem’s main responsibility was to serve their essential customer base with products that they could deliver to their customers who serve life sustaining industries such as hospitals, grocery stores, and factories. t that Penn Emblem shifted gears again quickly as the continuous need for protective masks rose staggeringly. Reusable, adjustable masks and standard, disposable masks became the newest product offered by Penn Emblem, to offer aid during the pandemic.
With masks now available, Penn Emblem has found a new way to give back and support the community. JCFS of Philadelphia, Jewish Children and Family Services, specifically a group under this umbrella called “Our Closest”, raises funds during challenging times through clothing drive. It is a 160-year social service organization that helps meet the needs of individuals and families throughout their lifetime. The organization began as the first Jewish orphanage in the country that was committed to ensuring the safety and care of disadvantaged children. JFCS has progressed over the years into an association that provides adoption and foster care services, gearing families to go out into the community delivering clothing. As well they address the needs of the poor and disabled, instilling financial stability, and providing safety and health for everyone in the community. It is a wonderful way to give back. Penn Emblem is proud to donate 1,500 reusable masks to JFCS to support the needs of our families and community members during this difficult time.
Penn Emblem Partners with Emmy Nominated Producers to Donate Masks in Philadelphia Area
Penn Emblem Company (Philadelphia, PA), a 73-year-old textile manufacturing and brand decoration company, was forced to pivot abruptly in March 2020 along with the rest of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While non-essential businesses were shut down, Penn Emblem’s main responsibility was to serve their essential customer base with products that they could deliver to life sustaining industries such as hospitals, grocery stores, and factories. In addition, it quickly became apparent that Penn Emblem would need to shift gears again as the need for protective masks rose staggeringly. Reusable, adjustable masks and standard, disposable masks became the newest products to be sold by Penn Emblem, to offer aid during the pandemic.
With close proximity to Philadelphia, Penn Emblem is committed to providing protective gear to its neighboring community. With one of the highest overdose rates of any most populous county in America, an estimated 75,000 residents addicted to heroin and other opioids and an estimated 700 homeless living in the Kensington area of Philadelphia, there is a growing need for protective masks.
Penn Emblem has partnered with the producers of the Telly and Emmy nominated documentary ‘Kensington in Crisis’ Jill Frechie, John Ricciutti and Jon Powell to deliver masks to the Kensington area.
The documentary ‘Kensington in Crisis’ was developed to shed light on the issues, problems and solutions faced with opioid addiction and bring awareness and education to this profound difficult issue facing so many.
Penn Emblem Donates 6,000 Masks to Schools
Penn Emblem Company (Philadelphia, PA), a 73-year-old textile manufacturing and brand decoration company, was forced to pivot abruptly in March 2020 along with the rest of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While non-essential businesses were shut down, Penn Emblem’s main responsibility was to serve their essential customers with products that they could deliver to life sustaining industries such as hospitals, grocery stores, and factories. In addition, it quickly became apparent that Penn Emblem would need to shift gears again as the need for masks rose staggeringly. Reusable, adjustable masks and standard, disposable masks became the newest products to be sold by Penn Emblem, to offer aid during the pandemic. With businesses closed, graduations cancelled, and school years derailed, providing a safe environment for children to go back to school in the fall was vital.
Penn Emblem donated masks, to the students, families and faculties of Paul Robeson Charter School in Trenton, NJ, and Young Scholars Charter School in Philadelphia, PA. Both schools enroll traditionally underserved low-income students. Their mission is to provide an education that challenges, inspires, and prepares less fortunate students for college and beyond through a committed community, thoughtful experiences, and teaches a strong culture. PCRS and YCSC Executive Director, John Amenda says that among other things, these schools assist students in becoming, “lifelong learners and tomorrow’s leaders.” Penn Emblem is proud to participate in the creation of a safe educational environment for our future scientists, nurses and engineers. We were blessed to have the equipment and the manpower to provide essential masks at such a critical time in our lives. Thankful and grateful”, says Penn Emblem president, Randi Blumenthal “All our children have seen the world change in a short period of time, if we could provide safety masks for the families and the less fortunate children, it’s one less thing for all to worry about.. ”
Testimonial 7
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