A Guide to Surviving Holiday Office Gift Giving Season

The holidays should be a time of joy and celebration. Many questions abound …. should you give all your co-workers a present? What to do when the boss gives you a present? Are gag gifts okay?

• DO first understand the company policy on gift giving. The larger the company, the more likely a specific policy is in place.
• DO examine the company’s corporate culture for the types of gifts that might be acceptable. DO use common sense and good judgment when making gift choices.
• DON’T get a gift for anyone in the office for the sake of making a statement. Give gifts to show appreciation and thanks. Remember to be respectful of religious beliefs.
• DO stay within your budget (and office budget) for these gifts. DO not go overboard for gifts for the boss.
• DON’T assume the people in your office share your tastes.
• DON’T even think of gag or other inappropriate gifts. DON’T give items that are too personal, religious, racial or sexual. Clothing (lingerie), perfume, alcoholic items are DON’TS.
• DON’T pass up a chance to partake in a “Secret Santa” if the whole office is doing so. But remember to stick with all the rules.
• DO consider gifts that can be shared with co-workers or family members. Unusual plants or flowers are another possible DO.

Do remember all these rules to have the most success and joy when considering office gifts and don’t use these rules as an excuse to be a Scrooge or the office Grinch.

Article provided by Patricia Desiderio, owner and president of Patty’s Gifts and Baskets, LLC, T/A Patty’s Promotions. A promotional products distributor and international gift company.

Contact: www.pattysgiftsandbasketsrus.com or www.pattyspromotions.com.

Opening New Market - Promotional Products Expansion

Patricia Desiderio, President of Patty's Gifts and Baskets LLC, T/A Patty's Promotions announced the following expansion:
Robin Wright has been hired to manage a new office in Florida. Robin will be based in Santa Rosa Beach. The office opened in May and she will be responsible for managing the new office. The territory from Panama City to Destin (the panhandle). Robin will be developing a sales strategy for the new market and assist in the development of action plans to penetrate new markets. New strategy development is to partner with area businesses and offer the level of customer service Patty's Promotions is known for. Selling in the service industry is about forming lasting business relationships. We look forward to the success of this new region.

Aegis Article

Top 100 MBE

FOREST HILL, MARYLAND …. SEPTEMBER 2010 ……Patty’s Gifts and Baskets, LLC was bestowed with the honor of being named one of the Top 100 Minority Business Enterprises (MBE’s). Patricia Desiderio, President and owner, will attend the October 21^st annual awards program which honors outstanding minority business owners and women entrepreneurs in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

The Top 100 MBE Awards program was established by the Center for Business Inclusion and Diversity (CBID), a nonprofit organization dedicating to helping women and minority owned businesses succeed, “to recognize enterprising women and minority entrepreneurs that fuel this nation’s economy through their innovation, sacrifices and dedication”.

To be eligible for nomination, MBE’s must be successfully operational for a minimum of three years, have introduced a new product or process and demonstrate a history of significant and worthwhile contribution to their profession, client satisfaction and mentor others. Maintain active involvement and leadership (and significant time) to the community through volunteer activities.

Patty’s Gifts and Baskets LLC (Trading As: Patty’s Promotions) is a promotional products distributor and gift company. The company ships internationally through their gift division. The company employs a staff of five and is a WBE certified company. The business was founded in May 2002.

Aegis 7.28.10 WBE Certification!

Early Summer News!

Harford Business Ledger July 2010

The Aegis: Business Newsmakers June 23, 2010

Baltimore Business Jounral May 21-27, 2010

Busy February

FOREST HILL, MARYLAND ….. Patricia Desiderio and her Forest Hill based promotional products and gift company (Patty’s Promotions, div. of Patty’s Gifts and Baskets LLC-a WBE certified company) announces the following staff additions, certifications, and board appointees.

Amie J. Chapman, has joined the firm as a sales consultant. Amie has extensive sales experience in banking and securities. Amie will be responsible for expanding our client base in Harford and Cecil County. Amie is a graduate of University of Kentucky with a Bachelors of Business Admin in Finance degree. Amie is an active member of Southern Harford County Rotary, Chesapeake Professional Women's Network and G.A.I.N. She is also a member of Mid-Atlantic Networking.

Karen Pellegino has earned her CB (Certified Bookkeeper) certification. To earn your CB you need the proven skills and knowledge to carry out all key accounting functions to include adjusting entries, bank reconciliations, book and tax depreciation, payroll to include withholding, reporting taxes basic forms, recording and costing out merchandise inventory and internal controls and fraud prevention. Four separate tests are taken to complete certification. Karen joined the firm in early 2009 to set up business accounting systems and collections.

Susie Barnd, has been appointed President of Harford County Friends of Child Advocacy Center Board in Bel Air. The Harford County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) investigates allegations of child molestation and/or exploitation, assesses and protects the child and provides services and resources for the abused child and his/her family, minimizing the trauma experienced by children. Susie joined the firm in May 2009 as a sales consultant. Susie’s responsibilities include expansion of WBE contacts.

Patty’s Gifts and Baskets LLC is a WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise) company. WBENC’s national standard of certification implemented by the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women.