With Thanksgiving (mashed potatoes) approaching this (turkey) week, it’s hard (stuffing) to think about (pumpkin pie) anything but… food! However, we’ve finally caught up with our Licensing Team, who recently attended Atlantic City’s Non-Foods Marketing (NFM) Expo, which includes literally everything… except food. The trade show now carries on a 10-year tradition of catering to retailers interested in general merchandise, including a variety of products and seasonal items one may find at a grocery or drug store… you know right behind the poultry seasoning or turkey basters!

The NFM Expo hosted over 150 vendors, including Hugs Pet Products and AWAY Bug Repellent, past licensees of Davison products, who both showcased many awesome Davison designs.

According to Davison’s Vice President of Business Development and Licensing Dan Simbeck, the show was very successful for Hugs and AWAY!

“The show went well and was made up of wide variety of retailers… Hugs and AWAY both made an impact at the show with product sales and good meetings, which will increase sales and distribution in 2013!” said Simbeck.

Simbeck also told us that the NFM Expo allowed Hugs and AWAY to connect with retailers that they may not typically have the chance to do meet with.

“”Mostly small to mid size retailers (1 store – 250 stores), along with a few big boys like Walgreens,” said Simbeck.

From the east coast to the west coast, Simbeck also shared a quick pic from the SEMA and AAPEX shows, where Davison-designed car cleaning products really shined!

Where will we find our Licensing Team next?  Stay tuned!

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Just as we’re about ready to close the books on one of the hottest summers on record, one of the hottest new bug repellents (that Davison helped to develop packaging) has been featured in a local Pittsburgh media outlet!

AWAY Bug Repellent and the company’s founder, Phil Boxwell, (along with Dan Simbeck, Davison’s VP of Business Development and Licensing) were featured in the ”Neighborhoods” section of the Tribune Review’s “Trib LIVE.”

In the article, Boxwell helps tell the story of how AWAY came to be:

A mosquito bite led Phil Boxwell to a new business opportunity that he hopes to expand outside the Pittsburgh area.

While playing golf several years ago, Boxwell, of Aspinwall (suburb of Pittsburgh), was bit by a mosquito. That bite led to a hospital stay and the need to fend off insects. Because of previous medical issues, Boxwell couldn’t use many of the products available.

“I’m really not supposed to be putting any type of chemicals on my skin as in bug repellents,” Boxwell said.

With the help of a friend with a chemistry background, Boxwell began working to develop an alternative. The result, Away Bug Repellent, underwent testing for two summers before it reached local stores last year.

Just like we all hope 2013 takes stinkbugs and other pesky insects AWAY, Boxwell explains how he hopes the year carries AWAY into many major retailers.

Boxwell said he expects to focus on marketing full time during the next year and plans to attend trade shows to promote the products. He expects to spend a good portion of his time getting them in stores nationwide.

“It has to be non-stop, 24/7,” Boxwell said.

Boxwell also explains how part of that non-stop promotion has included enlisting Davison’s help!

Earlier this year, Boxwell began working with Davison in O’Hara Township to better market the product.

Dan Simbeck, of Davison, said the firm’s role will be to help get the product into larger stores.

They have also worked on creating new delivery systems including a door hanger and sticker that gives off the smell.

Congratulations to Boxwell, AWAY and everyone at Davison who has helped launch this innovative repellent to success!

Disclaimer: This client has not realized a net profit on this product. A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

The post Innovative Bug Repellent Finds “AWAY” into Local Press appeared first on Davison.

There’s a reason we call them “bugs” and “pests.” Insects make many people uncomfortable. With their itch-inducing bites, disease-spreading ability and overall unpleasant appearance, we often try anything to keep these little nasties at bay. But for many people, repellents that include harsh chemicals simply are not an option.

Like Philip Boxwell, who created AWAY after deciding to find a better way to repel pests when a golf course bug encounter sent him to the emergency room, The Savvy Sister – a registered nurse and blogger — has been looking for simple ways to make positive impacts on her health after her fight against cancer.

In a recent post, The Savvy Sister, who lives on a heavily wooded lot and by her own admission “refuses to use DEET products because of health issues and because I know there is something better and healthier out there,” recently wrote a blog about her experience with AWAY.

“I chose these little pouches,” Savvy says of AWAY. “The pouches look like tea bags but are filled with stuff like lemongrass, cinnamon, citronella, rosemary and castor oil. I found they worked great when I attached one to my upper body (like where you would put a name tag…Hi My name is Leavemealone) and one to my hip on my belt loop. They did a great job of keeping me bug-free while I worked outside in my mosquito-infested yard.”

The Inventionland Creationeers helped develop new product samples and the AWAY brand, as well as the packaging and POP displays.

Congratulations to Davison and AWAY for bringing effective, healthful solutions to the masses, as well as those who need them the most.

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