Poll: Most Unaware of Proposed Tax Code Changes on Advertising Deductions
As tax reform moves closer toward reality, members of the House and the Senate are considering changing the current advertising deduction levels through a unique section in the tax code. This section would allow only 50 percent of advertising expenses to be deducted in the current year, with the remaining 50 percent amortized over five years. This legislation would negatively impact advertising as a business option.
However, an informal poll by Identity Marketing indicates that three-fourths (76.3 percent) of the respondents were unaware of the proposed changes; 24.7 percent said they are aware of the proposed changes.
To send an email to your congressman can use this form provided by PPAI: http://cqrcengage.com/ppa/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=82733.
Baker Office Products Merges with Officewise Furniture and Supply
Officewise Furniture and Supply and Baker Office Products, both of Lubbock, TX, are joining together under the Officewise trade name. Together, the firm will offer a comprehensive line of business products, including office supplies, furniture, janitorial and promotional products.
App Gives Users Free Gifts for Watching Ads
Claim it!, a new app available at Apple app store, is a product giveaway platform featuring a weekly sweepstakes of free stuff that New Yorkers can claim from their smartphones. Claim It! allows users to get free gifts by watching a brief video then entering claiming codes, which they can redeem at a pink truck that travels around the city every week. The truck’s location is given to users so they can track it down.
West Coast Ports Contract Ratified
A labor dispute at West Coast ports that resulted in months of delays and disruption came to an end last week when the two sides agreed to a new five-year contract.
"For the apparel and footwear industry, the port disruption was our number-one trade barrier, and something we feel very strongly cannot happen again," said Juanita Duggan, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. "AAFA looks forward to working with all stakeholders, including Congress and the Administration, to ensure that we don't face a similar situation in the future, and also to address the systemic issues that slow our ports down."
More than half of the clothing and shoes sold in the U.S. come through West Coast ports.