A simple gift like chocolates offers a range of motivational possibilities. When the people at Thunderbird Products in Decatur, Ind., decided they wanted to boost their corporate gifting program, they wanted something with the right balance of professionalism and a personal touch. It turned out that what they were looking for was just a few miles away. They went to Fort Wayne, Ind.–based DeBrand Chocolates and haven't turned back, sending boxes of truffles and assorted confections to dealers and regular suppliers. DeBrand's chocolate truffles are the big hit with Thunderbird's gift recipients, according to Dennis Via, purchasing and IT manager. "People say, 'We've had chocolate, but this beats theirs hands down.' They do a heck of a job."
Via acknowledges that local pride might also be a factor in his preference for DeBrand's chocolates. With their headquarters just 20 miles away from Thunderbird, DeBrand not only offers Via a close-to-home quality in the gifts he sends suppliers and dealers, but allows him to offer an experiential reward now and then as well. "If I take a supplier out for dinner, I'll take them up there for dessert," Via explains.
But proximity is not a factor for Trump International Hotel and Tower in Las Vegas, which has been using DeBrand to supply perks for those staying at the hotel since it opened six months ago, leaving a Trump-embossed dark chocolate on every guest's pillow. "The guests love the quality of the chocolate," says Katie Conway, marketing manager of Trump Hotel. She expresses particular satisfaction with the professionalism and consistency of the company, turning around the hotel's substantial orders quickly.
Besides the confectioner's truffle assortments, another grouping, DeBrand's Classic Collection, is also popular with its corporate gifting clients, according to the company spokesperson.
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