May 2012

National Salsa Month. Celebrate more than 65 years of picante sauce by contacting your restaurant and bar clients to pitch fun promotional ideas. Consider happy hours and dinner events that include salsa, which is a great way to add flavor to all kinds of food (www.pacefoods.com).

Arthritis Awareness Month. As the nation’s most common cause of disability, arthritis affects 50 million adults and nearly 300,000 children. During this month, the Arthritis Foundation hosts Arthritis Walks around the country designed to educate Americans about the health benefits of walking while raising critical funds to fight arthritis (www.arthritis. org). Reach out to your nonprofit clients to create a sponsorship for fundraising walks.

Teen CEO Month. This month, celebrate young entrepreneurs and business leaders (www.leannashair.com). Contact your corporate clients and suggest incentive and recognition awards for the young superstars on staff. Also, consider high-end office organization items.

Tennis Month. Sponsored by the United States Tennis Association, this month is all about promoting the benefits of playing tennis. The USTA has thousands of volunteers; work with this organization and your health-care clients for fun tennis promotions (www.tennismonth.com). Pitch sports items and apparel.

7-13 Work At Home Moms Week. The challenge of motherhood and working at home can be a balancing act (www.motherhoodlater.com). This week is the perfect time to set up a new moms program with hospitals and corporate clients. Also, pitch baby items and spa products that any busy mom will love.

9 National School Nurse Day. This day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting. If you’ve been struggling to break into the education market, consider this health-care angle (www.nasn.org).

18 International Museum Day. Observed annually, this day pays tribute to museums around the world. Reach out to your local museums for awareness campaigns and special events. Useful giveaways are a great way to tap into this cultural market (www.icom.museum).

19-25 National Safe Boating Week. Help to bring boating safety to the public’s attention and reduce the number of boating accidents. Your outdoorsy and recreational-type clients would be eager to participate in events that help make the waterways safer for boaters, so start off with some first-aid kits (www.safeboatingcouncil.org).

26-28 Lobster Days. The New England lobster bake takes place on the banks of the Mystic River over Memorial Day weekend. The event attracts about 10,000 people (www.mysticseaport.org). Contact your local rotary club and plan a similar event in your area.

30 Hug Your Cat Day. Cats act as if they don’t want or need attention, but they do. Aside from a big hug, reach out to animal shelters, pet stores and groomers with cat treats, toys and appointment-reminder magnets.