Entries tagged with: Balloons
Centennial Celebration for Pioneer
Pioneer Balloon Company turns 100 years old in 2017 By Zeke Jennings | ppredit@partypaper.com Pioneer Balloon Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year right where it’s always been — at the forefront of the industry. Pioneer’s success stems from innovation, customer service and leadership. That starts at the top with longtime owners Ted and Betty Vlamis, who bought the company Aug. 27, 1979. “It’s a very exciting time for us,” Ted Vlamis said.… » Read moreburton + BURTON celebrates 35th anniversary with largest Ballooniversity to date
(Click on photo for a gallery) In conjunction with burton + BURTON's 35th anniversary, the company celebrated with Ballooniversity in Athens, Georgia, from Aug. 9-12, 2017. The theme was Sunset Safari. Ballooniversity is a world-class celebration that only happens every five years, and 2017 was the largest yet. Decorators’ Workshop is two days of hands-on training for décor that is showcased Saturday night. The following two days is Ballooniversity educational classes that allow attendees to learn from top balloon, floral,… » Read moreUse balloons to #LiftUpSomebody this fall during International Balloon Month
Spread smiles and goodwill this Fall by taking the #LiftUpSomebody challenge during International Balloon Month this September. The Balloon Council sponsors the #LiftUpSomebody campaign to inspire people to use balloons to lift up someone in their community who could use a smile or a special “thank you.” Then, people are asked to spread the joy by posting a photo of the person receiving the balloons on the BalloonsLiftUp social media sites using the hashtag #LiftUpSomebody.… » Read morePeer Perspective: Tiffany Morrisett, CTI Industries
Tiffany Morrisett Project Manager, CTI Industries Barrington, Illinois As a big fan of art and a painter in her own right, Tiffany Morrisett takes an artistic approach when creating a balloon column. Her approach is to put balloons in unconventional positions and then let them guide her. PPR: How long have you been with CTI? I have been with CTI Industries for just over two years. When I was looking into the company, CTI seemed… » Read moreCalifornia governor: Balloon law ‘not the solution’
California Gov. Jerry Brown feels stronger balloon restrictions are not the answer. On July 31, Brown vetoed a California Assembly bill that would have made releasing foil balloons — or Mylar — into the air a criminal act, reported the Sacramento Bee. Assemblyman Bill Quirk, D-Hayward, the author of the bill, also introduced a bill during the 2015-16 congressional session that would have outlawed the sale or distribution of any balloon filled with helium. That bill never… » Read moreburton + BURTON’s Ballooniversity coming in August
Hop aboard for an adventure you’ll never forget! burton + BURTON® presents Sunset Safari Ballooniversity 2017! Join friends old and new at one of the country’s longest-running balloon conventions/seminars. Located amongst the rolling hills of Athens, Georgia, where Southern Hospitality meets an energizing music and arts scene; Ballooniversity® is the pinnacle of balloon and floral education! This world-class celebration only happens every five years so don’t miss your chance to learn from top industry leaders and celebrity… » Read moreHelium Extraction Act introduced to U.S. House of Representatives
The proposed Helium Extraction Act of 2017 took a step last week as it was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives, reported the Allentown Morning Call. The act, which was introduced by California Rep. Paul Cook (R), would add two dozen words to the nearly century-old Mineral Leasing Act. Helium distributors hope the amendment will encourage domestic helium production by loosening federal land leasing requirements. An executive of one of those helium producers and distributors,… » Read moreReaders react to proposed balloon ban efforts in California, Massachusetts
Last year, a bill was introduced in the California state assembly that would have banned the sale or distribution of helium-filled balloons due to the reported high number of power outages caused by foil balloons. The bill never reached the assembly floor for a full vote, as it was declined by committees. A proposed bill currently in the Massachusetts House (Bill H.2136) would ban the sale of helium-filled balloons in that state. The release of… » Read moreAssociated Press highlights clash between balloon industry and environmentalists
A recent article by the Associated Press’ Bruce Shipkowski detailed the ongoing fight between the balloon industry and environmentalists who say released balloons are a hazard to wildlife and power lines. “When hands release helium-filled balloons and send them into the sky, they’re doing more than marking a wedding, graduation or death. They’re also stirring the pot in a clash between the balloon industry and environmentalists seeking to deflate a tradition they say harms wildlife,”… » Read moreburton + BURTON adds balloon artist Edward Munoz to education team
burton + BURTON has announced the addition of Edward Muñoz to its education team. Taking on the role of Education Balloon Specialist and Visual Designer, Edward will use his creative talents to teach burton + BURTON customers and employees about balloon décor and balloon art as well as working with the visual team. Ballooniversity returning to Athens In celebration of the 35th anniversary of burton + BURTON, Ballooniversity is returning to Athens this August. This year’s… » Read moreNew Jersey state senator looking to ban release of helium-filled balloons
There is currently a bill in the New Jersey state senate that would criminalize the outdoor release of helium-filled balloons. The bill (S3177) was introduced in May by Sen. Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, and would make the release of balloons filled with gas lighter than air punishable with up to a $500 fine. The bill grants exceptions for balloons released for scientific or meteorological purposes and hot air balloons. The Balloon Council (TBC) — a nationwide collection… » Read moreMassachusetts looking to pop balloon sales
The Massachusetts state legislature is the latest looking to crack down on balloons. If passed, a proposed state house bill would ban the distribution or sale of any balloon filled with gas lighter than air. House Bill No. 2136 was introduced by Rep. Sarah K. Peake (D-Provincetown) earlier this year and is currently in committees. It is unknown when a vote will take place. The Balloon Council (TBC) — a national collection of balloon retailers,… » Read moreBalloonify Your First Birthday Party
A first birthday is a momentous occasion. It’s the first time in your life the party is all about you. Because of this, parents have begun making their children’s first birthday parties more and more elaborate. Social media sites like Pinterest have empowered DIY designers to create and share their birthday party designs. If you own a party store, you have inevitably seen an increase in requests for extravagant first birthday decor supplies. If… » Read moreQ the lights with Qualatex’s new LED balloons
By Matt Cerre | Special to Party & Paper Retailer In order to be a successful party-store owner, you must understand and stay ahead of party trends. Two current trends to watch are glow parties and lavish first-birthday parties. Balloons are a wonderful option for customers looking to take their party decor to the next level. Qualatex has new products that will make sure your customers’ parties are top-notch. Glow and black light… » Read moreThe Balloon Council hosting Smart Balloon Practices awareness event at California state capitol
The Balloon Council is proud to announce, and invite you to participate in, the nationwide launch of the revitalized Smart Balloon Practices Education Campaign, and the introduction of our new SpokesBalloon "Faraday." The Education Action Day event will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 30 on the grounds of the California State Capitol Building (Area 22), 1315 10th St., Sacramento, California. Faraday will meet and take photos with legislators, the press and the public. The… » Read more
Best of Balloon Recipes
A few of our most popular balloon recipes from the past few years. Follow the links below to download. Listed from left to right in the image above. Monkey Buddy It's a Girly-Girl Sparkling Birthday Tower Balloon Dog Birthday For our full archive of balloon recipes, click here.Becoming a Certified Balloon Artist
Breaking down Qualatex's CBA program and what it could mean for you By Peter Mussatto | Special to Party & Paper Retailer There’s an old proverb from Chinese philosopher Laozi that says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The Qualatex Balloon Network (QBN) and Certified Balloon Artist (CBA) programs are a great way to begin your journey. Some of the major benefits of becoming a CBA include: Value. Add value… » Read moreGeorgia Gov. Nathan Deal proclaims September Balloon Month
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has issued a proclamation declaring September as Balloon Month. Maxine Burton, president and founder, and Bob Burton, CEO, spearheaded the initiative to coincide with this month’s International Balloon Month. International Balloon Month seeks to raise awareness of the joy of balloons as well as to spotlight the economic impact the multi-billion dollar balloon industry has on the state of Georgia and the world. This marks the sixth year in a row… » Read moreValentine’s Day Balloons
Click on picture to view entire gallery. From September 2016 issue.Party Line: Balloon ban avoided, for now
Last month, I wrote about California Assembly Bill 2709, which would have banned the distribution of foil balloons in that state if passed. The previous sentence is in past tense because the bill was voted down by the assembly’s appropriations committee before it ever got to the floor for a full assembly vote. AB 2709 went the way of hundreds of other pieces of proposed legislation in the California Assembly — 448 others, to be exact,… » Read moreProposed bill banning foil balloons in California voted down
The proposed law that would have banned the sale of foil balloons in California is dead before a full assembly vote could even take place. California assembly bill 2709, which would have banned the distribution of foil balloons starting in 2018, has been was voted down by the California Appropriations Committee on Friday, May 27, the Balloon Council (TBC) posted on its Facebook page and through an email blast. Assembly Member Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) authored… » Read moreParty Line: A Sinking Feeling
What would happen to your business if you could no longer sell foil balloons? That’s a scenario California retailers are facing, as there is a bill currently in the state assembly that, if passed, will ban the distribution of such balloons. The reason California lawmakers want to ban selling foil balloons is because they can cause power outages if they come into contact with power lines. Two major electricity distributors cited more than 1,300 outages… » Read moreWorld Balloon Convention 2016 draws professionals, artists from around the world
Photo Gallery The recent World Balloon Convention truly was an international affair, as it drew more than 900 delegates from 58 countries to New Orleans for the eye-popping celebration of balloons. Staged every other year by Pioneer Balloon Co., this year’s event took place April 6-10 at the Hilton Riverside overlooking the Mississippi River. Attendees converged on the Crescent City to share ideas, learn new balloon techniques and, most importantly, to reinvigorate their passion for… » Read moreCalifornia lawmaker wants to ban foil balloons
Bill currently in state assembly would prohibit distribution by 2018 By Zeke Jennings | ppredit@partypaper.com A bill currently in the California Assembly would ban the sale of foil balloons in that state if passed into law. Assembly Bill 2709 would prohibit the sale of “metallic balloons after 2018,” stated Assembly Member Bill Quirk (20th-Hayward), the bill’s author, on his official website. “This will lead to a reduction in power outages resulting from the release of the balloons,” Quirk… » Read moreTank Talk: Helium distributor addresses industry
Helium supplier addresses state of turbulent industry By Zeke Jennings | ppredit@partypaper.com The words “helium shortage” are all too familiar to balloon retailers. Although some stabilization has occurred the past couple of years, availability and cost are still concerns going forward. The Helium Stewardship Act of 2013 was designed to boost market competition by deregulating the price of helium sold from the National Helium Reserve to private companies by implementing an auction system instead. The… » Read more