Supplier Spotlight: New England Promotional Marketing (NEPM)

Published on November 4, 2024 | Webster Bank

Since establishing Webster’s Supplier Diversity Program in 2022, we have onboarded new vendors in all areas of our business to create a diverse supply chain. We’re committed to ensuring diverse businesses have the resources needed to succeed. To shed light on the value of participating in a Supplier Diversity Program, Webster spoke with Penny Hebert of New England Promotional Marketing (NEPM) on the company’s success and tips for others looking to grow their businesses.

Can you tell us about the products and services you offer?

NEPM is a promotional product distributor based in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. We supply companies with every possible promotional product from over 3,000 suppliers. Our customers also come to us for support with employee and online merchandise stores, corporate gifts and warehouse storage.

The company was founded in 1989 by Kathryn Selvia to change the way businesses operate and be more customer centric. After working with other companies who piled on hidden fees and backroom charges, Kathryn started NEPM to treat customers well, eliminate hidden fees and serve as an extension of other businesses’ workforces. Now, 35 years later, Kathryn’s daughter Amy Selvia-Smith is continuing her mother’s legacy, which includes a continued focus on supporting the local community and providing quality merchandise with fair pricing.

Are there any specific industries or types of clients you work most with?

We work with companies of all sizes, both small businesses and large corporations. While we have a large customer base in the Northeast, we also work with companies across the country. Because so many companies are proudly promoting themselves through branded materials and gifts, there really is no specific industry we work with. Financial institutions, schools, construction companies and medical practices all trust us to help personalized products to create long-lasting relationships with their clients, partners and employees.

As a woman-owned company, what are challenges that you’ve faced in trying to grow your business?

One of the biggest challenges we face is the myth that we are a small business and unable to handle large jobs. It’s just the opposite: We are a big company but interact with our customers as if we were a small business.

While many believe large companies are better suited to handle big orders, we can handle them, too, and we can better manage the process. We have a dedicated team following the order from intake to production to delivery. Unlike other businesses where you may call and speak with a customer service team, our clients can call and speak directly to a decision maker on our team who can resolve any issues or offer immediate alternatives to better meet your business goals.

NEPM itself is committed to creating relationships and opportunities with other diverse suppliers. Why is this important to you as a business?

We understand the challenges other diverse businesses face. It’s important that we support other local businesses and do our part as a leader in the community. Since we were founded, our philosophy has always been about old-fashioned business values and ensuring every customer has a positive and memorable experience. We found diverse businesses provide this same experience we provide while also delivering quality work.

How was the onboarding process for Webster’s Supplier Diversity Program?

NEPM was one of the first companies to join the bank’s Supplier Diversity Program. The entire team has been gracious with their time and resources to helping see us succeed. Likewise, they’ve been eager to hear our thoughts and opinions to create an onboarding experience that is seamless.

Joining a supplier diversity program at any organization may seem difficult due to the documentation required. However, saving paperwork from joining other programs and keeping in close communications with the team onboarding you will make what seems like a long process move quick and seamless.

How has your experience been since you joined Webster’s Supplier Diversity Program?

The team at Webster have been incredibly supportive since we’ve become an approved vendor. We’ve been sent a lot of opportunities, for Webster and referrals for other companies, and have a great relationship with the team.

Our work with Webster is also creating new opportunities in the future. While some orders may be small and infrequent, we have the opportunity to build a relationship with the team and better understand their goals. Large opportunities often fall on how successful you were with small orders. We see this with other companies as well. Because of that, it’s important to treat every order with a high level of care. We look forward to continuing our future work and projects with Webster.

What advice do you have for other businesses looking to creating a more robust supplier diversity ecosystem?

Network, network, network! Get out in your community and search for new connections and opportunities. It may sound daunting but push through and attend as many events as possible and complete all the necessary paperwork to gain certification and entry into supplier diversity programs. It’s important and makes a big impact. These events and programs make a big impact on future growth.

If you want to be part of Webster’s Supplier Diversity Program, visit our web portal to get started.