Tropical Storm Harvey continued its relentless deluge of rain on southeastern Texas early this week, causing historic flooding that impacted promotional product companies while prompting industry counterparts in other areas of the country to band together in an outreach effort. Both suppliers and distributors reported closures and disruption amid flooding that experts are characterizing as possibly the “worst flooding disaster in U.S. history.”

>>List of Promo Companies Affected by Hurricane Harvey

The Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) canceled its Hot Stuff Expo, which had been scheduled for this Tuesday, out of concern for attendees and exhibitors. “The safety of our members, supplier reps and NRG employees is of utmost importance,” the HPPA board said on its website. “We in Houston know that these hurricanes are often unpredictable and can turn on a dime, which is why we have closely monitored the storm coverage, and wanted to gather as much information as possible before canceling. Once the storm has passed, we will work on the details of rescheduling. Right now, we’d like everyone in the storm’s path to be able to focus on keeping themselves and their families safe.”

Many promo companies in the region were closed on Monday as a result of the widespread flooding. Pepco Promotional Products (asi/77280) of Lane City, TX, American Zebra Line (asi/35745) of Houston, TX, Hirsch Gift (asi/61005) of Houston, TX, and Promo Pros/Incent Pros (asi/300654) of Spring, TX, were among the firms that were closed to begin the week. “Hurricane Harvey's massive rainfall has forced the city to close our major freeways,” American Zebra Line said in a statement. “All of Monday's orders were done and shipped on Friday. If the rain lessens and roads are open, we will reopen on Tuesday. We appreciate your patience and support during this critical situation.”

Pepco was fortunate to not have sustained damage to its facility. The supplier planned to reopen Tuesday. Still, the timing of the storm was particularly poor. “This has happened during our peak season,” said Pepco’s Jeanna Abercrombie. “We have lost several critical production days. We hope that we can get back up to full capacity with all our work family.”

Sean Roark, owner of Promo Pros/Incent Pros, feared that the flooding would continue throughout the week as other parts of Texas received more rain that would ultimately drain through the flood-swollen Magnolia City. Some spots in Texas could receive up to 50 inches of rain by the storm’s end, and heavy rains were spreading to other areas of the Gulf Coast. “Our offices will be closed much of the week – possibly the entire week,” said Roark. “Flooding will keep our staff from getting in, and virtually all of our clients will be closed. It’s affecting small businesses and big businesses alike. The school districts are all closed.”

As Texas promo companies and their neighbors contend with the storm that first made landfall near Rockport, TX, as a Category 4 Hurricane last Friday, others in the ad specialty space are working together to help provide some assistance.

Jason Lucash, CEO/co-founder of Origaudio (asi/75254), was spearheading an effort by industry suppliers to send power banks to the storm-ravaged areas so phones could be charged amid the power outages.

As of early Tuesday, Lucash said that Origaudio, Prime Line (asi/79530), Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125), SnugZ USA (asi/88060) and Starline (asi/89320) were shipping power banks to Simba Cal’s (asi/87296) Dallas warehouse. Alphabroder (asi/34063) was also reportedly getting involved. Simba Cal was planning to truck the power banks down to the Houston facility of Hirsch Gift, which would then distribute them to people in need, Lucash said. “Let's all come together as an industry however we can to make a difference down in Houston,” said Lucash, who is looking for more suppliers to contribute jason@origaudio.com.

Meanwhile, Charles River Apparel (asi/44620) was getting in on the relief effort too. The Massachusetts-based supplier plans to load a company van with supplies for those in need in Houston on Sept. 6. Then, CEO Barry Lipsett will drive the first leg of the trip south to meet with new regional manager Mark Gama, company officials said. Charles River also plans to donate the van to a charity in Houston.

With more rain in the forecast, some promo industry executives in southeast Texas were anxious about the long-term effect the storm could have on business. Roark, for example, said Harvey could detract from end-clients’ marketing budgets long after the rains have receded and blue skies return. “As Houston area businesses struggle to recover from this catastrophe, past experience at our 71-year-old promotional product firm tells us that some discretionary spending by our customers will be diverted to recovery,” said Roark.

Suppliers in the area hoped that distributors would remain patient – and loyal. "We hope our customers will continue to support our relationship we have built with many of them for over 43 years," said Abercrombie.

Taking an upbeat view, Roark said there will also be opportunity for distributors in the aftermath of Harvey. “Thousands of companies are going to come back to work with a vital and important message: ‘We're still here, ready to provide our services and products,’” said Roark. “For those of us who understand our industry, the presence of a message that needs to be converted is great news, because nothing is more effective at communicating a brand or message than promotional products.” Roark was also heartened by the support offered by other promo firms, including competitors. “It speaks to the spirit in our community,” he said.

Tim Andrews, president and CEO of ASI, expressed solidarity with industry professionals, businesses and families affected by the storm. “It will be many weeks of cleanup and rebuilding ahead for the many families and businesses impacted this weekend, and ASI’s entire staff is ready to help in any way possible,” said Andrews. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted in any way by this storm and its aftermath. We will be with you in your recovery, every step of the way.”

Read Andrews’ full message here and see assistance options that ASI is offering.

Abercrombie said Pepco wanted industry peers “to know that we appreciate everyone…and that what we are most thankful for is that all of our co-workers and their families are safe. We think this is by far the most important message we can say.”

Media reports put a preliminary fatality count from the storm at 14 early Tuesday. Galveston, an island city off Texas’ Gulf Coast, was airlifting residents on Monday because of a lack of food and supplies. By Monday afternoon alone, Harris County, TX, said there had been upwards of 2,200 water rescues due to flooding, The Weather Channel reported. Amid the catastrophic flooding and incessant rain, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activated the entire Texas National Guard. President Donald Trump was scheduled to visit Texas Tuesday.

“Houston and the whole state of Texas will recover from this,” said Abercrombie. “That is what we do in Texas.”

If your company has been impacted, notify ASI at feedback@asicentral.com.