News From IESP, Kudos, Procurement Intl, Etu
The Incentive and Engagement Solution Providers group within the Incentive Marketing Association publishes report on...Kudos adds AI to its recognition platform...Procurement International joins UPS sustainable shipping program...ETU opens Dallas Office.
IESP Publishes Study on Rewards Preferences
Procurement International Joins UPS Carbon Neutral Initiative
Kudos Adds AI to Recognition Platform
ETU Opens Dallas Office
Click here for links to RRN Preferred Solution Providers.
IESP Publishes Study on Rewards Preferences .png)
“How to Offer the Incentives and Rewards They’re Willing to Work For” is a compilation of the views of 67 incentive and recognition solution providers conducted at the end of 2023 on effective practices.
Among the findings:
- “Rewards with high perceived value deliver more incremental effort and behavior than lower-value options. (4.39)
- Offering multiple reward types (merchandise, gift cards, and branded items, for example) increases the program’s desirability and performance. (4.18)
- Rewards that create memorable experiences are more motivating and are more likely to deliver incremental results. (4.13)
- Reserving some reward types for the higher-tier members of programs (e.g. top performers) is a great way to encourage people to level up their performance. (4.10)
- Highly curated and personalized reward offerings are more meaningful than large catalogs or cash-like options. (3.81)
- Offering a single reward type with various options is the most effective model because it simplifies the member experience. (2.87)”
Procurement International Joins UPS Carbon Neutral Initiative 
UK-based Procurement International, a global rewards solutions provider, has joined the UPS Carbon Neutral Shipping program to minimize its environmental footprint. By using UPS Carbon Neutral Shipping services, Procurement International “now ensures that its shipments are carbon neutral, effectively offsetting the carbon emissions associated with package delivery.”
According to the company, “UPS Carbon Neutral Shipping offers a transparent and effective way to mitigate the environmental impact of shipping activities. Through carbon offset projects such as reforestation, renewable energy, and methane capture, UPS invests in initiatives that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable development worldwide.”
Says Andy Bell, General Manager at Procurement International. “At Procurement International, we recognise the importance of sustainability in today’s business landscape. By choosing UPS Carbon Neutral Shipping, we are taking concrete steps to minimize our environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Kudos Adds AI to Recognition Platform 
Kudos, a Calgary-based employee recognition and rewards provider has launched Recognition Assistant, an AI-powered feature :designed to refine and simplify employee recognition. Built into the Kudos platform, this tool enhances participation and expands the reach of recognition programs, broadening how organizations celebrate and appreciate their team members' contributions,” according to the announcement.
The company says that the Kudos Recognition Assistant “uses generative AI to help users craft more impactful and meaningful messages while tailoring them to individual achievements and occasions. This seamless integration of technology and appreciation ensures that all team members' efforts are acknowledged promptly and thoughtfully.”
Explains Muni Boga, President and CEO of Kudos, "Effective recognition is about sincerity and personalization. However, finding the right words can sometimes be a challenge, especially under time or language constraints. Our Recognition Assistant removes these barriers by providing suggestions that users can adopt directly or customize as needed. This not only enhances the recognition experience but also significantly eases the process for all our users."
ETU Opens Dallas Office .jpeg)
Atlanta-based Extu, a provider of channel marketing and sales solutions formerly known as Incentive Solutions, has opened a 2,489 square foot office in Dallas reflecting “Extu’s expanded presence in the dynamic and growing Dallas market,” according to a company statement.
“With its robust economy, diverse talent pool and vibrant tech scene, Dallas presents an opportunity to be closer to key clients and partners in the region,” says Bill Lupo, Extu’s Chief Revenue Officer. “Additionally, this expansion is part of our broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency by having a foothold in another central location within the US.”
The specific location for Extu’s Dallas office was chosen for its strategic advantages, including its accessibility, proximity to key business districts and the availability of local amenities that make it an attractive place for employees. The area is well-served by public transportation, ensuring an easy commute for team members.
How RRN and Brand Media Coalition: Your Partner in Success in Incentives, Rewards, and Recognition
Published by the Enterprise Engagement Alliance at TheEEA.org
- The only weekly news, how-to and resource publication of record for the Incentive, Rewards, and Recognition field.
- The only marketing agency focusing specifically on the IRR and broader engagement marketplace.
The Industry’s Only Combined Media Platform and Marketing Agency to Help You Expand Your Business 
- All the industry news, research, announcements, and how-to articles read by over 20,000 end-users in sales, marketing, and human resources; incentive, recognition, loyalty and promotional companies, as well as marketing and human resources agencies, seeking to enhance performance through effectively designed incentive programs.
- Unparalleled business development services for engagement, incentive and incentive travel, recognition firms; brands, gift cards and master fulfillment companies, and technology firms, featuring ROI-based business development strategy design and ongoing digital and social media and e-newsletter communications to help marketers profit in the coming era of cookie-less marketing.
- Unique abilities for solution providers to sponsor authoritative, evergreen content directly related to what they sell through the EEA’s Effective Practices series on articles in our media platforms.
- EEA YouTube Channel with over three dozen how-to and insight videos and growing with nearly 100 expert guests.
- Access to new technologies from EEA preferred solution providers enabling brands to create their own points-based or transactional redemption site.
- Unparalleled expertise in program design, return on investment measurement, reporting, and prescriptive analytics.
