Local firm on 2010 ‘hot list’

A Newport Beach-based promotional merchandise and design firm, Brandmarket, Inc., was recognized as one of the top businesses in the industry in the August issue of Advertising Specialty Institute’s Counselor Magazine.

The 2010 Hot List of businesses “shaking up the market with new and innovative approaches” placed Brandmarket, founded by Orange County resident Kathleen Watts, among the top 41 individuals and businesses in the promotional products industry.

“The advertising specialty industry is always changing and providing creative, innovative and exciting products and services,” said Timothy M. Andrews, president and chef executive officer for ASI, in a prepared statement. “These individuals are the industry’s trend-setters and they are being recognized for their ability to be successful by introducing new, fun and innovative things into the marketplace.”

Watts founded Brandmarket in 2000 and has a client base that includes Disney, Mattel, Condé Nast and General Mills.

—Sarah Peters