MARCH

1: William Gaines: Birthday. Founder/publisher of Mad magazine. Say what you will, but Alfred E. and the rest of the regulars are a permanent part of our culture. Born 1922.

2: Theodore Geisel: Birthday. And speaking about a permanent part of our culture … Geisel was better known, of course, as Dr. Seuss. Both this and March 1 could make for some fun promos.

5-11: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Week. Another unexpected avenue for a promo (imprinted can or bowl, etc.). Nearly everyone loves chocolate chips.

10: Telephone Invention Anniversary. And where would we be without it? Different promo-op for phone companies, electronics stores, cellular services, etc.

7: Employee Appreciation Day. Need we say more? And the day can easily be stretched into a week of small but heartfelt thank-yous. 

13: Good Samaritan Involvement Day. A day to remind people to help rather than ignore each other. Great chance to develop positive community PR.

16: Freedom Of Information Day. Recognizing the public’s right to know. Libraries, radio/TV stations, newspapers, etc., can get in on this. 

19: Swallows Return To San Juan Capistrano Day. Nobody still knows why. Good day for any promo with a “return” theme.

20: Agriculture Day. Recognizing those who grow much of our food and fabrics. Nice tie-in for grocery/clothing stores, farm-equipment sellers/makers, gardening/seed firms, etc.

21: Single Parents Day. One-parent households have their own set of issues, circumstances and situations. Family counseling centers, community centers, schools, etc. can participate.

23-29: National Cleaning Week. This can include offices as well as homes.

26: Make Up Your Own Holiday Day. Just what it says. The promotional possibilities are absolutely limitless.

31: Franz Joseph Haydn: Birthday. Noted composer considered the father of the modern symphony. Unexpected day for any promo with a surprise element. Born 1732.