Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, Platinum) – the No. 10 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – generated $26,667.23 for 4 Paws for Ability through its 2023 plush giveback program.

• The program, which began in 2022 by IMAGEN Brands, donated 1% of plush order sales referencing a specific code to 4 Paws for Ability. IMAGEN Brands was recently integrated with Koozie Group.

• Since 1998, 4 Paws for Ability has placed over 1,500 highly specialized service dogs with those in need. Their dogs help veterans, children, and other individuals with autism, diabetes, epilepsy, mobility issues and more.

• Koozie Group will continue the giveback program this year.

Melissa Ralston, chief revenue officer with Koozie Group, says, “As part of our Keep It. Give It. vision, we strive to do business in a way that benefits our people, our customers, our communities and our industry. Givebacks are one of the many ways we accomplish this goal, and we are so proud to support amazing organizations like 4 Paws for Ability.”

Cap America (PPAI 111597, Gold) – ranked the No. 11 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has announced the promotion of Sarah Burgin to the role of chief operating officer.

• Burgin becomes the first woman in the history of the Fredericktown, Missouri-based company to hold a chief officer role.

• Mark Gammon previously served as COO before becoming CEO in 2021.

“In light of Cap America’s impressive growth, the appointment of a COO became essential,” Gammon says. “Sarah’s extensive experience and business acumen will be extremely advantageous to our continued success.”

 

Burgin’s Background

According to the company, Burgin will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation and longevity of the company, collaborating closely with Gammon and other C-suite executives to lead a dynamic and effective leadership team.

Burgin, who joined Cap America in 2015 as the director of human resources, most recently held the position of vice president of finance.

Her background includes retail business management; she holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Central Methodist University, where she also served as an adjunct business instructor, and an MBA from Southeast Missouri State University.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Premission from PPAI

Bob Lilly Promotions (BLP) is thrilled to announce the promotion of Brandy Mason to Vice President of Sales Operations, effective immediately. With over 19 years of extensive experience in the industry and a decade of dedicated service at BLP, Brandy has been an integral part of the company's success and growth.

In her previous roles as Director of Client Services and Senior Sales Account Manager, Brandy has consistently demonstrated her exceptional leadership abilities and commitment to excellence. She has managed the sales support team with unwavering dedication, leading the charge in providing unparalleled service to BLP’s clients. Her impressive track record includes managing the company's top two accounts and achieving over $1 million in sales for seven consecutive years, a testament to her sales acumen and unwavering dedication.

Brandy's innovative approach to business solutions is evident in her development of BLP’s eLearning portal, which has significantly enhanced the company's training and development offerings. Her efforts have not only contributed to the growth of BLP but have also set new standards for excellence within the industry.

Her outstanding contributions have been recognized on numerous occasions, as evidenced by being voted Account Manager of the Year four times and receiving the Leadership of the Year award from her peers six times. These accolades reflect Brandy's exceptional leadership skills, her ability to inspire those around her, and her unwavering commitment to BLP’s values and objectives.

As Vice President of Sales Operations, Brandy will leverage her vast experience and strategic vision to drive BLP’s sales operations to new heights. She will play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the company, fostering innovation, and ensuring that BLP continues to deliver exceptional value to its clients.

Bob Lilly, Founder of Bob Lilly Promotions, expressed his enthusiasm about Brandy's promotion, stating, "Brandy Mason is the epitome of leadership, dedication, and innovation. Her remarkable journey with BLP is a source of inspiration to us all, and I have no doubt that she will excel in her new role and help propel our company to even greater success."

Please join us in congratulating Brandy Mason on her well-deserved promotion to Vice President of Sales Operations. We look forward to her continued leadership and contributions to Bob Lilly Promotions.

Bob Lilly Promotions is excited to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to lead with innovation and strengthen industry connections. Andrea Weston, formerly the Director of Program Operations, has been promoted to Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, effective immediately.

Andrea Weston's illustrious career spans over two decades in the promotional product industry, with the last eight years dedicated to Bob Lilly Promotions. Her journey with the company has been marked by remarkable achievements and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Andrea's expertise in new business development, especially with enterprise e-commerce platforms, has been instrumental in expanding the company's reach and capabilities.

In her new role, Andrea will continue to build on her success, focusing on strengthening supplier partnerships and leading internal branding and marketing initiatives. Her strategic vision and innovative approach are set to propel Bob Lilly Promotions into new realms of success, fostering impactful connections throughout the industry.

This promotion is a testament to Bob Lilly Promotions' commitment to innovation, exceptional service, and client satisfaction. Andrea's leadership qualities and her ability to drive strategic partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of the promotional products industry.

Bob Lilly, Founder of Bob Lilly Promotions, expressed his enthusiasm about Andrea's promotion, stating, "Andrea Weston's promotion to Vice President of Strategic Partnerships is a significant milestone for Bob Lilly Promotions. Her expertise, passion, and visionary leadership are exactly what we need as we embark on this next chapter. I am confident that Andrea will continue to make an indelible impact on our company and the industry at large."

The team at Bob Lilly Promotions is thrilled about Andrea's new role and the direction in which the company is headed. We are committed to continuing our tradition of excellence and look forward to the innovative and strategic initiatives that Andrea will lead.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the Bob Lilly Promotions team as we continue to forge ahead, creating impactful connections and delivering exceptional value to our clients.

VisionUSA®, the Dallas-based trailblazer in the promotional products industry, is thrilled to announce its exclusive, groundbreaking partnership with ZOKU, a renowned innovator in lifestyle and promotional items. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies and is poised to revolutionize the promotional products landscape. In addition to Bodum, Rocketbook, JBL, Weber, and BlendJet we will now offer the brand to distributors, allowing companies to feature their own logos and messages on these trending products.

"We are delighted to join forces with ZOKU, a brand known for its commitment to quality, creativity, and innovation in drinkware, frozen treats and food-to-go products. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide our clients with top-tier promotional products that not only represent their brands effectively but also enhance their customers' experiences." says Felix Soliz, owner of VisionUSA®.    Soliz continues, “Our partnership with ZOKU is not only about delivering exceptional products but also about promoting sustainability.  ZOKU's “1 bottle = 1 tree planted” on it’s stainless steel bottles policy resonates deeply with VisionUSA's commitment to environmental responsibility. By aligning ourselves with ZOKU's sustainability initiatives, we reinforce our dedication to offering eco-conscious promotional solutions that make a positive impact on the planet."

Massachusetts-based supplier HPG (PPAI 110772, S11) has announced a partnership with TerraCycle, an established recycling firm that has operated in the environmental space since 1978.

• Out of the collaboration, HPG is producing a version of TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Box for pens, pencils and markers.
• HPG will host a livestream with more information about the partnership and the new product featuring Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI’s director of sustainability and responsibility, on February 29.
• In last year’s inaugural PPAI 100, HPG ranked as the No. 8 supplier.

A Sustainable Duo

By partnering with an experienced recycling firm, HPG’s Zero Waste Box is intended to “act as a promotional product that diverts waste from landfills,” an effort to provide ecologically responsible options and fight the “brandfill” label that promo has at times been saddled with.

“We're proud to join forces with TerraCycle, offering a sustainability solution that redefines our industry,” says Jing Rong, HPG’s VP of supply chain & sustainability. “We recently launched the Pens, Pencils & Markers Zero Waste Box at Hub and we're eager to offer more waste stream products in the near future.”

• Wimbush notes that it is the type of collaboration that PPAI encourages, allowing experts in sustainable operations to guide suppliers through proven methods of recycling.
  

“TerraCycle's innovative approach aligns with the industry's increasing focus on sustainability,” says Wimbush. “We're thrilled to see partnerships like this driving positive change in the promotional industry.”

An Opportunity To Learn More

Wimbush will join Nick Lateur, HPG’s brand director, and Rhandi Goodman, TerraCycle’s SVP of business-to-business and direct-to-consumer for a livestream detailing the Zero Waste Box and significance of the partnership.

• Goodman is expected to explain how TerraCycle can convert waste that municipal recycling centers cannot, and, in the process, turn it into new product like playgrounds, benches and shipping pallets.
  

“We're excited to share insights into our collaborative efforts,” Goodman says. “This partnership represents a significant opportunity for positive environmental impact within the promotional industry.”

Written by Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Proforma (PPAI 196835, D13) – ranked the No. 5 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has announced that Meg Erber is joining the company as director of sales.

A 25-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Erber has spent the past eight years as outside sales account manager at S&S Activewear – ranked the No. 2 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100.

“I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to be part of this dynamic team,” says Erber. “I feel as though Proforma's vision aligns perfectly with my own professional values – so I am eager to make my mark and contribute to the continued success of the company.”

An Example of Promo’s Possibilities

Erber’s fingerprints are all over the promotional products world. Coming to the industry after a career in the U.S. Navy, Erber has made her mark by creating or contributing to promo channels beyond just the scope of her official job title.

• She is a perennial member of PPAI’s #Online18.

• Erber was also the former co-host of PromoCorner’s Industry Insider podcast, which as since evolved into Branding Banter.

• She is a sitting member on the PromoCares Board of Directors.

• Previous to joining S&S Activewear, Erber worked for Brynn Speaks Promo powered by HALO Branded Solutions, Pop! Promos and Jetline Promo and Gimmees.com.

• Gibson, another industry veteran with a diverse set of experiences in the industry, claims that she has long considered the possibility of working with Erber in an official capacity.

Proforma’s Run Of Key Hires

Erber joins Proforma as the distributor has made a number of recent splashes with key hires, including Michael Dobozy as chief technology officer and Charity Gibson as chief marketing officer.

“Twelve years we’ve been waiting to find a way to work together,” Gibson says. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening. Meg and I met on Twitter in 2010. She invited me to crash her hotel room as a total stranger at a trade show in San Diego. Didn’t know if I was going to live or die. We’ve been best friends ever since. Planning Promotions East for the last three years has been awesome. We work so well together. She is a total super star. Can’t wait to show the world what we can do.”

Proforma CEO Vera Muzzillo says that Erber is another strategic addition to play a crucial role in carrying out the company's vision. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Megan to the Proforma family," says Muzzillo. "Her extensive experience in the print and promotional products industry, coupled with her proven leadership skills, will undoubtedly make her a valuable asset to our team."

Written by: Jonny Auping & John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

American Solutions for Business hosted its largest national sales conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Held February 18-21^st, the event welcomed nearly 800 total attendees, a record high in the company’s 43-year history.

The four-day event featured a full agenda, including networking opportunities, professional development and workshop sessions, merch show, welcome kickoff, fundraising for two separate charities, memorial walk and tradeshow featuring over 200 vendor partners.

“I’m so proud of the event experience our team creates,” shared Dana Zezzo, ASB’s VP of Vendor Relations, Marketing & Events. “It’s powerful to bring together our sales associates, vendor partners and home office teams to create the collaboration needed to best serve our customers through product knowledge, new ideas and better processes. It’s hard work, but every ounce of planning is worth it!”

On Monday night, the group enjoyed a private rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum and dinner at Billy Bob’s in the Stockyards (sponsored by CFC Print & Mail). The following night Tuesday was spent at Texas Live, where ASB rented the entire second floor where attendees could mingle (sponsored by ASI).

Justin Zavadil, ASB’s President added, “We’re incredibly grateful to have the best salespeople in the industry and the most supportive vendor partners who empower us. To see this all come together is amazing. There’s already an overwhelming buzz about our next conference, happening in Palm Springs March 2025.”

AAkron Rule Corporation is pleased to announce that we have been named the exclusive Supplier/ Decorator of A.T. Cross Writing Instruments in the Promotional Products Industry.

Founded in 1846, Providence, RI based A.T. Cross Company is a global innovator of fine writing instruments. Effective immediately, please find A.T. Cross writing instruments available for laser engraving, full color decoration and one color screen printing available from the AAkron Line: https://www.aakronline.com/en_us/category-product-list/a-t-cross-1

Stan Dohan, MAS, MASI, AAkron Executive Vice President adds, “A.T. Cross is an iconic writing instrument brand, and the gold standard in pens for over 150 years. We are so excited to exclusively represent Cross in the promotional products industry. We cannot be more pleased to have the opportunity to add our award-winning, decorating, full color, and laser engraving to deliver a premium, packaged writing instrument line for our valued distributor customers.”

The Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) and the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) are excited to announce their active participation in the Legislative Education and Advocacy Development (L.E.A.D.) event for 2024, organized by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). Set against the backdrop of Washington, D.C., this event signifies a crucial opportunity for professionals within the promotional products industry to engage directly with legislators to advocate for the industry's growth and address pressing issues.

This year, PPAS and HPPA proudly highlight the involvement of the Texas/Arkansas team, composed of Anthony Carpenter, Tommy Lewis, Steven Meyer, Dana Porter, Chad Rizzo, Matt Storlien, and Tanner Pittman. These individuals, as active members of PPAS and HPPA, embody the commitment and advocacy spirit both associations strive to promote. Their participation is a testament to the collaborative effort to ensure the promotional products industry's voice is heard at the national level.

The Texas/Arkansas team is slated to meet with an impressive roster of legislators, including Sen. John Cornyn, Sen. Ted Cruz, and various Representatives from both Texas and Arkansas. These meetings have been thoughtfully arranged to reflect the legislative interests and committee affiliations relevant to our participants.

The joint announcement by PPAS and HPPA of their members' participation in PPAI's L.E.A.D. 2024 underscores the united front of the promotional products industry regional associations in advocating for beneficial policies. This collaboration showcases the industry's dedication to advancing its interests and the vital role of promotional products in the broader economy.

We eagerly anticipate the contributions of our Texas/Arkansas team and all industry members participating in L.E.A.D. 2024. Through collective action and informed advocacy, we aim to secure a prosperous future for the promotional products industry.

The Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) and the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) are key regional associations dedicated to supporting the promotional products industry. Through advocacy, education, and networking, PPAS and HPPA work to promote the interests of their members and the industry at large, ensuring its continued growth and success.