American Solutions for Business hosted over 660 attendees at their National Sales Conference, including over 150 exhibiting supplier partners, making this their highest attended conference to date. A select group of ASB attendees were able to begin the week early by joining a distillery tour sponsored by ASI, alphabroder, PDF Print, The Chest, and BEL Promo on Thursday, February 2^nd. The majority of arrivals happened Friday, February 3^rd, where professional development sessions featuring PPAI’s Anne Stone, OrderMyGear, brandivate’s Bill Petrie, and various ASB representatives, kicked off the afternoon. Attendees also enjoyed the Hatch Show Print experience sponsored by Wise and Delegate CX, as well as a merch show and Owner’s Lounge. Friday concluded with a dinner and musical entertainment at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“My favorite part of this event each year is seeing the American family connect in-person,” expressed Founder & CEO of American, Larry Zavadil. “Somewhere between our packed schedule and exploring the city, we always make time for an American family reunion.”

Saturday began with coffee and pastries provided by Ennis before the official kick-off of the conference. The day included a spa experience sponsored by Mixie and HPG Brands. Professional headshots were offered as a means for members of the industry to update their portfolio and social media pages. Saturday evening’s social at Fat Bottom Brewing was sponsored by ASI, while transportation to and from the brewery were sponsored by Outdoor Caps.

ASB’s Vendor Boot Camp, a session that outlined marketing efforts, exposure opportunities and cybersecurity best practices, was available for attending vendors. The rest of the day included the supplier and home office workshops and closing social.

“We put so much care into the structure of our agenda so that attendees can successfully learn and network while also enjoying themselves,” explained Dana Zezzo, ASB’s VP of Marketing, Vendor Relations & Events. “Our conference team gets stronger every year and is able to strategically align elements such as event locations, flow, education topics and resources to result in the best experience possible. I couldn’t be prouder!”

As with all ASB events, there were opportunities to contribute to charitable efforts. The American Memorial Walk was hosted in honor of late ASB sales associate, Frank Quinlan, which resulted in $8,000 to St. Christopher’s Hospital. Another independent effort allowed attendees to purchase and sign floor decal records at the event, contributing $15,000 to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Last month, the Federal Trade Commission proposed a new rule that would ban employers from imposing noncompete clauses on their workers. An upcoming webinar from the Small Business Legislative Council will address the issue and the proposed rule.

An End To Noncompetes

In January, the FTC proposed a rule that would ban businesses from requiring their employees sign noncompete clauses and rescind existing noncompete clauses.

• Noncompete clauses are a contractual term between an employer and a worker that blocks the worker from working for a competing employer or starting a competing business, typically within a certain geographic area and period of time after the worker’s employment ends.
• The proposed rule would apply to independent contractors and anyone who works for an employer, whether paid or unpaid.

The FTC cited the clauses’ impact on wages – both for both employees subject to them as well as workers who are not – and employment opportunities as the impetus for the rule.

• The FTC says that noncomplete clauses “prevent new businesses from forming, stifling entrepreneurship, and prevent novel innovation which would otherwise occur when workers are able to broadly share their ideas.”
• The Commission estimates that the proposed rule would increase American workers’ earnings between $250 billion and $296 billion per year.

“The freedom to change jobs is core to economic liberty and to a competitive, thriving economy,” says FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “Noncompetes block workers from freely switching jobs, depriving them of higher wages and better working conditions, and depriving businesses of a talent pool that they need to build and expand. By ending this practice, the FTC’s proposed rule would promote greater dynamism, innovation and healthy competition.”

Elizabeth Wilkins, director of the FTC’s Office of Policy Planning, says, “Research shows that employers’ use of noncompetes to restrict workers’ mobility significantly suppresses workers’ wages—even for those not subject to noncompetes, or subject to noncompetes that are unenforceable under state law. The proposed rule would ensure that employers can’t exploit their outsized bargaining power to limit workers’ opportunities and stifle competition.”

 

Policy Insights

Promo industry practitioners have a few options to learn more about the noncompete clauses and the proposed rule and submit their perspectives on the issue.

The SBLC – an independent, permanent coalition of national trade and professional associations, including PPAI, that represents small businesses in federal legislative and regulatory issues – is hosting its first webinar of 2023 on the use of employee noncompetes and other restrictive covenant agreements. The March 16 webinar will cover:

• The FTC’s proposal to ban noncompetes
• State and local legislation limiting the use of noncompetes
• Options for small businesses to protect their interests and information in light of the push back against using noncompetes.

PPAI has arranged for the webinar to be free to the Association's members, although space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Association members can register here and should identify PPAI as the association that invited them.

The FTC is requesting members of the public submit written comments on the proposed rule. It will also host a virtual public forum on February 16, during which the commission will hear from a series of speakers who have been subject to noncompete restrictions, as well as business owners who have experience with noncompetes. Members of the public will also have an opportunity to comment via livestream.

Stuart James Johnson, who founded and ran CFS Promotional Products with his wife, Sharon, died on January 28 at the age of 79. 

Johnson will be remembered as a beloved family man, a U.S. Marine and a successful entrepreneur of the promotional products industry. Referred to as a “true Renaissance man” in an obituary, he was born in Cleveland and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

The son of a naval officer during World War II, Johnson himself eventually joined the Marine Corps Reserves as an infantryman. Years later, his son Michael, would follow his footsteps and become a Marine Corps F-18 fighter pilot.

 

After his service, Johnson founded Corporate Fulfillment Services, Inc. in 1978 in Schaumburg, Illinois, which by 1992 became a promotional products supplier. He would eventually meet Sharon, his wife of 28 years, who he ran CFS Promotional Products with until his recent passing.

“Together with an incredible team of long-time employees, Stuart and Sharon have created a boutique company culture of customer care; providing concierge-level service specially customized to meet the unique business needs of the industry,” reads a remembrance provided by CFS Promotional Products.

Sharon and the dedicated team will continue the business and legacy that Stuart began.

Johnson was a devoted father to his two children, Lisa and Michael, and a proud grandfather.

To plant a memorial tree in memory of Stuart James Johnson or send flowers to his bereaved, visit this site.

A celebration of his life will be planned at a future date.

Polyconcept North America (PCNA) is excited to offer distributors six new retail brands, expanding an industry-best portfolio of 50+ retail brands and providing more ways to create memorable, on-trend gifts.

The brands include two Certified B Corporations, businesses that balance purpose and profit by considering their impact on workers, customers, community, and the environment. Terra Thread makes backpacks for conscious consumers and corporations, manufacturing bags from certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, while Nimble is the world’s first tech hardware brand with a 100% sustainable business model.

Like Terra Thread and Nimble, the other four new brands share PCNA’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility. All are part of ProudPath™, PCNA’s platform for environmental and social responsibility.

• Silipint makes patented, BPA-free, 100% food grade-tested and unbreakable silicone drinkware. Derived from sand, silicone manufacturing preserves less abundant natural resources.
• Rite in the Rain is a patented, environmentally responsible, All-Weather Writing Paper that repels water in wet, rainy conditions.
• Baronfig is a Made In USA, 100% employee-owned brand for well-crafted executive pens.
• Noshinku makes refillable pocket hand sanitizer free of synthetic chemicals.

The new brand partners will help distributors support two closely related trends that are reshaping the industry: corporate social responsibility and premium gifts from retail brands.

“From a corporate social responsibility perspective, people want sustainable, ethically manufactured products that last,” says Liz Haesler, Global Chief Merchandising Officer for PCNA parent company Polyconcept. “Our diverse portfolio of ProudPath™ brand partners make it easy for distributors to create meaningful gifts that reflect their clients’ values.”

Popular retail brands add unique value to corporate gifts, Haesler adds.

“The familiarity creates an instant trust,” she says. “People know they are getting a high-quality product. These are gifts they would buy for themselves.”

The new products from Nimble, Silipint, Rite in the Rain and Noshinku are in stock now. Inventory for Baronfig is expected in mid-February, Terra Thread by early March.

Distributors can see – and order – products from all the new brands at PCNA.com.

PPAI has named the winners of its 2023 Pyramid Awards, with 91 awards given among 71 members companies. The annual recognition, sponsored by Pacesetter Awards, honors creative excellence in the promotional products industry and recognizes dependable suppliers, outstanding promotions, creative campaigns and exceptional craftsmanship by Association members.

First presented in 1958, the PPAI Pyramid Award represents the pinnacle of achievement and honors the longstanding, collaborative partnerships between the PPAI family of members that differentiate strategic promotional marketing from the buying and selling of products. The PPAI Pyramid Awards continue to advance the awareness and prestige of the industry’s talented companies and individuals.

The winners are listed alphabetically below. Read more about them in upcoming issues of PPAI Magazine, beginning with the 2023 PPAI Pyramid Awards in Client Programs in the March issue.

A+ Wine Designs
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Etching/Engraving/Laser

Alpi International
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Customized Non-Catalog Product

Arid Zone
Gold Pyramid - Client Programs - Educational
Gold Pyramid - Client Programs - Social Responsibility

Ariel
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star

Artistic Toys & Promotions
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Mascot/Character Product

BAG MAKERS
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Customized Non-Catalog Product

BEST Promotions USA 
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star

BrandVia, Powered By HALO
Gold Pyramid - Client Programs - Employee Incentive & Recognition
Silver Pyramid - Client Programs - Internal Communication

Cliff Quicksell Associates
Gold Pyramid - Client Programs - Business to Business
Silver Pyramid - Client Programs - Business to Business

commonsku
Gold Pyramid - Technology Programs - Web Content/Functionality

Corporate Specialties
Gold Pyramid - Technology Programs - Web Content/Functionality

CounterPoint
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Print On Hard Surfaces

Eight Legged Media
Silver Pyramid - Technology Programs - Web Content/Functionality

ePromos Promotional Products
Silver Pyramid - Technology Programs - eCommerce Website

Evans Manufacturing
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star

Fossa Apparel
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit

FOXY CUSTOM
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Supplier/Distributor Collaboration

Garyline
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit

Gemline
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit
Silver Pyramid - Technology Programs - Mobile Apps/Mobile Websites

Gill Studios
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Special Applications/Processes

Gold Bond
Gold Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Self Promotion Campaigns
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star

GoldStar
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit

Hasseman Marketing & Communications
Gold Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Content Marketing Program

Hillary’s
Gold Pyramid - Client Programs - Client Branding

HPG
Gold Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Branding Campaigns
Gold Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Content Marketing Program
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit   
Silver Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Self Promotion Campaigns
Silver Pyramid - Technology Programs - Web Content/Functionality

IICON Creative Strategies
Silver Pyramid - Client Programs - Employee Incentive & Recognition

IMAGEN Inc.
Gold Pyramid - Client Programs - Consumer

ImprintID
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit 

IMS
Gold Pyramid - Technology Programs - eCommerce Website

Incentives Concepts
Silver Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Content Marketing Program

Indiana Metal Craft 
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Casting/Molding
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Metal Striking
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Print On Hard Surfaces

Infinity Her
Silver Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Supplier Sales Support Materials

Jornik Manufacturing
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit 

Keepsake Products USA
Gold Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Supplier Sales Support Materials

KNOSS Apparel
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star - New Supplier Member

Liqui-Mark Corp.
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star

Maple Ridge Farms
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit 

Martket Branding
Gold Pyramid - Client Programs - Internal Communication
Silver Pyramid - Client Programs - Not For Profit

Mixie
Silver Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Branding Campaigns

Opti Print and Fulfillment
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Combination of Processes
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Large Format Printing
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Combination of Processes
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Large Format Printing

Orbus Exhibit & Display Group
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Print On Textiles

Perfect Imprints
Silver Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Content Marketing Program

PowerStick.com
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Etching/Engraving/Laser

Pro Towels
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star

Proforma Expansion Marketing
Silver Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Self Promotion Campaigns

PromoCorner
Silver Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Content Marketing Program

PromoKitchen
Gold Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Content Marketing Program

PromoPulse
Gold Pyramid - Technology Programs - Mobile Apps/Mobile Websites

Raining Rose Promos
Gold Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Digital Self Promotion Campaigns
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star

Refresh Glass
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star

Render Ad Service
Gold Pyramid - Client Programs - Not For Profit

RiteLine
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star

SanMar 
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star

Showdown Displays
Gold Pyramid - Technology Programs - Web Content/Functionality

SJA Promo
Silver Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Cause Advocacy Marketing

SOCK101
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Star

Solo Stove
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit - New Supplier Member

Spector & Co.
Silver Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Digital Self Promotion Campaigns

Stouse
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Special Applications/Processes

Summit Group
Silver Pyramid - Client Programs - Educational

Terry Town
Gold Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Cause Advocacy Marketing
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Print On Textiles
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Embroidery

The Dunstan Group
Silver Pyramid - Client Programs - Social Responsibility

The IceBox
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Supplier/Distributor Collaboration

The Promo Girl
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Supplier/Distributor Collaboration

Thumbprint
Gold Pyramid - Marketing Programs - Self Promotion Campaigns

Towel Specialties
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit 

Vantage Apparel
Gold Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Embroidery

Visions
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Casting/Molding
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Decorating - Supplier/Distributor Collaboration

WHOOPLA
Silver Pyramid - Client Programs - Consumer

Wolfmark
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit 

WOWLine
Silver Pyramid - Supplier Award of Merit

HALO recognized its 2022 Supplier of the Year and Supplier Representative of the Year in conjunction with their Sales Achievement Gala at the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas.

Industry supplier PCNA is the 2022 HALO Supplier of the Year. According to Holly Brown, chief revenue officer of PCNA, “This a tremendous honor for our team. We value the spirt of partnership with the HALO team that led to tremendous growth last year and created positive momentum as we begin 2023.”

Tommy Lee, strategic account manager for industry supplier Logomark, was recognized as the 2022 HALO Supplier Representative of the Year. Lee has led Logomark’s support efforts for HALO for over eight years. Lee noted, “The award goes to the entire Logomark team. We worked closely with HALO to find every way to help each account executive grow their sales overall, and with Logomark.

The awards were based on results of company-wide voting which included over 1,000 HALO account executives and support team members.

Gemline announced that Kim Spang, a consumer products finance executive, has recently joined the Company as its chief financial officer.

• Spang joins an experienced leadership team and will be responsible for helping Gemline continue to accelerate its growth strategy, including playing a key role in any future acquisition considerations.
• As a two-time graduate of Bentley University (BS in Finance and MBA in Accounting), Kim began her finance career with two world-class companies – Stanley Works and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). In 2007, she joined Welch’s Foods in Concord, MA, and was promoted on multiple occasions over her successful 13-year tenure, holding a number of key financial leadership roles.
• After many years with Welch’s, Kim moved on to Pabst Brewing Company as Sr. Vice President of Finance, and most recently, she served as Chief Financial Officer of Westminster Pet Products.

Kate Nash, director of sales and marketing at supplier Raining Rose, has joined the PromoCares board.

• Kate will help the board with its mission to inspire, educate and provide actionable strategies to encourage social and environmental responsibility in the promotional products industry and our communities.

• “In a world where change occasionally seems impossible, and the headwinds keep mounting up, PromoCares has consistently worked to educate and act,” Nash says. “This organization embodies the traits that I love so much in our industry – creativity, movement, progress, and impact. I’m so excited to join the PromoCares board and work alongside leaders I admire, on projects that are essential to our future.”

• “The PromoCares Board is overjoyed to welcome Kate to our team,” says Roger Burnett, PromoCares co-founder. “We continue to attract some of the best and brightest to our efforts, and it’s abundantly clear Kate will follow in the footsteps of previous members joining the Board with purpose in mind, a knack for moving initiatives forward and the heart to make a difference in elevating the perception of our marketplace.”

Geiger has promoted Robert Wozniak to the position of chief financial officer.

• Wozniak’s promotion is concurrent with the retirement of former CFO Bob Blaisdell, who will join Geiger’s Board of Directors.

• “Rob’s insightful perspective and diverse experience in corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions will position Geiger for long-term growth on a global scale,” says Geiger President & CEO Jo-an Lantz.

• Wozniak joined Geiger in 2021 and previously held the multifaceted role of vice president of finance, M&A and FP&A, a role that included deal pipeline creation, advancing Geiger’s international footprint through acquisitions, and working with the leadership team on long-range financial planning and analysis.

American Solutions for Business has announced new members joining their Vendor Advisory Board, effective January 1, 2023.

Since 2019, the Vendor Advisory Board has continued to assist in propelling American into a future that successfully collaborates with suppliers and distributors in a way that both sides are heard and appreciated. Although the inaugural team served an extra year, members moving forward will serve a total of two years.

“We feel great about where this board has brought us thus far,” says Dana Zezzo, VP of Marketing, Vendor Relations & Events. “The impact that these individuals have already made towards our approach to the relationships we’re building with our suppliers is incredible.”

Incoming members for 2023-2025 include: Kim Newell (Gold Bond), John Abbott (Abbot Label, Inc.), Mark Gammon (Cap America), and Kevin Mullaney (PDF Print).

They will be joining the following members that will be rolling off in 2024: Marc Held (alphabroder), Dan Taylor (BamBams), Melissa Ralston (Koozie Group), Beth Marston (Navitor), Jarod Thorndike (SAGE), Kevin Walsh (Showdown Displays), Roni Wright (The Book Co.) and Bob Saunders (Wise).

Members rolling off the board after serving from 2019-2022 include: Steven Osterloh (Ennis), Scott Leonard (Hit Promotional Products), Phil Sperling (Print Co.) and Miles Wadsworth (Logo Mats, LLC).