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HPPA Industry News

  • 9 Jan 2024 12:18 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    SAGE – the official technology partner of PPAI – has announced a new development in the capabilities of Promo Data eXchange (PDX), the formula behind PPAI’s mission to eliminate unnecessary phone calls and emails.

    Already integrated into the systems of suppliers using PDX, real-time updates on inventory levels and order status are now able to be integrated into the backend systems for:

    • Distributors
    • PPAI business service members

    This allows distributors and member service providers to perform a single integration to access data from every participating PDX vendor.

    PPAI President and CEO Dale Denham, MAS+, notes that this accessibility of crucial data is a step forward in eliminating industry friction.

    “This enhancement is particularly valuable for order status, as many firms rely on order status in their back-end system, and we have many software companies in the industry providing those back-end systems to distributors,” Denham says. “PDX continues to be a free benefit for PPAI members in conjunction with our official technology partner SAGE.”

    PDX’s Path To Industry Efficiency

    PPAI continues to focus on improving the industry’s efficiency as part of its commitment to driving digital transformation, and PDX is a core component of the effort.

    • The program can eliminate thousands of unnecessary phone calls and emails every day as 45,000 SAGE users have access to inventory levels and order status. 
    • PDX is free to PPAI members, and the PPAI Technology Committee is playing a significant role in improving the PDX standard.   

    “In the journey towards industry efficiency, the collaboration between PPAI and SAGE in advancing PDX represents a significant stride,” says CW Karstens, PPAI’s director of digital transformation. “By providing real-time updates on inventory levels and order status, PDX, in conjunction with SAGE Connect, streamlines operations for distributors and business service providers.”

    This new development, which incorporates business service providers into the integration process, is possible through SAGE Connect, which many suppliers have seen the benefit of integrating with in order to broaden the distributors they can work with as well as save time for all parties.

     

    “SAGE Connect has seen a lot of growth over the past six months from suppliers integrating their backend systems,” says Dana Porter, MAS, vice president of information services at SAGE. “Adding the ability for distributors to integrate this information into their backend systems with a single integration is huge for the industry and our ongoing path towards digital transformation by increasing distributors efficiency even more.”

    For more information on how to get connected visit https://www.sageworld.com/connect.php or contact your SAGE Account Advisor or PPAI Digital Transformation Manager Nick DiNicola (Nickd@ppai.org).

    Written by Jonny Auping

    Published with Permission from PPAI

  • 8 Jan 2024 12:25 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    Storm Creek (ASI #89879/ PPAI #438091), a leading supplier of sustainable lifestyle apparel, welcomes Stephanie Maday as Director of Sales and Customer Experience. With over 20 years of invaluable experience in the promotional products industry, Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge and supplier experience to her role at Storm Creek.

    Stephanie started her career in Promotional Products with 3M Promotional Markets in 2000. During her 20 years there, she worked her way up to National Sales Manager. Prior to joining Storm Creek, Stephanie served as the Executive Vice President of [Wholesale] Sales at industry supplier, Crystal D. She played a pivotal role in driving sales growth and fostering lasting client relationships. Her extensive experience in the promotional products sector has equipped her with a deep understanding of marketing trends, customer needs, and effective sales strategies.

    Maday’s onboarding comes at a strategic time for Storm Creek as the company continues to expand its presence in the promotional products market as a leading sustainable apparel supplier. Storm Creek is confident that Maday’s leadership and industry insight will contribute significantly to the company’s continued growth and success.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to the Storm Creek family as our new Director of Sales,” said Teresa Fudenberg, CEO. “Stephanie’s passion for growth, industry knowledge, and desire for customer excellence makes her the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to work together to take Storm Creek to the next level!”

    In her new role, Stephanie will lead the sales team, driving business development and fostering partnerships with clients. Her focus will be on expanding Storm Creek’s market presence, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional products and services to clients at every step in the customer journey.

    “I am honored to join the Storm Creek team! The company's core values align strongly with my own. I am excited to marry my passions for relationship building, sales development, and customer service with their incredible product and brand story.”

  • 6 Jan 2024 8:55 AM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    SAGE continues to revolutionize exhibitor lead retrieval with the launch of SAGE ShowLink 8.0, a cutting-edge application built exclusively for the promotional products industry. Using an iOS or Android device, suppliers can scan badges or business cards at industry tradeshows to collect leads and schedule follow-ups.

    The latest release, version 8.0, introduces new functionality for associating photos with individual leads. Suppliers can conveniently capture photos of products within SAGE ShowLink that pique a lead's interest and seamlessly link them to the respective lead, facilitating a more efficient process for booth management and post-event follow-up tasks.

    "SAGE ShowLink 8.0 is a testament to our commitment to providing state-of-the-art solutions for the promotional products industry. These enhancements, added just in time for The PPAI Expo in Vegas, mean our supplier customers can go into any show confidently knowing they are equipped with the lead retrieval they need to stay on top of their leads.” said Blake Bozeman, MAS, VP of Sales at SAGE.

    Further enhancing the app’s functionality, SAGE ShowLink 8.0 incorporates the latest business card scanning technology. In cases where show badges are not scannable, exhibitors can scan a business card to automatically fill in the lead fields. Furthermore, business cards can be scanned offline and will update the lead information once a connection is re-established, allowing for seamless lead capture even in the absence of an internet connection.

    Finally, an updated and revitalized interface, along with a redesigned lead list, prioritizes userfriendly navigation. This encompasses additional sorting options and the ability to easily identify hot prospects effortlessly. Following a user-centric design philosophy, suppliers can now promptly retrieve their show statistics and reports directly from the primary lead page.

    SAGE ShowLink 8.0 is available in the Apple app store and Google Play store. Look for the refreshed app icon to experience the future of efficient lead retrieval.

    For more information about SAGE ShowLink, please visit https://www.sageworld.com/showlink.php or contact your Account Advisor today.

  • 28 Dec 2023 12:32 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    Ever felt misunderstood? Have you experienced being unfairly judged? Has someone’s perception overshadowed who you truly are and what you offer?

    During an education session at PPAI’s Leadership Development Workshop, “Characteristics of Successful Leaders,” these questions flooded my mind. It made me wonder, how do successful leaders handle situations where perception conflicts with reality? The issue weighed on me so much that I asked the session’s moderators for their perspectives. Their response resonated with me, as they illustrated that many people are dealing with this same challenge.

    It can be tough when colleagues have a different perception of you than who you truly are. In my view there are no fail-safe methods to permanently overcome this sort of misconception. However, here are five tips I personally use to navigate these situations and potentially win over people.

    1. Seek constructive feedback.

    Ask for honest feedback from people you trust. They can help you identify if there’s any truth to what others think about you. Don’t just assume “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”

    Trustworthy colleagues can provide insights into how you are perceived versus who you are. Their constructive criticism can help you understand any discrepancies and work on them. This can be an opportunity for growth.

    2. Be clear.

    Misunderstandings often occur due to a lack of communication. Encourage feedback and actively listen to understand how others see you. Express your thoughts and intentions in a way that resonates with your true self. By expressing yourself clearly you provide others with a better understanding of your nature and what you’re trying to get across. Constructive conversations can correct misinterpretations and bring perception closer to reality.

    3. Begin by understanding.

    This is an ePromos core value that has never failed me professionally or personally. Understanding is key! Try to understand why they see you in a certain way. Empathy can help you see things from their perspective. It allows you to form some common ground. Sometimes, people’s perceptions are based on their own experiences and biases. Understanding this can help navigate misunderstanding and bridge the gap.

    4. Don’t talk about it, be about it.

    Actions speak louder than words and they are more persuasive. Show individuals who you are rather than telling them. ‘Step and repeat’ – it’s an oldie but a goodie. Repeat the actions and behaviors that show the real you, not what people perceive.

    Remember, most things do not happen overnight. Over time, this consistency will foster trust and credibility. You will reshape others’ perceptions and show the reality of who you are.

           READ MORE: Latisha Marshall: My Best Advice For Any New Manager

    5. Accept that you can’t please everyone.

    You just might not be everyone’s cup of tea. How others see you isn’t entirely within your control. Despite your efforts, people may continue to view you differently from how you see yourself. Make a choice to filter the external noise and focus on what you can control.

    While moments like these can seem defeatist, lean into them. Discomfort creates profound things. Embrace that fact that not everyone will perceive you accurately, and that’s okay as long as you stay genuine to who you are. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of authenticity. Or as Joshua White – head of strategy and general counsel at distributor BAMKO and member of the PPAI Board of Directors – so eloquently said “Just be Normal.” Authenticity shines through and helps align perceptions with reality over time.

    ***

    By practicing these tips, you can work toward bridging the gap between how people perceive you and the reality of who you truly are. Over time, this can lead to a more accurate understanding of your character and intentions by those around you. Or maybe not, and you may have to learn to be OK with that as well.

    How do you combat perception versus reality scenarios?

    Marshall is the vice president of operations at distributor ePromos Promotional Products (PPAI 212648, S11). The No. 19 distributor on the 2023 PPAI 100, ePromos was also named one of promo’s Greatest Companies To Work For in 2023 by PPAI Magazine. A self-described “operations fanatic,” Marshall originally joined the company as a pre-production coordinator in 2004.

    Written by: Latisha Marshall

    Published with Permission from PPAI

  • 14 Dec 2023 1:21 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    iPROMOTEu – ranked the No. 13 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – is soon to have a new leader for the first time.

    Ross Silverstein, president and CEO of the Wayland, Massachusetts-based firm, is retiring effective January 31, 2024. Lori Bauer, senior vice president of affiliate sales and support at iPROMOTEu, will be taking over as CEO.

    Launching iPROMOTEu in 1999, Silverstein has been at the helm for nearly a quarter century. 

    “iPROMOTEu started as nothing but an idea, and it has evolved into one of the largest and most successful distributor organizations in the industry,” Silverstein says. “Presently, iPROMOTEu is in the strongest and best condition in its 24-year history. This is a melancholy moment for me, but the time is right to make this transition, for me and for the company.”

    New Era For iPROMOTEu

    “Ross has led iPROMOTEu through remarkable growth and he will be greatly missed,” Bauer says. “The extraordinary iPROMOTEu community is a testament to his vision, work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Ross is a great leader who has always been invested in setting up his team and iPROMOTEu’s Affiliates for tremendous success. I sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence he has in me to lead iPROMOTEu into the future.”

    Bauer, who has been appointed to a two-year, at-large director position on the PPAI Board of Directors beginning in January 2024, joined iPROMOTEu in 2021. 

    Previously, she spent 23 years at Koozie Group, where she was an integral part of the supplier’s success with responsibilities spanning across sales and marketing. Named a PPB Rising Star in 2010 and honored with the PPAI RAC Volunteer of the Year Award in 2015, she has long been a supporter of PPAI’s Women’s Leadership Conference, serving on the WLC Advisory Group for multiple years.

    • Bauer has also served as president of the Promotional Products Association of Florida (PPAF) and as board chair of the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF).


    Distributor Network

    iPROMOTEu is a network of more than 1,100 independent distributor affiliates and salespeople across the United States and Canada.

    • The company provides extensive support to its affiliates, from back office support and secure tech tools to ongoing education and suggestions on how to reduce environmental impact.
    • The company and its affiliates have earned PPAI Pyramid Awards annually since 2010, and in 2023, iPROMOTEu ranked among PPAI’s #Online18 for its posts full of useful stats, resources and story links.
    • Since 2008, the company also brings the industry together online each March with DunkFest, a friendly competition open to anyone working in the promotional products industry.

     

    “With iPROMOTEu’s stature in the industry, its incredible staff that is committed to the company’s core values, and its outstanding Affiliate network that is second to none, iPROMOTEu is poised for continued excellence and success,” said Bauer. “The future is bright at iPROMOTEu, and I look forward to continuing our mission to provide the best economic and lifestyle opportunity for promotional products distributors and salespeople.”

    Written by: John Corrigan

    Published with Permission from PPAI

  • 11 Dec 2023 9:56 AM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    Pantone continues a warming trend with its 2024 Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz (PANTONE 13-1023), a “velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul,” the company announced.

    “In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

    PPAI members receive discounts on color solutions from Pantone, a PPAI Affinity Partner.

    The pastel hue, nestled between pink and orange, echoes the earth tones that have been surging in popularity in the past year as people emerge from the pandemic looking for warmth, connection and optimism. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, says that, given the turmoil of the past few years, Pantone sought a warm, inviting color that would evoke community and togetherness.

    She describes Peach Fuzz as “a heartfelt peach hue bringing a feeling of kindness and tenderness, communicating a message of caring and sharing, community and collaboration. A warm and cozy shade highlighting our desire for togetherness with others or for enjoying a moment of stillness and the feeling of sanctuary this creates.”

    Pressman adds that Peach Fuzz also suggests nurturing, calm, comfort and peace, yet “evokes a new modernity” as “a quietly sophisticated and contemporary peach with depth.” Pantone has also released five palettes of complementary colors dubbed “color harmonies for mind, body and soul.”

    Pantone 2024 Color of the Year Peach Fuzz swatches and samples

    IMAGE: Pantone

    Each year, the Pantone Color Institute carefully selects a hue that reflects worldwide trends in design, fashion, current events and more.

    • This year’s announcement marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year program, created in 1999 to spark conversation around color and culture.
    • The Color of the Year for 2023 was Viva Magenta, a “brave and fearless” animated red “expressive of a new signal of strength.”

    “It is our hope that we have inspired you to look at color in a different way – that color and its connection to emotion and the expression of human feelings will take on a new significance, causing your eye to linger a little longer throughout the day on the tints and tones that surround you, as history unfolds from moment to moment,” says Pressman.

    The promo industry keeps a close eye on color trends, including the annual Color of the Year announcement, as suppliers and distributors apply those ideas to future product and marketing plans.

    Attendees at The PPAI Expo 2024, January 15-18 in Las Vegas, will receive Pantone 2024 Color of the Year bags produced by Promo PSI (S4, 256002) when they purchase products at the Pantone booth. The white non-woven shopping totes will be decorated with a design reflecting the warmth and togetherness that the Peach Fuzz hue suggests – carefully matched to Pantone standards. 

    PPAI Expo tote bag design for Pantone Color of the Year 2024 Peach Fuzz

    Written by Rachel Zoch

    Published with Permission by PPAI

  • 11 Dec 2023 9:51 AM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    In late October, PPAI brought together a hand-picked group of young industry talent for the first ever Emerging Leaders Conference, held in conjunction with the annual Leadership Development Workshop.

    Among the attendees of ELC 2023 were this year’s PPAI Rising Stars, who were selected from a record field of 170 deserving nominees. While the professional development content for the Rising Stars was distinct from the content for LDW, holding the two events in parallel was more than purposeful, and LDW attendees – mostly regional association executive directors and board members – were challenged to tap these young leaders and others like them to help steer the industry toward its brightest future.

    This year’s 12 honorees, selected for their accomplishments, leadership and service, join nearly 200 industry Rising Stars named through the program since its beginning in 2010. Many past recipients have gone on to claim C-suite roles in their companies and serve the industry as key volunteers.No doubt, this year’s Rising Stars will continue to make the promotional products industry stronger.


    Quinn Bui, 35
    Owner/Multi-line Rep
    n9ner Marketing
    Riverside, California

    Get To Know Quinn

     


    Emily Codner, 40
    Director, Affiliate Services
    iPROMOTEu
    Millbury, Massachusetts

    Get To Know Emily

     

      

    Mykayla Goodwin, 33
    Vice President of Strategy
    OrderMyGear
    Dallas

    Get To Know Mykayla

     

      

    Katie Grimes, 31
    Account Executive
    Red Promotions
    Temecula,California

    Get To Know Katie

     

      

    Maddie Hardy, 30
    Senior Account Manager
    Whitestone Branding
    San Diego

    Get To Know Maddie

     


    Simi Kasakwe-Welsch, 29
    Public Relations Specialist
    American Solutions for Business
    Starbuck, Minnesota

    Get To Know Simi

     

      

    Alex Paschal, 27
    President
    Warwick Publishing
    St. Charles, Illinois

    Get To Know Alex

     

     

    Kathryn Peach, 28
    Senior Account Manager
    Promotional Source
    Toronto

    Get To Know Kathryn

     

      

    Nadav Raviv, 40
    Senior National Account Executive
    GBS
    Nashville, Tennessee

    Get To Know Nadav

     

     

    Tori Thomas, 32
    Director of Marketing
    BELLA+CANVAS
    Costa Mesa, California

    Get To Know Tori

     


    Katie Whitehead, 39
    Director of Marketing
    HALO
    Sterling, Illinois

    Get To Know Katie

     


    Chelsea Williams, 32
    Owner & CEO
    Spark Branded Solutions
    Nashville, Tennessee

    Get To Know Chelsea

  • 30 Nov 2023 12:39 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    Bensussen Deutsch & Associates has added Matt Ferrari as chief operating officer. He will oversee the distributor’s global operations, fulfillment centers, supplier partners and sales support.

    • Ferrari has more than 15 years of experience in supply chain management with global brands, including 10 years with VF Corporation – most recently as VP, global supply chain for The North Face brand. Prior to that he held operational roles with Johnson & Johnson and was with Timberland.

    “Matt is completely dialed into the best practices of managing a worldwide network. As we accelerate efforts to globalize our supply chain and grow our international footprint, Matt’s experience will be instrumental in expanding our client offerings,” says Jay Deutsch, CEO and co-founder of BDA.

    “I was drawn to BDA by the company’s culture of continuous innovation, the massive portfolio of iconic brands they are entrusted with and their forward-looking approach on behalf of their clients and team,” says Ferrari. “I’ve been fortunate to work with a variety of category leading brands; that experience has instilled in me the ability to maximize strategic partnerships and effectively manage a global supply chain. I look forward to leveraging that expertise to further position BDA for ongoing success.”

    Magellan Promotions Named 2023 Future 50 Winner

    Magellan Promotions (PPAI 288676, D6) has been recognized as one of BizTimes’ 2023 Future 50 winners. The award celebrates the fastest-growing companies in southeastern Wisconsin.

    • To qualify, companies must have been in business for at least three years, be privately owned and show significant revenue and employment growth.
    • Magellan, which also won the award in 2019, was honored along with other winning companies at the annual Future 50 Luncheon and was featured in an issue of BizTimes Milwaukee magazine.

    “We’re excited to recognize this year’s group of Future 50 winners. These companies are creating jobs and fueling the growth of our region,” says Dan Meyer, publisher and owner of BizTimes Media.

  • 30 Nov 2023 12:36 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    London, Utah-based Rustico has gone out of business.

    The supplier of premium handcrafted leather goods has announced on its website that it “must reluctantly close its doors and cease all operations at this time.”

    “Over the past few years, we’ve fought hard to try and make it through a large financial struggle and unfortunately haven’t succeeded. We’re truly heartbroken to share this news. We want to express our deepest gratitude to all of you who have loyally supported us over the past 22-plus years. Thank you for believing in Rustico,” the company said in a statement.

    The Industry’s Loss

    In October, Rustico reportedly stopped taking orders from distributors through the end of the holiday season.

    Since the company has made its decision, industry members have taken to social media to lament the closure. “So sad to hear this from Rustico…a great supplier with a fantastic product,” posted Walter Kurt, MAS, president of Houston-based Three K Consultants (PPAI 260216, D2).

    CEO Isaac Childs co-founded Rustico with friends following a backpacking trip through Europe in 1998.

    • According to the company website, Childs wanted more durable journals to write about his travels in.
    • The supplier also offered portfolios, belts, wallets, wristbands and travel tags.
    Rustico has urged distributors interested in its products to purchase them through online retailers listed on its website. “Get them quick because when they sell out, they're gone,” the company said.
  • 27 Nov 2023 12:16 PM | Cassondra Franze (Administrator)

    PPAI technology partner SAGE has announced that 1,073 supplier and decorator companies have earned A+ and A rating awards for 2024 based on an aggregate of their distributor ratings collected through SAGE Total Access, the company’s product management and business management solution.

    This Year’s Honorees

    The SAGE rating system was developed to empower distributors to make well-informed decisions about the companies they work with.

    • This year, 883 companies received SAGE’s A+ rating, while another 190 earned an A rating.
    • These suppliers and decorators comprise a total of 45% of all active Advantage or Decorator Members in the SAGE database.
    • As part of the relationship between SAGE and PPAI, suppliers with SAGE A+ and A ratings are also considered for eligibility in the industry's annual renowned PPAI Supplier Star Awards competition.
    • Likewise, SAGE ratings comprise a portion of the scoring for PPAI 100, serving as the basis for the Industry Faith category for suppliers.

    "We are so excited to recognize and celebrate our supplier and decorator partners that continuously go above and beyond to provide exceptional service and raise the bar for the industry's standard of quality and integrity each year," says Dana Porter, MAS, SAGE's vice president of information services.

    To view the complete lists, click here:

    Earning The Awards

    Through SAGE Online and SAGE Web, distributors can view a supplier or decorator's real-time ratings and comments, as well as a comprehensive overview of their award information, including any additional industry accolades.

    • Distributors can also now utilize AI-powered, consolidated review summaries to gain these important insights at a glance.

    Ratings can be submitted through SAGE Total Access or via the "Rate Us" link provided by both suppliers and decorators.

    • Distributors score factors such as customer service, delivery and problem resolution, as well as leave a detailed comment.
    • They can only rate each company once to provide their unique perspective; however, they may update their ratings at any time, ensuring the most precise depiction of their experience.

    Award-winning supplier and decorator companies will have access to a variety of marketing collateral to promote their A+ or A-rated status, including logos for their catalogs, websites and email signatures.

    Written by: James Khattak

    Published with Permission from PPAI

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