This week, SAGE, the Addison, Texas-based provider of information, marketing and business management solutions to the promotional products industry and PPAI’s technology partner, is hosting its annual users conference. A virtual event for the second year in a row, the two-day SAGE Conference kicked off on March 23 and offers an extensive lineup of live and on-demand sessions that explore business trends and best practices, making the most of SAGE’s tools and applications, and the unique needs of the Canadian promo market.

The first day of the SAGE Conference began with an update on the promotional products industry featuring David Natinsky, MAS, president of SAGE; Dale Denham, MAS+, president and CEO of PPAI; and Jonathan Strauss, president and CEO of Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC). The conversation was moderated by Ryan Hanchey, MAS, director of distributor sales at SAGE.

Hanchey got the ball rolling with a question on what the three organizations—SAGE, PPAI and PPPC—were focusing on. Natinsky highlighted efforts to bring all modules and functionality of SAGE’s Total Access to all of the platforms industry members use, and to grow and add more value to distributors’ websites. Strauss emphasized the partnership between PPPC, PPAI and SAGE, and his organization’s advocacy for its members and recognizing the unique aspects of the promo community in Canada.

Denham shared five areas of concentration for PPAI—deliver good member value, running a financially stable organization, elevating the corporate social responsibility (CSR) conversation in the promo industry, leading its digital transformation and the Promotional Products Work initiative.

The panel also shared what they saw as some of the big, overarching challenges facing the industry. These included macroeconomic challenges like inflation and the supply chain, building communication between distributors and suppliers, and the evolution of work-from-home and hybrid business models.

“I think that everything that has allowed the industry to survive and thrive will help it move forward,” Strauss said. “This means having good technology and working harder. There’s a lot of good products in the market, but you need to have the right technology to take advantage of them. Next to people, technology is the biggest expense among promo businesses. It should be. If it’s not your second or third largest expense, you need to look at that.”

Hanchey prompted the panelists on what they saw as the most interesting trends for 2022-2023.

“Everyone’s really excited to get back together,” Natinsky said. “We saw it at Expo, we’ve seen it internally. People want to get out, see each other and engage with each other. We’ve seen it on the regional side and at trade shows. I think that’s going to continue to grow. It’s somewhat getting back to normal.”

Strauss pointed to the growing importance of brands in the promotional products industry, both adopted by it or created within it, and said that he expects them to remain part of the conversation going forward. Building on what had been said earlier in the conversation, Denham said that it’s the increased investment in technology, from both firms large and small, and in both dollars and time, and the growing adoption of CSR initiatives, particularly among the industry’s larger companies.

Denham also proposed a terminology update: “We’ve steered away from ‘swag,’ over the years due to what it connotates. But I’ve noticed a new one lately, ‘merch.’ I’m completely OK with it. I think it’s good for our industry. ‘Merch’ elevates promotional products in people’s minds.”

Looking ahead, all three panelists emphasized the path back to “normal.” Be it face-to-face meetings, in-person events and reconnecting with peers and colleagues, normal brings a lot of value to their organizations. Strauss shared a caveat, “The challenge for us is not just how do we go back to normal, but to not only go back to normal. We don’t want to just get stuck there. How do we build on the past but not forget the world has changed?”

Following up, Denham noted, “We heard over and over, ‘best Expo ever,’ after The PPAI Expo in January. There were fewer people there but better conversations. One of our challenges as it grows back is how do we keep that vibe.”

Also part of the conversation: the supply chain and growing a business today. The outlook on the supply chain crisis was generally positive, as some of the systemic issues constraining it have been resolved, but it could have lingering effects on the industry, with Natinsky suggesting that suppliers may have to pair down their catalogs some and focus on their most meaningful or best-selling products. “They’re going to focus on their best few hundred products instead of thousands.”

Wednesday’s live sessions also included a discussion on driving traffic to websites, case studies on CSR, and a panel conversation on company stores. SAGE CEO Eric Natinsky shared what was new at SAGE and spoke about some of the company’s key initiatives, including enhancing the client digital experience, the scope and quality of data, and analytics and business intelligence, and reducing friction at checkout. Natinsky’s session also updated the audience on what was new with SAGE Mobile 11, SAGE Chat, SAGE Community and the company’s other products.

The SAGE Conference’s Thursday schedule includes sessions presented by Cliff Quicksell, MAS+; Taylor Borst, director of marketing, events and public relations at American Solutions for Business; and other industry experts.

Supplier Hirsch Gift in Houston has brought on Amanda Delaney as its new marketing manager. Delaney, a 20-year industry veteran, started her career on the distributor side of the business before jumping to the supplier side in 2009.

HanesBrands Inc. has been recognized as one of the 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies for the second year in a row by Ethisphere, an organization that defines and measures corporate ethical standards, recognizes companies that excel and promotes best practices in corporate ethics. Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based HanesBrands, which participates in the promotional products industry as suppliers Hanes/Champion/ComfortWash and Alternative Apparel.

• Now in its 16th year, Ethisphere’s evaluation methodology covers five weighted categories including governance, leadership and reputation, ethics and compliance program, ethical culture, trust, and environmental and social impact.

• HanesBrands is among the 135 companies spanning 22 countries and representing 45 industries to receive this year’s recognition.

What They Say: “At HanesBrands, doing what’s right is one of our global values,” says Steve Bratspies, CEO of HanesBrands. “We are committed to taking bold actions that make a positive difference in our communities, and we are proud to be recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the second year in a row. This recognition is the result of the hard work and dedication of the 59,000 HBI associates who are committed to making the world a more comfortable place for everybody.”

Ethisphere CEO, Timothy Erblich says, “Today, business leaders face their greatest mandate yet to be ethical, accountable and trusted to drive positive change. We continue to be inspired by the World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to integrity, sustainability, governance and community. Congratulations to HanesBrands for earning the World’s Most Ethical Companies designation.”

Background: HaneBrands’ Full Potential growth plan, launched in 2021, includes a commitment to building a more sustainable business as well as investment in the company’s associates. HanesBrands reports that it is monitoring its progress against aggressive 2030 global sustainability goals that include a commitment to science-based environmental targets, addressing the use of plastics and raw materials, and improving the lives of at least 10 million people by 2030 through diversity and inclusion initiatives, health and wellness programs, improved workplace quality, and philanthropic efforts that improve local communities.

Vantage Apparel is sponsoring the Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps for 2022. The company has been a site sponsor for the bi-annual event since its first involvement in 2019 and will now become a state sponsor as of this year.

The next sweep will take place Saturday April 9^th, 2022, at more than 60 locations along the New Jersey coastline. Vantage employees, along with their friends and family members, will be volunteering at one of the Monmouth County locations to remove trash and debris.

The people of the promotional products industry are known for sticking together, both in business and in heart. So when the coronavirus pandemic kept many employees at home and physically distanced, a few industry members found a way to ride it out together. Two years later, the #PromoPeloton group is still going strong.

#PromoPeloton is the hashtag and name given to a group of people in the industry who meet virtually to participate in Peloton bike rides and workout classes together. A fun way to get moving, hold one another accountable and also to keep in regular contact, #PromoPeloton started with 12 participants and has since grown organically to more than 115 members.

The group’s growth was spontaneous. It began with a post that Josh Goodelman, VP at Hauppauge, New York, supplier Liqui-Mark, shared to a Facebook group in the summer of 2020. The post asked if anyone was interested in joining him for a Peloton bike ride.

“A few people commented and said, ‘let’s ride together,’” says Johanna Gottlieb, VP of sales for Chicago-based distributor HALO Branded Solutions, a #PromoPeloton ride organizer and lover of cycling. On Peloton machines, the creation of a hashtag allows a group of people to follow each other via the bike’s leaderboard with just a few taps. The hashtag #PromoPeloton was created, and soon after, Gottlieb created a private Facebook group that she moderates with Lisa Sachs, national sales manager at Mason, Ohio, supplier IMAGEN Brands. The group rides together frequently, including every Thursday morning.

For group members, the rides came to represent a sense of unity, especially during a tough time, Gottlieb says. “There was friendly competition, chatter and encouragement,” Gottlieb wrote in an August 2020 Facebook post. “There was real and virtual sweat…SO MUCH SWEAT. There were Peloton high-fives. There were sore legs. There was inspiration and motivation and, most importantly, we had fun!”

Peloton isn’t just an avenue for industry pros to stay connected and in shape. The company is also a major believer in the power of branded merchandise, as evidenced by its expansive online store, which offers apparel and accessories.

Peloton Apparel sells curated promotional products to tie the brand together and allow evangelists of the connected stationary cycles to show their affinity. Peloton’s products include branded activewear and accessories, and allow customers to show pride for the company while they’re powering through a workout and otherwise.

The Partnering Group, LLC, an industry distributor organization, has announced that Dallas-based OrderMyGear (PPAI 704581) has come onboard as a new business service sponsor for the group.

“We receive numerous inquiries for information on new technologies and services business leaders can implement to improve efficiencies and value,” says Jenny Taylor, executive director of TPG. “By partnering with companies like OrderMyGear, it makes the accessibility of information at our fingertips to help our members make informed decisions.”

OMG is an online store platform that allows distributors to create sleek, retail‐like online stores for every customer, no matter what type of store they need—company stores, pop‐up stores, team stores and fundraising stores.

Polyconcept North America (PCNA) is proud to announce financial support for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. PCNA will donate up to one percent of March sales revenue to humanitarian relief efforts benefiting Ukrainian refugees in Poland, where the company’s European counterpart, PF Concept, has operations.

“We recognize the plight of the Ukrainian people and are eager to lend our support. Amongst the more than one million people already displaced, as well as all those who remain in Ukraine, are the friends and families of our teammates in Eastern Europe. This is our way of showing solidarity,” says Neil Ringel, Chief Executive Officer of Polyconcept, parent company to both PCNA and PF Concept. “Similar to our partnership with 1% For The Planet, which directs one percent of eco-product sales to environmental nonprofits, this allows us to use our business to help those in need.”

PF Concept operates throughout Europe, including Poland, where the company’s Poznan production facility is located. In addition to financial support for relief efforts, PF Concept continues to donate products including blankets, clothing and power banks for those in need.

PCNA welcomes participation in this effort by all North American distributors and their customers simply through the course of normal business. Direct financial contributions can be sent to Red Cross Poland.

“The humanitarian crisis is unimaginable,” Ringel says. “The Ukrainian people need and deserve our support right now.”

On Wednesday, Tampa, Florida-based supplier Koozie Group announced the results for the first calendar year of its social impact and sustainability initiative, “Keep It. Give It.”

For 2021, the program donated more than $250,000 the nonprofit organizations, the company said.

Keep It. Give It. Involved cash and product donations as well as enhanced eco-conscious efforts. Three of the company’s facilities earned Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) certifications in 2021. Also last year, Koozie Group became affiliated with the Fair Labor Association, a nonprofit collaborative effort of universities, civil society organizations and businesses promoting adherence to international and national laws.

“As our company evolved into a stand-alone organization, we recognized the need to transform the way we do business to benefit our people, our customers, our industry, and our communities,” CEO David Klatt said in a statement.“Over the past year, we have been excited to see the many ways in which our vision has been creating positive change in people’s lives, and we can’t wait to discover how that will continue in 2022 and beyond.”

Keep It. Give It. Launched in late 2020 and is part of a three-year plan, KG2024, that outlines the objectives it wants to achieve. A cross-functional steering committee, working alongside executive leadership, regularly assesses the program’s impact and steers it toward the initiative’s goals.

“As a leader of the Keep it. Give it. program, I’m very excited about the future of this initiative,” Specialist Trisha Joyce said in the statement. “One year into our three-year plan and we’ve already managed to achieve several of our goals. A lot has been accomplished already through Keep it. Give it. and we look forward to making even more progress in the program’s four key areas in the future.”

The program is built upon four key focus areas meant to help the company build a foundation for salable, profitable and sustainable growth. These areas include fostering diversity & inclusion, giving back to employees & community, safety and social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

Polyconcept, parent company of New Kensington, Pennsylvania-headquartered supplier Polyconcept North America, has completed the acquisition of Norcross, Georgia, print-on-demand provider Spoke Custom Products. Spoke Custom Products, which has an additional fulfillment facility in Mesa, Arizona, counts many of the largest global marketplaces, retailers and e-commerce platforms among its customers.

This is Polyconcept’s second acquisition in the print-on-demand space in less than a year. In March 2021, it acquired UK-based T Shirt & Sons Ltd., which serves the European print-on-demand market.

"With the acquisition of Spoke, we have a great opportunity to leverage our core strengths in product development, sourcing, supply chain and decoration across the fast-growing print-on-demand market,” says Neil Ringel, Polyconcept CEO. “Our recent acquisitions in this industry have provided the technology and operational capabilities to serve customers in the estimated $8 billion print-on-demand channel.”

Jose Bernal, leader of Polyconcept's new print-on-demand division, says, “Spoke Custom Products was an early entrant in the North American print on-demand market and has built a reputation for offering the industry's highest print quality and service reliability. Polyconcept will greatly benefit from Spoke Custom Products' market leadership while continuing investment to grow the company's capabilities and market presence.

"Leveraging Spoke Custom Products' capabilities for fulfilling customized products at order sizes as small as one unit will provide customers with the ability to design and sell products personalized to their exact specifications. In addition, Spoke Custom Products will leverage Polyconcept's global product development and sourcing capabilities to create one of the industry's largest print-on-demand catalogs."

Spoke Custom Products will continue operating from its Norcross headquarters and Mesa fulfillment facility, and CEO John Rogowski will continue leading the company with support from the existing management team.

Rogowski says, “We couldn't be happier to join the Polyconcept family and believe we can leverage the strengths of both companies to better serve our customers. Polyconcept is the perfect partner to enable Spoke Custom Products to accelerate growth of our business.”

Joshua Lapsker, founder of Grand Island, New York-based supplier Starline passed away on Feb. 24. He was 79.

Starline has been a family-owned and operated business for more than 50 years, and Lapsker’s grandson, Mason Lapsker, will carry on the family’s leadership role within the company in the position of president.

A statement from the company on Lapsker’s passing says, “Joshua was known and admired for his powerful work ethic and passion for success. His family and co-workers remain dedicated to honoring his memory by carrying on his mission.”
 
Lapsker started his career in the promotional industry by designing and constructing machines used for pen decoration. Soon thereafter, he opened Starline Industries in Canada in 1969. He expanded the company to the United States (Starline USA) in 1992 in neighboring Buffalo, New York.

Originally born in Russia, Lapsker and his family immigrated to Israel when he was a young boy and then to Montreal, Quebec. No stranger to hard work, at 12-years-old, he would swim in the bay in Israel and collect timbers that fell off cargo boats to sell on.

Throughout his career, he designed and registered over 40 patents. Lapsker’s business background included a printing company rooted in the pharmaceutical industry and he was widely recognized for his role in the invention and application of advertising inside of medical prescription pads.