For the ninth consecutive year, Orbus Visual Communications®, has been named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation. Orbus is North America’s largest producer and manufacturer of visual communications solutions for tradeshows and events, retail environments, and workplace interiors.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation competition determines companies that implement exceptional human resource practices and commit to their employee’s health and happiness. Companies are rated in categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, and retention.

This recognition reaffirms Orbus’ commitment to fostering an environment where employees thrive personally and professionally. Orbus is proud to be included in the list of 385 winners out of 2,700 nominations for 2023. Along with an employer questionnaire, Orbus employees were surveyed as a part of the selection process.

“Our continued recognition as one of The Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation is a testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible employees,” said Gary Keefer, CEO of Orbus Visual Communications. “An empowered and fulfilled workforce is the cornerstone of our success and we commit to providing an environment that nurtures personal growth.”

It’s “Tua Time” for Perry Ellis International (PPAI 255232, S8) – ranked the No. 36 supplier in this year’s PPAI 100.

The global fashion house has announced a partnership with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, in which the NFL star will serve as a global brand ambassador.

“We're incredibly excited to unveil a long-term partnership with Tua,” says Oscar Feldenkreis, president and CEO of Perry Ellis. “As a remarkable talent, both on and off the field, Tua is the quintessential Perry Ellis man. In his position as a star quarterback, it's all about performance, and he is ‘Always Ready to Make the Play,’ which complements our brand ethos ‘Always Ready.’ We're proud to welcome Tua to our own team as an ambassador and creative inspiration.”

Product Launch

The partnership also extends to a product collaboration inspired by Tagovailoa’s Hawaiian-Samoan heritage. Using elements like earth and water for inspiration, the collection emulates the lush mountains, oceanic horizons, bright florals and textual foliage of the islands. The collaboration is set to launch in the summer of 2024.  

“This is a fun project for me,” Tagovailoa says. “I appreciate the versatility, optimism and inclusion that Perry Ellis values through its designs and business. I'm excited to be working so closely with the Perry Ellis team and to have the full support of an iconic American brand.”

The Doral, Florida-based firm is also partnering with the Tua Foundation to focus on youth initiatives, health and wellness programs and various charitable causes. Currently, the Tua Foundation is actively dedicating its resources to assist Maui families affected by the devastating wildfires.

Written by John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI has announced the recipients of its 2024 Icon Awards: PPAI Hall of Fame inductee Dave DeGreeff, MAS, and PPAI Distinguished Service Award recipient Bill Petrie.

These awards celebrate the accomplishments of those who have gone above and beyond in service to the promotional products industry, the Association and their communities.

Honoring The Icon Award Recipients

Traditionally, recipients of the Association’s most prestigious awards have been recognized at the Chair’s Leadership Dinner at The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. Beginning in 2024, Icon Award recipients will be recognized with two distinctly special events to bring more significant awareness to their accomplishments.

As part of The PPAI Expo Conference on January 15, recipients will receive official on-stage recognition and be guests of honor during a networking luncheon. Additionally, each recipient will be part of a panel discussion during the luncheon, allowing them to share stories and wisdom with the audience.

Anyone can sign up to attend the luncheon when they register for The PPAI Expo. Those who have already registered can return to their confirmation page and add a ticket to the luncheon.

That evening, the Chair’s Leadership Dinner will be held as a private, “invitation only” experience at an extremely memorable location: Rivea, atop the Delano Hotel overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. The night will kick off with a reception, followed by dinner, as recipients enjoy a high-end, unique experience for themselves and their guests.

The PPAI Hall Of Fame

Celebrating individuals who have demonstrated monumental and selfless efforts and devotion to the promo industry, induction into the PPAI Hall of Fame gives permanent recognition to those whose creative spark and tireless dedication have helped the Association and industry prosper.

DeGreeff’s 40-plus-year career in the promotional products industry began in the late 1970s as a regional sales manager for Hazel, Inc. In 1984, he launched DCD, a multi-line rep company that he ran for two decades. In 2003, he became president of Asgard/Flagship Promotional Services. Over the next 10 years, he also served as special assistant to the CEO of AIA Corporation and senior vice president of U.S. markets at BigBang Corporate Apparel.

Always looking to give back to the industry and make a difference in the community, DeGreeff has served on many PPAI committees, including being on the PPAI Board of Directors from 2011 to 2013. In addition to serving on the board of the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF), he has also been executive director of both the Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) and the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA). In 2016, DeGreeff was named a PPAI Fellow, and in 2018, he was inducted into the HPPA Hall of Fame.

Peter Hirsch, MAS, founder and president of HIRSCH, credits DeGreeff with being the first to volunteer for the Hurricane Katrina relief program in 2005, working tirelessly for almost two weeks helping with the collection and distribution of donations. In 2017, after Hurricane Harvey hit the Houston area, DeGreeff was back again to help with the effort.

“His list of volunteering positions speaks volumes about this dedicated man and his love and support of the promotional products industry,” says Hirsch, recipient of the 2022 PPAI H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award. “His exemplary record in the business arena and his volunteer commitments to this industry put him shoulder to shoulder with past recipients of this prestigious award.”

The PPAI Distinguished Service Award

The annual PPAI Distinguished Service Award is presented to Association members who consistently contribute their skills and expertise toward the betterment of the organization. Through volunteer service or by offering their leadership to PPAI, these are members who have generously given the gift of their energy, time and enthusiasm.

With 23 years of experience in promo, Petrie, founder and creative director of brandivate – a business services agency based in Hendersonville, Tennessee – has been a long-time advocate for the industry.

Currently a PPEF trustee and incoming vice chair for 2024, Petrie has served in various roles on the boards of both the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS) and the Regional Association Council and has volunteered with many PPAI committees. He’s also been a Legislative Education and Action Day participant on Capitol Hill and a frequent speaker at PPAI and regional events.

A devoted educator within the industry, Petrie contributes content for Promo Marketing and regional association newsletters. He’s also a former chef and board member with PromoKitchen, an all-volunteer organization that provides mentorship in the industry. In 2016, he was named a PPAI Fellow.

“Bill Petrie is a giver and leader in the promotional products space,” says Kirby Hasseman, CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications and Petrie’s co-host on the “Promo UPFront” podcast.

“Bill works tirelessly to elevate the industry through creating valuable content and through mentoring. In addition, Bill is a leader who’s willing to say the challenging thing in order to make things better. While that can be a thankless role, it’s imperative. The promotional products space is lucky to have Bill Petrie and I am honored to call him my friend.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has voted to approve a mandatory standard to reduce button cell and coin battery ingestion hazards to children six years and under.

Both suppliers and distributors in the promotional products industry should be aware that these batteries are used in many types of products, such as a variety of toys, wireless video game controllers, musical greeting cards and keyless entry remotes.

“Now that CPSC has finalized Reese’s Law, and has adopted ANSI/UL4200A-2023 as the mandatory standard for consumer products powered by button cell batteries and not covered by the ASTM F963- The Toy Safety Standard, it is urgent that all members of the promotional products industry comply,” says Rick Brenner, MAS+, president and CEO of Product Safety Advisors and long-time co-chair to PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit.

Legislation

Enacted August 16, 2022, Reese's Law mandates that the CPSC implements federal safety requirements for button cell or coin batteries, as well as consumer products containing such batteries.

• These requirements don’t apply to toy products for children under 14 if the products comply with the Toy Standard.

• Additionally, the law requires that any button cell or coin battery offered for sale, manufactured for sale, imported into the U.S. or included separately with a consumer product, meet the child-resistant packaging requirements in the Poison Prevention Packaging Standards after February 12, 2023.

Consistent with Reese’s Law, the mandatory standard – ANSI/UL 4200A-2023 – requires either the use of a tool, such as a screwdriver or coin to open the battery compartment, or the application of at least two independent and simultaneous movements to open by hand.

Additionally, such consumer products must pass a series of performance tests simulating reasonably foreseeable use or misuse. The standard also includes labeling requirements for consumer products containing button cell or coin batteries, and labeling requirements for consumer product packaging.

Safety Hazard

According to the CPSC, the consequences of a child swallowing a button cell or coin battery can be immediate and deadly. The tiny batteries can burn through a child’s throat or esophagus in as little as two hours if swallowed.

• From 2011 through 2021, the CPSC is aware of 27 deaths and an estimated 54,300 injuries treated in emergency rooms associated with ingested or inserted button cell or coin batteries.

The movement to promote child safety regarding button cell and coin battery ingestion was spearheaded by Trista Hamsmith, whose 18-month-old daughter Reese Hamsmith died from injuries sustained when she swallowed a coin cell battery in December 2020. Since that time, Hamsmith has worked tirelessly to protect other children from similar hazards.

“I thank Trista Hamsmith and the congressional champions of this legislation for all of their work to provide the commission with expedited authority to address this safety hazard,” wrote CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric. “I also want to thank the CPSC staff for providing the necessary support and analysis to bring us to this important moment. With these changes, we’ll help reduce the number of deaths and injuries from these consumer products.”

Promo’s Next Steps

The new law will take effect 180 days from the date that it is published in the Federal Register, which has not happened yet. Promo industry suppliers have an opportunity to evaluate their product line and determine if their non-toy button cell powered products already meet the standard or will have to be redesigned.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is presenting at this year’s Summit on Reese’s Law. The event will be held October 8-10 in Alexandria, Virginia. Click here for more information and to register.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

One of promo's largest family-owned companies has appointed a new leader that was not born into the business.

New York-headquartered Starline, the No. 13 supplier in the 2023 PPAI 100, on Wednesday announced the promotion of Jeffrey Hassler to the role of president. Hassler joined Starline in 2012. He had most recently served as chief financial officer.

• Previous president Mason Lapsker will take on the role of CEO. 
• The company was founded in Canada more than 50 years ago by Joshua Lapsker, Mason Lapsker's grandfather, who passed away at age 79 last year.
  
  

"Our family's deep-rooted belief in the importance of a corporate family itself has been the heartbeat of our organization for over 50 years," says Mason Lapsker. "Jeff started his Starline career as a cost accountant, and in the span of a decade, he's become an indispensable part of our company. With unwavering support and unshakeable dedication, his commitment to Starline, and most importantly, our people, embodies the very principles upon which Starline was founded."

Hassler had climbed to CFO by 2018. Previous career stops prior to Starline came from outside of promo, including stints in the banking and insurance industries.

“Jeff’s guidance has already proven to be invaluable in our steady sales growth and innovative decoration offerings,” says Starline CRO Brian Porter. “I have no doubt that with his experience and knowledge of the industry, it will continue our long-standing reputation for top-tier service and innovation.”

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

Saint Louis-based Arch Promo Group has announced its acquisition of HOWW Manufacturing Company in Barrington, Illinois. Terms of the sale weren’t disclosed.

As a result of the acquisition, Mike Kalamaras, former owner of HOWW Manufacturing, will support Peter Kalamaras’ transition from vice president to general manager of HOWW Manufacturing.

“I wanted to ensure HOWW would be in good hands, and I’m very glad we found Arch Promo Group,” says Mike Kalamaras. “Arch shares our commitment to delivering innovative products at a great price. Our customers will benefit from a larger partner with a wider product range, and our employees will continue to enjoy working for a growing leader in the industry. I see a bright future for HOWW Manufacturing and Arch Promo Group.”

Welcome To The ‘Family’

Formed in 2022, Arch Promo Group was developed to bring together a family of brands with a common goal of providing promotional products sold through its trade-only suppliers.

• In addition to HOWW Manufacturing, those brands include Gemini Industries, TKCups-Sorg’s, ProRose, F&H Ribbon, Drum-Line, StrombergBrand Umbrellas.

 

• Arch Promo Group’s expanding line of products includes key tags, air fresheners, magnets, award ribbons, cups, napkins, reusable barware, calendars, journals, umbrellas, wristbands and more.

 

Founded in 1984, HOWW Manufacturing specializes in custom printed promotional drinkware, such as shot glasses, beer mugs, multi-use cups and more.

“We’re excited to grow our portfolio of products and services with the addition of HOWW’s industry-leading drinkware,” says Steve Ehlert, national general manager of Arch Promo Group. “For nearly 50 years, HOWW Manufacturing has been known for helping to build its customers’ brands throughout North America and beyond with innovative drinkware. We’ll invest in making our combined company stronger while offering a broader product line to our customers.”

PPAI Media previously spoke with industry leaders on their best practices for mergers and acquisitions.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Steven Meyer, MAS,  Arch Promo Group National Sales Manager announced the appointment of Les Love, CAS as Midwestern Sales Manager. Love’s responsibilities include meeting and supporting regional distributors throughout the Midwest, introducing the Arch Family of Brands to all and attending industry events. “Meeting our distributor friends on their turf, doing everything possible to support their position as creative resources for their customers and helping them grow their business and profits is at the top of my list,” says Love.

Meyer reports that Love’s new responsibilities are another example of change and growth with Arch. “His 17 years of experience as a distributor sets him apart from most supplier reps and his understanding of the distributor side of the business makes his voice valuable,” Meyer adds.

“As we continue to grow, adding new suppliers and focusing on US made/decorated product yet happily NOT mashing everyone into one way of doing business, we’re finding out that both our new brands as well as their long time loyal customers appreciate and feel great about joining or working with Arch,” Meyer states.

SAGE, the leading provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions to the promotional products industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of its upgraded SAGE Company Store Standard. This latest release introduces a multitude of features designed to elevate user experience and site functionality to new heights. With these updates, SAGE continues to revolutionize the way distributors manage their online presence.

SAGE Company Store Standard, the introductory company store solution in SAGE’s company store offerings, now includes more of the advanced features and functionality within SAGE’s higher-level company store options, SAGE Company Store Premium and SAGE Company Store Premium Plus.

This all-new, enhanced version has an innovative and fresh user interface. The clean and modern layout seamlessly incorporates distributors’ existing branding, colors, custom navigation, product selection, and settings allowing an effortless transition for their customers while delivering a more visually appealing experience. Moreover, the fully responsive design enables distributor clients to enjoy flawless viewing across all devices, be it desktop, tablet, or mobile phone.

SAGE Company Store Standard continues to include SAGE's trusted web hosting services, promising seamless performance and maximum uptime for distributors' e-commerce stores. To further strengthen site performance and reliability, advanced security updates, including full-site 2 SSL encryption, have been implemented to safeguard sensitive customer data, fostering trust among site visitors.

Another exciting new feature included in the upgraded SAGE Company Store Standard is the addition of a product matrix. This intuitive new component simplifies the process of inputting multiple sizes and colors in an order, eliminates multiple additional steps, and streamlines the ordering experience for distributors and their customers alike.

Another addition to the new SAGE Company Store Standard includes multiple image support. This enables distributors to showcase their offerings from various angles or show multiple color options to help customers better visualize their final product and increase engagement.

The enriched customization options within the new SAGE Company Store Standard allow distributors to create compelling content and promotional offers by adding text, specials, or links, ultimately driving more sales. And with the ability to add multiple auto-rotating and linkable homepage banners, distributors can easily highlight their featured products, seasonal promotions, or any message they wish to convey right at the top of their page.

Plus, distributors can provide their customers with two additional custom webpages. Some great examples of this would be a size chart page or FAQ page. The user-friendly rich text editor empowers distributors to format and style their website content seamlessly, while the expanded file library allows for the storage and management of a greater volume of digital assets, including images, logos, and marketing collateral. Additionally, the new language support toggle supports clients with internationally located employees.

For advanced users seeking even more customization options, SAGE's upgraded Company Store Standard offers JS & CSS support, allowing the addition of their own JavaScript and CSS code to further personalize their e-commerce stores.

“Here at SAGE, our steadfast commitment is to help our customers thrive and provide them with the latest in what SAGE has to offer. And this upgrade is a big step up for our current 3 Company Store Standard customers” said Chris Sumpter, Vice President of Web Development. “We’ve modernized the design, but we’ve also incorporated several customer-requested features to make the site more efficient and effective for both our distributors and their customers.”

The upgraded SAGE Company Store Standard is available now. All existing Company Store Standard customers will be automatically upgraded to the new version prior to September 30, 2023, and will receive an email once the upgrade is complete.

Despite the significant enhancements, SAGE remains committed to delivering value to its clients. Effective October 1, 2023, all new Company Store Standard subscriptions or renewals will be available at the rate of $295 per year or $29 per month.

To learn more about the updated capabilities of SAGE Company Store Standard or to request a free demo store, visit https://www.sageworld.com/companystore-standard/.

Proforma, PPAI 100’s No. 5 distributor, has added a new member to its executive team. Industry veteran Charity Gibson has been hired in the role of chief marketing officer.

The Hire

Gibson comes to Proforma from Peerless Umbrella where she spent six years as a national account coordinator.

• Previous to her role at Peerless Umbrella, Gibson was a founding chef of PromoKitchen, where she has volunteered for over 10 years. She hosted the podcast Badass Women of Promo.
• Her prior experience include president roles at Swag on Demand and Green Banana Promos.
• Gibson has also volunteered on several committees for PPAI and regional associations. In 2017 she was named a PPAI Rising Star and she has been a regular member of PPAI Media's #Online18 listing of promo's best on social media.

“It is no secret that Charity is one of the industry’s top voices as it pertains to marketing and is well respected as a thought leader and innovator,” says Vera Muzzillo, Proforma CEO. “She brings with her an unrivaled passion and vision for brand development and storytelling, and we are confident that her leadership and strategies will propel our distributors, sales professionals, and end-buyer customers to an entirely new level of success.”

In her role as chief marketing officer, Gibson will oversee Proforma’s marketing department. This will include areas such as:

• Brand positioning
• Communications
• Market analysis and research
• Industry recruitment
• Customer acquisition and growth
• Design input for implementation of artificial intelligence, machine learning and algorithmic marketing initiatives.

“With more than 20 years in this industry, my experience now spans across nearly all channels of the industry,” Gibson says. “There is no one who does technology, training, leadership development, sales growth, supplier relations and community building better than Proforma. I couldn't be more thrilled for the opportunity to bring my knowledge, skillset, and passion for our medium to this organization full of true champions.”

Peerless Umbrella ranked as the No. 21 leading supplier in the promotional products industry in the inaugural PPAI 100 list.

Written by Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

In honor of Promotional Products Work! Day on August 24, PPAI is launching a sweepstakes that celebrates the effectiveness and impact of promotional products in driving brand awareness and fostering meaningful connections. 

Beginning August 21, the Promotional Products Work! Day Sweepstakes will give end buyers the opportunity to enter for a chance to win prizes, including the grand prize of a $5,000 voucher towards their next promotional products purchase. Additionally, nine other winners will be selected to receive $500 vouchers each. 

“This sweepstakes aims to highlight the value of promotional products in marketing strategies, while providing participants with the chance to enhance their brand presence and engage with their target audience in a memorable way,” says AJ T. Cole, CAS, manager of the Promotional Products Work! Initiative. “It will be a remarkable opportunity for businesses and individuals to experience firsthand the power of promotional products in driving success.”

What Is Promotional Products Work! Day?

On August 24, PPAI, together with its members and other industry professionals, will actively recognize and promote the value, impact and effectiveness of promotional products – the most memorable form of advertising.

• More than three quarters (78%) of consumers enjoy receiving free swag from companies and brands they love, and nearly 73% want to receive promo products more often, according to PPAI’s 2023 Consumer Survey.

On Promotional Products Work! Day, industry professionals are encouraged to thank customers, promote the power of branded merchandise and spread awareness of the important role industry professionals play in all aspects of advertising, marketing and business.

In addition to the sweepstakes, here are other ways industry firms can celebrate Promotional Products Work! Day.

What role do distributors play in the Promotional Products Work! Day Sweepstakes?

Below are several ways that distributors can promote the sweepstakes to their buyers and what they should expect to see within the PPW Toolkit on August 21, the official sweepstakes launch date.

• Email Campaigns

Distributors can send out dedicated email campaigns to their buyers, using the compliant language approved by sweepstakes provider US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment Co.

• Social Media Promotion

Distributors can utilize their social media platforms to share the approved graphics and language.

• Blog Promotion

Distributors can create a blog post on their website about what a $5,000 voucher could do for a lucky buyer, linking to the sweepstakes.

• Personalized Outreach

Distributors can reach out to their key buyers individually via phone, discussing the sweepstakes and expressing the value of participation. Plus, this gives distributors a nice reason to make a cold call ahead of the busy holiday season.

In addition to sharing the approved graphics and language that will be found within the PPW Toolkit, distributors should use the #PPWDAY2023 hashtag and engage with the Promotional Products Work! Initiative’s social media pages for the latest buyer-safe content resources:

• https://www.facebook.com/PromotionalProductsWk/
• https://www.instagram.com/promotionalproductswork/
• https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/promoproductswk

Caution: Distributors should only use what is being provided to them when promoting the sweepstakes. These materials have been approved by PPAI’s sweepstakes provider US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment Co. and will be located within the PPW Toolkit.  

How can end users enter the Promotional Products Work! Day Sweepstakes?

Distributors will send invitations to eligible individuals who may enter by clicking the URL link provided in the invitation to visit the sweepstakes website. End users must follow all instructions to complete the online entry form in its entirety, including, but not limited to, providing their name, email address, name of the company they work for and name of the distributor* they consider purchasing their promotional products from. End users must submit the completed form to receive one entry into the sweepstakes. There is no purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes. The sweepstakes ends on September 30, 2023, and is subject to Official Rules.

*Distributor must be a member of PPAI to qualify as an entry.