Tekweld (asi/90807), a Top 40 supplier, has added Karla Westin as West Coast regional sales manager, assuming responsibility for Arizona, California, Idaho Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii. Westin has a decade of experience in the promo industry, on both the supplier and distributor side, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Arizona Promotional Products Association. “Karla’s diverse, hands-on experience enables her to see the larger picture and develop solutions for customers while contributing to Tekweld’s success,” said Gregg Szpicek, senior vice president of sales.

Proforma Connected, part of Top 40 distributor Proforma (asi/3000094), has secured a seven-figure deal that led to the placement of branded products within a prominent retail superstore on behalf of a client. “It takes as much effort to execute a $10,000 order as it does a $1 million order,” said Chas Shramek, president and owner of Proforma Connected. “Don’t shy away from pursuing large opportunities just because of the potential challenges and longer sales cycles – the payoff is well worth the effort.”

Facilisgroup, a software company and partnering community for the promo industry, recently hosted 54 top-performing sales professionals from 41 distributorships on a five-day getaway at the Secrets Playa Blanca resort in Costa Mujeres, Mexico. The Platinum Elite trip recognized and celebrated outstanding sales pros from within the Facilisgroup customer network. In all, 141 people – guests of the sales professionals and preferred supplier partners included – attended the event. Fun included a snorkel tour, catamaran day cruise, and a zipline canopy tour. “This Platinum Elite trip represents more than just a celebration of sales success; it embodies the spirit of community and collaboration that define Facilisgroup,” said Jim Manno, vice president of marketing for Facilisgroup.

Spector & Co. (asi/88660), a Top 40 supplier, has hired Janet Newton as a strategic account manager for Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama. Originally from Ottawa, ON, Newton is now based in the Sunshine State and has more than 15 years of industry experience. “Janet’s deep distributor experience and her vast Spector knowledge make her a natural fit for this role,” says Samantha Kates, chief sales officer at Spector. “She values loyalty and creativity, and will work tirelessly to meet the needs of our customers in the Southeast region.”

PCNA (asi/66887), a Top 40 supplier, now offers the 13-oz. Hugger Bag (1034-42) from Food Huggers, a certified B Corp and women-owned business. The silicone food storage solution is reusable, easy-to-clean and more eco-friendly than sandwich bags and plastic containers. They stand up, stay open and fold flat for convenient use and storage, and they’re also 100% BPA-, plastic- and latex-free.

4imprint (asi/197045), a Top 40 distributor, provided nearly 900 charitable organizations in the United States and Canada with one-by-one promotional product grants in the first quarter of 2024. These grants support nonprofits with IRS approved 501(c)(3) status and Canadian-registered charities in building brand awareness, raising funds, and thanking their volunteers and donors. For instance, New Horizons Supported Services Inc, an organization supporting people with disabilities, will use their one-by-one grant to provide golf bag coolers to golf tournament fundraiser participants. “The work these organizations do and the impact they have is inspiring,” said Kevin Lyons-Tarr, CEO of 4imprint and a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “We are honored to support them in their daily efforts to make the world a better place.” Since the program began, 4imprint has provided over 18,500 grants to nonprofit organizations.

VisionUSA (asi/80060) now offers the 30-oz. Splitflask, a new double-wall, stainless-steel tumbler with a dual chamber that allows end-users to carry hot and cold beverages at the same time. “We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering products that enhance everyday experiences,” says Felix Soliz, President of VisionUSA. “With Splitflask, we’re excited to introduce a new standard of functionality and convenience to the promotional products space, offering our clients and their customers a unique solution that aligns with modern demands.”

Atlantis Headwear (asi/37380) has installed solar panels atop their warehouse facility at its headquarters in Venice, Italy. The installation is a proactive move to mitigate direct emissions and transition toward sustainable energy alternatives. The supplier projects that the solar panels will account for 50% of its total energy consumption.

Pop! Promos (asi/45657) has received recognition from three industry entities: Premier Group Network recently recognized the Philadelphia-based company as one of three suppliers with the highest increase in year-over-year business with its distributor members; Top 40 distributor Boundless (asi/143717) gave Maria Acquarola, Pop! Promos’ director of strategic accounts, its Embrace the Fun – Core Value Supplier Award for her creativity and customer service; and Michael Emhoff, chief vision officer at Boost Engagement (asi/326300) and a member of The Peernet Group, named Pop! Promos the winner of the Most Creative Supplier Partner Award at Peernet’s annual show earlier this month.

Cooley Group, Inc. (asi/168125) has again been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York by The New York State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, Best Companies Group and Rochester Business Journal. A promo distributorship headquartered in Pittsford, NY, Cooley Group has offices throughout the state. An all employee-owned company, Cooley Group has a long history of hiring locally and maintaining a culture of continuous learning, teamwork, integrity, and service, executives said. “We are incredibly honored to have earned this distinction,” said company President Phil Yawman. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, who have been the driving force of our success since the company was founded close to 80 years ago.”

Fields Manufacturing (asi/54100), a Minnesota-based supplier of lanyards, coloring books and seed products, has hired Brendan Bushy as a national account manager. He’ll focus on client relationships and driving strategic initiatives to enhance distributor success and business growth, executives said. Bushy comes to Fields from the financial industry. “We are thrilled to welcome Brendan to our team,” said Matt Wagner, vice president of sales at Fields. “His passion and drive for customer success will be instrumental in fostering our relationships with key accounts and helping to build our business to the next level.”

Sock Club (asi/88072) has appointed Domonic Valdez as director of strategic accounts. Valdez has more than a decade of sales experience, having previously worked at BuildASign.com, where he led a sales team focusing on real estate, franchising, enterprise and small-business clients. Valdez said he’s excited for his new role: “In promo, a supplier’s job is to make our distributor partners look like heroes to their customers. That’s where we all win.”

Atlantis Headwear (asi/37380) has launched new, lower pricing for nine of its bestselling styles to celebrate Earth Month. The sustainable collection is crafted from preferred materials, including organic cotton, rPET and Polylana fiber, an eco-conscious alternative to conventional wool and acrylic. Though the supplier says “green” products typically carry a higher price due to additional production and manufacturing costs, Atlantis is cutting prices on these select styles by up to 16%.

PCNA (asi/66887), a Top 40 supplier, now offers the Thrive 20-oz. Leak-Proof Tumbler (1627-80) and Thrive 32-oz. Leak-Proof Mug (1627-81) from CamelBak. Both have 100% leak-proof lids, vacuum insulation and non-slip bumpers, and are cup holder-compatible.

The CSI Group (asi/62711) welcomes Donna Klaassen of British Columbia-based Ventura Sales & Marketing as a multi-line representative. She was previously the in-house multi-line rep for Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966) and Ventura was named the PPPC Western Multi-Line Agency of the Year in 2023. The supplier has locations in Mississauga, ON, and Niagara Falls, NY.

Crystal D (asi/47759) Account Manager Tawauna Garner has received one of three 2024 Super Star Awards from the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals (UMAPP). She was nominated by Crystal D Controller Cathy Klein, who said of Garner: “I’ve never met a more positive person who will go above and beyond for her customers and coworkers. Tawauna is always upbeat and has a can-do attitude. She’ll keep working until she finds a positive solution to any issue.” Garner received her award from UMAPP President Chris Babiash at the organization’s recent Road Show.

Storm Creek (asi/89879) is hosting a Sustainability School session for Earth Month on April 17 at 11 a.m. CST, which will cover topics including how to decode sustainability terms, trends in sourcing and circularity and essential tips for end-of-life considerations for unwanted or unused promotional products. The session will be hosted by CEO Teresa Fudenberg, with panelists Doug Jackson, Storm Creek president; Ben Grossman, founder of SwagCycle and co-president of Grossman Marketing Group (asi/215205); and Elizabeth Wimbush, director of sustainability and responsibility for PPAI. Register here.

HanesBrands (asi/59528) has announced a five-year extension of its current apparel partnership with Duke University. The partnership renews HanesBrands rights to sell Duke’s fanwear in the mass retail channel. “Passion for the Blue Devils runs deep in HanesBrands’ home state of North Carolina as well as nationally, and we’re proud to continue to support and engage their faithful fanbase,” said John Fryer, HanesBrands president of licensed sports apparel.

Logomark (asi/67866), a Top 40 supplier, has launched new limited edition Shimmer and Glow Drinkware Collections from Pelican. The new color options will initially be available for the 40 oz. Pelican Porter. Made with recycled stainless steel, both the Shimmer and Glow Collections feature vacuum-sealed technology and leak-resistant lids. “We are excited to introduce these new colorways that are not only unique but also stylish,” said Logomark CEO Trevor Gnesin, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people.

Promo Consulting has hired industry veteran Jennifer Paquette to a vice president role that will see her focusing on growing the company’s Fractional CFO Service to distributors. The service includes forensic analysis, performing month ends, bank reconciliations, financial statement analysis, finance department oversight, reporting on the business’ financial health and coaching on finance department best practices. Paquette has been in promo for nearly 20 years, having worked for a distributorship and then with industry software solutions provider Facilisgroup. “Jennifer has the experience and expertise to really help distributors,” said Promo Consulting President Randy Conley.

Moderne Glass Company Inc. (asi/71920) in Aliquippa, PA, has added two multi-line rep groups to its team. Mike Valentini, Nick Valentini and Jean Carboni of Mike Valentini Promotions (MVP) will represent Moderne Glass in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, DC and Virginia. Kurt McGovern and Kyle McGovern of McGovern Marketing Group (MMG) will represent Moderne Glass in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan. “We look forward to working with both extremely talented rep groups to strengthen our presence in these territories,” said Kris Fredericks, president of Moderne Glass.