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News

In The News - May 2024

Outdoor Cap Company (asi/75420), a Top 40 supplier, has released its latest Promotional & OC Sports Catalog, which features 20 new cap styles. The catalog also spotlights fresh decoration techniques, with patch and application options, such as custom leather patch shapes. “This catalog is a valuable tool for promotional products distributors and decorators as well as anyone selling apparel products in team sports,” Outdoor Cap Company said.

Facilisgroup, a software-as-a-service company and partnering community within the promotional products industry, recently hosted its recurrent Top Executives event at its headquarters in St. Louis. Executives said the gathering provided a platform for Facilisgroup community members to collaborate, share experiences, and advance their expertise.

Proforma (asi/300094), a Top 40 distributor, announced that its Chief Technology Officer Mike Dobozy presented at the Red Hat Summit, a global conference where IT professionals learn, collaborate and innovate. Dobozy shared insights into automation best practices, innovations in machine learning, and the impact automation has had on achieving strategic initiatives within Proforma. “We are fortunate to have Mike Dobozy on our team and representing us in such a prestigious setting,” said Proforma Chief Information Officer Brian Carothers. “Mike’s presentation at the Red Hat Summit is a testament to his reputation in the technology industry as well as Proforma’s ongoing dedication to leveraging automation and AI.”

The Magnet Group (TMG, asi/68507), a Top 40 supplier, has hired Sharon Pullins as an information technology technical liaison. Pullins comes to The Magnet Group with almost 30 years of experience in the promotional products industry, working on both the supplier and distributor sides of the business. “Sharon’s multiple perspectives make her a great fit for this new role within the company,” said Jonas Temple, TMG’s chief information officer. “She will help us grow our electronic data interchange business and migrate current business over to EDI processing. Our goal is to make it even more efficient to do business with The Magnet Group.”

Stran & Company (asi/337725), a Top 40 distributor, has hired Justin Warren as a strategic account executive. “I have known Justin for a number of years and am excited for the energy, passion, and client base that Justin will bring to the Stran team,” said Nick Kiefer, executive vice president of sales at Stran. “Justin’s 17 years of industry experience will not only help to drive new opportunities and business for Stran, but he will be a positive influence on the rest of the sales team and the organization.”

Wenger/Swissgear (asi/96468) has launched a new website designed to provide an enhanced user experience and seamless navigation for promotional products pros. Among the new features are a smoother browsing experience, comprehensive product showcase and easy navigation that’s compatible to share with clients. Customer support features include live inventory, FAQs, warranty information and support contact details.

Overture Promotions (asi/288473), a Top 40 distributor, celebrated International Women’s Day by recognizing two team members who exemplify the company’s core values and commitment to corporate social responsibility: Elizabeth Purtell, social media coordinator, and Alejandra Esteban, special projects lead. “Alejandra Esteban is a strong leader in our distribution center. She’s an effective communicator and takes initiative to solve problems, fully embodying our core values,” said Jo Gilley, CEO.  “Elizabeth Purtell is an active participant in our CSR initiatives at Overture, is an advocate for Overture culture and is one of our most involved staff members, inside and outside of the building.”

Gemini Industries (asi/56100) reported Tuesday, May 21 that it’s experiencing email issues. As of this writing, the supplier could receive emails but was unable to respond.

Add Impact (asi/106606) in Woodbridge, ON, welcomes Shannon Plunkett and Andrew Sherlock to the team. Plunkett brings nearly 20 years of industry experience to account management/sales at Add Impact, most recently at Debco, part of Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966). Sherlock is now the sales director at Add Impact’s new Nova Scotia office and has more than 20 years of B2B sales experience.

Imperial (asi/75945), a headwear brand that sells in the promo industry and other channels, has named Jerry Biag director of marketing. “Imperial is excited to welcome Jerry to the team,” said David Shaffer, senior vice president of sales at the brand. “In the newly created role, Jerry will lead all marketing efforts as Imperial continues to bring luxury, authenticity and individuality to the apparel market.”

BAMKO (asi/131431), a Top 40 distributor, announces that Lisa Stewart, SVP of product development and quality assurance at High Performance Identity (HPI) Powered by BAMKO, has been named chair of the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD). She’s the first woman and the first HPI employee to hold the position. “Everyone is thrilled to see Lisa recognized for her exceptional talents and contributions,” says Jake Himelstein, president of BAMKO and a member of the Counselor Power 50. “Her appointment not only reflects her individual achievements, but also highlights HPI’s commitment to quality and excellence within the industry.”

Festiwal Marketingu organizers have announced that free registration for the next edition of the promo-related trade fair is now open. The event will occur September 18 and 19 in Warsaw, Poland. Suppliers of promotional products and printed advertising solutions are among the key exhibitors.

PCNA (asi/66887), a Top 40 supplier, has expanded its offerings from Wolverine, a line of work-ready tool bags, backpacks and headwear. PCNA now carries the Red Label Trucker Cap (TM39507), Grey Claw Label 6 Panel Cap (TM39509), Knit Work Beanie (TM39008) and Knit Watch Cap (TM39000). Wolverine is part of PCNA’s ProudPath program – the company’s Project Bootstrap strives to address common misconceptions about the skilled trades industry and foster the next generation of workers.

SCORE, a small business mentorship platform, will host a workshop by Anup Gupta, an ASI Media columnist and former distributor. The presentation, entitled “Amplifying Revenues & Profitability For Diverse Companies,” will take place both in-person at Bounce Innovation Hub in Akron, OH, and on Zoom on Thursday, June 13 at 4:00 p.m. ET. Attendees will learn about strategies for minority-, veteran- and women-owned businesses to land contracts with the government, universities, large corporations, non-profits and companies of varying sizes. Register here.

Promotional Products Professionals of Canada (PPPC) will host the annual Women’s Empowerment Event (WEE) at White Oaks Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, on May 24 and 25, 2024. Attendees will enjoy knowledge-sharing, idea-generation and opportunities for professional development. ASI Canada is one of this year's sponsors. Register here.