FASTSIGNS (asi/395000) announced that it has received Franchise Customer Experience Certification, given to brands that demonstrate superior practices leading to enhanced franchise profitability. FASTSIGNS said it underwent a comprehensive evaluation process, including independent review of key practices and interviews with franchisees and consumers.

Chameleon Like (asi/44558) has launched its new website, Chameleon Express. It's designed to streamline the custom journal ordering process. This on-demand service allows distributors to place orders online in less than 3 minutes, with a minimum order of just 25 pieces.

Royal Apparel (asi/83731), which offers USA-made apparel, has launched Color Concierge, a service that allows customers to provide their desired PMS color code for custom garment-dyeing with a minimum order quantity of 288 units. “We are thrilled to offer our customers such an unparalleled level of customization,” said Glen Brumer, sales manager. “This service is ideal for businesses and individuals who want to create truly distinctive apparel that stands out from the crowd.”

WILD Marketing Group (WMG, asi/360200) has unveiled a new website, WhyWild.com, and updated logo, designed to showcase its array of products, solutions and services. “The old site just didn’t do us justice,” said CEO Jim Budzinski. “But the new one really tells our story and shines a light on all the ways we can help. I’m beyond thrilled with how it turned out.”

Geiger (asi/202900), a Counselor Top 40 distributor, has been awarded the WELCOA Silver Well Workplace award, based on WELCOA’s seven benchmarks: leadership, health promotion, supportive policies, health services, community outreach, data management and comprehensive health assessments. “Receiving the WELCOA Silver Well Workplace Award is a tremendous honor,” said Jo-an Lantz, president and CEO of Geiger. “It validates our commitment to the holistic well-being of our employees, encompassing both physical and mental health.”

Crystal D (asi/47759) has restructured its sales team to create five territories instead of four and announced new contacts for quicker customer service ahead of the Q4 selling season:  

• Tawauna Garner: Midwest
• Leelam Sukhram: Central
• Mike Pooler: Northeast
• Gary Rinehart: South
• Colby Kiger: West

The supplier can be contacted at (800) 544-1131 or sales@crystal-d.com.

PCNA (asi/66887), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has launched the Puffer Collection, an in-house line of six bags, including fanny packs, backpacks, totes and coolers, with soft exteriors made of quilted, lightweight rPET.

Brilliant (asi/146116) has joined Peernet Group, a national network of promotional products distributors. Executives said Brilliant has built a strong reputation for delivering impactful branded merchandise and corporate gifting experiences that resonate with brands and their audiences. By joining Peernet Group, Brilliant will gain access to exclusive supplier partnerships, marketing resources and a collaborative network of experienced industry professionals. “We are thrilled to welcome Brilliant to the Peernet family,” said Peernet CEO Darlene Blaum. “Their impressive growth and progressive mindset align with our mission to raise the bar for marketing excellence.” Millie Tadewaldt, founder/CEO of Brilliant, added: “We look forward to collaborating with other members to bring more innovative and effective solutions to the industry and our clients.”

SnugZ USA (asi/88060), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has introduced +vibes (Positive Vibes), a new line of product imprint concepts that are designed to inspire and uplift daily life. Featuring unique, positive imprint patterns, the collection intends to help creating meaningful connections, spark joy and celebrate the good in people. “We felt the desire to create more uplifting and positive messaging to enhance our vast product selection and gift giving options,” said SnugZ USA CEO Brandon Mackay, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “+vibes does just that with curated messaging combined with your corporate logo.”

Fey Promo (asi/54040), a supplier based in Minnesota, was experiencing an outage that was impacting emails and phones on Sept. 11, 2024. The firm shared on Sept. 12 that email and phones were operational again.

Outdoor Cap Company (asi/75420), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has released its Autumn/Winter 2024 Headwear Trend Guide, exploring the latest insights in colors, materials and designs.

Proforma (asi/300094), a Counselor Top 40 distributor, has won two of Graphic Design USA’s American Inhouse Design Awards, an annual recognition program that awards in-house graphic designers across industries for their work. The distributor’s marketing team was recognized for its “Build the Perfect New Hire Kit” direct mail campaign and its “Setting Trends” digital campaign, both built to serve Proforma’s Distributor Owner Network. It’s the thirteenth consecutive year Proforma has received a GDUSA award.

GNP Branded Gear (asi/200020) has hired Pamela Smith as an account manager. Smith has more than 24 years of experience in the promo industry, working with clients that include Panasonic, Unilever, the Special Olympics, Amazon and Starbucks. A New Jersey resident, Smith has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sports marketing and has been teaching yoga for over a decade.