Bluewater Ideas (asi/141985) has relocated to 1 Miller Lake Shore Rd., Miller Lake, ON, N0H 1Z0. Phone numbers and email addresses will stay the same.

Hub, which is part of Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966), has launched what it describes as an innovative, full-color, 360-degree printing solution that allows for directing imprinting on the barrel of metal and plastic pens. Called the Infinity imprint method, the decoration treatment is available on three pen styles: LuxGel, a wide-body plastic gel pen, and two executive metal pens, the Aruba and Gemini Pure. In the near future, Hub plans to extend this imprint method to more of its best-selling products. “Our team has been working on this new imprint method for some time, and we couldn't be more excited to deliver,” said Trina Bicknell, chief revenue officer at HPG. “Our customers can now tell their brand story with added background designs, and larger logos to create eye-catching designs to promote their brand with greater creativity and customization.”

Galaxy Balloons/The Galactic Line (asi/55675) has promoted Parker Wolfe to national sales manager. Wolfe will also join the executive management team. “Parker has been a key player in the company’s success story and his promotion is well-deserved and a recognition of his efforts,” said Galaxy President Les Dorfman. “This promotion puts the company in a strong position to drive success for our business and best serve our customers.” Added Wolfe: “Galaxy has a huge amount of potential, and a lot of exciting news coming right around the corner. I can’t wait to continue to push the envelope to get Galaxy to that next level and beyond.”

ACS Affiliate Services has hired Paige Peugh as an account coordinator to support the company’s distributor affiliate program, which aims to provide time-saving services, simplified daily processes, and full business financing. Peugh has been in promo since 2017, at SpecWorks (asi/331149) and HALO Branded Solutions (asi/356000). Previously, she worked in Minor League Baseball for five years as a merchandise manager for affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. “I’m truly excited to have Paige join a highly motivated and amazing team at ACS,” said Kirk Ross, executive vice president of ACS Affiliate Services. “The strong culture we have is something special to be a part of everyday. With Paige’s years of distributor experience, she’ll be a great asset to ACS and its affiliates.”

Proforma (asi/300094), a Top 40 distributor, has announced that its Chief Technology Officer Brian Carothers was named Distributor Person of the Year by PromoStandards. The recognition came at the recent Annual Tech Summit and Hack-a-Thon hosted by PromoStandards, a community of suppliers, distributors and service providers committed to standardizing and enabling the quick flow of information to reduce transactional friction in the promo industry. “Proforma understands that PromoStandards is the future of integration for our industry and is proud to collaborate with suppliers, distributors, and service providers for the benefit of the entire promotional products community,” said Carothers. “I humbly accept this award on behalf of the Proforma leadership and technology team.” Proforma CEO Vera Muzzillo added: “I'm incredibly proud of Brian Carothers’ contribution to the industry. He continues to raise the bar for high-level workflow automation, seamless integration, and improved efficiency.”

Gemline (asi/56070), a Top 40 supplier, is hosting a free, live webinar on Wednesday, March 8 at 1 p.m., featuring former Defense Secretary and CIA Chief Leon Panetta. Panetta will help attendees try to understand ongoing global events and their potential future impacts. His presentation will be followed by a Q&A session led by Jonathan Isaacson, Gemline’s executive chair. Space is limited. Register now to reserve a spot.

Orbus Exhibit & Display (asi/75209) is introducing the 2023 editions of its The Exhibitors’ Handbook and Promo Handbook display product catalogs.

Totally Promotional (asi/168375) in Coldwater, OH, is celebrating 30 years in business. Founded in 1993 by Tom and Paula Casad, the company now employs 230 people. “We’re fortunate to have built up a strong team of employees, many of whom have been with us now for 10, 15 and even 20-plus years,” says business manager Kelly Taylor, daughter of Tom and Paula. “Going forward, we’re focused on retaining our current staff while finding ways to attract and develop new talent as we continue to grow.”

Brymark Promotions (asi/149287) will be relocating to a larger warehousing and fulfillment facility at 2520A St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON, K1H 1B1, effective March 1. All phone numbers will remain the same.

4imprint (asi/197045), a Top 40 distributor, recently presented more than 2,500 charitable organizations and nonprofits in the United States and Canada with its one by one grants. Each $500 in-kind grant of branded promotional products for nonprofits helps recipients fulfill their missions and expand their reach, from aiding the public, to raising awareness and thanking volunteers, the distributorship said. In all, grants awarded during 2022 totaled $1,266,500 in value.

American Solutions for Business (ASB, asi/120067), a Top 40 distributor, hosted two charity efforts at their recent National Sales Conference, raising a total of $23,000. One was an all-abilities walk honoring late ASB Sales Associate Frank Quinlan. The walk generated $8,000 for St. Christopher’s Hospital. The other initiative, which raised $15,000, centered on donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. For that effort, donators were able to purchase as many $30 vinal record floor decals as they wanted, which were then displayed in the event space throughout the weekend conference. In other news, ASB announced the availability of ACES ELiTE stores. Executives said this offering extends the improved technology and enhanced front-end experience of ACES (American’s proprietary eCommerce platform) to a wider range of sales associates and customers.

EmpirePromos (asi/187780) is celebrating its 35^th anniversary as a 100% woman-owned business. The New York-based distributor provides promo programs and products to small, mid-sized, and large companies and organizations. Notable clients include Citibank, American Express, Freedom Health, Prudential Financial, American Samoa Government, Freeman, FEMA, FDIC, U.S. Army, Towers Watson, HCA Healthcare, CenterCare, Nursefinders, Montefiore Medical Center, GMHC, and Ryan Health.

Minuteman Press International, a printing and marketing franchiser, is celebrating 50 years in business. The first Minuteman Press center opened in Plainview, NY in 1973. Roy Titus, founder of Minuteman Press along with his son Bob Titus, decided to open the shop after running a successful operation for Parents magazine. Read a blog about the history.

Proforma (asi/300094), a Top 40 distributor, announces that its employees completed a “Day On” for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Over the past month, Proforma offered its employees a floating holiday in honor of King. Acts of service included riding for veterans, donating time at a local food bank, reading to students at neighboring schools, participating in beach cleanups and supporting efforts for international relief for the citizens of Ukraine and earthquake victims and refugees of Turkey and Syria. “We recognize, applaud and honor the ideology and bravery Dr. King exemplified in his attempt to unite us in the fight against inequality and the vision of having a life of service to one another,” said Vera Muzzillo, Proforma CEO.

Royal Apparel (asi/83731) says it is lowering its wholesale prices, as a result of raw material and transportation costs stabilizing. “Being a USA-made company allows us to be flexible and react fast to client needs and fulfill their program requirements,” said Glen Brumer, sales director. The new costs are live on the supplier’s wholesale website.

Hareid Marketing, Inc., a multi-line agency in Farmington, MN, welcomes Kate Harthan as an inside sales/customer service specialist. Harthan has more than a decade of industry experience, including time spent with Skyline Exhibits and Graphics in Eagan, MN, and as a sales associate and general manager of Owatonna, MN-based Corporate Recognition, a distributorship owned by her family.

SnugZ USA (asi/88060), a Top 40 supplier, said it has reduced lead times on all products in its offering, with more than 500 new items now on its ZIP-IT Next Day Shipping service. Over the past six months, SnugZ has moved hundreds of truckloads of product and equipment to both its Utah and Texas FOB facilities. This, executives asserted, will provide even faster service to customers nationwide. In addition, SnugZ USA has integrated systems and websites, and added team members to improve service and manufacturing following its early 2022 acquisition of former Top 40 supplier Sweda. “As we look back over the past year, yeah, it's been tough -- on you the customer and for everyone here at SnugZ,” said CEO Brandon Mackay. “Integrations are hard. But I knew after we finished, it would be worth it. I am so proud of this team and all that we have accomplished in a short time. Every department was heavily involved to enhance your everyday experience with us. And now, we’re ready.”

Storm Creek (asi/89879), a Minnesota-based supplier of eco-made apparel, has added TCJ Marketing, Spector Marketing Group (asi/827126), Mercer Enterprises, and Steven Mitchell to its team of outside multiline sales reps. “We are thrilled to add these four outstanding individuals to our rep force to help grow our brand presence in key territories,” said Derek Walters, director of sales. “All of them embody the values and mission of Storm Creek and share our passion for delivering exceptional products and customer experiences.”

The Magnet Group (asi/68507), a Top 40 supplier, has promoted Nikki Hudson to Customer Success Lead. Hudson has been a customer service associate with TMG for five years and has demonstrated her strong work ethic and dedication to her clients, the company said. She will cover the Midwest, Kentucky and Colorado.

Reciprocity Road, a collective/buying group of distributors in the U.S. and Canada with about $275 million in combined branded merch revenue, has added an 11^th distributor to its ranks – Lenexa, KS-based Grapevine Designs (asi/212829)  “With the addition of Grapevine Designs, we look forward to their sharing innovation and creativity with our partners,” said Perry Wehrle, executive director of Reciprocity Road. “Over the years, they have evolved into a full-service agency-style firm and are made up of a group of phenomenal people.” Grapevine Designs President Janie Gaunce said: “The choice to join Reciprocity Road simply came down to the people. When making a decision like this, you can ask all the right questions and get all the right answers, but at the end of the day, how do they make you feel? That is why we are joining forces with Reciprocity Road. This amazing group of business owners and vendor partners seem like the best fit for our Grapevine family and for our brand.”

TPS Promotions & Incentives (asi/341409) announces that it will be welcoming all customers formerly with Wilson Dunn Promotions, which closed in 2022 after 50 years in business. Wilson Dunn chose TPS for its ability to “provide dependable service and continuity to its long-standing valued clients,” according to TPS. “Our team is dedicated to providing the same level of quality and service that they have come to expect from Wilson Dunn, and that we strive to deliver every day,” said CEO Aaron Moscoe. TPS has also appointed former Wilson Dunn team members to its board, including David MacMurdo and Elliott Klein.

The Chesapeake Promotional Products Association (CPPA) has inducted Jay Shaplin of Sonic Promos (asi/329865) into its Hall of Fame during the 16th-annual Peake Awards ceremony on Feb. 1 in Linthicum Heights, MD. The CPPA Hall of Fame started in 2007 to recognize people who make an outstanding and lasting contribution to the association and the promotional products industry. The awards ceremony, sponsored by J. Charles Crystalworks (asi/62985), honors excellence and creativity in the CPAA and the industry, recognizing recipients in nine categories. Shelby Brown of API Source (asi/147450) was named distributor internal support person of the year; Joelle Puderbaugh of Top 40 supplier Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125) was named supplier internal support person of the year; Madeleine Schroeher of SpecWorks Inc. (asi/331149) was named distributor sales rep of the year; Tony Limetti of Top 40 supplier Ariel Premium Supply (asi/36730) was named supplier sales rep of the year; Tim Rosica of Rosica Marketing was the multi-line rep of the year; Madi Evans of Sonic Promos was the CPPA rising star; and Tracey Therres of Apex Advertising (asi/122737) was the volunteer of the year. Target Marketing Group (asi/341691) was named distributor of the year, and Top 40 supplier Polyconcept North America (PCNA; asi/78897) was named supplier of the year.

The Magnet Group (asi/68507), a Top 40 supplier, has announced two promotions: Gigi Robles is now regional inside sales lead for the West Coast, and Angela Caldwell is regional inside sales lead for the Midwest. Robles has been with The Magnet Group for more than a decade. “Gigi’s wealth of knowledge will be immediately impactful on her clients as her new role allows her to dig deeper into finding solutions for their projects,” said Dave Glaser, vice president of field sales at The Magnet Group. Caldwell has been with The Magnet Group for 13 years. “Angela’s clients have come to appreciate her quick and accurate responses on projects during her tenure in customer service,” Glaser said. “These traits will help her excel in the sales world.”

Harper+Scott (asi/220052) has joined The Legacy Group, an industry buying group and alliance of ten promo companies in North America. Headquartered in New York City, Harper+Scott is a certified B Corp and a member of Counselor’s Best Places to Work in promo. “Harper + Scott is a terrific addition to The Legacy Group as our combined effort will enhance our impact, challenge each other, and drive forward a culture of innovation that puts people and the planet first. We will be better together,” said Patti Brose, executive director of The Legacy Group. Michael Scott Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Harper+Scott, added: “We are excited to join The Legacy Group and partner with other industry-leading distributors. We look forward to combining our resources, expertise, and shared values to drive innovation and expansion across the industry.”

Koozie Group (asi/40480), a Top 40 supplier, has installed a new digital web press in its Sleepy Eye, MN, location that will print all of the company’s Souvenir Sticky Note pads and scratch pads, as well as select calendar styles. The equipment offers improved color and tint consistency and better color-matching on reorders. “The digital printing process comes with many benefits for customers,” says Jeff Ibberson, Sleepy Eye site manager, “and we’re proud to be investing in our facility so we can remain on the forefront of the field.”

NC Custom (asi/44900), a Top 40 supplier, has promoted Chris Barlow to national account manager for the Southeast territory. In his new position, he’ll support key buying groups and Top 40 clients in the region. Barlow began with NC Custom more than six years ago as a sales representative for distributor clients in New York and New Jersey. “Chris tirelessly works to improve himself and expand NC Custom’s business in his territory and with his accounts,” says Chris O’Connor, vice president of sales. “He proves that hard work and determination create success.”

ScreenBroidery (asi/305623), an Indiana-headquartered distributorship, has promoted Nick Williams to account manager/team lead and Ryan Coleman to account manager following record growth in 2022. In his new role, Williams will focus on growing ScreenBroidery's existing customer base and lead and coach a team of account representatives. Going forward, Coleman will grow existing customer relationships and lead ScreenBroidery to new client relationships. He specializes in working with the tech industry. “The promotions of Nick and Ryan represent fundamental changes within the ScreenBroidery structure that will enable us to accelerate as we prepare for projected 83.85% year-over-year 2023 growth,” said CEO Tom Rector.

ACS Affiliate Services has announced that Shawna Fruth has joined the company’s account services team as an account coordinator. Fruth has been in the promotional products industry for 10 years, the last four working as an account executive for an apparel company. She looks forward to assisting with the company’s growth mission while providing excellent service. ACS Affiliate Services is an outgrowth of distributorship organization AIM Smarter, which has members in the U.S., Canada and U.K. With ACS, distributors get administrative support, marketing services, technology solutions, order financing and more.

Flywheel Brands (asi/212986) has launched MomentumBox.com, which offers ready-to-go merchandise kits that clients can customize with their branding. All a client need do is pick their preferred box, upload their brand logo, and checkout, executives said. “This website is designed to help you easily recognize team members, engage with clients, convert prospects, and make virtual work more enjoyable,” the company said.

The MIPPA TOM Show held Jan. 20 at the San Marino Club in Troy, MI, drew 314 distributors – a record for the one-day event. The TOM Show is a collaborative traveling rep tabletop trade show shared by TSPPA (Tri-State Promotional Professionals Association), OPPA (Ohio Promotional Professionals Association) and MiPPA (Michigan Promotional Professionals Association). This was the 10th year of collaboration between the three regional associations. “Forget about ‘pre-pandemic,’” said Paul Kiewiet, executive director of MiPPA, “this show set an all-time attendance record for us.” MiPPA President Glenn Miotke, owner of distributor Unfolding Communications (asi/444896) in Ann Arbor, MI, added: “Everyone was so charged up and ready to start the year off big. They came looking for ideas and left with big smiles on their faces.”

AAA Innovations (asi/30023), a Norwood, NJ-based supplier specializing in eco-friendly outdoor products, has announced that Debra Amato has joined the firm as a regional sales manager. In her new role, Amato is responsible for sales in North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland and Michigan. Amato has more than 23 years of experience as a regional sales manager. “Debra is a proven sales professional with lots of experience selling umbrellas, bags and outdoor items,” said Jeffrey Nanus, CEO of AAA Innovations. “I have known Debra for a very long time and know her to be extremely hard working, client-centric and most importantly, very successful.”

The Magnet Group (asi/68507), a Top 40 supplier, is bringing back its 24 QuickShip program starting Feb. 1. The firm said it wanted to wait until it could execute 100% of the time on the service before bringing the program back. “QuickShip” must be clearly designated on the purchase order. It’s available on one-color, one-location and laser-decorated items for catalog quantities. Print-ready art and a complete purchase order must be received by 1 p.m. CST and emailed to quickship@themagnetgroup.com.

PowerStick.com (asi/51566) has announced that Matt Eysoldt, president of Eysoldt Marketing Group in Ohio and the supplier’s multi-line rep in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, has received the Supplier Rep of the Year award from the Ohio Promotional Products Association (OPPA) for the fourth time. Eysoldt was nominated by distributors based on service, support, dedication, accessibility, presentation quality and follow-through.