Fashion Biz USA (asi/53716) in Burnaby, BC, now offers 3-ply polypropylene face masks (PPM004) made with organic cotton, and featuring a flexible nose clip and soft elastic ear loops with rubber slider for easy adjusting. Distributors can also personalize product flyers with their company logo.

IDProductsource (asi/62088) is hosting a giveaway of custom promotional products on Facebook Live on the last Tuesday of every month, starting Feb. 23. Distributors can enter by visiting IDProductsource.com and clicking the “Current Specials” tab.

TSC Apparel (asi/90518) is expanding to a larger distribution center in California. The Top 40 supplier plans to relocate its Fullerton location to a 125,000-square-foot distribution center in Moreno Valley. The new location will allow for a broader SKU offering, as well as a deeper inventory position, while expanding regional service capabilities. Moreno Valley is strategically located to maintain same-day and will-call service to existing customers, while broadening TSC’s coverage in California and the Southwest region. TSC expects the center to open by the end of February.

Dale Denham, senior vice president and chief information officer at Geiger (asi/202900), has released his annual list of the top 18 industry influencers who leverage online tools and social strategies to drive value to their businesses as well as to the promotional products industry.

Stahls’ (asi/88984) has announced that Dallas-based Graphics Solutions Group will offer a complete range of Stahls’ CAD-CUT heat transfer vinyl, best-selling athletic numbers and Hotronix heat press equipment starting Feb. 1.

Totally Promotional (asi/168375), on behalf of its sister company Totally Wedding Koozies, recently received The Knot 2021 Best of Weddings Award and the 2021 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards. The annual awards recognize wedding professionals who go “above and beyond” for their clients.

Valerie Hayman Sklar, president of Corporate Specialties (asi/169040), has been accepted into the Forbes Business Council, a worldwide networking organization for successful business owners and leaders.

Alpi International (asi/34415) is moving its headquarters to 3435 Regatta Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804. Starting Jan. 25, all operations will be conducted out of the new address.

Charles River Apparel (asi/44620), a Top 40 supplier, has released its spring 2021 collection, with new styles that reflect shifting consumer trends. The new styles, and the rest of the supplier’s lineup, are featured in the 160-page spring 2021 catalog, available both online and in print. “For our spring 2021 collection, we focused on the emerging trend of elevated basics with a customer-centric approach,” said Tsedenia Kiros, director of design at Charles River. “Our designs reflect the current shift toward dressing for the digital age and the new normal, which are continually blurring the line between work and leisure styling.” Charles River is offering 60% off samples on all new styles to its promotional products customers. To redeem, eligible customers can call 800-225-0550 or email custserv@charlesriverapparel.com and mention promo code “G7.”

Superior Group of Companies Inc., parent firm of Top 40 distributor BAMKO (asi/131431), was named to Forbes’ 2021 list of America’s Best Small Companies. The company was ranked No. 10 for its first appearance on the list, which features 100 of the best publicly traded companies from around the United States.

The Magnet Group (asi/68507) has promoted Tricia Piontek to senior vice president and general manager. A former Fran Ford Award winner, Piontek joined the company 10 years ago and has worked in many positions. “We are thrilled to announce Tricia’s promotion,” said Bill Korowitz, CEO of The Magnet Group. “Her customer-focused orientation, along with her never-say-never attitude, make her perfect for this new role.”

Towel Specialties (asi/91605) has launched three new websites: towelspecialties.com, cobblestonemills.com and xpresstowels.com.

Barker Specialty (asi/132690) has promoted Stephanie Netherton to director of sales - national accounts and Alex D. Bowen to director of sales - strategic accounts. “Stephanie and Alex together have robust product knowledge, charismatic personalities and the creative insight for sales strategies that will propel Barker Specialty and the sales team to new levels of growth,” said Amy Serrano, director of marketing.

Proforma (asi/300094) has launched a new business success series, Million Dollar Monday, available in video and podcast format. The series is available for subscription through the OnlyProforma.com Million Dollar Monday page and on podcast platforms.

Ross Marketing Solutions (asi/313453) in Miami Beach, FL, has received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council Florida, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). “We’re honored to receive this prestigious national certification,” said owner Sona Ross in a statement, “and [we] look forward to helping widen the circle of corporations and organizations that support and promote diversity by demonstrating our capabilities and executing successful campaigns. Women-owned businesses have a lot to offer.”

Abi Warren Confections (asi/62589) is resuming its “Free Samples in 3 Days” program, where distributors can request up to three samples of the nine-piece Belgian chocolate box, fully customized, as a gift for their top clients.

commonsku, a promotional products business and sales software, kicked off the year by hosting over 1,000 attendees at its daylong virtual event, skucon. Catherine Graham, commonsku’s CEO, led a discussion on the future of the industry with Tim Andrews, president and CEO of ASI, and Paul Bellantone, president of PPAI (see image, below). Additionally, Jonathan Isaacson, chairman and CEO of Top 40 supplier Gemline (asi/56070), gave a presentation defining the macro trends driving innovation today. There were also several panels covering a range of business topics, such as advocacy and activism, e-commerce, virtual conferences, influencer marketing and more. “We were stunned by the response to this conference – not only did over 1,000 industry professionals attend the day’s event, but they stayed throughout the entirety of the conference, a testament to both the ambition and resilience of this industry and also the very generous insights shared by our amazing speakers,” said Mark Graham, commonsku’s president and chief brand officer. “We are so thankful for everyone who joined us to kick off 2021 with passion, inspiration, and energy!”

Catherine Graham, CEO of commonsku, chats with ASI CEO/President Tim Andrews, and PPAI CEO/President Paul Bellantone.

Foxtrot Marketing Group (asi/170720) has hired Nettie Sparkman as sales director and Tessa Trumble as business development manager. “We continue to grow and evolve to best serve our customers and prospective customers, and Nettie and Tessa will play key roles in helping us do that,” said Jill Haspert, CEO of Foxtrot Marketing Group.

Logomark (asi/67866) has launched the Logomark Virtual Brand Experience, a four-room virtual design center where customers can explore the Top 40 supplier’s broad range of products. Logomark describes the solution as a “web-based environment that is easy to navigate, user-friendly and full of extra features to help the user find the right product for their client.” Visit Logomark.com to learn more.

Cap America Inc. (asi/43792) has promoted Amber Vance to customer service training and development supervisor. “We are proud of the dedication and commitment that Amber has brought to the Cap America team over the years,” said Liz Capone, director of customer relations. “Her professionalism and level of expertise will be advantageous to all incoming new hires and her support to existing customer service staff will be invaluable.” Cap America has also appointed Anessa Fritch to vice president of executive communications. In this newly created role, Fritch will be responsible for public relations with a heavy emphasis on brand management and awareness. As a result, Cory Cissell has taken over Fritch’s former role as director of marketing.

Phil Stillerman, a salesperson for AEF Emblem Supply (asi/30117) for over 20 years, has started his own company named Pixie Dust Photoworks LLC.

Royal Apparel (asi/83731) has released its official 2021 fashion catalog.

Goldstar (asi/73295) has announced an expansion of its Simplicity program to include free ground shipping on all drinkware and bags to the 48 contiguous United States and Canada.

BAG MAKERS (asi/37940) is introducing more than 10 new products and a new Brilliance imprint process for 2021. In addition to expanding its popular digital full color bag line, the company has added items geared toward safety-conscious customers, including sealable bags and mailers, as well as printable personal protective gear like 2-ply poly-blend face masks.

Gemline (asi/56070) hosts a free webinar titled “The Covid-19 Pandemic - What promises do vaccines offer?” on Jan. 8 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. EST. In this discussion, Professor Barry Bloom, renowned immunologist, vaccine expert and former Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health, will discuss the vaccines and how this will impact our world in the upcoming year. He will be interviewed by Jonathan Isaacson, chairman and CEO of Gemline. Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4130241074629483278?source=Industry

The PSI Sustainability Awards Ceremony will take place virtually on Jan. 12.

Southern Plus (asi/88367) announced that it has completed the necessary steps to be officially certified as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise.