Corporate Specialties (asi/466176), based in Detroit, MI, ranked 70^th on the 2023 Inner City 100. Since 1999, the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City has celebrated the 100 fastest-growing businesses in under-resourced communities in the U.S. This is the second time Corporate Specialties made the list. Owner Valerie Hayman Sklar attributes the growth to technology implementation and great customer service. “Clients continue coming back because we provide not only products but also the creative ideas and campaign execution,” she added.

Commonsku, a promotional products business and sales software, recognized five skummunity award winners at its recent skucon conference in Las Vegas. Winners were: Russell Bird, The Promo Addict (asi/302225), Distributor Community Champion Award; Jordan Ettien, Pop! Promos (asi/45657), Supplier Community Champion Award; Top 40 supplier Gemline (asi/56070), Supplier Connected Workflow Award; Joann Kummer and her team at Boxed Sourcing + Production (asi/144156), Shops Innovation Leader Award; and Zac Fowler, INM Marketing (asi/229643), Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Storm Duds (asi/89363) has named Pamela Clement national account manager for its promo products division. Clement has 25 years of industry experience. “Everyone at Storm Duds is excited that Pamela is joining our senior management team,” the company said in a statement.

Chesapeake Promotional Products Association (CPPA), New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA), Philadelphia Area Promotional Products Association (PAPPA), and Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) are hosting the “Power of 1” tour during the week of January 29 through Feb. 1. Each day of the week a different regional show and professional education offering will be offered on the tour. The associations’ websites have details on each event.

Simba (asi/87296) has hired John Plumb to represent the company in New England and New York, and Chris Sinatra for Illinois and Wisconsin. “I’m pleased to have John and Chris representing Simba,” says Dan Moore, national sales manager. “Their expertise and dedication will play a pivotal role in enhancing our presence in key markets.”

Fullarton Group, a buying group for suppliers and distributors across North America, has welcomed five new distributor members: All-Ways Advertising (asi/117230), Bankers Advertising (asi/131650), CFDF Promo, Holmes Specialty Advertising and Sourcing Central (asi/330125).

PromoSupplies (asi/300600) in Rochester Hills, MI, has been certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). “We are honored to receive this certification, which reflects our dedication to diversity and empowerment in the business world,” says the company.

Gemini Industries (asi/56100) will be closed Monday, January 22 due to inclement weather. Both the offices and plant will reopen at 8:00 a.m. CT on Tuesday, January 23

Gildan (asi/56842) announced that its Ultra Cotton 2000 T-shirt is softer and has improved printability due to a new cotton technology. The company also revealed a new proprietary dyeing technology for Comfort Colors called Pigment Pure that uses three times less water on average, and launched 12 new styles across five new collections for its American Apparel brand

Cutter & Buck Canada (asi/47967), the Canadian division of Top 40 supplier Cutter & Buck (asi/47965), has appointed Neil Wilkinson of West Coast Sports Agencies and Sheri Boyd of Agence Alain Gailloux to represent the Cutter & Buck and Clique lines in British Columbia, and Eastern and Northern Ontario, respectively.

Genumark (asi/204588), a Top 40 distributor, has unveiled a new logo, brand colors and font, as well as the first phase of a refreshed website. “Genumark has changed and grown so much, particularly in the last few years,” says Stephen Musgrave, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re reflecting on who we are now and where we’re headed while building on our 40+ years in the business.” Adds Creative Director Marc Newberry: “We chose an array of shades, such as terracotta and evergreen, that reflect the world and how we fit in it, as well as our environmental commitment and B Corp certification.”

Proforma (asi/300094), a Top 40 distributor, offered employees a floating holiday on this week’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the opportunity to participate in community service projects. “In his time and despite great challenges, Dr. King still aspired to make the world a more just and compassionate place,” says Brian Roney, senior director of product development. “As such, we can think of no better way to observe MLK Day than fostering community and embodying the principles of love and unity that Dr. King championed.”

Genumark (asi/204588), a Top 40 distributor, has promoted Reba Joy to the position of director of environmental and social impact. Joy spent more than eight years at Rightsleeve, which Genumark acquired in 2019, and was most recently the senior director of sales.

KNOSS Apparel (asi/65487) has promoted Melissa Zehr-Kaufman to sales manager and Leigh Tobiasen to sales consultant. Zehr-Kaufman has 14 years of industry experience, and was most recently inside sales manager. Tobiasen joined the company in 2022 as a sales and marketing associate. “I’m thrilled to have such talent on the team that enables us to support our customers in the unique way that only KNOSS can provide,” says President Elson Yeung.

PromoPlacement, a recruitment firm for the promo industry, welcomes Jeff Marks as a placement specialist. Previously, Marks was the vice president of MSP Design Group (asi/466928) and a founding member/president of Premier Buying Group. “With Jeff’s experience comes valuable industry supplier and distributor contacts who are challenged by limited time and limited talent to fill critical positions,” says Kevin McHargue, managing partner of PromoPlacement. “Jeff can enhance our service in all areas.”

Hydrapeak (asi/75477) has appointed Lisa Fosdick to the fractional role of vice president of sales & marketing. She has industry experience with Top 40 firms HPG (asi/61966), Stran & Company (asi/337725) and ePromos Promotional Products (asi/188515), as well as Tribe Socks (asi/92049), Wendell August Forge (asi/37457) and Branded Treats (asi/93546), a company she will continue to work for as managing partner.

MediaTree (asi/70303) has promoted Brian Duran to the role of general manager. Duran has more than a decade of industry experience, and was most recently the company’s vice president of sales & marketing. “Brian’s years of dedication to driving success with innovative new partnerships, products and business processes make him the ideal person to lead MediaTree into its next phase of growth,” says CEO Bill Grassmyer.

Natural Trends (asi/73497) now offers distributor clients the Precision Pen for use with WD-40 lubricating oil. “The ingenious product concept and function have universal appeal and decades of brand trust,” says Paul Christensen, president of Natural Trends. “Having partnered with WD-40 Company since 2010, we’re thrilled to introduce the WD-40 Precision Pen into the promo channel.”

J. Charles (asi/62985) has named Larry Frodyma regional sales manager of the firm’s Southwest territory. Frodyma has 36 years of experience in promo, working with firms that have been or are currently Top 40 suppliers, such as Logomark (asi/67866), NC Custom (asi/44900), and most recently Evans Manufacturing (asi/52840), a Top 40 until being acquired by Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966). He was also founder/president of the formerFrodyma On-Site, Inc., an agency whose core competencies were within what J. Charles described as the Hispanic promotional marketplace. “We are very pleased that Larry has decided to join the J. Charles team,” said Kale Wallner, vice president of sales. “His drive and passion for the industry will continue to strengthen the legacy of amazing products and service for many years to come.”

Logomark (asi/67866), a Top 40 supplier, has hired two experienced industry sales professionals as regional sales managers. Amanda Delaney will oversee the Pacific Northwest and Jonathan Beyer the Northeast. Delaney has 23 years in the industry, working for suppliers that include Hirsch (asi/61005) previously, and serving in volunteer roles, including on the board of the Gold Coast Promotional Products Association. Beyer has 17 years industry experience, has won awards for his work, and previously had time with suppliers like former Top 40 firm Imagen Brands and Top 40 company alphaboder (asi/34063). “We are thrilled to welcome Amanda and Jonathan to the Logomark team,” said Michael Bistocchi, chief revenue officer for Logomark.

PromoStandards, a nonprofit committed to improving supply chain and transactional efficiencies in the promo industry, announced its 2024 board of directors:

• Catherine Graham, chair, co-founder and CEO at commonsku
• Amy Rabideau, vice chair, senior vice president of strategy and innovation at Facilisgroup
• Eric Shonebarger, standards committee chair, president at Top 40 supplier Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125)
• Philip Gergen, treasurer, chief information officer at Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480)
• Eric Alessi, immediate past chair, president and CEO at Essent Corporation
• Michael Knapick, EC member at large, CIO at Top 40 supplier SanMar (asi/84863)
• Jon Norris, EC member at large, vice president of business process improvement at Hit Promotional Products
• Daniel Becker, member at large, co-founder, chief technology officer and chief financial officer at Top 40 distributor Kotis Design (asi/244898)
• Dustin Downing, member at large, chief product officer at OrderMyGear
• Irwin Goldstein, member at large, vice president of enterprise and solution architecture at Top 40 distributor HALO Branded Solutions (asi/356000)
• Steven Stanley, member at large, CTO at Top 40 distributor ePromos Promotional Products (asi/188515)
• Edward Streiff, member at large, senior manager of application development at Top 40 supplier PCNA (asi/66887)

The board will introduce PromoStandards’ new services and strategic roadmap at the 2024 Tech Summit in St. Pete Beach, FL, from Feb. 5 to Feb. 7. Details on the agenda and how to register are available here.

Mark8Media has named 20-year industry veteran Brandon Pecharich executive creative officer – the first in the firm’s history. In this role, Pecharich will develop, create, and evolve the company’s messaging voice. The firm’s mission is, in part, to act as a kind of agency to clients in promo and advertising industries adjacent to promo, creating content that resonates, Pecharich told ASI Media. “With the marketing landscape seemingly changing daily, capturing the attention of the buyer requires a strategic and consistent approach,” said Pecharich. “To reach buyers, we have to be very intentional about creating or sponsoring content that puts our products and services top of mind.”

Outdoor Cap Company (asi/75420), a Top 40 supplier, has introduced the OCflx cap in two new styles. The FLX672M is the flagship look and boasts modern styling, stretch mesh panels, ProFlex adjustable sweatband and micro adjustable fit. Meanwhile, the FLX672M-E is the eco-version. It’s made with 40% REPREVE recycled polyester front panels, 100% REPREVE recycled stretch mesh back panels, 100% recycled RPE visor, and ProFlex adjustable sweatband. “The OCflx is not just a cap; it’s a statement of our commitment to comfort, innovation, quality, and a greener future,” Outdoor Cap said. “It’s stretch perfected.”

ADG Canada (asi/97249) has appointed Rick Boudreau as its multi-line representation in Atlantic Canada, beginning Feb. 1. He has extensive experience representing industry product lines in the region.

Go Promo (asi/211824), a North Dakota-based distributorship, has named Jess Stowman partner. She joined the firm in 2022. Going forward, as partner/director of accounting and human resources, Stowman will focus on the $5 million-in-annual-revenue firm’s fiscal health and spearhead the human resources department.

Full Line Specialties (asi/199688) in Surrey, BC, welcomes Maclean Bryant as vice president of sales & operations for the company’s Eastern division. Bryant brings more than two decades of industry experience, and will play a critical role in developing and implementing strategic growth initiatives.

The 2024 PROMO SHOW International Advertising and Printing Fair will take place Feb. 14 and 15 at EXPO XXI Warsaw exhibition center. As of early January, 260 exhibitors were confirmed. Register here.

American Solutions for Business (ASB, asi/120075), a Top 40 distributor, has announced that Sales Associate Dennis Costello recently won a million-dollar program with a large healthcare organization that has more than 100 locations across the United States. Costello and the ASB team have developed what they described as a robust program that includes print collateral, promotional merchandise, and branded apparel. Customer locations utilize ASB’s proprietary eCommerce platform, called ACES, for their online ordering, which is a blend of print/decorate-on-demand as well as inventory releases. “We have true print-on-demand for both print and merchandise, and we are adding a custom wearables catalog that will enable our client to order wearables in as few as one piece,” explained Costello. “The savings on obsolescence will be great, as will the capital saved on not having to invest in a warehouse of inventory. For the entire program, we expect the cost savings to be a double-digit percentage over the previous supplier.”

PromoKitchen, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that promotes professional education and mentorship in the promotional products industry, has named Ashley Colautti as its new board chair for 2024. Colautti is director of new markets with Top 40 supplier Spector & Co. (asi/88660). The 2023 PromoKitchen chair, Johanna Gottleib, will serve as vice chair this year.

ScreenBroidery (asi/305623), an Indiana-based distributor, has announced a shift in its culture by adopting a “9-80” work schedule. This schedule allows ScreenBroidery employees to work extended hours within a two-week period, resulting in 80 hours spread over nine days instead of ten. Under this arrangement, employees will work eight nine-hour days and one eight-hour day, resulting in a day off every other Friday. The initiative aims to empower employees with a flexible and efficient work arrangement while fostering increased productivity, better work-life balance, and improved customer experience. “ScreenBroidery has always prioritized the well-being and satisfaction of our employees,” said CEO Tom Rector. “We believe that people matter, and a balanced work-life dynamic not only enhances the happiness and productivity of our team members but also helps us live our values.”

Bag Makers (asi/37940), a Top 40 supplier, has announced the addition of seven new products to its collection for 2024, as well as new sizes and colors in its bag lines. The company’s new-for-2024 products range from eye-catching iridescent and brightly colored bags to eco-friendly options, including totes made from 100% recycled paper with a minimum of 60% post-consumer content. Meanwhile, Bag Makers has added three new colors (grape, teal, and pink) to the London (13W x 5 x 10H) and Paris (10W x 4 x 8H) Matte Eurotote sizes. Also, for the first time, the supplier is offering in-house, full-color imprinting on paper tissue at low quantities.

Proforma (asi/300094), a Top 40 distributor, recently teamed up with three local organizations in Ohio that serve youth and the elderly. Proforma team members shopped for gifts from children’s wish lists for Providence House, a crisis nursery; donated gifts to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program; and sent 100 greeting cards to residents at Sunrise of Parma Senior Assisted Living. “At Proforma, we believe in the power of compassion and the importance of supporting those in need,” says Kathy Mayo, director of human resources. “Together, we strive to create a brighter and more inclusive future for all, embodying the spirit of unity and care that defines Proforma’s values.”