Top 40 supplier The Magnet Group (asi/68507) has named Amber Dobson the winner of the 2023 Fran Ford Award.

The Magnet Group (asi/68507) presented Amber Dobson with the 2023 Fran Ford Award.

Dobson, a regional account manager for The Magnet Group, was nominated by a handful of her teammates, in part because of her history of community volunteerism. For many years, Dobson was the lead coordinator for We Care Volunteers, which helped to feed and clothe the unhoused community by donating food, organizing food drives and arranging hair-cutting services. She even converted an old school bus into a mobile food truck to feed the homeless during the winter months.

In addition to recognizing her volunteer work, Magnet Group colleagues were impressed by Dobson’s dedication to her co-workers and the overall success of the company.

“Amber embodies the true meaning behind the Fran Ford Award, and she should be proud of her accomplishment,” said Jessica Hiner, vice president of business development at The Magnet Group and the chairperson of the Fran Ford Award committee.

For the last six years, the Magnet Group has been recognizing an employee who embodies the characteristics that made Fran Ford so beloved. Ford, who passed away in 2018 following a long illness, was an icon in promo. He’s remembered as one of the industry’s most endearing leaders – a great friend, willing volunteer and overall kind and generous person who selflessly mentored countless peers over the years. Ford was with Castelli North America (asi/44305), which is part of The Magnet Group.

During its national sales meeting in Las Vegas last week, The Magnet Group also celebrated its achievements in 2023 and awarded two employees for their contributions. Hiner was named top salesperson of the year, and Bill Nault, a regional sales manager, was awarded top rep.

“We are thrilled for the growth that Jessica and Bill worked so hard to achieve with their clients last year and are looking forward to another great year for them both,” said Aaron Gunderson, senior vice president of sales.

The Magnet Group ranked 17^th on Counselor’s most recent list of the Top 40 suppliers in the industry, with 2022 North American promotional products revenue of $99.7 million.