Among the ASI Media Top 10 Canadian stories this year, half of them focused on personnel news – including several significant hires by Top 40 companies. Our list also includes private equity investments, unique new upcycling techniques, case studies and show coverage. But we start our rundown of the most-viewed Canadian stories with the sad passing of perhaps the most instrumental figure in the long-term of success of the Canadian promo industry.

1

Remembering Fred Oesen

In late October, Canadian industry luminary Fred Oesen passed away after a lengthy illness. He was a former president of PPPC, a member of its Hall of Fame and a former vice president of ASI Canada during his more than 40 years in the industry. In addition to his sales acumen, he was known for his peer mentorship and advocacy. ASI Media’s Michele Bell spoke to promo members on both sides of the border who shared memories and appreciation.

2

Private Equity Firm Invests in commonsku

This summer, Toronto-based commonsku, a provider of business and sales software to the industry, announced that PE firm Frontier Growth in Charlotte, NC, had invested in the company. While details weren’t disclosed, Founders Catherine and Mark Graham – members of the Counselor Power 50 list – maintain majority control. “Our commitment and love for the company, our employees, our customers and the promotional products industry remains as strong as ever,” said Catherine Graham.

3

Genumark Welcomes Johanna Gottlieb as VP of Business Development

The largest distributor in Canada made a big announcement in October. Genumark (asi/204588), a Top 40 firm, appointed Chicago-based Johanna Gottlieb as vice president of business development to spearhead the company’s continued expansion into the American market. Gottlieb has almost 20 years of industry experience, and was most recently the vice president of sales for Top 40 distributor HALO Branded Solutions (asi/356000). She was also an ASI Media Distributor Salesperson of the Year Finalist in 2019.

4

Glenn Chamandy Out At Gildan; New CEO/President Named

A high-profile tussle at Top 40 supplier Gildan (asi/56842) began in December, when the company’s board ousted CEO Glenn Chamandy and named Vince Tyra the new president/CEO. That started a firestorm of criticism from shareholders, who demanded Chamandy be reinstated. The drama continues, with the board defending its actions and seeking to reassure investors.

5

Botanical PaperWorks Upcycles Pallets Into New Products

Upcycling – reusing products in creative ways instead of sending them to landfills – has gained momentum within the promo industry as a way to contribute to the circular economy and double-down on sustainability goals. Winnipeg-based Botanical PaperWorks (asi/41273) recently launched a new line of shipping pallets upcycled into branded coasters and soap dishes, perfect for pairing with the company’s handmade soaps.

6

Stormtech Appoints Shane Brett as COO

A promotional apparel veteran made a big move this past spring. Shane Brett, previously the CEO of Cutter & Buck Canada (asi/47967), a division of Top 40 supplier Cutter & Buck (asi/47965), joined Top 40 supplier Stormtech (asi/89864; Canada, 89869) as COO. In his new role with Stormtech, Brett leads the company’s global expansion strategy and the sales and marketing teams.

7

Case Study: Custom Socks Benefit Canadian Youth Charity

A Canadian supplier shared a fun case study for the 2022 holiday season. Sockrates (pronounced “Socrates,” like the Greek philosopher)) Custom Socks (asi/88082) in Toronto and Boca Raton, FL, helped a distributor client put together custom socks to help fundraise for Wyndham House, a youth homelessness charity in Guelph, ON. The organization sells about 4,000 to 5,000 pairs a year, with sales at about $10,000 that goes directly to its operations. “They look forward to it each year and they love hearing how fast they sold out,” said Sam Moses, founder and “chief socktologist” at Sockrates.

8

Port Workers Strike on Canada’s West Coast

When West Coast port workers went on strike this past summer, the move threatened to delay the movement of goods once again after COVID recovery. On July 1, over 7,000 workers walked off the job at more than 30 ports, including Vancouver and Prince Rupert. Before the end of the first week of July, 290,000 containers were at anchor and couldn’t be unloaded – about $20 billion worth of product that hadn’t moved since June 30. Fortunately, an agreement was reached after two weeks, freeing up supply lines.

9

PPPC Presents High-Energy NATCON, Awards Ceremony

In mid-September, PPPC once again held its National Convention at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON, welcoming suppliers, distributors, multi-line reps and end-buyers to its second in-person gathering since the pandemic. Over 100 exhibitors presented items to attendees, with the sustainability, high-end apparel and retail-brand trends leading the pack.

10

Kate Plummer Named Director of Sales for Debco & Beacon Promotions

A beloved member of the industry made a big move in December. Kate Plummer, formerly vice president of sales and marketing at Clearmount (asi/45440), the company her parents founded in the late 1980s, joined Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966) as director of sales for the company’s Ontario-based Debco and Minnesota-based Beacon Promotions brands. Clearmount was acquired by St Regis Group (asi/84592) last year. Plummer is also vice chair of PromoKitchen and co-chair of PPPC’s annual Women’s Empowerment Event (WEE).