PCNA (PPAI 113079, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 6 supplier, has announced the appointment of Kimberly DiGiandomenico as vice president of national accounts.

DiGiandomenico brings more than a decade of branded merchandise industry experience to PCNA. She most recently served as director of national accounts at HPG. She has also held account management roles at Taylor Communications and The Magnet Group.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to join PCNA’s leadership team,” says DiGiandomenico. “PCNA is a top supplier within our industry, and I appreciate the company’s strong customer-focused culture. I am passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and look forward to applying my industry experience to help drive growth, strengthen partnerships and support continued success.”

They come from every corner of the branded merchandise industry, representing distributors, suppliers and business service firms of every size, but they share something important.

The 2026 PPAI Rising Stars possess the ambition to lead, the curiosity to keep growing and the instinct to bring others with them.

Each year, PPAI Media searches the industry for its brightest emerging leaders. From a deep field of nominees in 2026, 12 young professionals distinguished themselves through their accomplishments, contributions to their companies and communities and their potential to shape what comes next.

Since the program’s creation in 2010, PPAI Rising Stars have represented many of the qualities that keep the industry moving forward, from leadership, to creativity, service and a willingness to take on new challenges. Eligibility remains limited to professionals under age 40, keeping the program focused on recognizing the next generation of leaders already making their mark.

The 2026 honorees will be recognized later this month at PPAI’s Leadership Development Conference(opens in new tab) in Texas, where they will join peers from across the industry for education, conversation and connection designed to strengthen their skills and expand their influence. It is a fitting setting for a group defined not only by what they have accomplished, but by where they have the potential to go.

Many of this year’s Rising Stars were championed by colleagues, mentors and industry peers who have seen their impact firsthand. Together, their stories reflect a branded merchandise community that continues to evolve – one strengthened by new ideas, fresh viewpoints and leaders willing to help move it forward.

Read on to meet the 2026 class of PPAI Rising Stars. They are already helping shape the industry today, and their greatest contributions may still be ahead.

Terrin Conway
Director of Client Relations, SOCK101(opens in new tab)

“Her energy is contagious. I truly look forward to her meetings, and we collaborated to launch a program for on-demand no-minimum shoes on our ASB eCommerce platform that positiely impacted both companies and most importantly, our customers! Some of our programs are still repeating for three-plus years, and we have launched many new ones during that time. She is very good at building trust and delivering on ideas and goals!”

–Katie Foshie, ASB

Ritanshu Dokania
Co-founder, Trelium(opens in new tab)

“RD is an absolute rock star. He is one of the most engaging, humble, funny and intelligent people in our industry. Everyone who meets him likes him right away and wants to find a way to work with him! … Through Trelium, he is showing suppliers and distributors how AI can help them automate their everyday workflows like purchase order entry, quoting, proof follow-up, invoice matching, supplier updates and customer order status requests. What impresses me most, though, is RD doesn’t talk about AI as a replacement for people. Instead, he sees it as a way to remove repetitive work so teams can spend more time helping customers, solving problems, and growing their businesses.”

–Rusty Pepper, Taylor Promo Marketing

Emily Douglas
Vice President of Revenue Operations, PCNA(opens in new tab)

“I have worked alongside many talented colleagues, across a variety of professional industries, and Emily truly stands out. I firmly believe that you will not find one person at PCNA, or in this industry for that matter, that does not absolutely love working alongside, interacting with, and learning from Emily. Despite being insanely busy, when you have a conversation with her, she is always present. She makes you feel like you are the only thing on her agenda and the most important part of her day. Her kindness, positivity, and unselfish personality is truly contagious!”

–Skip Stevens, PCNA

Carmen Elise
Head of Sales, Award Maven(opens in new tab)

“She is a revenue-generating machine. Her problem-solving skills are unmatched. She’s doubled revenue year after year while building and growing a high-performing sales team, partnering with our tech team to streamline our software so it better supports our operations and meets customer needs. She’s phenomenal under pressure, quick to solve complex problems, and always finds a path forward. She truly does it all. She’s an exceptional leader and an expert in sales, strategy and critical thinking.”

–Tori Hamley, Award Maven

Lawrence Hanley
Founder & CEO, Desk Plants(opens in new tab)

“Lawrence is an innovator with Desk Plants. The activations Desk Plants are doing now with plants and candles are amazing and leading the way in that space for customer excitement and ease of use. He is also one of the kindest people in the industry. After the floods in Texas, he started a non-profit that helped the victims and allowed promo people to help in meaningful ways with boots on the ground.”

–Alicia Matthai, Haymaker Promotions

Rachel Hoskins
Vice President of Sales, RUPT(opens in new tab)

“Rachel embodies everything we should all aspire to be in the branded merchandise space: She’s a hard-working and forward-thinking young professional that has the one critical intangible that can’t be taught – she cares. This was on display during RUPT Summer Camp in Moab, Utah where she had to push past logistical challenges and the sheer heat of the day (well into triple digits) to deliver a huge activation of over 80 pairs of leather high top sneakers. She did it all with an efficiency I admire but, more importantly, a tremendously positive and contagious attitude that made every attendee feel not only seen, but personally part of the activation. Over time, I’ve learned that this can-do attitude is the norm when it comes to Rachel, not the exception.”

–Bill Petrie, brandivate

Kelsey Jones
Director of National Accounts, City Apparel + Merch(opens in new tab)

“In just four years in the promotional products industry, Kelsey has quickly established herself as a standout leader driven by creativity, strategic vision and authentic relationship-building. After joining City Apparel + Merch with a background in marketing, she rapidly advanced from Account Manager to Director of National Accounts…. Her drive, generosity, and commitment to elevating others make her a true rising star with an exceptionally bright future.”

–Halle Moore, Bay State Specialty

Hannah Mackay-Baker
Inside Sales Manager, SnugZ USA(opens in new tab)

“Hannah has been instrumental in launching the Young Professionals Committee in the UMAPP regional. As one of the original founders, she not only envisioned the group but has also driven engagement, organized events and created space where young professionals can collaborate and build relationships. When UMAPP needed a supplier representative on the board in a pinch, Hannah stepped up without hesitation, further demonstrating her commitment to the association. Even through significant life changes, including moving and becoming a mom, she has remained dedicated to serving others.”

–Kate Murray, ASB

Terri Harland
Director of Professional Development, Facilisgroup(opens in new tab)

“What stands out to me about Terri is that she’s not just a Rising Star herself – she’s helping create future Rising Stars. Since taking on her role with Amplifi, she’s taken an already solid education program and made it even better. The sales training has become more engaging, more relevant and packed with ideas that reps can actually put into practice. I’ve personally learned a lot from her sessions, but what really reinforces it is the feedback I continue to hear from other Facilis partners. Time and again, people walk away talking about how valuable her training was and how they can immediately apply what they learned.”  Terri got a way of making people believe they can be better at what they do. She’s not just teaching sales. she’s building confidence, developing talented next stars. “

–Javier Melendez, Walker-Clay

Amanda Maynord
Director of National Accounts, Hirsch(opens in new tab)

“Amanda’s career is a great example of what can happen when talent is matched with hard work and a genuine desire to keep growing…. What impresses me most, though, is how intentionally she gives back. Amanda volunteers her time on GAPPP and PPAMS committees, shares her experience freely with others, and is always willing to encourage someone who is newer to the industry. She understands that leadership isn’t just about advancing your own career. It’s about helping others advance theirs as well.”

–Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS+, Competitive Edge

Kyla Powell-Emory
Inside Sales & Creative Director, Blue Phoenix Branding – Powered By Proforma(opens in new tab)

“As Blue Phoenix Branding’s creative director and inside sales representative, she has assisted in putting them on the map! She impresses me because she produces very strong social media content for the company through posts, videos and unboxing moments that are fabulous. She makes it lighthearted, entertaining and informative. She has an incredible talent for this and that is impressive to me.”

–Jenny Straub, MAS, Outdoor Cap

Madeline Weiss
Strategic Account Manager, Spector & Co.

“Maddie is a Rising Star because she has quickly distinguished herself through her professionalism, customer focus and ability to build authentic relationships. In just two years in the industry, she has consistently exceeded expectations while earning exceptional feedback from customers who value her creativity, responsiveness, and positive attitude. What impresses me most is her willingness to go beyond traditional customer interactions. She created and publishes Mondays with Maddie, a weekly communication that combines industry insights, product inspiration, humor, and personality. It keeps customers engaged while showcasing her authentic approach to relationship-building.” She has also demonstrated confidence and professionalism by presenting at the SAGNY Showcase in New York, representing both herself and Spector & Co. exceptionally well.”

–Andrea Kramer, City Apparel + Merch

PPAI congratulates all the nominees and invites the industry to share in the celebration for the 2026 PPAI Rising Stars. Look out for more on the new class in the cover story of PPAI Magazine in December.

Published with Permission from PPAI

SAGE, a leading provider of software and technology solutions for the promotional products industry, announced today the promotion of Blake Bozeman to Chief Business Officer. In this newly created role, Bozeman will help lead SAGE’s business operations and strategic initiatives as the company continues to grow and expand its solutions for the promotional products industry.

Bozeman brings 25 years of promotional products industry experience to the position. He began his career in sales with an industry supplier before joining Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), where he served as Business Development Manager and oversaw sales and affinity programs.

Bozeman joined SAGE in 2014 and has held progressively expanding leadership responsibilities throughout his tenure with the company. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Sales, leading SAGE’s sales organization and supporting the company’s continued growth and customer relationships.

“Blake has been an integral part of SAGE for more than a decade, and his leadership, industry knowledge, and commitment to our customers have made a tremendous impact on our organization,” said David Natinsky, SAGE President. “As SAGE continues to grow, this new role strengthens our leadership team and positions us to continue moving the company forward. We are excited to have Blake take on this expanded responsibility.”

As Chief Business Officer, Bozeman will be responsible for overseeing key facets of SAGE’s business and working across departments to support company-wide strategy, collaboration, and growth. His expanded role will help ensure SAGE continues to build on its position as a technology leader and trusted partner to the promotional products industry.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to take on this new role and continue building on everything we’ve accomplished at SAGE,” said Bozeman. “I look forward to working alongside our talented teams across the company as we continue to innovate, strengthen our customer relationships, and find new ways to serve the promotional products industry.”

SanMar (PPAI 110788, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 1 supplier, has announced the creation of a new chief operating officer role and the appointment of Pat Noonan to the position.

A 19-year veteran of the Issaquah, Washington-based company, Noonan has served as chief product officer since 2017. His influence has shaped successful brand launches with Mercer+Mettle, as well as retail giants Richardson, Carhartt, Brooks Brothers and MiiR, according to the firm.

• He also played a central role in SanMar’s acquisition of BELLA+CANVAS. 

This is a natural next step in strengthening our executive team, and it reflects the trust we have in Pat’s leadership.”

Jeremy Lott

President & CEO, SanMar

In his new role, Noonan will continue to lead the product organization and will now also oversee information technology, distribution and enterprise resource planning. 

“This is a natural next step in strengthening our executive team, and it reflects the trust we have in Pat’s leadership,” says Jeremy Lott, president and CEO of SanMar. “Bringing these functions under one leader will make it easier for these teams to work together, move quickly and support our customers and each other well.”

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Nooan began his career at SanMar as a distribution process manager, later serving as vice president of distribution and enterprise architecture before being named chief product officer.

I’m fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team that’s committed to supporting small businesses and making a positive impact every day.”  

Pat Noonan

COO, SanMar

The new role reflects the scale of SanMar’s ongoing investment in its infrastructure, according to the company. Over the past several years, the branded merchandise juggernaut has grown its product catalog and brand portfolio to more than 30 brands, announced expansion plans for automated distribution and accelerated investment in its technology platforms. 

“Throughout my career, I’ve believed that leadership starts with service,” Noonan says. “I’m honored to step into this new role and help connect the people, processes and ideas that make a difference for our customers. The opportunity ahead of us is exciting. I’m fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team that’s committed to supporting small businesses and making a positive impact every day.”  

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Logomark (PPAI 110898, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 16 supplier, has announced the promotion of Clive Goldberg to CEO, effective immediately. Former CEO Trevor Gnesin, who founded Logomark in 1992, will remain with the company through the end of the year and continue to serve as a member of the board and consultant to the California-based supplier.

“I am honored to step into the role of CEO of Logomark and grateful for the trust placed in me by our ownership team and employees,” Goldberg says. “Trevor Gnesin has built a strong foundation for the company, and I want to thank him for his leadership and contributions over the years. As we begin this next chapter, I remain committed to driving growth, strengthening our customer relationships, supporting our talented team and continuing to deliver the innovation and service that have defined Logomark’s success.”

I remain committed to driving growth, strengthening our customer relationships, supporting our talented team and continuing to deliver the innovation and service that have defined Logomark’s success.”

Clive Goldberg

CEO, Logomark

While Goldberg hints at a new chapter, his appointment to the top leadership role is expected to ensure a level of continuity.

• The newly named CEO joined Logomark in 2019 as chief operating officer.
• He most recently served in the role of president.

A Powerful Legacy And A New Era

Gnesin’s decision to step down from the role of CEO comes in the same year as a majority stake of the supplier was acquired by Forge52 Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm. An operating partner of Forge52, Bob Herzog was brought on as executive chairman within Logomark’s leadership team. The firm’s capital is expected to help the supplier to accelerate growth through its next era.

Any growth, however, is owed to the foundation built by Gnesin, who says that this industry was the right fit for what he and his initially small firm wanted to build years back.

I am immensely proud of what we have built together and deeply grateful to our employees, distributor partners and industry colleagues who helped make that success possible.”

Trevor Gnesin

Founder & Former CEO, Logomark

“When I founded Logomark in 1992, I never imagined the incredible journey that would lay ahead,” Gnesin says. “What began as an entrepreneurial venture grew into a company recognized for innovation, design, service and leadership. I am immensely proud of what we have built together and deeply grateful to our employees, distributor partners and industry colleagues who helped make that success possible.

“After more than three decades, countless milestones and many rewarding relationships, the time feels right to step aside and begin a new chapter. While I am retiring from my day-to-day role, I leave with tremendous confidence in the future of Logomark and its leadership team, knowing the company is well-positioned to continue setting the standard for excellence for years to come. It has been the honor of a lifetime. I am excited to see Clive step into the CEO role and lead Logomark into its next chapter of growth.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

The branded merchandise industry is mourning the shocking loss of Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage Apparel (PPAI 113235, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 14 supplier, who died suddenly on Friday. He was 48.

I can’t believe I’m writing this five months from the day that I spent with him at Vantage’s flagship facility in Avenel, New Jersey. Watson (along with his mentor/business partner, Ira Neaman, MAS) gave me the grand tour, took me to lunch and then granted me a candid, hour-long interview for a profile in the June issue of PPAI Magazine.

We discussed his cruise ship days, changes he’d like to see for trade shows, working from home (he wasn’t a fan), the proliferation of AI-generated content and how it forced him to stop using an em dash lest anyone think he was phoning it in. He recommended Dynasty: The Murdochs on Netflix but was equally as riveted over Neaman’s tales of yesteryear.

Having both lost a parent in 2025 – his dad in April, my mom in December – there was a mutual grieving between us. In fact, the visit to Vantage was my first work trip in over a year. Watson, Neaman and their team couldn’t have been any more hospitable.

Driving home, I understood why Watson is universally respected in the branded merchandise industry, why his counsel was highly sought after, why peers and competitors alike gravitated to his warmth and wit and why ASI’s Michele Bell would happily take a 10-hour road trip with him.

“[His loss] is devastating to the industry,” Neaman, founder, president and executive chairman of Vantage, told PPAI Media on Sunday. “Rob is one of those people who transcends any one company.”

Watson’s Voyage

A James Madison University graduate, Watson didn’t mosey. He walked with purpose, eager to disrupt the status quo.

Before entering the branded merch industry, he was marketing and revenue manager for Royal Caribbean International, spending every couple of weeks at sea. Just when he was ready to move back home to Richmond, Virginia, he received a call from a headhunter for a job with New Jersey-based rewards supplier MediaTree.

Ten minutes after the interview, he received an offer. A little over a year later, he became president of the company.

ASI was his next destination, accepting an executive role focused on marketing and digital user experience. “I consider myself to be a marketing guy with a tech influence because I understand the consumer experience and their needs,” Watson told me in March. “I’m excited to work with distributors to understand what their end users are looking for and find solutions to help us get there. We’ve gone from being a product-focused industry to a service-focused industry where we use branded merchandise as part of those solutions.”

Watson’s journey also saw him work for various distributors over the years, opening his eyes to their delicate balance of serving both supplier partners and end-user clients. That’s also when he realized there was enormous opportunity in the industry to capitalize on e-commerce and company webstores.

In 2018, with a diverse background covering all facets of the industry supply chain, Watson joined Vantage as chief digital officer and then chief experience officer. It was clear that he was destined to be Neaman’s right-hand man, playing a pivotal role in enhancing customer experience, streamlining operations and driving business development initiatives.

Then, Watson’s mother passed away suddenly. With his widowed father suffering from early stages of dementia, he decided to step away from Vantage in 2022 (while staying engaged in the industry) and move back home to help.

In 2023, Watson returned as CEO, picking right back up where he left off.

Under his guidance, the company launched a new webstore platform and created a digital integrations team to facilitate on-demand ordering and fulfillment. Nearly two-thirds of Vantage’s business comes from orders that are directly integrated with distributors.

The integrations fuel Vantage’s ever- growing strategic partnerships with fellow suppliers, such as Redwood Classics Apparel, Starline and iClick. Vantage is also one of the largest decorators for industry titans SanMar, S&S Activewear and Cutter & Buck. Watson said there are more units belonging to those firms moving through the factory than Vantage’s own orders because of contract decoration, which is a core part of the business model.

“While some folks might consider them our competitors,” Watson said, “we look at them as partners more than anything else.”

‘Honoring And Healing’

Yearning to sit under Neaman’s learning tree, Watson requested to be at his table during an awards dinner more than a decade ago. Neaman’s reputation preceded him, and Watson, who had never met his future boss, was drawn to the industry veteran’s knowledge, easy-going nature and endless ambition.

It has been common for industry members to ask Neaman if Watson is his son because of how close they’ve been.

Rob was such a wonderful industry leader. People like him don’t come along too often.”

Ira Neaman, MAS

President & Executive Chairman, Vantage Apparel

“Rob was such a wonderful industry leader. People like him don’t come along too often,” Neaman says. “He had warmth, compassion and understood the business, particularly everybody’s sensibilities, and was fair.”

Vantage staff and customers were informed of Watson’s passing over the weekend. “The outpouring of responses is humbling and tells you what a good industry we’re all in,” Neaman says.  “We’re in the honoring and healing process at the same time. We’ll do our best to keep all the momentum he’s built for Vantage.”

Echoing the industry reaction, PPAI President and CEO Drew Holmgreen, CAS, says Watson’s sudden passing hits hard.

Rob made others feel welcomed, valued and connected, and I experienced that personally from the moment I entered this community.”

Drew Holmgreen, CAS

President & CEO, PPAI

“He earned immense respect as a leader and was equally admired for his kindness,” Holmgreen says. “Rob made others feel welcomed, valued and connected, and I experienced that personally from the moment I entered this community. He was among those who I sought out every opportunity that our paths crossed.

“Our hearts are with his family, friends and the entire Vantage team. While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a legacy that will continue to shape and strengthen our global merch community for years to come.”

Watson’s diverse background of working on the supplier side, distributor side and even the business service side at ASI gave him a unique, 360-degree perspective of the industry.

He had this rare combination of brilliance and calm, and no matter how chaotic things got, he was the steadiest person in the room.”

Jake Himelstein

President, BAMKO

“In an industry built on relationships, Rob never walked into a room thinking about what he could get. He walked in thinking about what he could give,” says Jake Himelstein, president of BAMKO, PPAI 100’s No. 10 distributor.

Himelstein worked alongside Watson when he led Zing at BAMKO, and even after he moved on to lead Vantage, he remained a close friend and someone Himelstein turned to for advice.

“He had this rare combination of brilliance and calm, and no matter how chaotic things got, he was the steadiest person in the room,” Himelstein says. “He made everyone around him better, and he did it with warmth, humility and a genuine love for people. I’m devastated by this loss. My heart goes out to his family and to everyone at Vantage who loved him. Hold your loved ones close. Life is too short.”

Rob’s greatest legacy will be the people he inspired, encouraged, mentored and touched throughout his life.”

Jill Albers

VP of Client Success, BAMKO

Watson was the kind of person who left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him, adds Jill Albers, vice president of client success at BAMKO.

“He was a true industry leader, a respected CEO and a man whose character, wisdom and genuine care for others made him stand apart,” Albers says. “His accomplishments were significant, but they never defined the person he was. Rob’s greatest legacy will be the people he inspired, encouraged, mentored and touched throughout his life. I will always be grateful for his friendship. Rob had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued, and his presence brought confidence, perspective and warmth to those around him.”

Rusty Pepper, head of global markets and partnerships at Taylor Promo Marketing, PPAI 100’s No. 16 distributor, had a standing quarterly call with Watson in which they exchanged market insights and caught up on business and life.

I’m really going to miss my friend, especially the way he could get you to open up, make you laugh and his infectious smile.”

Rusty Pepper

Head of Global Markets & Partnerships, Taylor Promo Marketing

“Rob was Mr. Reliable,” Pepper says. “If I was dealing with a challenge, wanted an honest opinion or needed someone to join me on a panel, he was my go-to. He knew this industry incredibly well, especially print on demand. It always felt like he was six months to a year ahead of everyone else.

“But more than any of that, I’m really going to miss my friend, especially the way he could get you to open up, make you laugh and his infectious smile. And of course, those preppy red slacks and sockless loafers he loved to rock!”

Outside of business, music played an integral role in Watson’s life. He was a longtime educator, adjudicator and former executive director at Fusion Winter Guard, a New Jersey-based nonprofit dedicated to color guard.

Watson is survived by his sister, Jennifer; his nephews, Jayden and Jordan; and his pets, Bentley and Dalton.

Details on a funeral service/celebration of life will be announced shortly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Watson’s name to Clean Ocean Action at cleanoceanaction.org.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI has officially launched Merch Moves Us, a global marketing campaign designed to strengthen the business case for branded merchandise and elevate the medium’s place in the modern marketing mix.

At the center of the initiative is MerchMovesUs.org, a new platform built to give marketers more than product inspiration. The site brings together research, case studies, planning guidance and other resources intended to help marketers understand where branded merchandise fits, make a stronger case for its use and approach it more strategically.

But the campaign is not designed to succeed through PPAI’s marketing efforts alone.

• A major component of the launch is a new member toolkit created to help distributors take the campaign’s research, language and ideas directly into conversations with clients and prospects.
• Members are being encouraged not simply to share campaign creative, but to use the resources to elevate discussions beyond product and price, connect merchandise recommendations to business goals and help marketing decision-makers explain the value of branded merchandise within their own organizations.

The ambition is to change a familiar conversation from “We need some swag” to “What role could branded merch play in this campaign, experience or business goal?”

“Merch Moves Us is about elevating the perception of branded merchandise and helping the broader business community recognize its power as a strategic marketing channel,” says PPAI President & CEO Drew Holmgreen, CAS. “At its core, the campaign celebrates the ability of branded merchandise to move people, strengthen relationships and create lasting connections between brands and the audiences they serve.

“As one of the most significant initiatives our industry has ever undertaken, Merch Moves Us represents a unified effort to tell our story on a global scale, reshaping perceptions, expanding opportunities and reinforcing the essential role branded merchandise plays in modern marketing.”

As one of the most significant initiatives our industry has ever undertaken, Merch Moves Us represents a unified effort to tell our story on a global scale, reshaping perceptions, expanding opportunities and reinforcing the essential role branded merchandise plays in modern marketing.”

Drew Holmgreen, CAS

President & CEO, PPAI

PPAI will also host a LinkedIn Live this Thursday, Aug. 27 at noon (CT), to walk members through the campaign strategy, available resources and what comes next. Registration is now available.

Strengthening Conversations

The launch represents the culmination of an extensive development process centered on a persistent challenge for the industry: Branded merchandise may be ubiquitous, but it is still too often treated as a last-minute purchase or tactical extra rather than a marketing channel to be considered during the planning process.

Research conducted during campaign development identified ROI clarity, procurement pressure, competition for marketing budgets and outdated perceptions among the most significant barriers preventing merch from earning a larger strategic role in the minds of brand architects. At the same time, the research highlighted qualities such as usefulness, personalization, quality, long-term visibility and emotional connection as some of the medium’s greatest strengths.

That led PPAI to focus the campaign not simply on generating awareness, but on giving marketers stronger reasons to consider branded merchandise earlier, use it more intentionally and defend the investment internally.

The campaign was strategically shaped with guidance from PPAI volunteers – by marketers, for marketers. A marketing task force, formed in 2025, provided essential feedback, and the campaign’s framing was informed by research with brand strategists, marketers, recipients and members.

The result is an approach intended to reflect the questions and pressures marketers themselves face rather than simply repeat what the industry already believes about its value.

Those findings also influenced the campaign’s creative platform.

Rather than defining branded merchandise through a single type of product or application, Merch Moves Us is designed to scale across the many ways organizations use merch – from premium brand experiences and event activations to employee programs, safety initiatives and practical products used every day.

PHOTOS: Behind The Scenes At The Merch Moves Us Production Shoot

Its central argument is that when merchandise is useful, relevant, well made and connected to a clear goal, it can continue creating value long after the initial handoff, through attention, memory, participation, connection, perception and repeated presence in people’s lives.

Members‘ Crucial Role

PPAI’s paid media, partnerships, search strategy and public-facing content are intended to introduce and reinforce that idea with marketers. Members, however, represent the campaign’s connection to thousands of individual relationships.

That makes member adoption a critical part of the strategy.

The campaign’s member toolkit provides research and proof points, case studies, educational and reframing content, planning guidance, public-facing tools and campaign materials that members can incorporate into their own businesses.

The resources are designed to help members:

• Elevate conversations beyond product and price
• Show where branded merchandise fits within the broader marketing mix
• Connect recommendations to a client’s goal, audience and moment
• Use evidence and examples to strengthen the business case
• Explain why relevance, usefulness and quality affect results
• Give marketers clearer language to support internal approval

Members can apply the material in sales conversations, proposals, presentations, planning sessions, client follow-up and their own social and marketing content.

Just as importantly, the toolkit is not intended to script those conversations.

Keep Up With The Campaign! Follow Merch Moves Us On: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

PPAI is encouraging members to add their own expertise, examples and perspective rather than repeat campaign language word for word. The aim is to create an industry-wide framework that individual businesses can translate into conversations that make sense for their own customers and markets.

The underlying strategy identified members from the outset as the campaign’s key amplification layer – the group capable of reinforcing the message throughout the client journey and helping turn broad market awareness into actual consideration and adoption.

In that sense, the success of Merch Moves Us will depend partly on what happens through PPAI’s content and advertising investment, but also on what happens in sales meetings, presentations, proposals and planning conversations across the industry.

An Always-On Resource

MerchMovesUs.org serves as the public-facing home for the initiative.

Rather than functioning simply as a campaign landing page, the site is designed as an evolving resource where marketers can encounter evidence, education and practical guidance that helps them make better decisions about branded merchandise.

The hub will continue to add original content each week, with substantive resources and member engagement capabilities coming on line in the months and years ahead, helping turn client awareness into conviction.

Measuring Progress

PPAI is also building measurement into Merch Moves Us from the beginning, establishing benchmarks that will allow the Association to determine whether the effort is changing how marketers perceive and use branded merchandise over time.

“Taking guidance from volunteers and industry leadership, we recognize the importance of building measurability into Merch Moves Us from the start,” says PPAI CMO Melissa Ralston, CAS. “The campaign establishes clear benchmarks for how marketers perceive, engage with and ultimately adopt branded merchandise as a vital part of their marketing mix. We will track real movement over time and demonstrate whether we’re advancing our goal of elevating branded merchandise as a premier marketing channel.”

We will track real movement over time and demonstrate whether we’re advancing our goal of elevating branded merchandise as a premier marketing channel.”

Melissa Ralston, CAS

Chief Marketing Officer, PPAI

The campaign plan calls for measuring more than reach or impressions. PPAI intends to monitor indicators tied to perception, engagement, share of voice, member adoption and the position branded merchandise holds among marketing channels, supported by ongoing analytics and reporting.

That long-term approach is central to Merch Moves Us. The launch is intended as the beginning of an ongoing industry marketing effort rather than a single advertising push.

For members, it is also an invitation to participate.

PPAI can take the category story to market, create resources and generate attention. The industry’s thousands of individual client relationships give members the opportunity to carry that story further – using the campaign to help clients see branded merchandise not simply as something to order, but as a marketing channel worth planning for.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

Sock Club announced it has earned a Bronze Medal from EcoVadis, the world's largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, in its fi rst-ever assessment. Sock Club scored 68 out of 100, placing the company in the top 35% of all rated organizations globally and well above the overall global average of 57.1.

"Earning a Bronze Medal in our very fi rst EcoVadis assessment is a meaningful milestone for our team," Sarah Schultz, Senior Operations Manager. "It refl ects years of intentional work across our supply chain, our workplace practices, and our environmental commitments — and it gives us a clear benchmark as we continue to raise the bar."

A Strong Debut, By the Numbers

The result is especially notable given how EcoVadis benchmarks compare fi rst-time participants to more established ones:

- Companies undergoing their fi rst EcoVadis assessment typically average 51.5 points. Sock Club scored 68 — 16.5 points higher.

- Even companies with more than a decade of experience in the EcoVadis network average just 63.2 points. Sock Club's fi rst-time score surpassed that veteran benchmark as well.

Category Performance

Sock Club's Bronze Medal refl ects strong, consistent performance across all four EcoVadis assessment categories, each of which outpaced the corresponding global average.

Standout Category: Sustainable Procurement

Sustainable Procurement — widely regarded as the most diffi cult category to score well in — was Sock Club's strongest area. A score of 65 or higher qualifi es as "Advanced" in this category, a level reached by only 19% of companies assessed by EcoVadis worldwide. Sock Club's score of 70 places it firmly within that top tier.

Starline USA (PPAI 112719, Platinum) announced the retirement of Kim Reinecker, who has represented the company in the Southwest territory for the past 16 years and will retire at the end of September. Reinecker is concluding a 40-year career as a supplier representative in the branded merch industry. Reflecting on her career, she said, “The success I enjoyed throughout my career was only possible because of the trust of my customers, the support of my colleagues and the friendships I developed along the way. I am truly blessed to have spent the last 16 years representing Starline and could not think of a better company to end my industry career with.”

The company has named Clay Bridges as Reinecker’s successor in Texas. Bridges brings nearly 25 years of industry experience, most recently on the distributor side, and has recently relocated to Texas. He will assume responsibility for the territory following Reinecker’s retirement.

Brian DeBottis, Starline’s chief revenue officer, thanked Reinecker for her contributions and wished her well in retirement. He also welcomed Bridges to the organization, noting his longstanding commitment to customer service and industry expertise. Bridges will spend the coming month traveling with Reinecker to meet customers and support a smooth transition.

Published with Permission from PPAI

Branded merchandise powers lasting connections, often experienced most deeply as the gifting of a product from a brand to a recipient. But many more people touched that T-shirt, tumbler or charging device on its journey to the end recipient.

Keep that in mind when considering PPAI’s forthcoming global economic impact study, produced by highly regarded independent third-party firm Oxford Economics and slated to release in the third quarter of 2026. The study is intricate in both process and results, but it was commissioned and carried out from a simple notion: The numbers you have been seeing attributed to the branded merch industry’s annual economy do not tell the whole story.

Around the world, the true impact is far greater than the $27.1 billion attributed to U.S. distributor sales last year.

“The branded merch industry has always punched above its weight, but we haven’t always had the data to prove it,” says Danny Rosin, CAS, co-president of Brand Fuel, PPAI 100’s No. 42 distributor. “Previous figures provided valuable benchmarks, but they didn’t fully capture the scale, complexity and global reach of today’s branded merchandise ecosystem.

“This study gives us a clearer picture of who we are, the value we create and why our industry deserves a larger voice in conversations about business, trade, workforce development and economic growth.”

This study gives us a clearer picture of who we are, the value we create and why our industry deserves a larger voice in conversations about business, trade, workforce development and economic growth.”

Danny Rosin, CAS, Co-President, Brand Fuel, & Chair, PPAI Board of Directors

It’s not about just producing a bigger number. It’s about creating tangible metrics that policymakers will understand by going well beyond traditional signposts such as distributor sales. This study doesn’t stop at “traditional” promotional products (more later on what that means).

So, yes, you’ll see a bigger number when the final version of the study is released later this year – think in the hundreds of billions. But what PPAI is also equipping its members and the industry community with is a stronger foundation for advocacy. Whether you’re a small business making a case in your local economy or massive job creator contending with tariffs and supply chain challenges, you’re part of a global community that has a significant impact on the GDP of more than 200 countries. This study not only proves that, but it’s a resource to make that case to the policymakers who can effect change.

“This is really the first study of its kind,” says Alice Gambarin, associate director at Oxford Economics. “It aims to look at the industry from end to end.”

This is really the first study of its kind.”

Alice Gambarin, Associate Director, Oxford Economics

What exactly does that entail? As you can probably imagine, that’s not a short answer. We can start by pointing out four core objectives of the study:

• Go Beyond Traditional Sales Data – This means extending the analysis an extra step into metrics such as GDP, taxes, job creation and supply chain impact.
• Map The Industry’s Global Linkage – Measuring branded merchandise activity across the world.
• Capture The Entirety Of The Supply Chain – “Supplier, distributor and client” doesn’t tell the entire economic story when it comes to branded merch.
• Understand The Scope Of Industry Sales – Go beyond what people consider “traditional promotional products.”

“Branded merchandise reaches across the entire world, connecting marketing, licensing, e-commerce, retail, manufacturing, trade and end-buyer demand,” says Alok Bhat, market economist and PPAI’s research and public affairs lead. “This work will help show the scale, credibility and future growth potential of an industry that has often been underestimated.”

This work will help show the scale, credibility and future growth potential of an industry that has often been underestimated.”

‘The Branded Merch Ecosystem’

Attendees of this year’s PPAI North American Leadership Conference were given a glimpse of preliminary results of the study. But soon, the final version of those numbers will be a resource to the entire branded merch community.

To actually understand the scope of industry sales is to admit that prior sales numbers have been doing something of a disservice to what this industry encompasses. Anyone who has walked the aisles at The PPAI Expo can tell you that this is an industry too diverse in its offerings to be saddled with the notion of what many people consider “promotional products.”

That’s why you’ve seen a shift in language coming from PPAI to the term branded merchandise. What’s being referred to with branded merchandise – the range of possibilities that you see at The PPAI Expo, from food to apparel to pens to experiential activations and beyond, whether gifted or sold to consumers – is more economically meaningful than traditional promotional products sales suggest.

“Moving from promotional products to branded merchandise isn’t just semantics,” says Drew Holmgreen, CAS, PPAI’s president and CEO. “It’s a signal that what we do is bigger than product. We are part of how brands connect, engage and build lasting relationships.”

What makes up the branded merchandise ecosystem? Included in the study are:

• Traditional promotional products
• Decorated hard goods and soft goods
• Apparel, workwear and related products
• Licensed merchandise
• Retail branded merchandise
• Creator and customized merchandise
• Print-on-demand and e-commerce channels
• White-label and private-label branded goods
• Event, campaign, gifting, recognition and activation-related merchandise
• Products used by companies, organizations, schools, teams, creators, events and other brand owners to promote, represent or monetize a brand

“What really unifies all of these different items is not how it is sold, but what its purpose is,” says Gambarin.

A Value Chain Has More Points Than You Think

There’s a key word that can’t be skipped over when considering the effort. It’s a global economic impact study. The supply chain that most PPAI members will recognize for the sake of business comes down to suppliers, distributors and clients. But the economic impact of the branded merch industry goes well beyond those key points.

“We want to make sure that we capture the entirety of the value chain,” Gambarin says. “We want to capture the full economic impact, including the supply chain, as well as the consumer spending that is supported because you have employees that you employ and that you pay wages for.”

When you stop to analyze it, the money generated from branded merch stretches outward in a number of different directions. We know this because Oxford Economics did the analysis. What it determined is that the value chain has a scope that breaks down into three different streams:

• Upstream: Where the product begins. For example: Raw materials, blank product manufacturing, component production, etc.
  This captures the economic activity involved in making and sourcing the product before it becomes branded merchandise.
• Midstream:Where the product becomes branded. For example, suppliers, product sourcing, decoration, printing, embroidery, customization, packaging, kitting, warehousing, fulfillment, etc.
  Midstream captures the value created when a blank product is sourced, decorated, customized, packaged and prepared for a brand or organization.
• Downstream:The buyer-facing and market-facing side of the industry. Primarily distributors, wholesale activity, buyer relationships, sales strategy and consultation, e-commerce platforms, print-on-demand stores, retail branded merchandise, etc.
  Downstream is primarily the distributor and buyer-facing side of the value chain, but the study also recognizes adjacent channels such as e-commerce, print-on-demand, activation, retail and licensed merchandise.

All of this comes down to a larger way of thinking because, as we know, branded merch touches so much once it is released into the world. That is how we have to think about its economic impact, and that is how we have to attempt to measure that impact.

The Numbers That Matter

By creating a larger and more accurate economic value chain from which to draw insights, the global economic impact study can accomplish the initial objective of moving beyond sales data to metrics that policymakers are more comfortable with. Below are a few of those metrics:

• Gross Domestic Product:Measures the value of all final goods and services produced in an economy in one year. GDP is the main indicator of a country’s economic activity and is used to measure growth or contraction.
• Employment: The number of people employed, including partially, in the industry effort.
• Tax Receipts: Total taxes supported by the industry’s economic activity for governments across the globe.

Working Together

Upon its release, the study will include an exhaustive methodology report. PPAI worked directly with Oxford Economics, a world leader in global research and economic analysis for business and government to develop the study.

Oxford Economics specializes in evidence-based thought leadership, forecasting and economic impact analysis. Recent client work has included estimating the global economic footprint of the beer sector and its supply chain on behalf of the World Brewing Association and quantifying the economic impact of global spending on business events on behalf of the Events Industry Council.

PPAI also collaborated with Promotional Products Professionals of Canada, British Promotional Merchandise Association and Australasian Promotional Products Association for the study.

Defining ‘Branded Merchandise’

To establish boundaries for the study, PPAI and Oxford Economics worked with the following scope:

Branded merchandise is defined as any physical item created, customized, sourced or distributed by a third party on behalf of a first-party brand (including organizations or individuals) to promote, represent or monetizethe first party.

In all cases, these products function as tangible expressions of a brand.

This includes traditionally decorated promotional products(hard goods and soft goods, such as apparel, including workwear and non-licensed team/sports uniforms), as well as licensed goods both hard and soft, white-labeled items, creator-customized merchandise (such as through Etsy shops) and retail products bearing the selling brand’s name, logo or message (such as souvenir shops, college bookstores, golf pro shops, etc.).

Items may be gifted or soldto a final user and may serve marketing, cultural or commercial objectives.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI