Industry veteran Nick Lateur has joined business service provider Merch.ai (PPAI 881176) as the company’s vice president of revenue. Lateur most recently served as brand director for HPG, which currently ranks No. 6 on PPAI 100’s list of suppliers.

• Merch.ai is a relatively new venture that helps promo businesses leverage AI in order to save time and resources.
• A soon-to-be-published report by PPAI Research determined that 87% of distributors and 92% of suppliers among PPAI 100 companies are on board with AI.

“We’re excited to welcome Nick to the team,” says Raul Rodriguez, CEO of Merch.ai. “His extensive experience and industry insight will be instrumental in accelerating our growth and bringing Merch.ai to the forefront of the promotional products industry.”

A New Opportunity For A Familiar Face

Lateur brings another layer of name recognition to Merch.ai, having held prominent roles for well-known promo companies on both the supplier and the distributor side.

• • Before his nearly four-year stint at HPG – in which he held titles of brand director and director of sales – Lateur served as national sales manager at IMAGEN – PPAI 100’s No. 84 distributor.

Lateur will also be familiar to many promo professionals for his consistent presence on social media, which includes regular content on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. His persistent belief that social media marketing is part of the promo industry, as well as his more than 4,200 followers on LinkedIn, led to him being named the No. 1 promo pro on social media according to PPAI’s #Online18.

In March, Lateur was part of a social media “takeover” of PPAI, which he seemed to confuse for an actual takeover of the company itself.

On a more serious note, Lateur also serves on the board of trustees for the Promotional Products Education Foundation, a philanthropic branch of PPAI, which provides scholarships for promotional products industry employees and their children to support education goals.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI technology partner SAGE (PPAI 100001) has announced that 1,122 supplier and decorator companies have earned A+ and A rating awards for 2025 based on an aggregate of their distributor ratings collected through SAGE Total Access, the company’s product management and business management solution.

This Year’s Honorees

The SAGE rating system was developed to empower distributors to make well-informed decisions about the companies they work with.

• This year, 942 companies received SAGE’s A+ rating, an increase of 5.25% from the prior year, while 180 earned an A rating.
• These suppliers and decorators comprise a total of 46% of all active Advantage or Decorator Members in the SAGE database.
• As part of the relationship between SAGE and PPAI, suppliers with SAGE A+ and A ratings are also considered for eligibility in the industry’s annual renowned PPAI Supplier Star Awards competition.
• Likewise, SAGE ratings comprise a portion of the scoring for PPAI 100, serving as the basis for the Industry Faith category for suppliers.

“We’re thrilled to acknowledge and celebrate our supplier and decorator partners who consistently exceed expectations, delivering exceptional service and upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity in our industry,” says Dana Porter, MAS, SAGE’s vice president of information services.

To view the complete lists, click here:

• A+ Supplier Ratings
• A Supplier Ratings
• A+ Decorator Ratings
• A Decorator Ratings

Earning The Awards

Through SAGE Online and SAGE Web, distributors can view a supplier or decorator’s real-time ratings and comments, as well as a comprehensive overview of their award information, including any additional industry accolades.

• Distributors can also utilize AI-powered, consolidated review summaries to gain these important insights at a glance.

Ratings can be submitted through SAGE Total Access or via the “Rate Us” link provided by both suppliers and decorators.

• Distributors score factors such as customer service, delivery and problem resolution, as well as leave a detailed comment.
• They can only rate each company once to provide their unique perspective; however, they may update their ratings at any time, ensuring the most precise depiction of their experience.

Award-winning supplier and decorator companies will have access to a variety of marketing collateral to promote their A+ or A-rated status, including logos for their catalogs, websites and email signatures.

When 4imprint announced back in May that David Seekings planned to retire from his role as chief financial officer by the end of 2025, the Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based distributor stated that a diligent recruitment process would take place to select his replacement. Almost five months later, that process has ended.

• Michelle Brukwicki has been appointed to the position of CFO Designate and will take over the role in a full capacity upon Seekings’ official retirement next year.
• 4imprint (PPAI 107200, Platinum) is PPAI 100’s No. 1 distributor and reported earnings of just north of $1.3 billion in 2023 – both a company and an industry record.
  
  

I’ve got no doubt she will play a significant role in the next chapter of the 4imprint story.”

Kevin Lyons-Tarr

CEO, 4imprint

“We’re excited to welcome Michelle to the team,” says Kevin Lyons-Tarr, CEO of 4imprint. “From early on we could see that she brought all the right tools to the table, and as the process progressed, it became clear she was the right person for the job. She not only brings the necessary experience but ,critically, she brings the right leadership approach. We’re all anxious to work with her to ensure a successful transition, and I’ve got no doubt she will play a significant role in the next chapter of the 4imprint story.”

Seekings’ six-month notice of retirement will officially commence December 31, meaning that Brukwicki will be appointed to chief financial officer no later than May 31, 2025.

Michelle Brukwicki

CFO Designate, 4imprint

From Telecommunications To Promo

4imprint’s extensive search eventually took them outside of the promotional products industry where they found Brukwicki, who has spent the last 13 years at TDS Telecommunications, a provider of high-speed internet and phone services that claims to “connect people and technology.”

• Brukwicki most recently served in the same role of chief financial officer at TDS and also held a senior vice president title.
• She joined the company in 2011 as a manager of financial analysis and strategic planning.
• She has also held financial roles at Boeing and Deloitte.
  
  

As the promo industry continues to make strides and expand its horizons through digital transformation, Brukwicki will bring experience in the tech industry to her financial role with promo’s e-commerce giant. 4imprint’s digital-first approach and unprecedented advertising campaign has allowed it to grow and expand in recent years.

The long lead time that Seekings has afforded 4imprint will allow for Brukwicki to learn plenty from her predecessor.

“It’s very important that we have a seamless transition, so I’ll be sticking around until May/June 2025,” says Seekings. “During that time, I’ll be working closely with Michelle to make sure that the handover is as smooth as possible.”

I’ll be working closely with Michelle to make sure that the handover is as smooth as possible.”

David Seekings

Chief Financial Officer, 4imprint

The Departure Of An Industry Veteran

Seekings has been with the 4imprint Group since 1996. His nearly three-decade career has seen him help navigate changes to both 4imprint and the promo industry at large.

• Seekings was an active participant in the process of selecting his successor.
• With potentially eight months until he officially steps down from the company, Seekings will have opportunities to help the distributor make the transition process as smooth as possible.

“I’ve been with the 4imprint Group for close to 28 years, and it’s fair to say there is a big emotional attachment,” Seekings told PPAI Media. “4imprint truly is a great place to work, with a very distinct culture and kind, friendly co-workers.”

He will also step down from the company’s board of directors. Seekings says that being intentional about his retirement will hopefully allow him to take advantage of the next chapter of his life while leaving his employer in good hands.

“I have quite a long list of things I’d like to achieve whilst still in good health, mostly travel or cycling related,” Seekings says. “So it was simply a question of finding the right time for myself and 4imprint.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a finale rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to delay the start of reporting related to past manufacturing of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

• PFAS is an acronym that describes a type of man-made chemical that has been used in manufacturing and consumer products since the 1940s.
• Referred to as “forever chemicals” because they sometimes take hundreds or thousands of years to break down, PFAS chemicals have been proven to have the potential to cause health risks such as cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and other issues.

The reporting period was scheduled to begin on November 12, 2024, but the final rule delays the beginning of the reporting period until July 11, 2025, due to resource constraints.

• Most companies would be required to complete all reporting by January 11, 2026.
• Small businesses reporting data solely on importing PFAS contained in articles will have until July 11, 2026.

What You Need To Know

PFAS manufacturers and importers – including those in the promotional products industry – are estimated to spend approximately 11.6 million hours complying with this new rule, with an associated cost of $800-$843 million.

Thomas Brugato, an environmental attorney at Covington, has laid out a few important points to understand about the EPA’s final rule.

• Reporting is required for any company that has manufactured PFAS for commercial purposes since 2011. Companies that acquired PFAS domestically and used it in their operations would not be required to report under the rule.
• The EPA has published a list of substances online that are defined as PFAS.
• Imported articles containing PFAS apply to the rule. If companies imported articles and can reasonably ascertain that those articles contain PFAS, they must adhere to the required reporting.
• Each violation of the reporting requirements currently holds a maximum penalty of $46,989 per day. The EPA is allowed broad authority to investigate potential violations through requests for information or by conducting inspections.

“Companies should promptly move forward with developing a compliance strategy for the rule,” Brugato says. “This would start with preparing a plan for determining what PFAS-related information is ‘known to or reasonably ascertainable by’ the company, and then collection of that information.’”

Promo Perspective

PPAI Media has repeatedly covered “The Chemical Dilemma” as it pertains to promotional products. Several companies, including those in the promo industry, are in the process of evaluating how to remove PFAS chemicals from their products.

The delay in reporting requirements should not encourage complacency for applicable promo companies. Creating a reliable and accountable reporting process can take time, and taking action sooner is the best way to be prepared, as was discussed at PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit last month.

“I have a list of 10 things I need to do, and I need to do them today, not tomorrow,” said Debbie Disparte, director of product innovation and sustainability at Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, Platinum), the No. 9 supplier in the PPAI 100.

RELATED: Canada Implements New PFAS Reporting Rule  

Global studies indicate that PFAS chemicals are a problem for which the scope and the cause extends far outside of promo. However, it’s the type of revelation that will likely stir justified fear and action in many policymakers in coming years.

Lawsuits regarding PFAS could “dwarf anything related to asbestos” and bring potentially “astronomical” costs to defendants, lawyer Brian Gross of MG+M The Law Firm told attendees at a plastic industry conference earlier this year.

Written by: John Corrigan & Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Products made with recyclable materials are not necessarily the final frontier in sustainability. Really, they are something of a prerequisite for what is possible: circularity. In other words, keeping everything in an ongoing loop; products that are reused and materials that are recycled, avoiding a landfill forever.

Forever is a long time, but there is a material that can meet the task: steel.

“Steel is the best material for reusability because it’s infinitely recyclable,” says Liz Haesler, global chief merchandising officer at PCNA, which ranked No. 3 in PPAI 100’s list of suppliers, with high marks in Responsibility.

Now, large-scale event venues are beginning to see the feasibility and practicality of programs that incorporate reusable drinkware into their offerings, creating a potential trickle-down effect that not only has immediate sustainability benefits, but also normalizes the expectation that beverages come in reusable containers.

• Pepsi partnered with the Champions League Finals to offer reusable containers for the soccer matches.
• Coca-Cola ran a pilot program in Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena with reusable cups, reporting a 98% return rate for using those cups.
• The NBA’s Portland Trailblazers ran a similar program in the suite level seats that broadened to its 25,000-seat arena.

Reusable drinkware – steel and otherwise – has enormous potential for branding, as it can either reach multiple end users or remain with one end user over extended periods of time and through multiple uses. With the World Cup approaching in 2026, a theoretical reuse program for drinkware would set a new standard for venue operations.

A Rocky Journey For Sustainability

Promo firms looking to increase their sustainability options have the advantage of beginning on a road already paved by the suppliers that learned the hard way.

Mark Baumgartner, director of sales and marketing for Tranter Graphics, which ranked No. 57 on PPAI 100’s supplier list, has been putting efforts towards recycled materials for 35 years. He will be the first to note when sustainable products aren’t feasible, don’t sell or aren’t even as reusable as they are advertised, but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to try to offer products that avoid landfill.

Paper, for example, has long been seen as a recyclable product, but for years, limiting the post-consumer waste of paper was a difficult and expensive process. De-inking paper had a high cost and required toxic chemicals, according to Baumgartner.

When it comes to promotional products, Baumgartner does not pretend that Tranter Graphics is a fully circular or sustainable operation.

“Our company prints customizable, single-use food and beverageware for many distributors, and we print a lot of it,” Baumgartner says. “The company success story started with these items 45 years ago, and it has been our flagship product lineup.”

• It’s likely unreasonable for any supplier to abandon what their business was originally built on in order to become more sustainable. Rather, it’s more realistic that they continue to invest in sustainable materials on the margins, meeting the growing demand while learning how to find scalable success in reusable products.

“In Q3 of 2024, Goldstar committed to having 57% of products that are recyclable, reusable or compostable,” says Lane Hockanson, global marketing manager at Goldstar.

That 57% is a feat for PPAI 100’s No. 16 supplier, but it is also a sign that it’s a process that can only become easier once you’ve started.

Ultimately, recycling methods have been far from perfect for years.

“Too many recycling operators have gone to single-source recycling,” says Baumgartner. “The bin takes all content from paper, steel, plastic and glass just to name a few. Imagine the cross contamination on all of these materials. It must be sorted and that is expensive. Paper absorbs most any liquid so if there is solvent, oil or other drippings, it is deemed unusable and goes to the landfill.

We have serious recycling issues, and we are going to need to do our part in manufacturing every step of the way.”

Tranter Graphics has added numerous recyclable products over the past few years, but the potentially scalable and legitimately effective option seems to be re-usable items, specifically, cups.

The Three-Tier System Of Steel Cups

Steel cups have existed for decades, but the market has only recently taken notice to the possibilities they create for sustainability. End-user and client expectations will always be met by willing suppliers.

“We observed a significant increase in demand for reusable steel cups last year,” Haesler says. “We did what we do best at PCNA: partnered with the best in the channel, Steel Chill Cups, to offer a branded opportunity in the recyclable steel cup space to meet this demand.”

In the case of Tranter Graphics, Baumgartner explains that there is a three-tiered pricing system in which recyclability, reusability and quality increase with each tier.

• The first tier offers paper cups.
• The second tier offers cups made from recyclable and sustainable materials that are compostable within months.
• The third tier is reusable steel (or plastic cups). This tier is infinitely recyclable.

“You want circular? You won’t do better than that,” Baumgartner says, adding that when the product was debuted in June, the supplier “blew through inventory” quickly.

Tranter Graphics refer to these type of “Stadium” cups as “souvenirable,” making them excellent options for large-scale venues to sell to attendees. Baumgartner says that when clients are asking for eco-friendly products, he asks them to consider the benefits of going the reusable route.

“There’s an argument for the branding power of a reusable cup that can be seen out in the open many times,” Baumgartner says. “And when the time comes, recycle it. The difference between the second-tier and the third-tier pricing is not that much depending on what re-usable item you’re going with.”

• Similarly, Goldstar currently has nine drinkware products that feature recycled stainless steel with flexible decoration methods and large imprint areas for custom branding.

As Haesler points out, PCNA sees steel cup offerings as a direct result of end user expectations.

“The bottom line is, people want to have a good time – whether that’s at a party, concert or sporting event – without negatively impacting our environment and sending more single-use items to our landfills,” Haesler says.

Having seen many attempts at sustainable products, Baumgartner sees steel cups as one of the truly effective methods in promotional products.

“Our future generations depend on us for keeping our planet, natural resources and a clean water supply available for them.”

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI has announced the recipients of its 2025 Icon Awards, which celebrate the accomplishments of those who have gone above and beyond in service to the promotional products industry, the Association and their communities.

This year’s honors are being bestowed on:

• PPAI Hall of Fame: Jonathan Isaacson, MAS
• PPAI Hall of Fame: Mark Jenkins, MAS+
• PPAI Distinguished Service Award: Danny Sirmon, MAS
• PPAI Distinguished Service Award: D’Anna Zimmer, CAS
• H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award: Joy Smith, MAS

The PPAI Hall of Fame

Celebrating individuals who have demonstrated monumental and selfless efforts and devotion to the promo industry, induction into the PPAI Hall of Fame gives permanent recognition to those whose creative spark and tireless dedication have helped the Association and industry prosper.

Isaacson has served as the CEO and chairman of the Gem Group, which goes to market under the name Gemline, since 1988. That nearly four-decade run has seen the Massachusetts-based company become the No. 11 supplier in PPAI 100. As the industry has seen changes, and obstacles have become standard procedures, Isaacson has navigated Gemline through shifting trends and led the industry by example.

“In the early 2000s when product importing was described as the Wild West, large advertisers were wary of our supply chain, and PPAI was just beginning to understand the threat that product safety was to our industry,” says Paul Kiewiet, MAS, a PPAI Hall of Famer who is retiring as executive director of MiPPA and nominated Isaacson. “Few suppliers understood, but Jonathan Isaacson already had protocols in place for product testing and responsibility.”

Isaacson has volunteered with PPAI through participation in the:

• Strategic Planning Committee Strategic Foresight Committee
• Strategic Foresight Committee
• PPAI Product Responsibility Action Group

Kiewiet also applauded Isaacson’s commitment to educating the industry on the actions to take and pitfalls to avoid in order for promotional products to become a more ethically minded industry.

“Jonathan has spent his career not only building a strong company, but he has also been a champion for our industry, advancing corporate social responsibility and elevating the perception of promo,” Kiewiet says.

Also being inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame is Mark Jenkins, regional vice president at Geiger and a 37-year veteran of the promo industry. Prior to joining the PPAI 100’s No. 5 distributor in 2022, Jenkins spent two decades prior at Pioneer Balloon Company before Geiger recruited him for his experience and industry contacts.

• In 2015, Jenkins served as chair of the PPAI Board of Directors.
• Since 2006, he has been actively volunteering for various PPAI groups, including the Hall of Fame Advisory Group, the Government Relations Advisory Council and through participation in Legislative Education Action Day.

“The depth of this professional’s knowledge and participation is one of which we can all be proud,” says Wayne Greenberg, MAS, of Swag Krewe – A Geiger Affiliate and PPAI Hall of Famer who nominated Jenkins. “Truly an amazing member of the PPAI community who has contributed so much to our industry and our Association.”

The PPAI Distinguished Service Award

The annual PPAI Distinguished Service Award is presented to Association members who consistently contribute their skills and expertise toward the betterment of the organization. Through volunteer service or by offering their leadership to PPAI, these are members who have generously given the gift of their energy, time and enthusiasm.

A nearly 40-year promo veteran, Danny Sirmon, president of Mobile, Alabama-based distributor Zebra Marketing, has been a long-time advocate for the industry.

Currently a member of the Sunbelt Promotional Products Association’s (SPPA) board of directors, Sirmon has volunteered with many PPAI committees and groups over the years, including the Technology Committee and Regional Association Council. In 2005-2006, he served as chair of the PPAI Board of Directors and, in 2016, he was named a PPAI Fellow.

After Hurricane Katrina, Sirmon was heavily involved in the development of what would become the Promotional Products Disaster Relief Program, which has supported hundreds of industry members during multiple natural disasters.

Sirmon’s recognition is a “no brainer” for nominator Karie Cowden, MAS, president of Phoenix-based distributor Connect The Dots and a member of the PPAI Board of Directors.

“Being a leader isn’t always easy, and at times you must ‘know what you know’ and take action,” says Cowden, who has volunteered beside Sirmon for more than 20 years. “Danny never backed down and always remembered that we serve our industry best by serving its members first.”

For nearly a quarter century, D’Anna Zimmer, a 2016 PPAI Fellow and current business development manager at BAG MAKERS – the No. 29 supplier in the PPAI 100 – has been dedicated to giving back to the industry.

She’s been heavily involved with the Regional Association Council, even serving as RAC delegate to the PPAI Board from 2017-2019. She’s also been a Legislative Education and Action Day participant on Capitol Hill and a two-time president of the Promotional Products Association Southwest board.

Since 2022, Zimmer has volunteered with the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF), serving on the board of trustees, fundraising committee and golf workgroup. In 2023, she was vice chair of the marketing and recognition committee.

Most recently, she was paramount to the success of PPEF’s Glen Holt & Fran Ford Memorial Golf Tournament, raising more than $54,000, according to nominator Kathlene Brethowr, executive director at PPEF.

“To put that in perspective, that’s equivalent to 43 of the 170 scholarships that will be given in 2024,” Brethowr says. “D’Anna took on major responsibilities while I was out for maternity leave during the prime planning months and put together one of the most successful golf tournaments in the foundation’s history.

“Her dedication shows how much she truly cares about the PPEF mission – to fund college scholarships for promotional products industry employees and their children.”

The H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award

Named after the late PPAI president emeritus, the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award is presented to members who have shown long-standing empathy, devotion and commitment to improving quality of life and bringing about change for the betterment of a community.

Those who know 30-year industry veteran Joy Smith, owner of New Mexico-based distributor Joy of Advertising and the 2024 PPAI Woman of Achievement, attest that she’s deserving of the honor.

A devoted volunteer, Smith has served on numerous committees and advisory councils, including chairing PPAI’s Professional Development Committee from 2020-2022. Named a PPAI Fellow in 2016, Smith also has the distinction of presenting the first MAS/CAS training at The PPAI Expo 2004.

• She mentored 17 participants over the course of that year, nurturing and empowering the next generation of industry leaders.

Beyond the promo industry, she’s served in leadership positions for various nonprofit and civic organizations, including being named Honorary Chairwoman of the Business Advisory Council for New Mexico and receiving the 2003 National Leadership Award sponsored by then-congressman Tom DeLay. She’s embarked on service mission trips around the world, mentoring recent college graduates, providing food and clothes to an orphanage and working with prison and gang ministries.

Smith has served as chair of Albuquerque’s Foster Grandparent Program and founded the Women of Worth organization, which equips women who are homeless or near homeless with life skills and education.

• She currently volunteers with Noonday Ministries and is the Blue Hat team leader for the New Mexico Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.
• And, if that’s not enough, she rescues unsheltered animals, including a horse named Miracle who currently resides on her ranch.

“If I was Saint Peter at the pearly gates and up walked Joy Smith – with the legion of charities and service organizations she has helped selflessly – I would usher her right to the express lane,” says nominator and PPAI Hall of Fame member Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS. “Her golden mane is actually a halo that should be recognized by her peers.”

Marine apparel brand Salt Life, formerly a top-performing asset of Delta Apparel (PPAI 188431, Gold) – the No. 69 supplier in the PPAI 100 – belongs to new owners after a recent bankruptcy auction.

Brand licensor Iconix International and retail liquidator Hilco Merchant Resources submitted a joint bid of $38.74 million to win the business, SGB Media reported. On September 16, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein approved the bid, the Jacksonville Daily Record reported.

• FCM Saltwater Holdings had reportedly offered $28 million to buy the Salt Life brand from Delta Apparel, which hoped it would serve as a stalking horse bid – a term for the initial bid on the assets of a bankrupt company, which sets a minimum price for other potential bidders.
• However, FCM’s final bid of $37 million was bested.

Salt Life, which operates more than 20 retail stores across the United States, produced a revenue of $59 million for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2023.

Delta Apparel’s Downward Spiral

In July, Delta Apparel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, reporting more than 200 creditors.

• At the beginning of June, the Duluth, Georgia-based supplier had $337.8 million in total assets and $244.5 million in liabilities according to the filing.
• Its largest creditor is Park Mills, which is owed more than $22 million from Delta Apparel.

Tim Pubian, president of Focus Management Group, was named chief restructuring officer in May, after Delta’s board of directors pushed out CEO Robert W. Humphreys amid ongoing financial struggles.

In June, the company suspended its manufacturing operations in Honduras as it attempted to work through its liquidity challenges.

“The company’s deteriorating liquidity position and lack of funding has continued to prevent it from purchasing raw materials necessary to operate its offshore manufacturing facilities and to pay compensation and benefits due to offshore employees,” Delta Apparel said in the SEC filing at the time.

In May, the apparel maker reported that its net sales for the fiscal second quarter were $78.9 million, down nearly 40% from the same period last year.

• Net sales from its Salt Life Group retail stores segment were $15.5 million in Q2, down about 22% from Q2 2023.

In the 2023 fiscal year, which ended September 30, 2023, Delta Apparel reported a loss of $33.2 million.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI has announced officers for the Association’s 2025 Board of Directors.

Danny Rosin, CAS, has been named incoming chair while Zack Ottenstein will serve as vice chair, financial services.

In the positions previously known, Denise Taschereau, the Association’s 2024 chair-elect, will assume the role of chair in 2025 and current Board Chair Andrew Spellman, CAS, will serve as immediate past chair. Kara Keister, MAS, owner of distributor Social Good Promotions, will also continue in her role as Regional Relations Committee delegate.

The one-year terms will begin immediately following The PPAI Expo 2025, which will run January 13-16.

“The future of PPAI is brighter than ever with such a talented and dedicated group of individuals to lead our board’s executive committee,” Spellman says. “Their expertise and passion will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our impact.”

PPAI Board Officers’ Backgrounds

Taschereau is CEO and co-founder of Fairware, a Vancouver-based distributor that specializes in sustainable merchandise.

• She spent seven years leading the corporate social responsibility efforts of Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canada’s largest outdoor retailer, before founding Fairware.
• Taschereau is also a board member of PromoCares, a volunteer-driven group of industry members dedicated to corporate social and environmental responsibility.

Rosin, who’s currently serving his second term on the PPAI Board, is president and co-owner of Brand Fuel, PPAI 100’s No. 46 distributor.

• He also co-founded PromoKitchen, an all-volunteer organization that brings together suppliers, distributors and business service providers in order to further the education of promo pros and elevate their industry status through mentorship opportunities. 
• In 2023, Rosin was named the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award winner for his philanthropic efforts.
• He’s also a perennial member of PPAI Media’s #Online18.

“The opportunity to serve as chair is a privilege and a responsibility, and I look forward to serving with passion, purpose and a collaborative mindset to strengthen PPAI and the industry I believe in,” Rosin says.

Ottenstein is president of The Image Group – the No. 57 distributor in the PPAI 100.

• Since taking the helm of the Ohio-based firm in 2020, Ottenstein – a 2018 PPAI Rising Star – has led the company’s transformation into a vertical-focused marketing solutions business. 
• Prior to promo, he served as an investment analyst and director of marketing communications for Welltower, a $40 billion-plus enterprise value company.

“I’m honored to serve with such an outstanding group of directors, staff and volunteers,” Ottenstein says. “The team’s admirable financial stewardship and balance sheet management positions PPAI to continue providing outstanding services to members.”

A 30-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Spellman is currently vice president of corporate markets at Los Angeles-based supplier Therabody.

• He spent more than 14 years as vice president of sales for Victorinox, PPAI 100’s No. 93 supplier, and was senior vice president and general manager at The Magnet Group, PPAI 100’s No. 23 supplier, before joining Therabody in 2021.

PPAI Board Officers are selected by the PPAI Board Officer Nominating Committee and voted on by the PPAI Board.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

iPROMOTEu (PPAI 218870, Platinum) – the No. 11 distributor in the PPAI 100 – has announced the acquisition of AIA Corporation (PPAI 101364, Platinum) – the No. 18 distributor in the PPAI 100.

• Moving forward, Appleton, Wisconsin-based AIA will operate as a division of iPROMOTEu, headquartered in Wayland, Massachusetts.
• As part of the transition, both companies will continue to support their respective Affiliates and Owners, with iPROMOTEu CEO Lori Bauer overseeing the combined senior leadership team.

With combined 2023 sales exceeding $365 million, this acquisition signifies a major shift in the industry landscape and elevates the entity’s influence as a leading distributor network powerhouse, the companies say.

“AIA’s business model aligns with iPROMOTEu’s core mission of empowering distributor independence while offering a comprehensive suite of essential resources and top-tier support for their success,” Bauer says. “This strategic acquisition will enhance the market presence of both organizations and brings many competitive advantages.

“Leveraging our combined strengths will provide countless benefits for both iPROMOTEu Affiliates and AIA Owners, including accelerated advancements in technology and integrations, deeper supplier relationships, enhanced sales and marketing resources and much more. This will undoubtedly propel growth and help move the industry forward.”

AIA’s Growth

Founded in 1981, AIA has seen steady growth in recent years, with revenue of $154.6 million in 2023.

• CEO Nancy Schmidt started with the organization in 2018 and has served as its top officer since 2020.
• Schmidt will serve as an executive advisor for a period of time following the close.

“As I reflect on AIA’s transformation over the past several years, I am incredibly proud of how our commitment to our purpose and vision has guided us to this pivotal moment,” Schmidt says. “This acquisition marks the next chapter in our journey, where the value we have created for the modern distributor will be fueled with even more new opportunities, forming a truly powerful force in our industry. I’m excited about the remarkable potential this union with iPROMOTEu will bring to AIA Owners and to the industry.”

iPROMOTEu and AIA operate under similar business models and both companies are recognized for helping their distributor members grow their businesses by providing order financing, order processing support, sales and marketing tools, technology solutions and other resources.

“As we begin this new chapter, we are thrilled about the opportunities on the horizon and eagerly anticipate a future rich with innovation and success for our Affiliates and Owners,” said Bauer.

• At the end of 2023, iPROMOTEu welcomed Lori Bauer as its new CEO.
• Shortly thereafter, Bauer was appointed to the PPAI Board of Directors.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Another record number of nominees have been considered, and PPAI judges have completed the difficult task of narrowing them down to 12.

This year, 220 submissions were made by promotional products pros, far surpassing the previous record of 170 set in 2023. Truly, the 2024 class emerged as the best of the best, joining almost 200 past recipients of the honor.

The 2024 PPAI Rising Stars have been selected for their achievements, leadership, volunteerism and potential for even greater impact in the years and decades to come. The same judging criteria in place since the program’s 2010 inception was used, except for the first time a true age limit was imposed. No candidates over age 40 were eligible.

The group will be in honored at PPAI’s upcoming Leadership Development Conference in North Texas, which for the second year in a row will feature an Emerging Leaders educational track designed to arm the Rising Stars and their brightest contemporaries with skills to grow in the promo industry. The Rising Stars will also be featured in the November cover story of PPAI Magazine.

Many candidates received multiple nominations, including seven of this year’s honorees. Read below to meet the new class of Rising Stars and find out why nominators say they’re deserving.

Mikas Agarwal, 19
Chief Digital Officer, Akran Marketing

“At a young age, Mikas has been very active in the promotional products industry throughout North America. [He] spearheaded a tech overhaul from a legacy system to a modern tech stack and developed and created the Akran Gift Program, passing down supplier incentives to Akran clients.”

-Mark Graham, commonsku

Alex Bradley, 35
Territory Sales Manager, Vantage Apparel

“Alex is a Rising Star through his work ethic, commitment to his customers and the industry, and his ability to follow up. He is President of GAPPP. He has grown his territory every year, participated in LEAD in 2024 and LDW in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Recently, due to his success he was awarded with an increased territory. His professionalism, hustle and ability to connect impress me.”

-Brian Deissroth, Edwards Garment

Lindsay Bons, 24
Senior Business Development Manager, IDLine

“She is constantly thinking about what’s next? This forward-thinking mentality is really how good things get done in today’s world. As we’ve all learned in our own careers, these are often difficult traits to teach or train; but we know them when we see them.”

-Christopher Duffy, Signature Group

Brittany Frase, 34
Vice President of Sales, Hirsch

“Her strategic focus on expanding the company’s national footprint through innovative marketing and sales initiatives has been pivotal in Hirsch’s growth. She has also played a crucial role in product development and establishing valuable brand partnerships, further enhancing the company’s market presence.”

-Malik Hemani, Graphic Stylus

David Geiger, 36
Vice President & General Counsel, Geiger

“Simply having your name on the building doesn’t equate to being valuable to the organization. It’s the dedication and effort that count. David Geiger exemplifies this through his commitment to the organization and its stakeholders. He consistently puts the company first, whether it’s through extensive travel to drive our ambitious M&A strategy, implementing health and wellness initiatives, or spearheading product safety efforts.”

-Stephanie Whitman, Geiger

Jason Lipsett, 34
President, Charles River Apparel

“Jason has transformed Charles River Apparel’s company culture by initiating and leading quarterly town halls and team-bonding events. These efforts have improved transparency and communication, fostering a more inclusive and engaged workplace.”

-Maria Yaitanes, Charles River Apparel

Natalie O’Leary, 38
Business Development Director, BAMKO

“She is always posting about ideas for her clients to take from, and that to me is a prime example of growing the industry. Additionally, she’s impressed me by her ability to create relationships. Our relationship started with a cold email from myself. She didn’t have to engage, but she was open to learning what I had to say and committed to being creative.”

-Ben Drysdale, Raining Rose

Brian Roney, 30
Senior Director of Product Design, Proforma

“He has brought valuable insights into professionalism, management, go-to market strategies, and enhancing Proforma’s value proposition to the industry. Some examples include overseeing the rapid rise of ecommerce during the pandemic and successfully leading our internal efforts, doubling the size of the ecommerce team, enhancing service levels by 80% and creating new industry leading features and functions of Proforma’s ProStores platforms.”

-Jordan Sura, Proforma

Anthony St. Peter, 29
President, Stellar Lanyards

“He has taken a company from one order in 2021 to what it is today in only three short years. If you look online in the promotional products Facebook groups, Anthony is always mentioned when someone needs custom lanyards. His reputation is rapidly growing as a leader in the industry.”

-Erik Walasek, Stewart Promotional Products

Shivani Thapilyal, 27
Chief of Staff, CompanyStore.io

“Over the course of the past four years, under Shivani’s leadership, CompanyStore.io has grown its team, capabilities, solutions and business to a best-in-class provider within India. She ensures that her team is equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools that are required in the modern world of sales and customer service, providing the world’s leading brands and level of service that is unsurpassed within India.”

-Eric Janssen, Staples Promotional Products

Andrew Titus, 27
President, Fully Promoted

“As a young president and the son of the CEO, Andrew faced a lot of headwinds related to preconceived notions of nepotism and doubts about his leadership capacity. However, Andrew quickly earned respect by presenting a clear vision and plan and inspiring the entire organization to execute it. He has proven to be a strong and decisive leader, well beyond his years, and has been highly instrumental in driving our success.”

-Kurt Tempelmeyer, Fully Promoted

Dominique Volker, 33
Vice President of Sales, Whitestone

“Dominique has been a star for years! She has spoken at industry events, skucamps and skucons. She was an ASI Sales Person of the Year finalist. She has helped integrate companies we’ve acquired. She has led our company from $1 million to $20 million in sales in her tenure. She is wise beyond her years, polished and experienced. She leads by example, manages with grace and has helped develop countless professionals in our industry.”

-Joseph Sommer, Whitestone

PPAI congratulates all the nominees and invites the industry to share in the celebration for the 2024 PPAI Rising Stars.