News

SAGE, the leading provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions to the promotional products industry, announces the release of SAGE Mobile™ 10.0. The app, available for iOS and Android devices, allows industry distributors easy access to all their critical research and business management operations while on the go.

SAGE Mobile™ 10.0 now includes the Project Management area, introduced earlier this year in SAGE Online 16. This highly praised feature allows distributors to easily view and manage projects, all while improving their team's organization. The Project Management area was created exclusively for the promotional products industry and can be customized to each distributor's specific workflow.

“Our goal has always been to take our features and modules from SAGE Online and incorporate them into SAGE Mobile, providing clients with the same experience, but on the go,” said SAGE President, David Natinsky, MAS. “We are thrilled to add the Project Management area to SAGE Mobile, because now you can oversee your projects and track the status from anywhere.”

Some additional new features in the SAGE Mobile™ 10.0 release include:

• Dynamic font sizing for SAGE Chat
• Ratings now includes supplier and product ratings
• Leave comments on your supplier and product ratings
• Select custom suppliers in addition to SAGE suppliers for forms in Order Management
• Share presentations via text messaging
• SAGE Chat status automatically goes to “away” when leave chat area
• Unread SAGE Chat notifications on app badge icon

SAGE Mobile™ 10.0 is available now. Current SAGE Total Access subscribers can download SAGE Mobile™ for free from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the Amazon App Store. For users who have automatic app updates turned on, the update will download automatically.

The unboxing experience is a top industry trend as promotional products professionals review revenue operations and look for new ways to get branded products into the hands of customers. Jeff Lederer, President of the hard goods division of alphabroder | Prime Line asked, “What do our customers need?” This was the inspiration for expanding drop shipping services and adding drop shipping to the Prime Line Incentive Package. “It’s simple, our customers share their drop shipping locations with us, and we take care of boxing and delivering their products for them,” explained Lederer. “There are no minimums for this service. We care about the success of our distributors and our employees, so we look for ways to support the team.”

According to Lederer, customers should think gift when looking for ideas that work well with the unboxing experience. He likes wireless headsets with light-up logos as well as the Roma tech portfolio with power bank and wireless charger. “Keeping your notes in one spot and then charging your phone is a practical and useful gift for employees working from home.” Lederer said. He also remarked on the popularity of vacuum tumbler gift sets. Prime Line has seen an increase in sales on products designed for home use as people stay in with their families.

Prime Line offers additional fulfillment services with drop shipped products. Lederer says, “Put a thank you card in your package. We are happy to fulfill individual notes.” Lederer added, “Personalization is key in building brand loyalty and delivering a better customer experience.”

For more information about drop shipping and to see the full Prime Line incentive package, please visit Primeline.com.

American Solutions for Business facilitated a virtual event called the American COVID-19k Walk/Run attracting over 260 active contributors.

Participants were encouraged to run or walk a self-monitored 19 kilometers over the course of 19 days (October 1-19). Registration was open to the public to include sales associates, home office team, vendor partners, friends and family. Proceeds are donated to the CDC Foundation, which has been committed to COVID research and supporting communities in need during the pandemic.

“ASB has always had a strong give-back culture,” explains Dana Zezzo, ASB’s VP of Marketing, Vendor Relations & Events. “It’s important that we uphold these values regardless of a pandemic. Plus, it’s a fun way to keep everyone active and engaged in a time when it’s easy to feel isolated.”

Participants stayed connected with each other by sharing updates in the established Facebook event page. Many posted photos, videos and screenshots of their mileage and action shots with their families and pets along the way.

Each year, SAGE presents industry suppliers with A+ and A rating awards based on distributor ratings collected in SAGE Online, SAGE Web, and SAGE Mobile, the industry’s most popular product research and business management solution.

This year, 1,008 suppliers received the top A+ rating, while another 259 suppliers received an A rating. A total of 30 percent of all active suppliers in the SAGE database received an award this year. As part of the Power of Two relationship between SAGE and PPAI, suppliers with SAGE ratings are also considered for eligibility in the industry’s annual PPAI Pyramid Supplier Star Awards Competition.

“We are proud to offer this award to outstanding suppliers who set the standard of quality and integrity in the promotional products industry,” said SAGE President David Natinsky, MAS. “This is a testament to each supplier’s dedication to customer service and product safety.”

Awards are based solely on the distributor rating system that is part of SAGE Online, SAGE Web, and SAGE Mobile. The SAGE rating system is widely known within the industry for providing the most accurate and reliable supplier ratings.

Distributors can rate suppliers at any time through the SAGE suite or via a “Rate us now” link provided by suppliers. They can only rate each supplier once, however, they may update their ratings at any time, providing the most accurate representation of their experiences with each supplier. Rating awards are given each year based on the aggregate of distributor ratings and suppliers with an A+ or A aggregate rating are given an award.

Distributors using SAGE’s industry-leading research and business management tools can make more informed decisions about suppliers by accessing suppliers’ current, real-time ratings, including peer distributor comments as well as full award information, including any additional industry awards, for each supplier.

Award-winning suppliers 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. For more information, suppliers should contact their SAGE account executive at 800.925.7243.

SnugZ USA (PPAI 112982, S10) has partnered with Thermos LLC to become the brand’s exclusive supplier in the promotional products industry. West Jordan, Utah-based SnugZ will offer a variety of the vacuum-insulated hot and cold beverage containers, hydration bottles, food containers and Lifefactory drinkware.

“SnugZ has grown to become a leading player in the promotional products industry, starting with lanyards and identification products and expanding into personal care and premium gifting,” says Brandon Mackay, MAS, SnugZ USA’s president and CEO. “We’re proud of our growth over the past 30-plus years and believe this partnership with Thermos LLC will further strengthen and elevate our offering and expand into the large product segment of branded drinkware to better serve our loyal customers.”

Tom Lewis, vice president of sales at Thermos LLC, adds, “Thermos LLC is excited to be the exclusive partner with SnugZ in the promotional products industry. There is tremendous synergy and opportunity by combining the strength of Thermos Brand vacuum-insulated products with SnugZ, an industry leader in promotional products.”

Products are expected to be available in early 2021.

Recipients of PPAI’s most prestigious awards for 2021 have been selected. Teresa Moisant, MAS, owner and president of Oklahoma City-based distributor Moisant Promotional Products, is the PPAI Hall of Fame inductee and Mark Abels, MAS, CEO and owner of Tulsa, Oklahoma-based supplier SELCO, is the PPAI Distinguished Service award recipient.

The promotional products industry has grown and prospered because of the creative spark and the dedication of many, but there are some individuals whose selfless efforts and devotion to the industry are monumental. PPAI gives permanent recognition to these individuals through induction into the PPAI Hall of Fame.

Moisant has a distinguished history in the promotional products field as a longtime volunteer, speaker, mentor, advocate and champion of women in the industry. She was the recipient of PPAI’s Woman of Achievement Award in 2017, Distinguished Service Award in 2016 and has also been honored by The Journal Record, not only as one of Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEOs, but also as one of 50 Women Making A Difference. In addition, she has also been honored three times by the OKC Chamber as owner of one of the 50 Fastest Growing Private Companies as well as being named the Best Promotional Products Company in okcBiz magazine’s annual Best Of Business for 10 consecutive years.

The PPAI Distinguished Service Award celebrates members who consistently contribute their skills and expertise toward the betterment of the Association. Through volunteer service or by offering their leadership to PPAI, these members generously give the benefit of their energy, time and enthusiasm.

Abels is a servant leader starting first and foremost with his organizational management style and through leadership that has carried on the family legacy by assuring the high standards of customer service and product innovation that SELCO customers have come to expect. He is a PPAI Fellow and served on the Promotional Products Association of the Southwest (PPAS) board of directors from 2010 to 2011. Abels has served in numerous PPAI volunteer roles since 1995, leaving an enduring impression on every PPAI committee, taskforce and work group on which he served, while advancing the work and mission of each.

BIC Graphic North America (PPAI 114187, S13) has announced it will be changing its name to Koozie Group, effective January 1, 2021. The Clearwater, Florida-based supplier has operated under the BIC name since 1969 and has owned the Koozie brand since 2009.

“Changing to Koozie Group is a great move for us because it better explains what we aspire to be moving forward,” says David A. Klatt Jr., CEO of BIC Graphic NA. “Just mentioning the word Koozie brings a big smile to people’s faces as it reminds them of a great event or experience in their lives. Creating that feeling is exactly what we want to do for our customers’ brands.”

BIC Graphic NA conducted internal surveys, focus groups—internal and customer—and worked with outside branding agencies throughout 2019 to develop a list of over 800 names to consider. Koozie Group was selected because the spirit of the flagship Koozie brand clearly aligns with the company’s goal of providing useful solutions that evoke positive vibes and spark lasting memories. Despite the name having roots in drinkware, Koozie Group will still provide an assortment of products, categories and 40-plus brands, including BIC writing instruments.

SAGE, the promotional products industry's leading technology provider, and Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the not-for-profit trade association for the industry, just wrapped up a successful two-day encore presentation of SAGE Show Virtual, the industry’s largest online event to date. More than 5,300 industry professionals attended the show that featured over 200 virtual booths, on-demand education sessions, a product pavilion, and a variety of networking lounges.

The inaugural SAGE Show Virtual experience was held on August 18. Due to overwhelming attendance and extremely high demand, two additional show days were added in September to accommodate. SAGE Show Virtual was powered by SAGE’s virtual tradeshow platform, featuring brand-new technology developed by SAGE to create an interactive experience tailored specifically to the promotional products industry.

This revolutionary technology enabled distributors to visit exhibitors’ virtual booths, engage in video calls and live chats with suppliers in real-time, and access product pavilions to explore the hottest product trends. Additionally, with 25 networking lounges hosted by regional associations and distributor groups, attendees were able to interact with their peers and gain valuable industry insights.

"It was very exciting to witness the positive impact SAGE Show Virtual had on our industry," said SAGE President David Natinsky, MAS. "We really wanted to go above and beyond to help our industry thrive, especially during such a critical time. This tradeshow allowed attendees to network and discover new, trending products, while maintaining their health and safety at home.”

This unprecedented event yielded remarkable results by connecting industry distributors and suppliers from all over the nation virtually with 115,070 booths visited, 81,837 live chats sent, and 1,411 video calls. In addition, there were more than 77,445 products viewed, 63,151 booth materials accessed, and 3,271 lounge visits.

Distributors raved about SAGE Show Virtual’s innovative platform, including Rodney Altamore, owner of Custom-T in Florida. “I just have to let you know this is The BEST virtual show format I have attended. The layout of the Lobby and the Show Floor is excellent. Although I miss the in-person show, this has been very informative and helpful. Keep up the excellent work!”

Exhibitors also commented on the virtual show’s success, highlighting the overwhelming number of attendees who inquired on their offered products. “Thank you so much for this virtual show, it was great to connect with so many distributors and show off our products,” said Mark Jenkins, marketing director at Pioneer Balloon Company. “SAGE obviously invested a lot of time and resources on this show.”

The on-demand education sessions, provided by SAGE, PPAI, and suppliers, were offered throughout each day, receiving a total of 6,124 unique session visits. With these professional development sessions, distributors were able to explore cutting-edge technology, improve their sales and marketing skills, and learn more ways to promote the growth of their businesses.

“Thank you to all of the distributors, suppliers, and sponsors who made SAGE Show Virtual possible,” added David Natinsky. “We couldn’t have done it without you. At such an important time for our industry, SAGE Show Virtual was the perfect opportunity to explore new, trending products, network with industry leaders, and most importantly, re-connect.”

Chocolate Inn | Lanco (ASI: 44900; PPAI: 111662) has made the ASI Top 40 Supplier list, one of the promotional products industry’s highest honors. This is an exclusive ranking of distributors with the most revenue in the ad specialty market hosted by ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute)’s Counselor Magazine.

This is the third year that Chocolate Inn | Lanco has made and climbed the Top 40 Supplier list. For 2019, the company jumped up four spots in the ranking to 25th.

“We are honored to receive this top industry distinction for the third year in a row,” said Lance Stier, Chairman and CEO of Chocolate Inn | Lanco. “A main initiative that has contributed to Chocolate Inn | Lanco’s continued success is having a pulse on the needs of the industry and nimbly adapting our offerings and capabilities to meet them. We hope to continue the tradition into 2020.”

“Chocolate Inn | Lanco’s growth continues to be a team effort, and to be recognized for that success by such a prestigious organization is a testament to our company,” said David Miller president of Chocolate Inn | Lanco. “What we do and what we offer might continue to change, but one thing will always stay the same — and that is our dedication to our customers.”

Some of the company’s top 2019 initiatives that led to success include an exclusive partnership with Mars to represent the My M&M’s B2B product line to the professional products industry, as well as the launch of a standalone brand and website offering apparel decoration and design services to distributors. These are in addition to continued growth of Chocolate Inn | Lanco’s Get A.H.E.A.D. categories – Apparel, Health & Beauty, Edibles, Accessories. This vast range covers 85% of the industry’s popular purchases, positioning Chocolate Inn | Lanco as a destination for promotional needs. As a result of these activities, Chocolate Inn | Lanco experienced a 10% sales increase.

HALO Branded Solutions (PPAI 106462, D15) has announced that Dallas, Texas-based distributor Meyer Dunlap (PPAI 443152, D2) has affiliated with the Sterling, Illinois, company. Meyer-Dunlap was founded in 2010 by Kirk Meyer and Craig Dunlap and has become a prominent promotional products distributor in the North Texas area.

“Kirk and Craig have built an impressive business by serving a blue-chip roster of larger corporate clients,” says Dale Limes, HALO’s senior vice president of sales. “We look forward to the opportunity to help them continue to grow their business with HALO’s marketing, sourcing and distribution resources. The team will be a welcome addition to our industry-leading sales community.”

Speaking to PPB Newslink on what drew HALO to the Dallas distributor, Limes adds, “They are a young and creative team of professional account executives and account managers who primarily service blue-chip clients. We have been business friends for over seven years and the timing was right to come together now.”

For Meyer Dunlap, the affiliation brings HALO’s more complex promotional and recognition solutions to its existing clients. The distributor will continue to operate from its Dallas headquarters and its sales and support team, which includes a small support team based in the Philippines, remains intact.

Meyer, co-owner of Meyer Dunlap, says, “Craig and I needed additional resources to meet the growing needs of our clients. HALO’s strength in technology and program development will allow us to offer more comprehensive tools and services to help enhance our client relationships.”