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Last week, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act passed the House of Representatives and is being sent to the Senate. H.R. 842 amends current labor law to establish a new definition of employees which expressly eliminates independent contractors in the U.S. Among its provisions, the legislation makes a broad presumption that all workers in the U.S. are employees unless each element of a newly established “ABC” test can be demonstrated.

The three biggest problems with the PRO Act are that it would eliminate independent contractor agreements, enforce expanded government control over private employment contracts and significantly broaden risk exposure to joint employer liability.

The legislation also sets new criteria for determining occupational status as an independent contractor instead of an employee. The proposed new criteria entail a three-pronged test for which each of the requirements must be proven if an independent contractor wants to retain his or her status under federal labor law.

In the “ABC” test, an individual performing any service will be considered an employee and not an independent contractor, unless— ‘‘(A) the individual is free from control and direction in connection with the performance of the service, both under the contract for the performance of service and in fact; (B) the service is performed outside the usual course of the business of the employer; and (C) the individual is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession or business of the same nature as that involved in the service performed.’’

If signed into law, the PRO Act would significantly change how thousands of promotional products companies interact with each other and it will eliminate jobs in this industry. In the latest episode of PPAI’s PromoTalks podcast, PPAI’s D.C.-based lobbyist Cliff Andrews and PPAI’s Public Affairs Manager Maurice Norris discuss the implications of this proposed legislation on industry companies, answer some of the most commonly asked questions and explain how industry members can take action now to oppose it. PPB Presents: “Why The PRO Act Is Detrimental To the Promotional Products Industry,” is available free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at PromoTalks.

PPAI urges industry members to click here to quickly email and call their senators to educate them about why independent contractors in the promotional products industry do not want to be forced to reclassify as employees. The Association also encourages those who have already reached out to their legislators to do so again, as they and their staffers respond to getting repeated mentions on the same topic.

Geiger (PPAI 105182, D12) has named Lawrence, Massachusetts-based supplier Gemline (PPAI 113948, S11) its 2020 Production Partner of the Year. Gemline is already a Platinum Partner, the top tier Lewiston, Maine-headquartered Geiger awards to any production partner.

“Our preferred production partner program is set up to benefit our production partners and our sales partners,” says Jo-an Lantz, MAS, Geiger’s president and CEO. “Our sales partners have incentives to do business with our preferred partners, ensuring that we reward the partners who take care of our team the best. This ensures a smooth experience for everyone, including the client.”

Kim Beaudin, director of vendor relations, adds, “Gemline excelled at providing differentiated products during 2020 including high-quality PPE.”

Geiger’s sales with Gemline increased in 2020, a year where most businesses experienced a decline. “In addition to product development, they reliably provided kitting and drop-shipping services,” says Beaudin. “Having true partners like Gemline in 2020 was critical to our ability to meet our clients’ needs. For example, when freight issues occurred, Gemline helped us work through them far beyond what we saw from others.”

Gemline was selected from 60 production partners as the winner after a thorough review of service, sales, product safety and other factors including compelling new products. Instead of a physical award, Geiger made a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in Gemline’s honor.

Logomark (PPAI 110898, S12) has recently sponsored its first adoption of a service dog through Shelter to Soldier. This California 501(c)(3) nonprofit adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post‐9/11 combat veterans suffering from post‐traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and/or other psychological injuries associated with traumatic service experiences.

The Perka, iCool and Work brands from Tustin, California-headquartered Logomark are official sponsors of Shelter to Soldier, and a portion of all proceeds is donated to the organization. The supplier’s first adopted canine is a one-and-a-half-year-old black and brown male German Shepherd, described as having a charming energy, as well as being affectionate, relaxed, bright and a great candidate for Shelter to Soldier’s psychiatric service dog training program.

“We are excited to adopt our first service dog that will be trained to assist a veteran in need. Our veterans have done so much for our country and my hopes are that through this initiative, we help raise support and more awareness about the hurdles our veterans face when they return from duty,” says Trevor Gnesin, CEO of Logomark.

Logomark also conducted a contest to name the newly adopted service dog. It received more than 500 entries from its clients, with some of the most popular names including the military-inspired “Trooper,”“Ranger,” “Sarge,” “Major” and “Hero,” and the promo industry inspired-names “Perka,” “Logo,” “Mark/y” and “WIP, for Work, iCOOL and Perka.”

As an owner of four rescued German Shepherds himself, Logomark COO Clive Goldberg was chosen to select the name. “I was touched by all the thoughtful submissions, and it was a difficult decision, but the name that I kept returning to was ‘Scout.’ A scout’s role in the military is to act as the eyes and ears, and this type of security function directly plays into a service dog’s role.”

With 11 submissions for the name “Scout,” Kelsey Schwartz from distributor Print Globe was the earliest entrant and named the winner of a Perka Granada Water Bottle and a Work Pro Backpack. Twelve minutes later, Teresa Brown, from distributor Bensussen Deutsch & Associates also submitted the name Scout and has won a Perka Dashing Water Bottle.

To make Scout’s adoption possible, Shelter to Soldier worked closely together with I Stand With My Pack, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing global assistance to save the lives of animals and prevent animal suffering and cruelty.

Kerry Turner of HPG Brands / BEST Promotions USA passed away on January 16 from COVID-19 complications.

An 46-year industry veteran, Turner was known for his cheerful personality, kindness, integrity and great passion for the promotional business. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Turner founded supplier Kerry’s Etcetera in 1974, specializing in mug and glassware fine decorating. He started the company with assistance from his parents and originally operated it out of their garage. Turner sold Kerry’s Etcetera to Kaufman, Texas-based supplier Numo Manufacturing in 2003. He spent 12 years on Numo’s staff before joining BEST Promotions USA in Balch Springs, Texas.

With a reputation as “the most interesting man in promo,” Turner had many interests, including his own rock band, the Young Texans, during his high school and college years. He was also a member of the Southern Drag Boat Association, where he held a world record for more than a year. He then became professional-level national competitor and instructor in West Coast Swing, where he met his wife Alisha. He also enjoyed motorcycles and was a road captain for Dallas Harley-Davidson, and enjoyed cooking chili, winning several events at the highest level in the CASI Terlingua Championships.

“Kerry was the definition of the word ‘gentleman,’” says BEST USA Founder Michael Hicks. “His consummate professionalism, kindness, caring, integrity and many contributions to HPG’s BEST USA brand will never be forgotten. We can all learn to be better people by the example of how Kerry treated others each and every day.”

Turner is survived by his wife Alisha and their daughter six-year-old daughter Addilyn. No public service is currently planned due to COVID-19 risks, although information will be forthcoming regarding a future virtual service. To honor Turner’s memory and to help Addilyn’s future, contributions can be made here.

: HPG’s Hub has been named a recipient of two Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) 2021 Gold Pyramid Awards.    This is the fifth consecutive year the pen supplier received the Gold Supplier Star in their revenue category.   The pen supplier also received the Gold Pyramid in Marketing for their rebranding.

Since 1958, the PPAI Pyramid Awards have recognized and honored promotional products businesses and helped shine the spotlight on the collaborative business model unique to the industry.  Winners are recognized for outstanding service in areas such as responsiveness, on-time shipping, product quality and sales aids.

“We are delighted to win the Gold Supplier Star once again, this one feels extra special considering the year we've all had,” says HPG Marketing Director Ben Pawsey.  “As always, we are extremely grateful to our customers and PPAI for the opportunity and recognition. Hub's name has stood for high-quality products and exceptional service for over 65 years, so it was a privilege for our HPG Creative team to be entrusted with the rebrand. We designed a fresh look to match the vibrance of the team behind making Hub the award-winning staple of the industry it is today.”

Winners of the award selected by a panel of industry professionals and independent, outside marketing and advertising professionals. For more information about the PPAI Pyramid Awards program visit www.ppai.org/awards or contact the PPAI Awards and Recognition department at awards@ppai.org. 

Supplier Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, S13), previously BIC Graphic North America, a Clearwater, Florida-based portfolio company of H.I.G. Capital, has announced the completion of the acquisition of IMAGEN Brands, parent company of industry suppliers Crown Products (PPAI 113430, S10) and Vitronic (PPAI 114197, S10), with the support of H.I.G. IMAGEN Brands is also an exclusive promotional products supplier of Coleman, ShedRain, Chelsea Teddy Bear and Rubbermaid branded products.

“This acquisition is part of our long-term plan for scalable and sustainable growth within the promotional products market and we appreciate that H.I.G. Capital continues to support our vision,” says David Klatt, Koozie Group CEO. “This allows us to provide the additional necessary resources and marketing support needed to help grow the IMAGEN Brands business. Our intent is to run their sales, customer service and operations as a standalone business.”

The acquisition will not disrupt day-to-day operations or impact the current product assortment for either supplier with IMAGEN Brands continuing their focus on top-selling categories of rainwear, bags, drinkware, plush and coolers. As a standalone business, the current IMAGEN Brands team will operate business as usual, utilizing their current order processing systems and producing all products out of their Doniphan, Missouri, headquarters while ensuring they continue to deliver on their 48-hour service promise. Koozie Group will continue to be committed to driving innovation, leading in social and sustainable responsibility and delivering a seamless customer experience.

Some members of the IMAGEN Brands management team will remain in their roles, including Lisa LeMond, vice president of sales and customer service, who will report directly into Klatt. In addition to providing more resources and marketing support, Koozie Group plans to invest in the IMAGEN Brands business to better serve their customers. All sales, service and operations teams will continue to function separately as IMAGEN Brands (including Vitronic and Crown) in the promotional products industry.

“Both Koozie Group and IMAGEN Brands have a long, rich history in the promotional space and share many of the same values centered around providing customer-first solutions across many categories, well-known brands and service offerings,” says LeMond. “This is an opportunity to learn best practices from one another and show our customers an enhanced version of IMAGEN Brands that will continue delivering on new products, decoration methods and the exceptional service they have come to expect.”

Webb Company announces the addition of 12 HPG multiline reps to their sales team. This addition brings Webb Company’s sales team of 6 to a total of 18 moving into 2021. “Our new journey with HPG has been nothing but exciting.” Webb’s VP of Sales Rena Ashfeld tells us, “the addition of these phenomenal multiline reps will rocket our brand into 2021. We couldn’t be more ready to push into a new year with this growing team that will represent Webb Company-HPG”

These new MLRs give Webb Company boots on the ground in over 30 states making the brand more accessible to our distributor partners. “Our brand continues to grow and our HPG MLRs that have picked up the Webb line are a key factor in this growth.” Says Trina Bicknell, SVP of Sales at HPG, “We’re thrilled to be able to showcase Webb products to even more of our distributor partners in 2021.”

Interested in learning more about Webb Company? Reach out to one of the below MLRs or visit www.webbcompany.com.

Tuso Marketing/MLR Alliance, Tony Tuso - tony@tusomarketing.com

Reisack Sales & Marketing/MLR Alliance, Bill Reisack - bill@reisack.com

Reisack Sales & Marketing/MLR Alliance, Julia Macdonald-Ward - Julia@reisack.com

Reisack Sales & Marketing/MLR Alliance, Steve May - Steve@reisack.com

Evans Manufacturing (PPAI 110747, S10), a supplier headquartered in Garden Grove, California, recently donated face masks and other products to two local charitable institutions.

The company donated 10,000 face masks and 500 insulated lunch bags to Brackens Kitchen, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Orange County, California, that, through food trucks, brings meals to those facing food insecurity.

"During this major health crisis affecting our community, we are so grateful for the donation of face masks from Evans Manufacturing,” says Bill Bracken, founder and culinary director of Bracken’s Kitchen. “Bracken’s Kitchen mission since 2013 is through food rescue, culinary training and our community feeding program to help underprivileged individuals and families. Our work has given us a unique position to partner with a network of support organizations, like the Community Action Partnership of Orange County, to assure the 10,000 face masks will be given to people and families in the most need of protection from COVID-19."

Alan Vaught, CEO and owner of Evans Manufacturing, adds, “My respect for Bill Bracken's vison, commitment and accomplishments through Bracken’s Kitchen is boundless. He saw there are significant levels of food insecurity that exist within Orange County, California, and he set out to use his vast experience as a nationally renowned chef to make a difference and feed the hungry. Evans Manufacturing is proud to provide face masks to Bracken’s Kitchen individuals and families, and we are very happy that their network of nonprofit groups will help get the face masks to those who need them most in the surrounding communities."

Evans Manufacturing also donated 38,000 face masks to the Orange County Food Bank. Kristin Kvesic, donation food program manager, says, “In June of 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Orange County Food Bank increased the pounds of food distributed by 59 percent over last year. By August 2020 we served one million people affected by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. Working with more than 300 local nonprofit organizations in Southern California to distribute 38,000 Evans Manufacturing face masks, we know this generous donation will have an immeasurable positive impact fending off this disastrous virus for thousands of at-risk families in our communities.”

Vaught adds, “Evans Manufacturing is honored and humbled to contribute face masks to the Orange County Food Bank's efforts to provide resources, from food to shelter, to individuals and families in the most critical need within our surrounding cities. It is our fervent desire through our face masks to help keep people as safe and healthy as possible during these challenging times of COVID-19. The Orange County Food Bank and their food supply, rental assistance and homelessness prevention partners assures that the 38,000 donated Evans face masks will be distributed to frontline workers and the most at-risk people."

PPAI has named the winners of its 2021 Pyramid Awards. The annual recognition honors creative excellence in the promotional products industry and recognizes dependable suppliers, outstanding promotions, creative campaigns and exceptional craftsmanship by Association members.

First presented in 1958, the PPAI Pyramid Award represents the pinnacle of achievement and honors the long-standing, collaborative partnerships between the PPAI family of members that differentiate strategic promotional marketing from the buying and selling of products. The PPAI Pyramid Award has stood the test of time and continues to advance the awareness and prestige of the industry’s talented companies and individuals.

The winners are listed alphabetically below. Read more about them in upcoming issues of PPB magazine, beginning with the Pyramid Awards In Client Programs coming in the February issue.

A+ Wine Designs
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Etching/Engraving/Laser
SILVER Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Etching/Engraving/Laser
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Supplier/Distributor Collaboration
SILVER Pyramid: Supplier Star Award of Merit

Ads On Magnets
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Dome

AIA Corporation
SILVER Pyramid Marketing Programs – Branding

American Ad Bag
SILVER Pyramid: Supplier Star Award of Merit

Arid Zone
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Consumer

AZX Sport
SILVER Pyramid Marketing Programs – Supplier Sales Support Materials

BAG MAKERS
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Customized Non-Catalog Product I
SILVER Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Customized Non-Catalog Product I

BagWorld
SILVER Pyramid: Supplier Star Award of Merit

Brand Fuel
GOLD Pyramid Marketing Programs – Digital Self-Promotion Campaigns

Brandscene
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Business to Business
SILVER Pyramid Client Programs – Business to Business
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Employee Incentive & Recognition
SILVER Pyramid Client Programs – Employee Incentive & Recognition

BrandVia Alliance
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Supplier/Distributor Collaboration

Buffalo Bay
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Special Processes

Cap America
SILVER Pyramid: Supplier Star Award of Merit

commonsku
GOLD Pyramid Marketing Programs – Self-Promotion Campaigns
GOLD Pyramid Technology Programs – Web Content/Functionality

Concepts & Associates
SILVER Pyramid Client Programs – Educational

Core Image Group (J & H Ad Solutions)
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Political/Legislative

Corporate Specialties
GOLD Pyramid Technology Programs – Web Content/Functionality

CounterPoint
SILVER Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Print On Hard Surfaces
SILVER Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Print On Textiles

Creative Promotional Marketing Agency
Gold Pyramid Marketing Programs – Self-Promotion Campaigns

DIGISPEC
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Print On Textiles

FlatBox International
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star – New Supplier Member

Fossa Apparel
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star

FPS Apparel
GOLD Pyramid Marketing Programs – Supplier Sales Support Materials

Funk Advertising
SILVER Pyramid Client Programs – Consumer

Geiger
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Internal Communication
GOLD Pyramid Technology Programs – Ecommerce Website

Gemline
GOLD Pyramid Technology Programs – Mobile Apps/Mobile Websites
SILVER Pyramid Technology Programs – Web Content/Functionality

General Advertising Products
SILVER Pyramid Client Programs – Distributor/Supplier Collaboration

Gold Bond
GOLD Pyramid Technology Programs – Web Content/Functionality
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star

Goldstar
SILVER Pyramid: Supplier Star Award of Merit

Gorman Foy
SILVER Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Supplier/Distributor Collaboration

Hadrus Vinyl Graphics
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star

HandStands / HPG
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star

Hexa|Custom
GOLD Pyramid Technology Programs – Ecommerce Website

HidrateSpark
SILVER Pyramid: Supplier Star Award of Merit – New Supplier Member

Hillary's LLC
SILVER Pyramid Marketing Programs – Self-Promotion Campaigns

Honeycomb Agency
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Trade Show/Exhibit Traffic

Hub Pen Company
GOLD Pyramid Marketing Programs – Branding
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star

Ideation Promotions & Apparel
SILVER Pyramid Client Programs – Internal Communication

IICON Creative Strategies, Inc.
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Client Branding

Indiana Metal Craft
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Castings
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Metal Striking
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Print On Hard Surfaces

Indoff
SILVER Pyramid Client programs – Political/Legislative

Innovative Promotional Concepts
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Distributor/Supplier Collaboration

Jungle Jane Promotions
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Educational

Koozie Group
SILVER Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Special Applications
SILVER Pyramid Technology Programs – Ecommerce Website

Leed's
SILVER Pyramid: Supplier Star Award of Merit

Maple Ridge Farms
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star

Martket Branding
SILVER Pyramid Technology Programs – Ecommerce Website

Midnite Snax
SILVER Pyramid: Supplier Star Award of Merit

NW Digital Works
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Not For Profit

OMG Branding Solutions, an iPROMOTEu Affiliate
SILVER Pyramid Client Programs – Not For Profit

Opti Print and Fulfillment
SILVER Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Combination of Processes
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Special Applications
SILVER Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Supplier/Distributor Collaboration

OrderMyGear
SILVER Pyramid Marketing Programs – Self-Promotion Campaigns

Origaudio
GOLD Pyramid Marketing Programs – Self-Promotion Campaigns

Pop! Promos
SILVER Pyramid Client Programs – Distributor/Supplier Collaboration
SILVER Pyramid: Supplier Star Award of Merit

Promo PSI
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Combination of Processes

PromoPulse
SILVER Pyramid Technology Programs – Mobile Apps/Mobile Websites

Promotional Partners
SILVER Pyramid Client Programs – Client Branding

Quality Certification Alliance
SILVER Pyramid Technology Programs – Web Content/Functionality

Red Tomato Promotions
SILVER Pyramid Marketing Programs – Digital Self-Promotion Campaigns

ReturnMe Lost & Found
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star

SanMar
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star

Seven Corners Print & Promo
SILVER Pyramid Client Programs – Trade Show/Exhibit Traffic

Showdown Displays
SILVER Pyramid: Supplier Star Award of Merit

Silicon Valley Specialties, an iPROMOTEu Affiliate
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Social Responsibility

Social Good Promotions
SILVER Pyramid Client Programs – Social Responsibility

Spector & Co
GOLD Pyramid Marketing Programs – Digital Self-Promotion Campaigns
SILVER Pyramid Marketing Programs – Digital Self-Promotion Campaigns

Stahls'
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star

Starline USA
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star

Stormtech
GOLD Pyramid Marketing Programs – Cause Advocacy Marketing

Terry Town
SILVER Pyramid Marketing Programs – Self-Promotion Campaigns
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Embroidery I
SILVER Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Embroidery II

The Allen Company
SILVER Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Special Processes

Toddy Gear
GOLD Pyramid: Supplier Star

Vantage Apparel
SILVER Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Embroidery I
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Embroidery II

Visions
GOLD Pyramid Supplier Decorating – Customized Non-Catalog Product III

Zeit Company
GOLD Pyramid Client Programs – Distributor/Supplier Collaboration

HPG announces the addition of Nick Lateur as Director of National Accounts for the supplier’s Specialty Channel, which currently includes Batch & Bodega and HandStands PROMO.  “HPG is an innovative and progressive group that continually pushes the limits of advertising specialties,” says Lateur.  “HandStands and Batch & Bodega uniquely embody the creative spirit that is essential to effective marketing. I am honored and excited to be joining such a special team.”

The native Texan is known in the industry for his YouTube videos MONDAYS with Nick, which have an entertaining spin on the promotional products industry.  Nick says, “The idea is to be informative and memorable. Upcoming videos will place HPG Specialty Brands products in the forefront.”

“We are very excited to have Nick Lateur join our incredible sales team,” says Trina Bicknell, HPG’s Senior Vice President of Sales.   “Nick has awesome experience in the industry, provides fantastic energy, and has a really unique talent to connect with his customers.   He will make a great addition to the HPG sales team.”