News

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.”

Pantone, the global color authority and provider of professional color language standards and digital solutions for the design community, has named PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating, a yellow, as its Pantone Color of the Year selection for 2021, which it describes as conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.

“The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one. The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”

In making the announcement of its Color of the Year selections, Pantone stated, “As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality. Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation. The colors of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.”

Pantone has named a “color of the year” for the past 22 years. To arrive at its selection each year, the Pantone Color Institute looks for new color influences from sources including the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles and socioeconomic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and sporting events that capture worldwide attention.

Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, adds, “The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer. As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolize thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of color to engage and connect.”

PPAI members receive discounts on dozens of Pantone products online, including formula guides and chip books, at Shop PPAI.

William F. (Bill) Vernon, CAS, former chairman and CEO of Newton, Iowa-based distributor The Vernon Company, passed away on December 3. He was 89.

Vernon began his career at The Vernon Company in 1956 after serving in the United States Army and over the next 64 years was highly engaged in building the multi-generation family business across North America.

His involvement in the promotional products industry was extensive. In the late 1960s, he served on the board of directors for Specialty Advertising Association International (SAAI), now PPAI, and was chair in 1971-72. In 1986, he was honored with induction into the SAAI Hall of Fame. A year later, he was recognized by Counselor Magazine as its Person of the Year and in 2002 the company was awarded the magazine’s Family Business Award. In 2013, Vernon received the Marvin Spike Lifetime Achievement Award from the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI).

Beyond his industry activities, Vernon was involved in numerous professional, civic and government organizations throughout his lifetime. He served as a civilian aide to Secretary of the Army for the State of Iowa, the founding chair of the Iowa Games and served as chair of Iowa Association of Business and Industry. He served as chair of The Des Moines Civic Center and was the co-founder and past chair of Progress Industries in Newton, Iowa. Vernon was also past chair of the Iowa Young Presidents’ Organization and served as an international director. Vernon was awarded the Department of U.S. Army’s “Outstanding Civilian Service Medal” and the Chairman Emeritus Founders Award from Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for planning and executing the first Iowa Games. In 2002, The Vernon Company was recognized under the Century Businesses of Iowa Program. In 2011, Vernon was inducted into The Hall of Fame at Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, Illinois, where he served as a Lifetime Trustee, and in 2012 he was inducted into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame by Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds.

Vernon is survived by his wife Marilyn, their four children (Rick, Chris, Cameron and Stephanie) and six grandchildren. One of his greatest legacies was having all of his children serve in the family’s fourth-generation business. Chris Vernon serves as the company’s CEO, Stephanie Vernon-Critchfield is both a vice president and the national sales manager, while Rick and Cameron Vernon are company vice presidents and senior account managers.

A private family graveside service will be held this week in Newton, Iowa, and a celebration of life will be planned next summer in Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Progress Industry Foundation or to the Promotional Products Education Foundation.

The Promotional Products Association of the Southwest (PPAS), covering Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico, recently held elections for their 2021 Board of Directors and announced the officers representing the President, Vice President, Ex-Officio and Treasurer. Newly elected Directors include Tom Carpenter, Fey Promo; Tommy Lewis, HALO; Mike McMillan, RiteLine USA; Sarah Thomas, American Solutions for Business; and Jarod Thorndike, SAGE.

Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, will conclude his employment with the Association at the end of March 2021, marking the end of more than 20 years of service to the Association. “The past 20-plus years have been nothing short of extraordinary,” Bellantone said. “This decision was not easy, but I am confident knowing that our strong staff and dedicated Board of Directors have PPAI in a solid position to move forward to protect, grow and engage the promotional products industry.” Bellantone notified the Board in late October of his intention to conclude his tenure before his next contract extension which was set to begin on April 1, 2021.

PPAI Board Chair Ira Neaman, MAS, said, “The Board and countless others in the industry are so grateful for Paul’s many years of leadership and dedication to serve and engage the industry. Under his leadership, PPAI has grown and evolved into one of the most respected associations worldwide. I am truly thankful for all Paul has done for PPAI, including instilling a strong ‘confidence to evolve’ mentality among the PPAI Board, staff and volunteer corps.” Executive Vice President Robert (Bob) McLean, Jr., CPA, CAE, CEM, said, “Paul has been an inspirational leader and advocate of the PPAI community and the industry. Due to his tireless leadership and team building, our staff and volunteer leaders are well-positioned for this change and to continue to move the Association forward.”

Bellantone added, “It has been a pleasure to serve the Association and I am tremendously appreciative of the opportunities I have been given and for the relationships I have built during my time with PPAI. It is no secret that this has been a challenging year for many, both personally and professionally. But with such challenges come opportunities to evolve and thrive. That’s why I believe this is not only the right time for me, but the best time for PPAI.”

PPAI’s mission to grow, protect, inform and engage its members and the industry remains foremost. Coupled with a focused and strategic continuity plan, the Board and leadership staff will work closely with Bellantone over the coming months to evaluate internal and external market conditions against the needs of the members, industry and the Association. These efforts will ensure a smooth transition that will drive meaningful value and the long-term success of the Association.

Logomark (PPAI 110898, S12) has entered into a partnership with Igloo to offer the company’s drinkware into the promotional products market. The Tustin, California-based supplier will offer flasks, jugs, bottles and tumblers from the 73-year-old company.

“Drinkware has been a strong focus for Logomark for many years, and we are excited to add the legendary Igloo brand to our portfolio of products,” says Trevor Gnesin, president of Logomark. “We believe their top quality, solid designs and high‐performance mugs, jugs and bottles are a great match to Logomark’s commitment to bring superior promotional products to our customers.”

Terri Schiek, vice president of sales at Igloo Products Corp., adds, “We are thrilled to start offering our popular high‐end drinkware items through Logomark, a leader in the promotional products market. With their powerful reach throughout North America, incomparable customer service, top‐tier decoration abilities and strategic positioning in the industry, we know our items will be a big hit.”

Sweda Company, LLC (PPAI 113914, S11) has announced that its Basecamp Warrior Team has completed their Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Carry Forward Virtual 5K. The Basecamp Warriors represented their family members, friends, Warrior Spirit Retreat founder and Sweda Basecamp Brand Ambassador Dan Nevins, and all those who have served their country. The Basecamp Warrior Team finished in first place, donating the highest total for the event.

In early September, Nevins informed the Sweda team that his Carry Forward 5K Fund Raiser would be a virtual event for 2020. Cristi Meyer, Sweda national account manager and an avid runner, took on the task of motivating her Sweda team members to participate in raising awareness and funds for this WWP event. The Basecamp Warriors are made up of Sweda sales and executive team members, including Jim Hagan, CEO; Kellie Claudio, senior vice president of sales and marketing; Meyer, serving as team captain; and Craig Wallace, Ryan Scott, Paul Hart, Shelley Bednarski, Steve Weisbaum, Jonathan Holt, Bob Engh, Mike Jones, Larry Willis, David Lodde, Rob Ball, Ben and Johanna Black, Chris and Karen Stauffer, Julia MacDonald and Joyce Sarmiento. Each person completed their 5ks on their own time.

In January, Sweda announced Basecamp’s partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project with this year’s commitment to donate $100,000 and two percent of wholesale sales at retail.

Sweda has been working with Nevins since 2017. Nevins was carried off the battlefield in 2004 after an IED detonated under his vehicle. He lost both legs below the knee and lives with a traumatic brain injury, but Nevins has not let that stop him. He credits the help of WWP and the backpack they gave him while he was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center with his successful rehabilitation. Nevins has now spent more than a decade dedicating his time to help other wounded warriors overcome the invisible and visible wounds of war through holistic teachings. The Basecamp Warriors wanted to honor Nevins and chose November 10, as that is his “Alive Day,” when “the universe decided Dan Nevins was not done living."

Gemline (PPAI 113948, S11) has created a strategic partnership with Colorado-based outdoor retail brand Osprey and added its products to the Lawrence, Massachusetts, supplier’s portfolio. Osprey, founded in 1974, offers sustainable hardgoods, including packs and carry solutions, for outdoor, travel and everyday purposes.

“We pride ourselves in choosing brand partners that are aligned with us in their appreciation for design innovation and quality. Osprey’s long-standing brand recognition and commitment to quality and sustainability, make them a perfect complement to Gemline’s expanding brand portfolio,” says Jonathan Isaacson, CEO of Gemline. “As people are taking to outdoor exploration and adventure, this new partnership will offer our customers more relevant cobranding opportunities than ever before.”

Caitrin Smith, corporate sales manager at Osprey Packs, adds, “Osprey is thrilled to launch a partnership with Gemline. They have a passion for truly understanding the brands that they work with and they are laser-focused on delivering the Osprey brand, product and experience to their customers.”

American Solutions for Business has partnered with eCommerce technology group, OrderMyGear (OMG), to expand their suite of eCommerce solutions.

This strategic partnership combines the robust software solution with the broad range of products, services and support ASB provides to their customers. This allows ASB sales associates to build simple, customizable online pop-up stores to streamline order process and grow sales.

“2020 has been about adaptability and evolution,” says Dana Zezzo, VP of Marketing, Vendor Relations and Events. “We’re excited to partner with OMG – especially during a time when online sales are so prevalent. This is a pivotal time in our industry, and American Solutions for Business is committed to keeping a progressive, open-minded philosophy when it comes to finding new solutions, tools and partners.”

The partnership is a signal of ASB’s commitment to empower the success of their sales associates and by extension, their customers. As a result of the partnership, OMG is providing exclusive benefits to ASB team members, including customized training and onboarding programs, an OMG License Fee discount and additional marketing and analytics resources.

“We are thrilled to partner with American Solutions for Business,” comments Matt Kaplan, OMG SVP of Revenue. “Distributors and consultants in the promotional products industry have a lot of moving parts in meeting the needs of their customers and accounts. American Solutions for Business is a thought-leader and big name in the industry as a company who puts their owners first and provides solutions that positively impact their success. By combining our software with their industry expertise and network, clients can streamline the ordering process, modernize the customer buying experience, and maximize sales for their business.”

IMAGEN Brands is excited to announce a limited time Coleman® “Sell More, Get More” Incentive Program – The More Coleman Outdoor You Sell, The More Free Coleman You Earn! Any distributor that places a Coleman® Outdoor order that falls under one of three sales volume order levels will earn a FREE Coleman® gift. The program opens today Monday, November 2nd and runs through Friday, January 29, 2021.

Here’s how distributors can earn free Coleman® items.

• Level One – Orders totaling $1,000 can choose from one of the three Coleman® items: 16-Can Cooler With Removable Liner, 4D 2-Panel LED Lantern or Party Pail Charcoal Grill
• Level Two – orders totaling $2,500 can choose from one of the three Coleman® items: Cushioned Cooler Quad Chair, 60 QT. Wheeled Cooler or Bryce Sleeping Bag
• Level Three – orders totaling $5,000 can choose from one of the three Coleman® items: 6D 3-Panel LED Lantern, Roadtrip Propane Grill or 36-Hour 42-Can Marine Soft-Sided Cooler