News

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.”

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.

Thorndike will service as Immediate Past President, Ex- Officio. Mark Corscadden, Dei Rossi Marketing, will serve as President. Taylor Anderson, SanMar, will serve as Vice President and Carpenter, will serve as Treasurer/Secretary. "We are excited to move forward from 2020 and look forward to rebounding and recovering together,” said Corscadden. “PPAS is a place where competitors become friends and friends become family.”

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.”