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In The News - September 2023

One10 (asi/190690), a Dayton, OH-based distributor, has named Ali Amin its new executive vice president of product management and leader in SaaS product. Amin brings more than 15 years of experience in driving what One10 described as “breakthrough consumer experiences and propelling revenue growth” through his strategic insights and technological acumen. Amin will oversee product management, engineering, design and data strategy for PerformX, a SaaS-based incentive and recognition technology platform, and Rewarding You, One10’s catalog of global rewards. Prior to joining One10, Amin was group product manager at Intuit.

Burnside/Sierra Pacific (asi/87224), Counselor’s 2023 Family Business of the Year, has named Scott Whitesell vice president of sales. Whitsell has 30 years of experience in the industry and has worked with companies that included former Top 40 firm Sweda, as well supplier J. Charles (asi/62985) and others. He’s also a past business owner.

GNP Branded Gear (asi/200020) has hired Joseph Giordano as manager of strategy and operations. During the past 10 years Giordano has held several positions in the sports production industry, including roles with Rush Media Company, the National Basketball Association and Major League Soccer. For the past five years, Giordano was visiting TV scheduling supervisor at MSG Networks.

Sportsman Cap & Bag (asi/88877), a Top 40 supplier, now offers new headwear from Imperial, a retailer well known in the golf and pickleball markets – it was recently named the official licensed headwear of major league pickleball. Styles now available from Sportsman Cap & Bag include the Original Performance (X210P), the North Country Trucker (1287) and the Banff (6017)

AutoTran, a global manufacturer of decorating equipment, announces that promoproducts industry veteran Ray Rodriguez will represent its line of decorating equipment, supplies and services through his consulting firm 5P Promo.

Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) will present a Wild Wednesday Webinar on Wednesday, September 27 at 12:30 p.m. ET with ASI’s Nate Kucsma, senior executive director of research, and Sara Lavenduski, executive editor of digital content, who will discuss 2023 State of the Industry findings. Register for the webinar here.

Alphabroder Canada (asi/37143), part of Top 40 supplier alphabroder (asi/34063), has released its 2024 One-Stop Solution digital catalogue, with apparel, hard goods and themed groupings such as Breast Cancer Awareness items, Toys & Novelties, sustainability and more.

Stormtech (asi/89869), a Top 40 supplier, has published its 2023 Holiday Gift Guide with categories like fleece, flannel & tees and technical shells. “This curated collection offers a diverse array of options and price points,” says the company. “Finding the ideal gift has never been easier.”

Sonoma Promo (asi/88188) has been certified through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program (WOSB). The federal government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the WOSB Program.

ADG Canada (asi/97249), part of Top 40 supplier ADG Promo Products (asi/97270), has appointed Donna Klaassen of Ventura Sales & Marketing to represent the line in British Columbia, effective Oct. 1.

Hasseman Marketing (asi/221824) has announced that CEO Kirby Hasseman is the author of a just-released book. “Hit the Target” is a parable based on the TARGET marketing framework that Hasseman Marketing teaches clients to help market their organizations better. Kirby is the author of several other books as well. “I am so excited about this new book,” Kirby said. “I have never written a book like this, and I hope it will make our TARGET marketing framework relatable to everyone.”

commonsku, a promotional products business and sales software, has opened registration for skuconX, which is being held in Las Vegas on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. This is the 10th season for the conference. It will feature talks from leaders who include Joey Coleman, author of the book Never Lose a Customer Again; Jeremy Lott, president and CEO of SanMar (asi/84863); Jonathan G. Isaacson, chairman and CEO of Gemline (asi/56070); Denise Taschereau, CEO of Fairware (asi/191452); Danny Rosin, co-founder of Brand Fuel (asi/145025), and others. “This is an extra special event for us this year because we’re not only bringing new voices and an experience expert like Joey Coleman to the stage, but we’re bringing back a few of the original voices who spoke at our very first skucon,” said Mark Graham, commonsku’s president and chief brand officer. “Those original speakers have been on quite a journey that reflects many of us in the community: one of amazing growth and significant change. We’re excited to present an entirely new vision of tomorrow with an emphasis on future-proofing our industry with this lineup of amazing speakers.” To register, visit skucon.com.

Reciprocity Road, an alliance of eleven distributors across the U.S. and Canada that comprises $250 million in promo spending, recently completed its third Road Rally. Held in Nashville, TN, the sales event saw 120 industry professionals gather for three days of networking, collaboration and education. Twenty-eight preferred vendors showcased their products and strategies, focusing on sustainability through in-suite meetings. A highlight of the event was a fireside chat between Tom Goos, president of Image Source (asi/230121), and Jeremy Lott, president and CEO of Top 40 supplier SanMar (asi/84863). “The Making of a Dynasty” was the theme of the chat. “It is very gratifying to see such a talented group of sales executives and top-notch suppliers come together to network and plan for growth,” said Perry Wehrle, executive director of Reciprocity Road. “The forged relationships over the years reflect the spirit of Reciprocity Road.”

Spector & Co. (asi/88660), a Top 40 supplier, has promoted Victoria Mitchell to the position of director of sales for Canada. Mitchell joined the company almost 20 years ago as an account manager and was most recently the director of strategic accounts.

GNP Branded Gear (asi/200020) has promoted Dominick Randazzo to manager of branding and client relations. Randazzo joined GNP in 2013 as a marketing and e-commerce specialist. During the past 10 years, he has advanced to new positions in both sales and marketing, where he has played a key role in the growth of GNP’s digital and e-commerce footprints. In his new position, Randazzo will focus his efforts on managing and growing GNP’s key client base.

Top 40 distributor 4imprint (asi/197045), GMR Marketing (asi/200143) and TEAM SCG (asi/315978) are among the companies with promotional products industry connections that earned a place on the Fortune Best Workplaces in Advertising & Marketing 2023 list. The list is compiled based on an analysis of survey responses from more than 10,000 employees across Great Place To Work Certified companies within the advertising and marketing industry.

Stran & Company (asi/337725), a Top 40 distributor, has launched a new loyalty program for an online sports and entertainment company that received more than 22,000 orders in the first week of the redemption period, executives said. The orders generated more than $2 million in sales, according to Stran. The loyalty program rewards are offered to the client’s consumers in the form of products that can be redeemed online.

Compass Industries (sai/46170) has appointed Daniele Luciani director of key accounts. In this new role, Luciani will be responsible for leading and expanding Compass’ key account management strategies, fostering strong client relationships, and driving growth through customer service. With more than 20 years of experience, Luciani has a background in the promotional products and incentive industries, executives said. “We believe that Daniele will play a crucial role in strengthening our relationships with our clients and driving our company's growth,” Michael Levy, president of Compass.

Arch Promo Group (asi/36663) has appointed Les Love as sales manager for the Midwest. He has more than 15 years of industry experience, and will be responsible for supporting distributor clients and attending industry events in the region. “Meeting our distributor friends on their turf, doing everything possible to support their position as creative resources for their customers, and helping them grow their business and profits are at the top of my list,” says Love. Arch Promo’s brands include ProRose (asi/79933), Drum-Line (asi/50873), TK Cups-Sorg’s (asi/88200), Gemini Industries (asi/56100), F&H Ribbon Co. and StrombergBrand Umbrellas (asi/89955).

Stran & Company (asi/337725), a Top 40 distributor, has launched a new e-commerce loyalty program for an online sports and entertainment client that generated over 22,000 orders and more than $2 million in sales in its first week. Consumers can redeem branded products online as part of the program, and Stran aims to hit an estimated $4 million in sales. “[It] speaks to the effectiveness of both the overarching loyalty strategy as well as the specific offering to the client’s consumer base,” says Andy Shape, CEO of Stran. “Our creative, merchandising, sourcing, production and logistics capabilities are helping our client to retain their customers. This is an example of one of several loyalty and incentive-based initiatives that we offer to assist our clients with the goal of driving customer retention.”

iPROMOTEu (asi/232119), a Top 40 distributor, announces that its advocacy organization A Woman’s View will host a virtual educational session next week as part of its 2023 Webinar Series. “Opportunities with Importing: Understanding How Importing Can Grow Your Bottom Line, While Offering Creative Solutions for Your Clients” will be held on Wednesday, September 13, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. ET. Attendees will learn about offering importing to clients, developing custom product, working with trusted partners and more. Speakers include Scott Edidin, co-founder of 6AM Sourcing (asi/46173); Zack Harvey, director of sales with BamBams, LLC (asi/38228); Catherine Kruse, vice president of global sourcing solutions with iPROMOTEu; Jennifer Mason, import sales manager with Source Hit, a division of Top 40 supplier Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125); and Roger Remo, executive vice president of sales with Creating Brand Legacy Worldwide. Moderators will be Woman’s View Advisory Council members Brittany Smith, president and CEO of A4 Promotions & Incentives, and Jennifer Laret, vice president of A4. Register here.

ASI Canada will be exhibiting at PPPC’s National Convention (NATCON) on September 12 and 13 at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON. Stop by the ASI Canada booth (#1048) to learn all about its offerings, including the revolutionary new product sourcing platform ESP+, and to pick up a free drink voucher for a hosted Happy Hour on Tuesday, September 12 from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. ET at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites.

NC Custom (asi/44900) has appointed three new multi-line agencies to represent the company’s product line in Canada. Owen Griffiths of Showcase Sales will cover Southwestern Ontario, Guylaine Chaumont of NG2 Marketing will cover Quebec, and Scott and Wendy McOuat of McOuat Agencies will cover Manitoba and Saskatchewan.