(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of updates from organizations around the promotional products industry. PPAI Media will consider newsworthy entries submitted by any member organization.)

June 3

Storm Creek Welcomes Laura Smith In Sustainability Role

Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Gold) has added Laura Smith to its team as product and sustainability manager.

  • Smith brings experience in product development and a commitment to environmental stewardship. She started her career at J. W Hulme Company, where she worked her way to vice president and played a pivotal role in implementing innovative design practices and engaging content that led to double-digit growth year over year. She also worked at Askov Finlayson, a climate-positive outdoor apparel company, where she discovered her passion for sustainable apparel and carbon accounting.
  • In her new role, Smith will oversee the development and management of Storm Creek’s product line and lead efforts to further integrate sustainable practices across all stages of product development from sourcing materials, to maintaining current certifications like HIGG and EcoVadis.

“I am excited to welcome Laura to the Storm Creek family,” says Doug Jackson, president and product visionary. “Her expertise in sustainable product development and her dedication to environmental responsibility will be invaluable as we continue to expand our product line and strengthen our commitment to sustainability.”

Logomark Introduces New Lineup Of Bettoni Premium Bags

Logomark (PPAI 110898, Platinum) is now the exclusive supplier of Bettoni products in the promotional products industry with its new selection of premium bags from the prestigious Bettoni brand.

  • The initial lineup, part of Bettoni’s new Moda Milano Collection, includes sleek sling bags with multiple compartments, spacious backpacks with ergonomic straps and hybrid carry options, as well as fashionable duffel bags.
  • Designed with sustainability in mind, the new bags are all developed using recycled water bottles (RPET) and are water resistant.
  • The new collection will be added to the company’s “Eco-lifestyle” product line, which distinguishes select items made with natural and recycled materials. The products are available now with future collections scheduled for launch in late summer 2024.

“Bettoni has meticulously crafted this new collection to ensure it meets the highest quality standards. Not only were comfort, functionality and style considered during the product development phase, but environmental impact was also top of mind,” says Maggie Wheeler, senior vice president of new product development at Logomark.

Promo Consulting Welcomes Industry Veteran Becki Heinen

Promo Consulting (PPAI 824358) has appointed seasoned industry professional Becki Heinen as vice president. She will join the consulting team to serve distributors and affiliates across North America.

  • Heinen’s journey in the promo industry began in 2017 at Facilisgroup, where she rapidly progressed through various roles, including technology support and client-facing positions. Her tenure culminated in leading partner development for a community of over 200 distributors. During her time at Facilisgroup, Heinen engaged with nearly all distributors, guiding them through onboarding processes to the Syncore technology and strategically assisting them in leveraging the system to enhance their business scalability.

“Becki is a perfect fit for our business model where we leverage the experience of our team to help distributors do better,” says Promo Consulting President Randy Conley. “Everyone who has worked with Becki ends up wanting more of her time and now distributors have that chance.”

PCNA Adds OXO Brand Products To Its Housewares Line

PCNA (PPAI 113079, Platinum) now offers 11 new housewares products from the OXO brand.

  • Among the product offerings are a slim container set, conical Burr grinder, easy-clean compost bin, salad spinner, six-piece steel barware set, three-piece grilling set, six-piece kitchen tool set, three-piece ice bucket set, two-cup angled measuring cup, compact cold brew maker and Venture French press.
  • In addition to being a line that makes everyday life easier, the brand donates one percent of its annual sales to environmental nonprofits and helps fund research that gives hope to children battling cancer.

Gemline Expands Igloo Coolers, Adds Igloo Drinkware

Gemline (PPAI 113948, Platinum) has expanded its Igloo product line with a broader selection of Igloo hard-sided coolers and by adding Igloo-branded drinkware.

  • The new coolers are from Igloo’s made-in-the-USA Profile series, the Trailmate series and the Igloo KoolTunes, which includes built in-speakers with Bluetooth connectivity. Gemline first launched its hard-sided cooler line in Spring 2023.
  • By adding the Igloo drinkware line, Gemline broadens the range of price options within its retail-branded drinkware offerings.

“Our term partnership with Igloo has been tremendously successful, and we are thrilled to introduce a wider range of innovative Igloo products to our customers,” says Frank Carpenito, president & CEO of Gemline. “We are constantly seeking ways to provide value to our distributor partners and simplify their shopping experience by offering a wider assortment of the most in-demand products from our retail brand partners.”

June 1

General Diaries Closing After 50 Years In The Industry

General Diaries (PPAI112014, Plus-Standard) in Inwood, New York, is closing its doors after more than a half a century supplying appointment books and diaries to the promo industry. All in-house orders will be completed with a closing date of June 10.
President Mark Lebo says, “After 50 plus years, it’s time to retire. We thank our loyal customers and suppliers for their partnership and friendship.”

May 29

Outdoor Cap Releases New Promotional And OC Sports Catalog

Outdoor Cap (PPAI 213485, Gold) introduces its new Promotional and OC Sports Catalog, a valuable tool for distributors and decorators as well as anyone selling apparel products in team sports.

  • The catalog showcases 20 new cap styles, along with new decoration techniques including patch and application options and new custom faux leather patch shapes.
  • Other new decoration options in this catalog include: Flexstyle domed, Flexstyle flat, PV+ emblems, full color heat transfer, print stitch, embroidered appliques, chenille and woven embellishments.