SanMar (PPAI 110788, Platinum) – PPAI 100’s No. 1 supplier – has introduced two styles of Charity Tech Packs with $5 from each backpack sold benefitting the American Red Cross or the American Cancer Society.

• The backpacks were developed make it easy for companies, teams and groups to choose a product co-branded with a highly regarded national charity for a built-in charitable giving message.
• Crafted of durable ballistic and recycled polyester materials, the packs fit with SanMar’s commitment to prioritizing sustainable products. Thoughtful features include sleek styling, padded laptop compartment, integrated luggage strap and ergonomic mesh shoulder straps. Each style includes an interior label with a QR code to encourage additional donations.

“This launch is really something new for our industry and I can’t wait to see the impact these backpacks make,” says SanMar President Jeremy Lott. “Let’s say a company wants to outfit their team with gear that aligns with their charitable giving mission. These backpacks give them the chance to put their stamp on product that’s co-branded with the American Red Cross or American Cancer Society.”

Outdoor Cap (PPAI 213485, Gold) in Bentonville, Arkansas – PPAI 100’s No. 30 supplier – has added Tom Arens as head of technology.

• With over 15 years of experience leading IT and analytics teams across various industries, Arens brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the growing team. His career spans Fortune 100 companies and tech startups including previous roles managing the environmental analytics program at Tyson Foods, leading technology and analytics teams at Acorn: The Influence Company, and serving as CIO at ARcare.
• In his new role, he will focus on fostering collaboration and innovation to drive successful projects and improve company performance.
• An Arkansas native, Arens is also a dedicated volunteer and has organized clean-up efforts in state parks and national forests, and serves on the board of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Foundation.

“I am thrilled to join Outdoor Cap and contribute to a company that is not only a leader in headwear but also deeply invested in its community and the environment,” says Arens.