Goldstar (PPAI 114031, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 16 supplier, has appointed Luis Calado as vice president of European sales.

• With nearly a decade of industry expertise, a deep passion for sustainable products and a proven track record of leadership, Calado will guide Goldstar’s European sales team and leverage the strengths of the North American and European teams. He will be based in Lisbon, Portugal.

“What excites me most about joining Goldstar is how closely aligned we are in our values,” says Calado. “Sustainability has been a core focus throughout my career, and I’m particularly drawn to Goldstar’s approach to responsible product sourcing and manufacturing practices. I’m eager to bring that mindset to a company already on a promising path.”

Calado adds, “The European side is ahead in innovation, particularly in product development and circular economy initiatives, while North America excels in pricing strategies and customer service. By combining these strengths, we can create a seamless and enhanced experience for distributors, no matter where they are.”

St Regis Group (PPAI  230188, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 22 supplier, has unveiled its new brand as SRG. This year the company celebrates its 25th year in business.

• The new name reflects the supplier’s evolution from an awards specialist to a source for a wider range of items including recognition, promotional products and corporate gifts.
• Since its founding in 1999, SRG has expanded its portfolio of products through acquisitions and organic growth and today operates out of state-of-the-art facilities in Chicago, Illinois, and Toronto, Ontario.
• The St Regis name will remain as a premium brand under the SRG portfolio.

“Our new name, SRG, signifies more than a fresh look – it is the next step in our exceptional growth and modern approach as a service-oriented organization,” says Richard Firkser, founder of St Regis Group. “While awards remain at the heart of what we do, we’ve expanded into diverse categories like drinkware, barware, pens, journals, housewares, kitchenware and much more. As a premier giftware supplier and with more and more products being added to our lineup, we’re committed to offering innovative solutions that motivate, reward, and inspire beyond recognition.”

Along with a number of new product introductions for 2025, BAG MAKERS (PPAI 111408, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 29 supplier, has also expanded its special packaging options and print services.

• Customers can now order color paper tissue with custom imprints to complement gift bags and boxes. Full-sheet tissue is available in 13 colors with black imprinting.
• Sublimated ribbon is now available for edge-to-edge, one-sided custom imprints, as well as color matching beyond standard color charts. Imprints can feature a logo, pattern, colorful artwork, or even photographs on any size of white bridal or badge satin ribbon.
• BAG MAKERS now also offers ColorVista or Sparkle imprinting on customer-provided hats and apparel. Alternatively, Sparkle transfers are available for purchase.

Greater Pacific (PPAI 191353, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 68 supplier, has brought on industry veteran Kelly Borre.

• With experience in global importing, consultative sales and creative branded merchandise, Borre is expected to enhance Greater Pacific’s role as a trusted partner for distributors.

“I’m thrilled to join Greater Pacific,” says Borre. “Their reputation for delivering innovative, tailored importing solutions aligns perfectly with my expertise. I’m eager to help our clients succeed and drive meaningful growth for the company.”

Pro Towels (PPAI 112755, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 44 supplier, has expanded its multi-line rep network with the addition of four rep agencies. The company says this strategic move will strengthen and enhance its commitment to deliver exceptional service and innovative products.

These firms are joining the Pro Towels’ multi-line rep network:

• Bridge Marketing Services led by Cory Schroepfer, Richard Schmidt and Kristian Pawlikowski, will cover Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana.
• Corporate Identity Apparel, led by Mack Gaskins with Amanda Roberson will represent the supplier in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.
• Jules Scheck Associates, including Jason Bickoff, Beata Miller, Sean Kurtzman and Lori Ruderman will cover Northeast – Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.
• Tuso Marketing Team, headed by Tony Tuso and Bree Tuso, will cover Texas and Oklahoma.

“Expanding our multi-line representation is an exciting step forward for Pro Towels,” said Sherry Gantt, VP of sales at Pro Towels. “These agencies bring unparalleled industry knowledge, extensive distributor relationships and a proactive sales approach that align perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier service and innovative products.”

The Kanata Group (PPAI 111063, Silver) is gearing up for the New Year by adding industry veteran Carrie Pitre as VP of national accounts. Pitre brings to her new role 18 years of industry experience working with national accounts.

In addition, the company has added three new multi-line rep groups for 2025. They are:

• Brisk Enterprises – Walter Brzyski will cover the Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania)
• Northwest Professional Sales – James Matson will cover the Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington)
• Preferred Lines Marketing – Kent Getsee and Paula Coomer will cover 12 Midwest states (Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin).

“We are extremely fortunate and excited to be adding Carrie to our team,” says Joe Huber, senior vice president of promotional sales for The Kanata Group. “She has a tremendous work ethic and great relationships with her distributor partners. About the new rep firms, he adds, “I am very happy to be adding these terrific individuals to our already strong regional sales team. Very optimistic for 2025 and beyond.”

Effective immediately, the promotional arm of supplier Swanky Badger (PPAI 813397, Standard Base) will operate under the name Swanky, while the retail division will remain Swanky Badger.

• The new name for the promo division reflects the brand’s evolution and its commitment to high-quality, gender-neutral and sustainable gifting solutions. The change is showcased with a refreshed identity that includes a modern logo with a vibrant color scheme and a renewed focus on industry-leading, personalized gifts. The new online home is www.swankypromo.com.
• The company explains that Swanky Badger’s retail roots were traditionally male-focused but the evolution to Swanky underscores the brand’s shift toward inclusivity, offering high-end products that appeal to all genders, recipients and occasions.

“We’ve spent the last three years learning, growing and refining our approach in the promotional products industry,” says Mark Hanratty, founder and CEO of Swanky. “Our new name, Swanky, is a natural progression of that journey. It represents not just who we are today but who we aim to become – a leader in creating high-quality, customizable gifts that stand out for their style, sustainability, and versatility.”