American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 10 distributor, raised over $36,000 for families in the Pope County, Minnesota, area through its annual Adopt-A-Family initiative.

• The funds raised were used to purchase clothing, winter gear, hygiene products, household items and toys for 20 families, including 63 children, and distributed through a third-party organizer to maintain the families’ privacy.
• This growing tradition serves as the annual Christmas present to ASB Founder Larry Zavadil and American Diversity Founder Diane Zavadil and is made possible through generous contributions from ASB employees and sales associates, in addition to funds contributed by the Zavadils.

“The ASB family is proud to support Adopt-A-Family each holiday season,” says Larry Zavadil. “The Pope County community is special to ASB and especially those of us in Glenwood, where our headquarters are located. It’s incredibly meaningful to give back to the community and provide a helping hand to families in need.”

Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 3 distributor, celebrates a big win, taking home yet another victory in the Graphic Design USA’s Best-of-Year Design Competition.

• Two of Proforma’s marketing campaigns won awards: A digital campaign titled “Sizzlin’ Summer Swag” and a direct mail campaign titled: “Message in a Bottle” – an impressive feat considering GDUSA received 8,000 entries for this competition. This win comes after Proforma’s “Build the Perfect New Hire Kit” and “Setting Trends” entries were recognized last year.

“These wins are so special to our team and our network,” says Marissa Jansen, Proforma’s content & communications manager. “We create these resources on behalf of our community to help them go to market in new and unique ways. Winning these awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team, and also the commitment Proforma has to consistently establish our network as a leader in the print and promotional products industry.”

On March 1, Kaytlinn Black will become marketing director at Towel Specialties (PPAI 113150, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 79 supplier, succeeding Marketing Director Murray Siegel who retires at the end of February. Black is currently assistant marketing director.

• Before joining Towel Specialties, Black spent eight years at Dunbrooke Apparel, where she was responsible for building brand strategies, managing campaigns, analyzing trends and overseeing project management.
• In addition, the supplier has promoted Angie Gaskins, a 26-year veteran of the company, to customer service manager, and Sarah Harris, who has been with Towel Specialties for 10 years, will take on the role of national account manager.

Siegel, who has led Towel Specialties’ marketing efforts for many years, shares his excitement for Black’s appointment. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Kaytlinn in the months ahead. She has the experience, knowledge and vision needed to continue leading our marketing efforts to great success. I’m confident Towel Specialties is in excellent hands as I transition into retirement.”

President Shawn Kanak says, “We’re excited about these new leadership appointments. Together with our recent hire of Laura Guerrero as vice president of sales, we’re entering our 40th anniversary year with an incredibly strong, dynamic team. The future is bright, and we look forward to achieving new heights in 2025 and beyond.”

As the first bluesign (PPAI 825888) system partner in the promo industry, Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 43 supplier, will kick off the groundbreaking partnership with a co-taught Storm Creek Sustainability School at The PPAI Expo next week.

• The 30-minute educational sessions will provide promo professionals with the tools and insights they need to embrace sustainability with confidence and clarity.
• Topics include breaking down the bluesign system, how bluesign enhances the product supply chain, simplifying conversations about sustainability with end users and why sustainability matters for long-term business success.
• Sessions will be held January 14 and 15 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the show in Las Vegas. Email sales@stormcreek.com to reserve a time slot.

“Sustainability can feel like a complex puzzle for many,” says Doug Jackson, president of Storm Creek. “We are teaming up with bluesign to break down barriers and simplify the process. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge on how to implement sustainable sales practices and effectively communicate these benefits to their customers. And of course, they will be the first to touch and feel our new arrivals.”

Pop! Promos (PPAI 564497, Standard-Base) has won a silver medal from EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. This marks an improvement from the preceding year’s bronze medal, showcasing Pop! Promos’ commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

• The EcoVadis assessment evaluates 21 sustainability criteria across four core themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.
• Pop! Promos now ranks among the top 15% of companies that apply for EcoVadis ratings for its achievements in reducing single-use plastics throughout its operations, running its Philadelphia headquarters off 100% renewable energy, offsetting its carbon footprint on packages shipped domestically and providing regular opportunities for its employees to volunteer in the local community, to name just a few.

“In 2022, a group of inspired and socially conscious team members proposed the launch of our CSR initiative, motivated by a shared commitment to drive sustainability and positive change,” says Jay Dilley, CEO of Pop! Promos. “Receiving independent, third-party validation in the form of this award is a powerful testament to their vision, hard work and the strides all of us at Pop! Promos have made in environmental and social responsibility.”