Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 3 distributor, has completed its annual Energize Meetings, a three-city tour that brought together more than 150 supplier partners and Proforma’s distributor owners over three days.

• During the 20-minute round-robin style meetings, distributor owners brought their client lists and current projects, and supplier partners brought spec samples and best ideas.
• The first leg of the Energize Summits kicked off in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a karaoke night, and continued to San Diego, California, where attendees met oceanside for a closing event. The final meeting took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, in late September.

“Proforma’s Energize Summits provide opportunities for our supplier partners to showcase products to our network in unique ways,” says Michelle Dalton, vice president of vendor relations. “And, in addition to the time spent in meetings, we also provide out-of-the-box networking events in the evenings. This helps build and strengthen the community past the transactional part of our business.”

Facilisgroup (PPAI 493664) recently hosted its latest emPOWER initiative, a virtual coffee event aimed at fostering meaningful connections between women in the promo industry. Launched earlier this year, it offers an opportunity for personal and professional advancement, and a specialized platform for women to connect, learn and grow.

• The event paired 158 women from the Facilisgroup community based on shared business goals and interests, resulting in 79 pairings across distributor partners, preferred suppliers and employees. The event was a catalyst to establish new connections, exchange ideas and discuss their professional and personal development goals.
• As a special incentive, the first 30 registrants received complimentary coffee gift cards, adding a warm touch to their virtual discussions.

All American Writing Instruments (PPAI 113946, Silver) has expanded its sales team by adding 13 multi-line rep teams to bolster the company’s presence across North America and foster substantial growth within the writing instrument category.

· The expansion strategy is the supplier’s latest move following its purchase of Garland Writing Instruments in 2021, a step that positioned the fourth-generation company as the last vertically integrated U.S. manufacturer of writing instruments.

· AAWI says that by adding multi-line rep teams it is reaffirming its commitment to the industry and supporting the local, regional and national supply chain, while championing the virtues of American-made products.

Swanky Badger (PPAI 813397, Standard Base) has launched its first line of sustainability products designed for the promo industry, the Eco-Deluxe line.

· The collection features six high-end items including tech cases, laptop sleeves, desk pads and a travel jewelry case crafted from recycled genuine leather made from 50-percent recycled materials. The products come in two gender-neutral colors and are priced from $20 to $60.

· Swanky Badger got its start in 2014 in the personalized gift market and then pivoted to the promo industry in 2022 before aligning with Rupt Ventures earlier this year.

“Our Eco-Deluxe line is a reflection of our dedication to both quality and sustainability,” says

Mark Hanratty, founder of Swanky Badger. “We’re excited to offer products that not only look

and feel great but also contribute to a more sustainable future.”