A collaboration between Starline (PPAI 112719, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 15 supplier, and Pro Towels (PPAI 112755, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 44 supplier, will add Pro Towels’ full line of products to Starline’s offerings.

• The partnership combines the unique strengths of both companies to deliver a comprehensive range of products including towels, blankets and rally towels.
• The partnership will officially launch in January 2025. Both companies are committed to ensuring a seamless rollout and will provide updates on new product offerings and developments as they are available.

“Partnering with Pro Towels allows us to introduce a new product segment of high-end offerings in the U.S. and Canadian markets. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to provide the best in promotional products, decorating and ensures that our customers have access to an even wider array of premium options,” says Brian Porter, CRO of Starline.

Kevin Nord, president of Pro Towels, adds, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Starline, a visionary in the industry. This partnership is not just about joining forces; it’s about setting a new benchmark for excellence and delivering transformative solutions that our customers can rely on.”

Distributors whose order systems are connected to Vantage Apparel (PPAI 113235, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 12 supplier, can save significantly with the supplier’s new exclusive pricing model. It offers savings across Vantage’s range of embroidery, direct-to-film and laser etching services.

• The new pricing provides up to a 30 percent discount on single-piece decoration for customers with full-purchase order integration. The discount was developed to help customers achieve high-quality custom apparel at competitive rates.
• In addition, integrated customers will benefit from enhanced operational efficiencies, including instant order processing, real-time inventory access and order status updates.
• The integrated system also offers savings on sourced goods from Vantage’s partnerships with suppliers such as SanMar, Alpha and S&S, with an additional processing fee.

Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 3 distributor, recently hosted its Owner Advisory Council (OAC) and Executive Leadership meetings in Tampa, Florida, bringing the teams together for a week of strategizing, collaboration and community building.

• Discussion ranged from ways to continue to advance Proforma’s proprietary business management technology platform (ProVision) and AI initiatives, to overall business development strategies and how to bring more value to its network.
• Newly appointed Chief Brand Officer Tim Nale was also introduced at the meetings. Formerly with BIC Graphic and a number of well-known national and international companies, Nale comes to Proforma with a deep knowledge of information technology and will be leading the charge on marketing technology initiatives.

Score Promotions (PPAI 529313, Standard Base) has promoted Brett Boake to vice president of sales and operations.

• Boake, who has been with Toronto, Ontario-based Score for five years, started as sales manager and quickly moved to the role of general manager. From 2019 to 2023, he helped triple total sales at the distributor.
• In his new role, he will oversee all divisions at Score, manage vendor relations and focus on expansion beyond Canada. Boake is also on the board for the Ontario chapter of PPPC and is a member of multiple leadership groups within the industry.
• In addition, he is a weekly guest on 610 CKTB Round Table, where various local figures and business leaders discuss current issues and share insights on topics relevant to Niagara and the GTA.

“Brett has come a very long way in such a short period of time with us,” says Tom Greenberg, president of Score Promotions. “He has helped take Score to new heights and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Debrand Services (PPAI 833288), based in Surrey, British Columbia, recently received the Environmental Impact Award from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade at its 2024 Business Distinction Awards.

• Debrand, founded in 2008, is a provider of next-life logistics for apparel and footwear brands. The company ensures that textile waste is circulated to its highest value through a comprehensive network of next-life channels, such as resale, donation, repair, recycling and responsible disposal.
• In 2023, Debrand diverted 2.95 million pounds of textiles, and over the past 18 months, it reached a milestone of 4.5 million pounds diverted.

Ethix Merch (PPAI 358342, Standard Plus), a distributor specializing in custom products that prioritize fair labor and environmental sustainability, has partnered with Climate Hive, a business development and marketing company dedicated to supporting climate innovators and organizations.

• The partnership helps strengthen the organizations’ commitment to sustainability, fair labor and creating a more equitable world.

“This partnership is a natural fit,” says Kevin Drolet, CEO of Climate Hive. “By joining forces with Ethix Merch, we can help climate innovators and socially responsible businesses amplify their impact through ethically sourced merchandise and strategic communication. We’re excited to work together toward a sustainable future where people and the planet come first.”