In 2024, Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based distributor 4imprint (PPAI 107200, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 1 distributor, awarded promotional product grants totaling $3.6 million to more than 7,200 charitable organizations across the U.S. and Canada.

• The in-kind grants, given through one by one, 4imprint’s charitable giving program, were awarded to a wide range of organizations to raise funds, build brand awareness, thank volunteers and donors, and more.
• In addition to the $500 4imprint oneby one promotional products grants awarded last year, more than 1,300 businesses, associates, troops and customers in the U.S., Canada and other countries were given inventory donations. In total, more than 800,000 items were provided. The full list of grant recipients is available at 4imprint.com/recipients/2024.
• Since 2006, the distributor has awarded grants to more than 25,000 nonprofit organizations to help advance their missions.

“These organizations do incredible work to help their communities and to support causes that are important to so many of us,” says Kevin Lyons-Tarr, CEO of 4imprint. “We were humbled by their stories and honored to help assist in their missions.”

Vantage Apparel (PPAI 113235, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 12 supplier, has added chenille patches to its extensive lineup of decoration methods.

• This new offering provides customers with a bold, textured way to showcase logos and designs, combining vintage aesthetics with new vibrant colors and sizes.
• Chenille patches are a classic and popular decoration method, crafted using a combination of felt and fluffy, tufted yarn to create a three-dimensional effect that is both soft to the touch and visually striking. The bold, eye-catching finish makes them ideal for varsity jackets, team apparel and fashion-forward styles.
• The patches are available at a low minimum order requirement of 48 pieces.

“Vantage’s chenille patches are available in a wide range of colors, three sizes, and feature two layers of felt for added durability,” says Lauren Monnier, director of merchandising at Vantage. “Each patch is securely sewn down, ensuring a premium look and long-lasting wear. Whether celebrating achievements, promoting a brand or adding a retro flair, chenille patches provide a timeless and stylish solution for customization.”

San Diego, California-based supplier Goldstar (PPAI 114031, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 16 supplier, is kicking off the year with several new collections of curated products, including a first for the company – elegant glass drinkware that offers a timeless yet versatile option for both everyday use and premium gifting.

• Other introductions include the Coastal Threads Collection featuring a versatile sling bag made with recycled materials; the Majesty Collection, premium drinkware crafted from recycled stainless steel; The Reborn Product Family, an award-winning line of sustainable essentials, including a recycled stainless steel food container and bottle, keychain flashlights and recycled aluminum writing instruments; and Elevated Everyday Stationery, designed with recycled materials, refined textures and thoughtful details.

“We’re so excited about the new collection! We truly feel that it represents a significant step forward in aligning with the values of our customers and their clients,” says Lane Hokanson, global marketing manager at Goldstar. “We intentionally focused on thoughtful materials and collaborations, so that our distributor partners don’t have to choose between value and making a difference. That’s how we’re choosing to make promotional gifts more meaningful.”

Orbus (PPAI 428128, Silver), a supplier specializing in the design, production and wholesale trade-only distribution of exhibit and display products, graphics and solutions, has added 50 new products to its sizable range of visual communications products and solutions.

• Among the introductions are Formulate Backlit Hanging Structures and Backlit Cubes and a new line of Hybrid Pro Modular Closets. The company has also added a line of new 3D Blaze Hanging Light Boxes along with a variety of portable and outdoor displays, banner stands, outdoor flags, collapsible counters and more. New products are available in the U.S. and Canada.

“We continuously innovate to fuel our dealer partners with a competitive advantage,” says Natalie Whited, enterprise vice president of marketing for Orbus. “We consider marketplace trends and influential client feedback to engineer and design new display products that add immediate value to our distributors and help them build their business.”

Supplier Natural Trends (PPAI 235352, Silver) has hired Joel Krane as vice president of sales and marketing.

• Krane will be responsible for driving sales strategy, expanding market presence, and building and leading the sales team to achieve ambitious targets.
• With more than 30 years of experience in sales and business development, Krane brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success. Prior to joining Natural Trends, he was national sales manager at Cap America.

“I am thrilled and honored to join Natural Trends as the vice president of sales and marketing,” says Krane. “I admire the innovative solutions, products and the outstanding service that Natural Trends provides to its clients. They are highly customer centric and ethical with consistent award-winning service. I look forward to working with the talented team here to drive growth and further enhance our customer relationships.”

Paul Christensen, president of Natural Trends, says, “We are delighted to have an individual of Joel’s caliber join our leadership team. His deep understanding of the promotional products industry and his ability to build strong client relationships make him an invaluable addition as we continue to expand our market presence and product offerings.”

Headwear and apparel supplier Richardson (PPAI 263149, Standard-Plus) has brought on Jason Krakow as its new senior vice president of sales.

• Krakow has more than 30 years of sales leadership experience in the headwear and sports apparel industries. He will lead all sales efforts across the diverse markets and distribution channels Richardson serves, and work closely with the company’s sales directors and management team to expand the business and uphold Richardson’s quality commitment to customers.
• He began his career with Gear For Sports, serving as vice president for Resort, Golf, and Special Markets. Krakow later joined Design Resources, where he led and managed the Caps Direct and DRI-DUCK businesses, most recently serving as president of both companies.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to the Richardson family,” says Kelly Richardson, president and CEO of Richardson. “His extensive experience and proven leadership in headwear and apparel sales make him a perfect fit for our team as we continue to grow our business and deliver unmatched products and service to our customers.”

Krakow says, “I’m delighted to join Richardson, a company I’ve long admired for its absolute commitment to quality, innovation and service,” says Krakow. “Richardson’s strong brand appeal across key markets is impressive, and I’m eager to contribute my experience to this talented team. I’m confident that together, we will continue to serve our customers and drive growth in the years ahead.”

Promotional Product Professionals of Canada and Western University’s Division of Continuing Studies have formed a strategic partnership to address the growing need for sustainability in the promotional products industry. The university is located in London, Ontario.

• Together they are developing a new, 12-hour online synchronous course, “Sustainable Promotional Product Marketing,” to launch this year.
• This course will address the demand for expertise in sustainable practices by equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools to design and market products that align with sustainability goals and meet consumer expectations.

“We are pleased to partner with a recognized education leader such as Western Continuing Studies to provide new professional development opportunities for our members,” says Jonathan N. Strauss, president & chief executive officer of PPPC. “Education is at the core of our association values and we know that sustainability is at the forefront of our member’s minds. We feel this new course will enable members to advance their knowledge and elevate their businesses to meet the evolving demands of their clients.”

StickerYou (PPAI 496314, Standard Plus) recently participated in the Tim Tebow Foundation’s annual Night to Shine event held in Richmond, Virginia.

• The event celebrates individuals with special needs by hosting prom nights around the globe.
• StickerYou hosted an initiative at the event called Sticker Blasting where attendees could add custom stickers to a water bottle donated by ETS Express (PPAI 135148, Platinum).

“We are thrilled to partner with the Night to Shine RVA for this heartwarming event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation,” says Rich Corvalan, VP of sales at StickerYou and a Foundation volunteer. “At StickerYou, we believe in the power of self-expression, and through Sticker Blasting, we hope to make a meaningful impact by helping attendees create something uniquely their own.”