The third service dog from PPAI 100’s No. 9 supplier’s Koozie Group’s (PPAI 114187, Platinum) sponsored litter with 4 Paws for Ability, has graduated from the training program.

• The dog, Bodie, has been matched with Madison, a four-year-old girl from Texas who has nonverbal autism.
• Two more dogs from the litter remain in advanced training. Koozie Group has been supporting the nonprofit organization since 2022.

“We’re beyond thrilled to have a third service dog now making a positive difference for children experiencing health challenges and their families,” says Trisha Joyce, employee engagement and communications manager at Koozie Group. “It warms our hearts to support 4 Paws for Ability as part of our Keep It. Give It. program, and we can’t wait to continue our support in 2025.”

BAMKO (PPAI 242148, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 6 distributor, is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, April 23, about tariffs, the supply chain and sourcing in these challenging times.

• Jake Himelstein, president of BAMKO, will be joined by Neil Ringel, CEO of PCNA (PPAI 113079, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 3 supplier, for the conversation, which will be followed by some additional Q&As.
• This is a follow-up session from BAMKO’s highly attended webinar a week ago on the current tariff impacts. 

For more information and to register, click here.

Vantage Apparel (PPAI  113235, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 12 supplier, has appointed Hamza Ahmed as its director of apparel decoration and production.

• With over a decade of experience in the apparel decoration industry, Ahmed brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Vantage. His career includes operational roles at companies such as Sayre Enterprises, Ira Green and Rainbow Embroidery where he led daily operations, trained and mentored staff, and oversaw decoration processes. His portfolio includes work on high-profile projects for HBO, Disney, the NBA and the Department of Defense, among others.

“What excites me most about joining Vantage Apparel is the opportunity to contribute to an already impressive legacy while expanding our decoration offerings even further,” says Ahmed. “I’m especially passionate about embroidery and eager to help introduce and build out additional techniques that will provide more value and creativity for our clients.”

Crystal D (PPAI 112326, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 88 supplier, has added Shelley Bednarski as a sales team territory manager.

• In her new role, Bednarski will be an active partner in coaching distributors on selling awards and helping their clients establish and foster recognition programs.
• Since entering the promotional products industry in 2001, she has held positions in marketing and sales and has served as a multiline rep and factory rep for several top suppliers.

“Shelley has a long history of working with major suppliers in our industry, so her experience will be essential to Crystal D as we grow,” says Ray Rodriguez, vice president of sales. “In addition, her passion for awards and recognition, as well as for helping clients see the returns in their investments, are invaluable resources for our customers.”

Bednarski says, “I chose to work with Crystal D, this smaller, yet incredibly impactful awards and recognition company, because of its unique family dynamic and close-knit, collaborative environment. The supportive atmosphere here mirrors the best aspects of the larger companies I’ve worked with, yet with a level of personal connection that fosters true teamwork and growth.”

Throughout April, Genumark (PPAI 261066, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 35 distributor, is planting five trees for every customer invoice over $1,000.

• The promotion is in partnership with TELUS Environmental Solutions. For an additional $20, clients can also match the donation to plant a total of 20 trees.
• In May, Genumark is expanding its offer by teaming up with Gemline and planting 20 trees for Gemline orders over $1,500.
• Genumark is encouraging its customers to round up their orders to have the biggest impact on the environment. The company is also showing customers how to make the message part of the merch by incorporating a custom woven label or neck tag on apparel or other labels on hardgoods to show end users that every product helped plant a tree. Genumark’s website also offers industry-specific tree-planting ideas for customers.

Bannockburn, Illinois-based supplier Champro (PPAI 669316, Silver) has named the latest recipients in the spring round of its Teamwork Grant Program, which supports youth teams, leagues and organizations that might otherwise lack sufficient funding.

The following eight recipients were selected:

• City of Clarion, Iowa
• Easthampton Little League in Easthampton, Massachusetts
• Indiana Central Little League in Indianapolis, Indiana
• Laporte JO Volleyball in Laporte, Minnesota
• Marina City Junior Football in East China, Michigan
• Rochester Area Club Lacrosse in Rochester, Minnesota
• TROY (Truly Reviving Our Youth) Center in Fresno, California
• Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckly, West Virginia

The next round of Teamwork Grant applications will open May 1, 2025.

“Champro is honored to assist these dedicated programs in their mission to mentor, empower and train the youth in their community,” says Bill Hunt, CEO and founder of Champro. “Every child deserves the opportunity to play their favorite sport, learn what it means to be on a team, and carry those leadership and life skills with them for the rest of their lives. We’d like to thank every organization who applied to this grant for their hard work.”