(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of updates from organizations around the promotional products industry. PPAI Media will consider newsworthy entries submitted by any member organization.)

April 23

Atlantis Headwear Goes Solar For Sustainable Future

Late last year, Atlantis Headwear (PPAI 753003, Standard-Base) installed a photovoltaic system (solar panels) atop its warehouse in Venice, Italy.

  • The solar panel installation is a proactive move to mitigate direct emissions and transition toward sustainable energy alternatives.
  • It includes a sophisticated monitoring system that gives users real-time access to data showing energy output and the consequential reduction in CO2 emissions. Projections suggest this renewable resource will account for 50% of total energy consumption.

Orbus Leads The Way In Eco-Conscious Practices

Yesterday, on Earth Day, Orbus (PPAI 428128, Silver) recommitted its efforts to protect the planet, lead by example and inspire others to embrace environmental practices.

  • Among its many initiatives, for more than a decade, the company has recycled 75% of its total waste, diverting more than 10 million pounds from landfills. In 2023 alone, Orbus recycled more than 1.6 million pounds of cardboard, paper, aluminum, fabric, plastic, steel, wood and other materials, eliminating 80% of its waste from landfills.
  • The company has also has built and maintained a recycling program that separates recycled waste into categories, and it recycles 100% of its fabric and has campaigns set in place to further minimize waste and reprints. This year, Orbus is working with a new wood recycler to turn wood waste into new pallets or into mulch if the waste is not salvageable.
  • Orbus headquarters has 100% motion-sensor LED lighting, water dispensers placed throughout the facility, automatic water fixtures, a product rental program to limit waste, and engineers and designs products for longevity.

April 22

Pop! Promos Brings Home Three Awards For Growth And Creativity

Pop! Promos (PPAI 564497, Standard-Base) has added three new awards from Premier Group, Boundless and Peernet to its trophy case.

  • On April 9, Premier Group recognized Pop! Promos as one of top three suppliers with the highest volume of business with Premier Group distributors over past year.
  • Maria Acquarola, director of strategic accounts at Pop! Promos, recently won the Embrace the Fun – Core Value Supplier Award from Boundless for her creative, outside-the-box ideas and dedication to the customer experience.
  • Pop! Promos also won the Most Creative Supplier Partner award at Peernet’s annual show this month. It’s the fifth time in six years that the supplier has won this award.

April 18

Infinity Her Teams Up With Nonprofit To Celebrate Volunteers

Infinity Product Group (PPAI 791471, Standard-Base), parent company of the women’s headwear brand Infinity Her, is collaborating with Samaritan Community Center, a nonprofit organization based in Arkansas.

  • The partnership supports those in need and, in particular, honors its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 21-27.
  • Infinity Product Group supports Samaritan Shop, two resale stores offering new and gently used clothing, household items and furniture. These shops play a vital role in generating revenue for Samaritan Community Center, with $1 out of every $3 in operating revenue sourced from shop sales.
  • Additionally, donations enable the distribution of free clothing vouchers to individuals in need, totaling $40,307 in 2022.

Vernon’s National Sales Meeting Focuses On Technology

On April 9-11, The Vernon Company (PPAI 109323, Platinum) brought together 175 account executives and supplier partners at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites in Indianapolis for its three-day national sales meeting.

  • The annual event included educational sessions, a trade show, networking opportunities and an awards banquet recognizing top account executives, Supplier of the Year, Customer Service Reps of the Year and Account Manager of the Year.
  • The meeting also focused on state-of-the-art technology initiatives and business strategies featuring presentations from Vernon’s leadership team and technology partners.

“Getting our team together in Indy was second to none,” says Lisa Hubbard, vice president of sales and marketing. “We are energized, focused and we treat people like family. I couldn’t be more excited about where we are heading with the industry-leading technology platform we got to see while everyone was together. The excitement is infectious, and I have no doubt we will have our best year yet.”

Cooley Group Honored As A Best Company To Work For In New York

Cooley Group (PPAI 278317, Gold) has again been named one of the Best Companies to Work For in New York by The New York State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, Best Companies Group and Rochester Business Journal. Winners are determined by evaluating the company’s workplace policies, practices and demographics, and by an employee survey.

  • Cooley Group is headquartered in Pittsford, New York, and has offices throughout the state.
  • In addition, the company has also been recognized as one of the Top 100 fastest-growing, privately owned businesses in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region.

“We are incredibly honored to have earned this distinction once again,” says Cooley Group President Phil Yawman. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, who have been the driving force of our success since the company was founded close to 80 years ago. Our colleagues are the foundation of our continued growth, and we are committed to providing them with the support and resources they need to excel in their roles and grow both personally and professionally.”

Proforma’s Vanessa Edwards and Greg Armstrong Win Coveted Stevie Awards

Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum) recognizes the recent accolades awarded to Vanessa Edwards, director of business development, and Greg Armstrong, president of Proforma GPS, at the 18th Annual Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service.

  • Edwards was named a Bronze Business Development Professional of the Year. She has been instrumental in fostering growth within the Proforma community, including nurturing opportunities to attract and onboard new distributor owners, sales professionals, and affiliates.
  • Armstrong was named a Bronze National Sales Executive of the Year. He has helped to shape and evolve Proforma’s Success Coaching program.

“Vanessa and Greg’s recognition at the Stevie Awards reflects not only their individual accomplishments but also the culture of success and leadership excellence we strive for at Proforma,” says Proforma CEO Vera Muzzillo. “We are immensely proud of their achievements and the positive impact they continue to have on our organization.”