(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.)

May 20

Four Incentive Merchandise Pros Win IMRA Awards

Incentive Merchandise To Reward & Appreciate (IMRA) paid tribute to four individuals at its 2024 IMRA Conference for their knowledge of the incentive merchandise and corporate gifting world, outstanding customer service, and rep and supplier relationships.

  • IMRA Individual Rep Winner: Mark Wunderlich, IncentiveSource, Inc. Finalists: Debbie Bertram, Continental Premium Corporation; Julie Ford, IP, Ford Incentives; Diana Harvey, Alliance Marketing, Inc.; Bill Martocci, CPIM, Carlisle Sales & Marketing; Mark Oldenburg, Great Lakes Incentive Group; David Rosenstock, CPIM, IncentiveSource, Inc.
  • IMRA Sales Manager Winner: Jeffrey Brenner, CPIM, Seiko Watch of America, LLC. Finalists: Ann Blackhurst, Bushnell; Brian Rivolta, IP, Incentive Concepts; and Warren Weaver, Zane’s Inc.
  • IMRA Representative Customer Service Winner: Christine Piel, Great Lakes Incentive Group. Finalists: Libby Bungum, IncentiveSource, Inc.; Kim Lombardi, MPR, Inc.; and Jennifer Robertson, IncentiveSource, Inc.
  • IMRA Supplier Customer Service Person Winner: Griselda Ceja, Citizen Watch America. Finalists: Erica Benedict, Omaha Steaks – B2B Special Markets; Carlee Garofalo, Incentive Concepts; Holly Perkinson, KleerWest, LLC; and Wendy Smith, CPIM, Computer Incentives, LLC.

Overture Honors Two Of Its Own On International Women’s Day

Overture Promotions (PPAI 288541, Platinum) – the No. 21 distributor in the PPAI 100 – celebrated International Women’s Day by recognizing two outstanding women within the company who exemplify its core values and commitment to corporate social responsibility.

  • At its annual town hall meeting, Overture recognized Special Projects Lead Alejandra Esteban and Social Media Coordinator Elizabeth Purtell for their inspirational contributions and embodiment of Overture’s core values. The women were nominated by their peers.
  • The award is one of several initiatives Overture, a certified minority-owned, woman-led business, has undertaken in the past few years to empower and amplify the voices of women, support diverse communities through its partnerships and charitable involvement, and to foster a diverse supplier program that promotes inclusivity and equitable opportunities.

May 17

Charles River Apparel Strengthens Sales Team With New Hires

Charles River Apparel (PPAI 111644, Gold) – the No. 37 supplier on the PPAI 100 – has appointed Nicola McLeod as director of outside sales and Candice Chancellor as territory account manager for the Mid-Atlantic region.

  • McLeod brings over 20 years of experience in driving growth across footwear, apparel and accessories brands. Her leadership roles, spanning from startups to multinational corporations, have equipped her with a profound understanding of wholesale dynamics and distributor relationships across North America and the EMEA region. She will oversee national, direct, college and trade-show representatives.
  • Chancellor, with over two decades of sales and marketing expertise across diverse industries nationwide, will provide support to clients in Maryland, Virginia and surrounding states.
  • They join Sharon Steed, who was recently promoted to director of sales to lead the company’s team of multi-line sales representatives.

Chipolo And Nutribullet Join PCNA’s Extensive Product Line

PCNA (PPAI 113079, Platinum) – the No. 3 supplier on the PPAI 100 – has added two new retail brands to its lineup – Chipolo and Nutribullet.

  • Chipolo is an item finder that works with an app to locate lost personal items. Chipolo ONE can be used with keys, bags, backpacks – even a child’s favorite toy. Chipolo CARD fits in a wallet and notifies the user if the wallet is left behind. Stock on both products is expected by late this month.
  • Nutribullet Pro 900-watt blender has a stainless steel extractor blade for perfect smoothies and easily blends tough ingredients like kale, seeds and nuts. The product includes a to-go lid, 32-ounce cup, 24-ounce cup, cup ring, handled lip ring and recipe book.

May 16

New Styles, Colors Unveiled For The Game Headwear

S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum) – the No. 5 supplier in the PPAI 100 – introduces a fresh selection of styles and colors for The Game headwear, an exclusive brand from MV Sport.

  • At the heart of the collection is the GB400 Ultralight Boonie, hailed as The Game’s signature style and industry’s top-selling boonie. Crafted with 100% ultra lightweight polyester, enhanced with a performance sweatband and UPF 30 protection, this “fan favorite” comes in 19 captivating colors.
  • For trucker cap aficionados, The Game presents two standout trucker cap options. The GB880 Soft Trucker features a soft mesh khaki back and is available in 17 color variations, while the GB452E Everyday Trucker sets the standard with its cutting-edge performance sweatband and selection of 37 colors, including 12 fresh hues.
  • Embracing timeless charm, the new GB210 Classic Twill, is a durable and stylish cap, and the GB465 Pigment-Dyed offers a relaxed and comfortable aesthetic in 16 popular hues, including four new shades.
  • The GB568 Relaxed Corduroy, a best-selling cap crafted from fashionable corduroy fabric, is now available in five earth tones.