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

July 25, 2023
Logomark Introduces Exclusive Pelican Line Of Drinkware

Logomark (PPAI 110898, S11) is now the exclusive supplier of the 58-piece Pelican Hydration collection of tumblers, mugs and water bottles to the promo industry.

  • Crafted of 90 percent recycled 18/8 stainless steel, the colorful, fashion-forward, multi-functional collection features vacuum-sealed technology and leak-resistant lids.
  • The new collection features five inspiring signature styles including the 22-ounce Pelican Traveler Tumbler, the 40-ounce Pelican Porter Mug, the 18-ounce Pelican Ridge Mug, the 26-ounce Pelican Pacific Water Bottle and the 22-ounce Pelican Cascade Grip Tumbler, all available in 25 limited-edition colors.

“Pelican has always been synonymous with exceptional quality, performance and customer satisfaction,” says Logomark President Clive Goldberg. “Customizability is built into the collection, providing distributors with ample space for showcasing their clients’ logos and branding. Pelican Hydration’s superior quality and on-trend designs enable distributors and their clients to easily incorporate drinkware into their marketing mix.”

He adds, “We are proud to embark on this journey with Pelican Hydration drinkware and set new
standards of excellence in the promotional products industry.”

July 24, 2023

ASB Names New Senior Director Of Marketing And Vendor Relations

American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, D12), ranked the No. 9 distributor in this year’s PPAI 100, has announced that Taylor Borst has been promoted to senior director of marketing and vendor relations.

In this new role, Borst will be responsible for leading, creating and executing short and long-term strategic direction of the marketing, events, public relations, vendor relations and product support departments.

“I’m excited and honored to take on this new role and work even closer with our dynamic, talented teams,” Borst says. “My mission has always been to create connectivity and add value for our sales associates, home office, vendor partners and end-user customers. I look forward to learning from our vendor relations team and exploring ways to contribute to our already outstanding efforts.”

Joining the Glenwood, Minnesota-based distributorship in 2015 as a strategic operations support specialist, Borst has worn many hats during her eight-year tenure.

  • Some of her roles have included strategic operations support specialist, promotional product specialist, and communications and public relations.
  • For the last two and a half years, she’s served as director of marketing, events and public relations.

“I’m excited to continue to work closely with Taylor,” says Dana Zezzo, vice president of marketing, vendor relations and events at ASB. “She has been instrumental in many of the positive changes of our team, and I have full confidence in her ability to continue to be a leader at ASB.”

Ranked No. 3 on PPAI’s 2023 #Online18 and a 2019 PPB Rising Star, Borst also serves as the current president of the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Products Professionals (UMAPP).

Sharon Steed Becomes Director Of Sales At Charles River Apparel

Charles River Apparel (PPAI 111644, S10) has appointed Sharon Steed, former director of national accounts, as its new director of sales in recognition of her expertise, passion for promo and natural knack for building mutually beneficial business partnerships.

  • Steed’s responsibilities will expand to overseeing Charles River Apparel’s multi-line sales team and managing the buying groups and national accounts.
  • She began her industry career with Hirsch Gift in 1999 where she managed the multi-line sales reps – many of whom also work for Charles River Apparel.

“Throughout her tenure of over two years, Sharon has consistently exhibited an unyielding passion for driving growth and fostering strong relationships,” says CEO Barry Lipsett. “We are confident that Sharon’s expertise, vision and collaborative spirit will enable her to excel in this expanded role, bringing even greater success to our sales team and the entire organization.”

July 21, 2023

Anthony DiRienzo Rejoins PowerStick.com As Director of Sales

PowerStick.com (PPAI 383252, S8) welcomes the return of Anthony DiRienzo as its new director of sales. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having previously served as an integral member of the PowerStick.com team.

  • In his new role, DiRienzo will spearhead strategic initiatives to expand the company’s market presence, forge partnerships and nurture client relationships. He will also lead the sales team working closely with the marketing department to drive brand growth and ensure customer satisfaction remains a top priority.

“We are thrilled to have Anthony DiRienzo back as our director of sales,” says CEO Nigel Harris. “His professionalism, expertise and infectious enthusiasm will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in driving PowerStick.com to even greater heights of success.”

DiRienzo says, “I am grateful for the warm welcome upon my return to PowerStick.com. It’s an honor to rejoin this exceptional team, and I am eager to contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization. Together, we will deliver innovative solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations.”

July 10, 2023

AIM Smarter And ACS Affiliate Services Welcome Carey Meddles and Rachel Kilgore

AIM Smarter and ACS Affiliate Services (230461, D12) have added Carey Meddles and Rachel Kilgore to the Supplier Relations and Events team to support strategic programs and growth-enhancing initiatives.

  • Meddles was most recently at Proforma and also worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years. She will plan exclusive AIM and ACS events to strengthen relationships between the supplier and distributor communities. In her spare time, Meddles loves to solo travel and spend time with her boxer, Joey.
  • Kilgore has been in the promo industry for over eight years, first with the Proforma support center and most recently at Lands’ End Business Outfitters. With extensive knowledge in account management and merchandising, she will continue to build and strengthen strategic relationships with top AIM members and VIP suppliers. In her spare time, Kilgore enjoys boating on Lake Erie and spending time with her family.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Carey and Rachel to our team,” says Cathy Cummings, executive vice president of supplier relations. “Their exceptional skills and industry knowledge will contribute to the continuous development and success of AIM and ACS.”

Correction Notice
In the article “The 67 Greatest Companies To Work For” in the July issue of PPAI Magazine, the incorrect executives were listed for Blink Marketing (PPAI 242202, D7). The managing partners of the Tennessee-based distributor are Carolina Junghans, CAS, and Daniel Gardner.

  • PPAI Media incorrectly listed the president and CEO of a similarly named company. We regret the error.