iPROMOTEu (asi/232119), a Counselor Top 40 distributor, recently held its first Technology Summit at the company headquarters in Wayland, MA. The two-day event brought together technology team members from across the United States to collaborate and advance iPROMOTEu's commitment to fostering technological innovation and support within the promo industry, executives said. The primary goal of the Technology Summit was to refine iPROMOTEu’s approach to product management, enhance technology support, and optimize organizational structure and system development processes. “Our inaugural Technology Summit is a testament to our ongoing commitment to technological excellence,” said Dave Kneram, senior vice president of technology at iPROMOTEu.

The Specialty Advertising Association of California (SAAC) announces the SAAC EXPO 2024, set to take place Aug. 14 to 16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The event includes professional partnership meetings, designed to foster collaboration between suppliers and distributors and a show floor featuring 148 booths and 10 private meeting rooms.

Spector & Co. (asi/88660), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, welcomes Nikki Sgro as strategic account manager for Ontario. Sgro has almost 10 years of industry experience with both suppliers and distributors. “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Nikki to the Spector family,” says Victoria Mitchell, director of Canadian sales at Spector. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, [and] she’s fun, creative and so well-respected amongst our industry peers. I can’t wait for our amazing clients to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible professional.”

Koozie Group (asi/40480), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, released its 2024 Gift Ideas Book, a catalog centered around the theme “Let’s Celebrate.” The guide features products that recognize a variety of occasions and achievements that the company said can last beyond the holiday gift giving season. “Recent studies suggest the corporate gifting market will exceed $300 billion next year,” said Rachel Rosario, senior director of marketing and communications. The Gift Ideas Book "is a year-round tool that our distributors can use to secure their piece of the corporate gifting pie," Rosario added. Print versions can be ordered through the Distributor Reference Guide at kooziegroup.com.

Polyconcept North America (PCNA, asi/66887), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has introduced expert support and a no-fees solution for its Givee Select platform, which focuses on building online stores. “With no store setup costs and expert technical support, Givee Select simplifies the store building process from start to finish, saving valuable time and resources,” PCNA said. “Solution experts are available to guide users through the process of creating their unique Givee Select store. Users can conveniently schedule one-on-one store-building sessions using the provided link.”

Fossa Apparel (asi/55141) has introduced LogoTap, which utilizes NFC technology to transform logos on apparel into interactive platforms. Users tap the logo with their smartphones and then receive customized messaging/information on their smart devices.

St Regis Group (asi/84592) is not able to receive emails, as of mid-day Thursday, July 18. The team is working to resolve the issue – outbound emails, phone service, EDI, API order flows and shipping communications are not affected at this time. Customer service can be reached at (888) 854-0591.

PCNA (asi/66887), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has released its 2024 Holiday Lookbook that includes gift ideas in categories such as housewares, drinkware, bags and tech, at a variety of different price points.

True Brands (asi/92293), a Seattle-based retail product development and design company, is amplifying its efforts in the promo industry, launching a new website and enlisting four multi-line territory sales groups covering 18 states. The representatives include Ashley Simpson with Direct Sales & Marketing (AZ, CO, NM, UT), Shawn Naeter & Associates (AR, LA, OK, TX), Anne and Clare Piotter of Cannon Marketing Group (IA, KS, MO, NE) and Bill McDonald and Doug Terry with McDonald Marketing Group (AL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN).

Ennis Inc. (asi/52493) has appointed Kayla DiScuillo as interim general manager of Eagle Graphics, a Pennsylvania-based printing company it acquired in 2023. DiScuillo has been an integral part of Eagle Graphics for nine years, starting as an accounting assistant, according to Ennis. Her dedication, hard work and commitment to the company have been invaluable in helping to integrate Eagle Graphics into Ennis,” said Tony Orsello, business unit director at Ennis.

Goldstar (asi/73295), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, is extending free shipping across its entire product line. “We’ve listened to our distributors, and they overwhelmingly requested a streamlined approach to ordering across our entire product range,” said Heather Smartt, global leader at Goldstar. “This all-inclusive pricing reinforces our dedication to making business straightforward and stress-free. By removing the guesswork, we help our partners to thrive and focus on their core goals.”

PCNA (asi/66887), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, now offers sunscreen butter (1412-03), skin recovery balm (1412-02) and SPF 15 lip balm (1412-01) from All Good, and a cordless face cleansing brush (1413-01) with SonicGlow technology from PMD Beauty. Offerings from both retailers are part of PCNA’s ProudPath line – All Good is a certified B Corp, as well as certified Climate Neutral and Women-Owned, and PMD Beauty is focused on body positivity and empowerment with its #BrilliantConfidence initiative.

Lux & Nyx (asi/88973), a certified woman- and minority-owned luxury bag brand, has had its origami belt bag listed as one of the best belt bags by Cosmopolitan and Condé Nast Traveler.

Proforma (asi/300094), a Top 40 distributor, has added Tommy and Jill Ayers of Executive Print and Promo to its network of distributor owners. Industry veterans, the Ayers have stayed ahead of the curve by implementing technology solutions, including unique industry ERP systems, but determined that Proforma’s “superior technology platform” and “commitment to innovation” would allow them to take their business to the next level.

Benjamin Martin (asi/68920) announced Tuesday, July 9 that power has been restored to its facility, and operations are back to normal after Monday's outage.

Hirsch (asi/61005), a supplier based in Houston, is closed Monday, July 8 as a result of Hurricane Beryl. The company plans to reopen Tuesday, July 9. “Everyone is safe and accounted for, but we are all hunkering down, waiting for the storm to pass,” said George Morgan, director of marketing.

Laser Light Engraving (asi/66455) announces that its phone lines are working again and distributors can reach the supplier as usual.

Sock Club (asi/88072) is celebrating its birthday month throughout July with exclusive offers and limited-time promotions, including discounts on socks and packaging options and new product launches. “This celebration is our way of thanking our customers for their support and creativity over the years,” said Noah Lee, founder.

Logomark (asi/67866), a Top 40 supplier, now offers backpacks and duffels from Suburbia, a brand that specializes in minimalist business and travel accessories constructed with rPET material, and Highland Tactical, which focuses on durable, heavyweight polyester items for outdoor use. Suburbia inventory is now available, while Highland Tactical stock will be available later this month.