GXN, a global networking group of which ASI is a member, is conducting a survey on how each country’s promo market stacks up against other promo markets around the world regarding company cultures and innovation. The survey takes about 10 minutes, and the results will be presented in an upcoming exclusive article by ASI Media. Take the survey today.

Promo Consulting has hired Alexis Aubry as vice president to head up a new Fractional CFO service for distributors. Aubrey is a 15-year promotional products industry veteran who spent four years as controller and operations manager for a large distributor and most recently spent more than a decade at Facilisgroup. Promo Consulting’s Fractional CFO service will include things like performing month-ends, bank reconciliations, financial statement analysis and finance department oversight. “Distributor owners are primarily salespeople at heart, and we’ve noticed that as they grow, they need more help with their finances and books than their in-house bookkeeper can provide, but they can’t afford a full-time CFO,” said Randy Conley, president of Promo Consulting. Aubry’s accounting degree and industry experience will help solve this issue, Conley added.

JP Promotional Products (asi/232668) has been voted best promotional products distributor in Westchester, NY, by 914INC magazine. This the fourth time the company has received this distinction.

Ace Specialties (asi/103553), a distributor based in Lafayette, LA, was included in a feature article The New York Times wrote on branded merchandise initiatives in the Republican presidential primary. Ace has famously produced “MAGA” hats for former President Donald Trump and provided merch solutions for Republican political candidates across the nation. “Ace Specialties is honored to have been featured in The New York Times,” said Christl Mahfouz, founder and CEO of Ace Specialties. “We are thankful for our amazing staff who are committed to helping our unique clients effectively convey their message with our products. We love what we do, and who we work for.”

Cooley Group Inc. (asi/168125), a distributor headquartered in Pittsford, NY, has been recognized as one of the 100 fastest-growing, privately-owned businesses in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region of New York state. It’s the first time in the firm’s 78-year history that Cooley Group has made the Top 100, which is orchestrated by the Greater Rochester Chamber. “Congratulations to Cooley Group,” said Bob Duffy, president/CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber. “The companies on this list are helping to keep the Greater Rochester region on the map as a hub of innovation in all sectors.”

Lynka, the Krakow, Poland-based arm of Top 40 supplier Vantage Apparel (asi/93390), has hired promo industry veteran Sylwia Lichon as its new marketing and special markets manager. Lichon has held pivotal positions in sales, sales management and general management during her more than 15 years in the industry. Lynka CEO John Lynch said: “Her extensive experience in the promotional industry and exceptional leadership skills make her the ideal choice to lead our traditional marketing and sales expansion efforts.” In other recent news, Lynka will be offering Vantage Apparel’s Zen pullover (3450) to the European market

Botanical PaperWorks (asi/41273) has launched new curated gift sets. Each kit includes branded items from the supplier, bundled in recyclable, compostable boxes containing filler made with 100% recycled content. Watch a product knowledge video here.

Raining Rose (asi/80489) announces that Gina Schladetzky has been hired as marketing manager. She brings startup and digital marketing experience to her new role, in which she’ll be responsible for spearheading all promotions, advertising, social media, brand and sales enablement initiatives, and will report to Kate Nash, director of sales and marketing. “With our focus on quality ingredients and sustainability, we’re helping to transform the promotional products industry in a way that’s better for people and the planet,” says Schladetzky. “It’s easy to be a champion for an industry that has such a bright future.”

BAMKO (asi/131431), a Top 40 distributor, is hosting a panel called “Women in Promo” on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. EDT/10 a.m. PDT. The panel will feature female leaders from the industry, including Lisa Hu, founder of supplier Lux and Nyx (asi/88973); Jamie Stone, founder of Gifts by Design and senior vice president of rewards and recognition at BAMKO; Michele Bell, vice president of editorial, education and special events at ASI; and Lindsay Alcorn, senior sales executive at BAMKO. Register.

Fully Promoted (asi/384000), a Top 40 distributor, has announced that its franchise location in Boise, ID has ranked 3,998 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, an annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. Fully Promoted Idaho is owned and operated by Garrick Jacobi of Cobi Kat Enterprises. This marks the location’s second consecutive year on the list, jumping more than 780 spots from 4,780 in 2022. Jacobi is the first and only Fully Promoted franchise owner that has been recognized on the Inc. 5000.

Top 40 distributor Proforma (asi/300094) announced that 32 of its distributor owners have been named to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. To qualify for eligibility, each privately held company must have generated at least $100,000 in revenue in 2019 and no less than $2 million in 2022, among other criteria. 2023’s list had a record number of Proforma owners, according to Vera Muzzillo, CEO. “I am inspired by their relentless pursuit of growth and grateful for the collective efforts that have made this accomplishment possible,” she added.

Goldstar (asi/73295) has hired Destra Tontala as its new Southeast Regional Manager. She brings 13 years of industry experience, having worked on both the distributor and supplier sides of the business.

Randy Conley, formerly with Facilisgroup, has launched Promo Consulting, a firm that offers tailored strategy to distributors in the areas of growth, profitability and valuation. Conley will leverage his four decades of industry experience, including more than 12 years as vice president of new business development at Facilisgroup, in his new venture. “As distributors grow, they face new challenges and often plateau,” says Conley. “Promo Consulting helps them navigate these challenges and continue to grow the right way, which includes more scalability and profitability and drives the value of their business up and prepares them for exit.”

DML Creation (asi/48031) in St. Jerome, QC, announces that Sabrina Gauthier and Elisa Marzilli have joined the company’s customer service team.

Sudden Impact (asi/338647) in Langley, BC, has been acquired by Shannon Roth, a long-time company employee. As the new owner, Roth plans to expand the company’s customer base and enhance the company’s presence in the Canadian promo market. “We’re thrilled to have Shannon at the helm of Sudden Impact,” says Warren Kindellan, founder and senior brand consultant. “Shannon’s unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction makes her the ideal leader to propel our business to new heights. I’m confident that under Shannon’s leadership, Sudden Impact will continue to thrive and flourish.”

ACS Affiliate Services has two new affiliate partners: Gulf Islands Promotion (asi/556102) and The Idea Source Inc. (asi/229524). “We are excited about the future of ACS with the addition of these new affiliate partners,” said Kirk Ross, executive vice president of ACS Affiliate Services. “The strong culture inside ACS and the valued affiliate community is something special to be a part of every day.” ACS Affiliate Services is a division of Altitude Group, LLC, and a subsidiary of AIM Smarter, LLC. ACS provides solutions and customer service to its promo industry affiliates.

Tekweld (asi/90807), a Top 40 supplier, has hired Tom Kronberger as national accounts director. Kronberger’s primary responsibilities will include developing business for Tekweld’s large accounts. He was most recently director of vendor relations for Top 40 distributor Fully Promoted (asi/384000). Prior to that, he spent about 18 years at former Top 40 supplier Lanco, which was acquired by current Top 40 firm NC Custom (asi/44900) in 2017. “Tom will be an incredibly powerful asset for us,” said Scott Slade, CEO at Tekweld. “His deep experience in the industry and strong ability to build relationships with customers in order to develop unique product solutions will help Tekweld maintain the solid growth trajectory we have experienced in recent years.”

Graphik Business Accessories (asi/58040) and Jay Plastics (asi/63280) have merged. Going forward, the companies will be known as Graphik Business Accessories. Executives said the merger empowers the now single firm to bring more products to market, improve capacity, and to better drive growth for customers. “Together, the company will have more the 100 years of manufacturing experience and expanded capacity to give the industry a one-stop source for their information and presentation packaging needs,” executives said.

American Solutions for Business (ASB, asi/120075), a Top 40 distributor, has entered in a contract with NASPO ValuePoint (NVP). Started in 1992, NVP is the cooperative purchasing arm of the National Association of State Procurement Officials. It’s made up of central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. ASB said that the master agreements in the contract portfolio offer a range of digital print and quick copying services, including black and white copies, binding, lamination, envelopes, business cards and more.