Gemline (asi/56070), a Top 40 supplier, has a new mission statement: “We Promote Community.” Executives said the statement embodies Gemline’s commitment to enriching the communities it serves. Five core tenets power the mission: Mindset, culture, engagement, products, and customers. “At Gemline, we are dedicated to building meaningful relationships, contributing positively to society and making a difference,” said Executive Chair Jonathan Isaacson, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “Our commitment to promoting community is not just a statement; it is our guiding principle and provides the framework for how our organization operates.”

Overture Promotions (asi/288473), a Top 40 distributor, has successfully completed its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, showing its commitment to client data security and privacy. A service organization control (SOC) audit examines a company’s internal controls and systems related to security, processing integrity, confidentiality and data privacy. The audit was conducted by A-LIGN, a technology-enabled security and compliance partner. “Overture is fully committed to meticulous security, data privacy and compliance precautions such that we meet the standards of our most security-conscious clients,” said Chris Sheehy, chief technology officer of Overture.

Promo Direct (asi/300477) has expanded its range of sustainable products, including reusable tote bags made from recycled materials, biodegradable pens, organic cotton apparel, recycled water bottles and bamboo utensils. “Our planet is facing urgent environmental challenges, and businesses have a crucial role to play in driving positive change,” said Dave Sarro, CEO.

Rupt Ventures, an investment division of supplier Rupt (asi/84203) that’s dedicated to the promotional products industry, just announced that it has invested in Desk Plants (asi/49451), which executives described as a supplier that provides sustainable and customizable potted plants for corporate gifting. This is Rupt Ventures’ second investment in an industry supplier since launching earlier this year. “Desk Plants embodies the essence of what Rupt Ventures stands for – innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence,” said Jason Lucash, CEO of Rupt. “With Lawrence Hanley at the helm, Desk Plants has redefined the corporate gifting landscape, and we’re thrilled to support their journey to even greater heights.”

Evans Manufacturing (asi/52840), part of Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966), has hired Tanner Pittman as its new Midwest/Mid-South sales account executive. With four years of promo experience, Pittman will bring innovation, expertise and passion to the role, according to Evans. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to become one of the ‘Avengers of Promo’ and develop under the guidance of Alex Symms, who has made tremendous headways in the industry,” Pittman said. “I’m so excited and grateful for the opportunity to further deepen my knowledge of this industry with Evan’s and HPG.”

Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125), a Top 40 supplier, has completed its SOC 3 compliance. SOC 3 reports address controls relevant to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. “This has been a discovery path for the Hit tech and infrastructure team,” said Raj Mukherjee, chief information officer. “This has helped us get the security and satisfaction our customers want when it comes to their data.”

APISource Inc. (asi/147450), a Top 40 distributor, has joined Reciprocity Road, an alliance of 12 distributors across the U.S. and Canada that account for a collective $300 million in branded merch spending and have a focus on philanthropic endeavors. “We are honored and excited to join forces with Reciprocity Road, an organization that mirrors passion for our employees, the communities we live and work in and for creating great partnerships to serve our clients better,” said Katy Voight-Nobis, vice president of sales of APISource Inc.

PromoExpo announces its lineup of PME roadshows across Canada. PME will make stops in the following cities: 

• Toronto – April 3
• Ottawa – April 10
• Vancouver – May 7
• Calgary – May 9
• Edmonton – May 10
• Winnipeg – May 28
• Saskatoon – May 30
• Halifax – June 13

Suppliers can download the registration form here and email it to PME Coordinator Anis Somji at anis@promoexpo.ca upon completion. Distributors can register here. PromoExpo will also be giving away Promolift custom websites to 10 registered distributors. For more information, click here.

American Solutions for Business (ASB, asi/120075), a Top 40 distributor, has hired Kate Murray as communications & public relations specialist. “We’re so excited that Kate has joined the ASB family,” says Taylor Borst, senior director of marketing & vendor relations. “With her education, skillset and personality, I’m confident she’ll be an excellent addition to our team who can help share our company story, create meaningful connections and maximize impact.”

NC Custom (asi/44900), a Top 40 supplier, has appointed LJ Consulting as its multi-line representation for Atlantic Canada. The agency has outside sales bases in Halifax, NS, and Moncton, NB. “[This] partnership continues our push to expand our reach within the Canadian marketplace,” says Danielle Dawson, NC Custom’s vice president of sales – Canada. “I’m thrilled to have John Gillard and his team onboard and look forward to our future growth in Atlantic Canada.”

Facilisgroup, a software-as-a-service company and partnering community within the promotional products market, has entered into a strategic partnership with PromoPulse, an automated marketing platform within the industry. “The partnership with Jason Nokes and PromoPulse gives us another wonderful tool for our distributor partners to take advantage of,” said Jim Manno, vice president of marketing for Facilisgroup.

Proforma (asi/300094), a Top 40 distributor, has launched its 10,000th e-commerce store. ProStores, the company’s proprietary solution, empower distributor owners to expand their market reach, launch sophisticated cross-channel marketing campaigns and oversee end-to-end fulfillment for clients, according to Proforma. “We are committed to being at the forefront of innovation, driving our industry forward and empowering our network with the transformative power of technology,” said Brian Roney, senior director of product design.

Full Line Specialties (asi/199688) welcomes Bill MacPhee as senior account executive for the company’s Atlantic Division. He has more than a decade of industry experience, and will contribute to business growth in Atlantic Canada as well as coast-to-coast coverage for the British Columbia-based distributor.

Karstpromo (asi/239105) ranked 156^th on Inc. magazine’s fourth annual “Inc. 5000 Regionals: Southeast” list. It’s a ranking of the fastest-growing companies based in South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and Puerto Rico. “We are honored to be part of an amazing group of organizations that make up this list,” said Michelle Harris, CEO of karstpromo. “Growth like this doesn’t happen without a fantastic team – a team that works hard and plays just as hard. This recognition shows that you truly can find success while having a great time with a fantastic group of people.”

Outdoor Cap Company (asi/75420), a Top 40 supplier, has released its Spring and Summer 2024 Market Guide. Highlighting trends, colors and designs, the guide intends to serve as a resource for promo distributors, retailers, and fashion enthusiasts, the firm said.

Ideation (asi/229699) has hired Jill Rogers as director of sales and business development. Previously, she served as director of national accounts at Drive Marketing Group (asi/183591). In her new role, Rogers will be working closely with Stacy Garrett, Ideation’s vice president of sales and marketing. “With a wealth of experience and an unparalleled energy level, Jill is the perfect addition to our team of already impressive rockstars,” Ideation wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing the hire.

Tekweld (asi/90807), a Top 40 supplier, has appointed two regional managers. Melissa Casey, the new Mid-Atlantic regional manager, will cover Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Scott King, the new regional manager in the Midwest, will cover Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. “We are confident that they will play pivotal roles in cultivating new opportunities with our customers and promoting all of Tekweld’s capabilities and solutions,” said Gregg Szpicek, senior vice president of sales at Tekweld.

Roland DGA Corp., a provider of wide-format inkjet printers, vinyl cutters and other decorating equipment, announced several personnel changes. Dan Johansen has been named vice president of sales and product management. Dave Edmondson has been promoted to vice president of new market and business development. David Hawkes has been hired as product manager for UV desktop printers. Philip Chu has been hired as the product manager of specialty devices. Kevin Rosen has been promoted to Roland Care onsite services manager, and Alex Vazquez has been promoted to Roland Care support manager. “We recognize the considerable skills and experience each of these individuals brings to their respective positions and look forward to the additional contributions they will make in their new, expanded roles,” said Amado Lara, president of Roland DGA.

Orbus Visual Communications (asi/75209) announces two new Orbus University sessions, Aug. 15-16 and Dec. 12-13. The free dealer training program will be held at its headquarters in greater Chicago and focuses on Orbus’ display solutions, graphics and sales and marketing training. The program combines classroom-style learning, hands-on display assembly practice and educational facility tours.

Rymax, parent company of Brainstorm Logistics (asi/41515), welcomes Carrie Bryan as senior director of key accounts. Most recently, Bryan was senior director for enterprise sales at Shutterfly. In her new role, she’ll be responsible for nurturing client relationships and driving growth, and will report to Rymax CEO Eve Kolakowski.

Hirsch (asi/61005) has hired two new key accounts managers: Amanda Maynord and Brett Long. Maynord has more than a decade of experience, most recently as director of national accounts and business development for Toddy Gear (asi/91411). Long has 18 years of experience, most recently as a regional sales manager for Top 40 supplier Goldstar (asi/73295). “Their expertise and dedication to client satisfaction align perfectly with our values, and I am confident they will elevate our strategic partnerships to new heights,” said Brittany Frase, director of sales and marketing.