Ecorite (asi/51654) in Toronto has unveiled a new website at ecorite.com with new features like virtual samples, freight calculator, advanced filters, inventory checker, live customer service chat and eco-friendly news and product videos.

The Ampersand Group recently celebrated a record-breaking year (members collectively grew sales by 12%) during its virtual conference.

Foxtrot Marketing Group (asi/170720) welcomes Gabriel Hancock as business development manager and Madison Sam as a summer marketing intern. The company has also announced its move from South St. Paul, MN, to New Brighton, MN.

InkSoft, an e-commerce platform for print, promo and decorated-apparel companies, has partnered with Penn Emblem (asi/77120), allowing its users to offer embroidered products without having to purchase an embroidery machine or digitizing software. Products include patches that are embroidered, screen printed or dye-sublimated, as well as specialty and stock emblems and heat transfers. InkSoft customers will have access to a wholesale account and pricing with Penn Emblem.

Reciprocity Road has named Oklahoma City’s Urban Bridge as the recipient of its 2021 first-quarter grant for $500. Urban Bridge’s Impact Center strives to create environments that positively impact youth, families and neighborhoods in traditionally under-represented communities through mentoring, tutoring, college and career preparation, financial literacy, the arts and community partnerships.

Cooley Group Inc. (asi/168125) has joined the Premier Group Network, a buying/networking group in the promotional products industry. “Joining Premier Group will position us to be even better partners to our clients,” said Phil Yawman, president of Cooley Group. “We are all excited to be part of this community and we look forward to collaborating with other exceptional industry professionals.”

BAMKO (asi/131431), a Top 40 distributor, has hired Dan Lunoe as Director of Business Development. Lunoe was an ASI Media 2021 Salesperson of the Year finalist. Lunoe’s career highlights include providing logoed items for the 2016 Republican National Convention. BAMKO is excited to bring Lunoe aboard. “We win as a team here and we’re going to give Dan the tools, resources and support to sell really big things,” said BAMKO’s Global Head of Sales Matt Whiteley.

Kool Stuff LLC (asi/244827) welcomes 25-year industry veteran Nick DiNicola as executive director of sales and marketing. He previously served as director for ASI’s Advantages Roadshow. “We’re very excited to have Nick on board,” said Christine Marion, president of Kool Stuff. “His years of experience have added knowledge and insights to his leadership style. He has also developed management capabilities that will be beneficial for our growing sales team and business.”  

Cimpress (asi/162149) and HP Inc. have announced a multi-year, strategic agreement for a large-scale investment in next-generation HP Indigo digital presses to grow the online personalized print product market. HP Indigo’s largest customer globally, Cimpress will deploy a fleet of new HP Indigo digital presses over the next two years, primarily the B2-format HP Indigo 100K Digital Press. The new technology is aimed at providing additional revenue for the company’s brands and improved efficiency across its global manufacturing operations.

Cap America Inc. (asi/43792) has promoted Christen Siebert to senior financial analyst. “We are thrilled to announce this promotion for Christen, who brings the knowledge, experience and energy to succeed in this new role at Cap America,” said Curt Carr, chief financial officer at Cap America. “She will play an integral part in our new ERP system initiative, which is an important component of the future growth and success of Cap America.” 

The Kanata Group, which includes Kanata Blanket, Kanata Towels, Neet Feet (asi/73520) and Big Time Jersey, welcomes 30-year industry veteran Kirk Russell as vice president of sales-national accounts. “We are truly excited that Kirk has joined the Kanata team and look forward to him leading our national account sales efforts across our portfolio of companies,” said Fred Flegel, chairman of The Kanata Group. 

BrandVia Alliance Inc. (asi/145037) recently had 480 attendees at its virtual Reveal event, the company’s annual open house. Watch the recap:

COBMEX Apparel (asi/45545) announces that its collection of uniform sweaters will soon be certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX. The certification confirms that the garments have been through stringent testing to ensure that they do not contain harmful substances. The move is part of COBMEX’s expanded commitment to sustainability and product safety throughout its product line.

IMAGEN Brands, which is the parent company of Vitronic (asi/93990) and Crown (asi/47700), welcomes Laura Guerrero as national account manager. “With her understanding of the promo industry and her dedication to finding creative solutions for clients, Laura will be a tremendous asset to both IMAGEN Brands and our distributors in her new role as national account manager,” said Lisa LeMond, VP of sales and customer service.