The Owala FreeSip, available in various sizes in the promotional products industry through supplier Active Life Promo (asi/72657), was recently named one of the Best Inventions of 2023 by Time. The reviewer highlighted the stainless-steel leakproof drinkware for its two drinking methods (a straw and a larger opening that conforms to the user’s mouth) and fun color palettes.

Xpres LLC (asi/52475), a drinkware supplier based in Winston-Salem, NC, has named Cindy Moss director of business development. Moss has more than 30 years of experience in the promo industry, with what Xpres described as a proven record of developing and executing successful sales and marketing strategies. “We are thrilled to have Cindy join the Xpres LLC family,” said company CEO Jan Reid. “With her extensive industry knowledge, both on the distributor and supplier side, and results-driven approach, we are confident that Cindy will play a pivotal role in propelling our company's sales and marketing initiatives to the next level.” Said Moss: “I look forward to working with our talented team to drive results, exceed customer expectations, and position Xpres LLC for continued success.”

A Fully Promoted (asi/384000) franchise in St. Charles, IL received a visit recently from Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes. The senator was meeting with the promo company and other small businesses to learn about their needs and concerns. During her visit, Holmes toured the new Fully Promoted facility and learned about Owner Michelle Bottino and her team. The St. Charles franchise is part of Top 40 distributor Fully Promoted.

The Magnet Group (TMG, asi/68507), a Top 40 supplier, has hired Lauren LeMay as a regional sales manager. LeMay will cover the states of Missouri, Kansas and Colorado for the company. She comes to TMG with nine years of industry experience. “We are excited to welcome Lauren to our already outstanding sales team,” said Joe Huber, TMG national sales manager. “She is a young, energetic, and motivated professional who exemplifies the high standards required to represent The Magnet Group.”

Reciprocity Road, an alliance of 11 distributors in the U.S. and Canada that collectively account for $250 million in annual promo spending, recently held its Conclave Strategic Planning Event at the facilities of Flywheel Brands (asi/212986) in Chattanooga, TN. The primary goal of the gathering was to chart a course for the alliance’s strategic initiatives in the upcoming year. Market insights and a focus on opportunities for collaboration were part of the discussions centered on driving growth. As part of the event, Reciprocity Road donated $5,000 to the Chattanooga Area Food bank.

Stran & Co. (asi/337725), a Top 40 distributor, says it has secured a six-figure annual contract with a leading medical group specializing in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, nutrition, and digestive health. The customer has more than 200 locations throughout the United States, with over 3,000 employees. As part of the contract, Stran will launch a marketing program as well as provide holiday gifts, doctor recruitment gifts, and new hire kits. In addition, Stran will launch a custom e-commerce store where client employees can purchase products.

DML Creation (asi/48031) will be offering free shipping on all Canadian headwear orders of 48 or more pieces from now through Dec. 31. Shipping methods include UPS Ground to Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and FedEx Economy to British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The offer does not apply to the Yukon, Northwest Territories or Nunavut.

Stormtech (asi/89869), a Top 40 supplier, has released its new “Own the Cold” digital catalog. “This curated collection showcases a large range of 3-in-1s, parkas and thermals,” says the company. “Stormtech has you covered, for whatever winter weather awaits.”

Botanical PaperWorks (asi/41273) has hired Kim Ewchuk as director of sales & marketing. She has extensive experience in the hospitality and real estate sectors.

Orbus Visual Communications (asi/75209) announces three upcoming sessions for Orbus University, its dealer training program: Dec. 7; April 25, 2024; and June 6, 2024. Orbus University is a two-day program at the company’s Woodridge, IL, headquarters that combines classroom style and hands-on learning to familiarize dealers with Orbus’ service offerings and range of visual communication solutions

Facilisgroup, a software provider and partnering community to the promo products industry, held the second of its two 2023 Partner Summit events recently in Denver. Following a successful Partner Summit in Boston in July, Facilisgroup said it offered the second summit to ensure the same experience to community members who were unable to attend the first event. Networking, professional education, inspiring speakers, and a charitable initiative that supported the nonprofit Wish for Wheels was all part of the Denver summit. “Bringing our distributor partners, preferred suppliers, and Facilisgroup team together to learn, share best practices, and celebrate in Denver has been a true highlight of our year,” said Jim Manno, vice president of marketing at Facilisgroup.

American Solutions for Business (ASB, asi/120075), a Top 40 distributor, has renewed a three-year purchasing agreement with CoreTrust, a group purchasing organization, as the provider of promotional products for its 3,000 member organizations. CoreTrust clients have access to special pricing and pre-negotiated terms. ASB has worked with CoreTrust since 2014.

Facilisgroup, a software solutions provider and partnering community for the promo products industry, has launched PromoIntro, a resource designed to provide foundational knowledge of the merch market to new hires in any role. “PromoIntro is a resource that ensures newcomers in the promotional products industry get off to a strong start,” said Dave Rehg, senior vice president of operations at Facilisgroup.

A Woman’s View, an initiative that Top 40 distributor iPROMOTEu (asi/232119) created to help unite and support women in the promotional products industry, will be hosting My Favorite Promo Gift – Q4 Customer Panel. This free webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, October 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. PT / 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. All women in the promotional products space are invited to attend the webinar, which will feature a diverse group of customers and promo pros as speakers. Attendees will get to know end-client gift preferences, ask customers about their favorite promo gifts, and more. Register now.

Stormtech (asi/89869), a Top 40 supplier, announces that long-time British Columbia sales rep Bob Hall will retire on Jan. 1, 2024. Hall has spent more than 30 years with the apparel company, and was critical to building the company’s presence in the province. “We thank Bob for his many years of committed service to Stormtech,” says Blake Annable, founder and CEO. “He’s been an integral part of our growth in B.C. and has seen the evolution of Stormtech from the earliest days. We wish him the very best as he begins the next chapter of his life.”

Canada Sportswear (asi/43682) welcomes Christopher Balharry to the sales team for British Columbia. “Christopher comes to us with an extensive background in the promotional industry,” says the company, “and has a passion for delivering exceptional service.”

Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (SGC), parent firm of Top 40 distributor BAMKO (asi/131431), has appointed Soo-Jin Behrstock as the company’s chief information officer. Behrstock will report to Phil Koosed, co-founder of BAMKO and current chief strategy officer for SGC. Behrstock has more than 25 years of broad technology and information systems experience in both business-to-business and e-commerce industries.

Sportsman Cap & Bag (asi/88877), a Top 40 supplier, announces that 5% of total profits from sales of the Infinity Her CASSIE and TESS hats in Dusty Pink or Rose will be donated this month to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Infinity Her headwear is designed for women, with features like a women’s fit, makeup-resistant sweatbands and back ponytail openings.

The Vernon Company (asi/351700), a Top 40 distributor, announces that boutique marketing agency ktcreative, LLC has partnered with Vernon and will now sell with the Iowa-based company’s backend support. “I’m so excited to begin this partnership with The Vernon Company,” says Katie Truelove, founder of ktcreative. “Their leadership in the promotional products industry aligns perfectly with ktcreative’s goals to provide the best products and solutions to our clients.” Truelove has over 20 years of experience in marketing, design and promotional products.

Spector & Co. (asi/88660), a Top 40 supplier, has hired Hilary Barnes as a strategic account manager. “Clients will benefit from her strategic thinking, industry experience and ability to execute memorably,” says the company. “With her dynamic personality and attention to detail, Barnes is a natural fit for Spector & Co. She has deep experience building strong client partnerships through creativity and her proactive nature.”

Brymark Promotions (asi/149287) is now an affiliate partner of the Fair Labor Association (FLA), which will now regularly evaluate and approve the Ottawa-based distributorship’s business practices and commitment to labor rights, both within its walls and at all firms with which Brymark does business.

Promotional Source (asi/301292) in Oakville, ON, has been named a Top Growing Company of 2023 by the Globe & Mail. The ranking, based on three-year revenue growth, has been published each year since 2019. To qualify, the 425 companies on the list had to be Canadian-run and have at least $2 million CAD in annual sales in its most recent fiscal year.

Orbus Visual Communications has been named one of Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation for the ninth consecutive year. The competition determines companies that implement exceptional human resource practices and commit to their employee’s health and happiness. Companies are rated in categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, and retention. “Our continued recognition as one of The Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation is a testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible employees,” said Gary Keefer, CEO of Orbus Visual Communications.