(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of updates from organizations around the promotional products industry. PPAI Media will consider newsworthy entries submitted by any member organization.)

November 13

Growth Street Partners Makes Equity Investment In Chipply

Chipply (PPAI 810551, A1), a team store software platform for team dealers, custom apparel decorators and corporate suppliers, has received a minority growth equity investment from Growth Street Partners. Chipply will use the investment to extend its technology lead, support its service team and position the company for growth.

  • Chipply was founded in 2016 by siblings Lynn, Carl and Brian Burghardt, whose family has owned and operated Burghardt Sporting Goods, for over 140 years.
  • The Chipply platform was built upon their deep industry knowledge and was commercialized in 2018. Since then, it has processed hundreds of millions of dollars of gross merchandise value for hundreds of dealers nationwide.
  • In conjunction with the investment, Growth Street Partners will join Chipply’s board of directors.

“Chipply is very excited about what this investment means for customers. We are all committed to providing the same amazing service under the same leadership and accelerating our goal to provide best in class software solutions for industries we have worked in for many years,” says Chipply CEO Angie Hardwick.

MiPPA Cancels Its April Leadership Conference, Plans Alternative Content Delivery

Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) has cancelled its April 17-18, 2024 Midwest Leadership Conference due to multiple industry conflicts and budgetary concerns.

  • The conference was originally scheduled as a two-day event at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center with content focused on the big topics facing the industry: sustainability, the impact of AI and corporate social responsibility.

“We had to ask ourselves if we were being good stewards around sustainability by flying in speakers and attendees from around the country for a two-day event,” says MiPPA Executive Director Paul Kiewiet MAS+. “And does this format support our goals of reaching younger and diverse audiences? The board made the tough decision that we needed to review this event in terms of resources, commitments and alignment with our strategic plan and vision for the future.”

  • All of the content developed and planned for the conference will be delivered in different and new formats throughout the coming year.

PPPC Supports Season Of Giving For Those In Need

Promotional Products Professionals of Canada (PPPC), in collaboration with its Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia chapters, is encouraging industry members to lend a helping hand to those in need in November and December.

  • Through the end of the year, industry members are requested to drop off a non-perishable food item, clothing, toiletries, toys, etc. to their favorite local or national charity, snap a photo, share it on social media and tag PPPC by using the hashtag #pppcgivesback.
  • Items most needed include:
    - Grains: cereal, rice, pasta, oats, granola bars and flour
    - Proteins: canned fish, chicken, beans and legumes, peanut butter
    - Canned fruits and vegetables
    - Pantry staples: soup, pasta sauce, stews and chili
    - Baby food and formulas
    - Hygienic goods: toilet paper, cleaning products, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, diapers, sanitary pads and tampons
    - Winter gear including hats, scarves, and gloves
    - Any types of tops including t-shirts, long-sleeved jerseys, etc.
    - Hoodies, winter jackets, blankets
    - Socks, underwear
    - Unwrapped toys, gift cards and clothing for babies and toddlers, children and youth

Monetary donations are also appreciated. PPPC requests industry members take a screen shot of their charity’s logo and include it on their social media post along with the hashtag #pppcgivesback.

November 10

Hit Promotional Products Expands Drinkware Line With BrüMate Partnership

Hit Promotional Products (PPAI 113910, S14) has partnered with drinkware innovator BrüMate to usher in the brand’s trendy best-sellers to the promo market.

  • A variety of BrüMate styles and colors are available now on Hit’s website with additional styles and colors coming soon.

“BrüMate brings fresh designs, innovative trends and unique products in a variety of colors to expand our drinkware category further,” says CEO CJ Schmidt. “We are excited about this partnership and will continue adding additional styles and grow this brand with Hit further into the future.”