(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.)

December 12

Logomark Promotes Christian Brandt; Hires Patricia Castagna

Logomark (PPAI 110898, S11) has promoted Christian Brandt from regional sales manager to national sales manager, national accounts, and appointed Patricia Castagna as its Los Angeles regional sales manager.

  • Castagna is a veteran of the promotional products industry with experience at The Taylor Group and Tekweld.

Michael Bistocchi, CRO of Logomark, says, “We are committed to bringing on board some of the most dedicated and passionate people in the industry.”

Ecorite Designates A Portion Of Sales To Benefit Environmental Conservation

Ecorite (PPAI 267331, S1) has made a significant commitment to global environmental conservation efforts. Starting January 1, 2024, the supplier will donate a portion of its sales proceeds to benefit Conservation International.

  • Funds contributed to the organization will support its various initiatives across forest protection, marine conservation, sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation projects. These efforts will contribute to the preservation of vital ecosystems, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the conservation of endangered species.

“We are pleased and excited to announce our decision to share in our good fortunes with Conservation International and to designate a portion of our sales proceeds each year to support their vital conservation work,” says Alex Jovetic, vice president sales and marketing at Ecorite. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to environmental sustainability and highlights our responsibility as a business to contribute to the protection of our planet.”

December 11

“AI” Voted 2023 Marketing Word Of The Year In Online Poll

The word “AI” is the landslide winner in the 2023 vote for Association of National Advertisers’ Marketing Word of the Year.

  • Since 2014, ANA has surveyed its members to select the Marketing Word of the Year. This year, voting was done online between November 22 and December 7. AI was the runaway winner with almost 70% of the 271 votes among 10 options. The next closest selection, “Purpose,” received only 8% of votes.
  • In the 10-year history of the ANA Marketing Word of the Year, there has never been a winner by such a wide margin. AI is also the first repeat winner; it was the ANA Marketing Word of the Year in 2017.
  • Other previous winning words were pivot (2020), personalization (2019), brand purpose (2018), transparency (2016), content marketing (2015) and programmatic (2014).

Apex Advertising Ranked Among Fastest-Growing Companies

Apex Advertising (PPAI 109458, D10) has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in Central Pennsylvania, where the distributor’s corporate headquarters is located.

Conducted by Central Pennsylvania Business Journal, the ranking is based on revenue growth earned from 2020 to 2023.

  • Apex credits its success to teamwork and its ability to remain adaptable and to prioritize customer needs.
  • As part of its growth initiative, Apex expanded its business by an average of 30% each year since 2020 and hired 27 new employees during that time. This has enabled the company to expand its on-site warehouse space by 25% and deploy cutting-edge warehouse management and company e-store systems to better serve customers.

“Without the foundation of our team, we would not have been able to successfully adapt as the business landscape changed dramatically over the past three years,” says Ron Weaver, president and CEO of Apex Advertising. “Our teamwork combined with a commitment to advance with technology has enabled us to expand our warehouse, enhance our kitting and fulfilment capabilities, and customize our solutions based on customer needs.”

December 7

AAA Innovations Offers Free Four-Color Bag Decoration And Zero Run Charges

AAA Innovations (PPAI 110972, S4) has changed its price structure to offer full-color decoration on all of its Satchels New York bags at no additional cost. It has also eliminated additional run charges for one, two, three or four-color printing on all of its bags. The changes were effective December 7.

  • This pricing change applies to all bags, inclusive of totes, backpacks, duffels, satchels, messenger bags, fashion bags, luggage and all of the new, luxe, retail-inspired rPET bags.
  • Custom embroidery is excluded from this offer. As with any decoration process, setup fees will apply and for decoration in multiple locations, nominal run charges will be applicable.