(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of news releases and updates submitted from organizations around the promotional products industry. PPAI Media edits these only slightly, including for length, and will consider newsworthy entries from any member organization.)

January 9, 2023

Gemline Introduces New Balance Growing Portfolio

Gemline (PPAI 113948, S11) announced a long-term strategic partnership with Concept One Accessories, the exclusive licensee for New Balance bags.

  • This will enable Gemline to offer New Balance bags to the promotional products market in the United States, and brings one of the world’s largest athletic brands and their in-demand products to Gemline’s growing portfolio of premium brand partners.
  • New Balance products are being introduced as part of Gemline’s new Spring 2023 Collection.
  • Gemline will preview the introductory collection at the Gemline Booth (#5017) at The PPAI Expo 2023 in Las Vegas this week.


January 6, 2023

Geiger Acquires Incentives by Design

Geiger (PPAI 105182, D12) has acquired Incentives by Design, a Washington-based branded merchandise company. The acquisition was finalized and effective January 5.

  • Geiger will retain all employees and the business will now operate under the name “Incentives by Design, a Geiger company.”
  • “Incentives by Design is known throughout the industry for providing outstanding customer service,” said Geiger Chief Revenue Officer Chris McKee. “When we look at potential acquisitions, finding an organization with a customer-first mentality is a must-have. As we continue to grow, we are doing so in a way that only further improves our customers’ experience. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Geiger family and are confident we’ll be even more successful together.”
  • Located in Tukwila, Washington, Incentives by Design was founded in 1990 by cousins Bill and Rich Hirshberg, both currently serving as principals of the company. In addition to promotional items, Incentives by Design specializes in safety and workwear, golf attire and accessories, and school uniforms and sportswear.

Zing Hires Regional Sales Directors

Zing Manufacturing (PPAI 517185, S7) has hired TJ Walter as its regional sales director for the Central US territory and Nicole Deen as regional sales director for the West Coast.

  • Both Walter and Deen are promotional products industry veterans.
  • “Zing’s obsession to create the most dynamic, personalized experiences between distributors and their clients is equally matched by TJ’s unending desire to deliver world-class service to his customers,” says Rob Watson, vice president of Zing. "Nicole’s knowledge of our industry and strong expertise in curated merchandising programs will help propel Zing as the industry standard in state-of-the-art printing and personalization services.”

Eversole Run Donates New Polo Shirts

Eversole Run (PPAI 199242, S6) recently donated over $200,000 worth of new polo shirts in partnership with the Goodwill Columbus.

  • This donation will be used to help improve the lives of those in need in the greater Central Ohio area. The team at Eversole Run is proud to help support this initiative and the impact it will have in the local community.