(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.)

 

February 5

BEL Promo Announces New Strategic Sales Manager

BEL Promo (PPAI 362224, S10) – the No. 28 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has announced a new addition to the sales organization: Michelle DeMayo has been hired as the strategic sales manager.

“The addition of Michelle highlights our continued commitment to providing world-class service to our distributor partners,” says Susan Lewandowski, BEL Promo’s managing director. “With decades of branded merchandise experience, the addition of Michelle immediately elevate the BEL Promo organization and I know she will contribute to the successes of our clients.”

DeMayo will report to BEL Promo National Account Manager Tom Clouser.

  • Her strategic sales background includes working at several promotional products suppliers, most recently Storm Duds and HPG.
  • DeMayo’s hire is part of BEL Promo’s commitment to increase performance and service while minimizing friction for promotional products distributors.

DeMayo says, “Working with the incredible team at BEL Promo is the natural evolution that combines my industry experience with the passion I have to help our distributor partners grow. I can’t wait to get started!”

Facilisgroup Debuts Program To Train New Hires

Facilisgroup (PPAI 493664, A00) has introduced PromoLaunch, an online sales training program tailored specifically for new sales professionals entering the promo industry.

  • The six-week course, spanning 70 lessons, addresses unique industry topics ranging from the promotional sampling process to best practices for goal setting. Participants also can acquire comprehensive knowledge through strategic on-the-job training exercises.
  • PromoLaunch is the latest addition to Amplifi, Facilisgroup’s learning suite, and follows last year’s debut of PromoIntro.

February 2

Legislators Visit Quinn To Commemorate Its 30th Anniversary

Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill and Pennsylvania State Representative Kate Klunk recently visited Quinn (PPAI 360359, S5) company headquarters in Hanover, Pennsylvania, to recognize its 30 years of customer service and commitment.

  • The legislators toured the production and office facilities, and presented company officials with citations of excellence.

February 1

Goldstar And Ocean Bottle Join Forces For ‘Promo Made Better’

With its focus on manufacturing with more sustainable materials, Goldstar (PPAI 114031, S10) – the No. 16 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – has partnered with the award-winning, UK-based drinkware brand Ocean Bottle.

  • With every bottle sold, Ocean Bottle, a B-Corp-certified company, funds the collection of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles (approximately 25 pounds) from the environment, reducing pollution and improving the livelihood of coastal communities.
  • Crafted from a 90% recycled steel body, as well as other recycled and recyclable parts, Goldstar says it regards Ocean Bottle as an example of a responsible approach to manufacturing.
  • The premium drinkware collection includes three powder-coated, vacuum-insulated products: a 17-ounce “O.G.” Original Ocean Bottle, a 34-ounce “B.O.B.” Big Ocean Bottle and a 12-ounce Brew Flask.

iPROMOTEu Honors Top Performers, New Hall Of Fame Inductees During Recent Ceremonies

iPROMOTEu (PPAI 218870, D12) recognized its high-performing affiliates and preferred vendors at a series of awards ceremonies held during The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas last month. The organization also inducted 10 individuals into its new Hall of Fame.

  • The inaugural Hall of Fame honorees are:
    Rick Badiner, past iPROMOTEu Executive Vice President
    Leah Carson, The Planet Group
    Kevin Casci, Matrix Promotional Marketing
    Duane Chase, Sir Logo
    Josh Dalton, Dynamite Promotional Products
    Harry Ein, Perfection Promo
    Cindy Gibbs, Big Fish Branding
    Chris Hartley, MCM Productions
    Tommy Joyce, Tommy’s Printing & Promotional Items (posthumous honor)
    Mike Kelley, Shamrock Promotions
  • iPROMOTEu also celebrated outgoing President and CEO Ross Silverstein for his 24 years as an influential leader in the promotional products industry.
  • Other awards and their recipients are:
    Tommy Joyce Memorial Award: Ken Alfiero of Logoed
    Rick Badiner Award: Mary Quinlan of Q Group
    John Lascelles Memorial Award: Stephanie McCue of Creative in Promotions
    Affiliate Appreciation Awards: Pete Kmech of Creative Concepts Promo Marketing Agency and Art Silverman of American Advertising Specialties
    Rising Star Awards: Alicia Baldino of Brandmetix and Sue Spierings of ID Marketing
    Breakout Year Award: Lori and Dave Alter of A to Z Promotions and Bob Gauthier of Kokua Promotions
    iPROMOTEu Affiliate of the Year: Ken George of KBG Promotes
  • More than 300 additional affiliates were recognized including Top Producing Individual Affiliates, Affiliates with the Largest Orders, Elite 100 Affiliates, All Star Affiliates, Fastest Growing Affiliates, Most Profitable Affiliates and additions to iPROMOTEu Million Dollar Clubs, plus awards recognizing top suppliers and supplier reps.