(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 15

Upcoming Webinar Explains Tax Requirements For Incentive Programs

This week, the Incentive Federation is presenting a webinar to help distributors understand the complex tax issues regarding incentive, recognition and safety programs and how these programs can meet tax requirements.

  • Presenters are Mike Donnelly, CPIM, president of Hinda Incentives and an IF board member, and George Delta, Esq., IF’s legal counsel and a recognized expert on the U.S. tax treatment of incentive programs.
  • Participants will learn how recognition programs are viewed by the IRS and get easy-to-understand guidelines and extensive detailed reference information.
  • The webinar, hosted by the Incentive Marketing Association, takes place on Thursday, February 22 at 10 a.m. Central (11 a.m. Eastern). Register here.

February 14

Grace Schettler Joins Chipply As Senior VP Of Sales

Chipply (PPAI 810551, A01), a team store e-commerce platform, welcomes Grace Schettler as senior vice president of sales.

  • Schettler will manage the customer journey, create the go-to-market process, accelerate growth and reinforce Chipply’s focus on customer service and support.
  • An industry veteran and award-winning salesperson, she was previously vice president of sales at Cap America where she was instrumental in implementing the sporting goods division, the growth of the promotional division and the launch of the company's CA Premium Line.
  • Schettler will report to CEO Angie Hardwick, who says, "We are incredibly excited to welcome Grace to the Chipply team. Her proven leadership and approach to sales strategy will be pivotal in driving our company's success in the months and years ahead. We look forward to bringing Grace's experience and passion to Chipply as we expand our market presence and deliver exceptional value to our customers."

February 13

Champro Sports Balls Now Available Through Galaxy

Galaxy - More than Balloons (PPAI 113835, S7) and Champro (PPAI 669316, S2) are collaborating to support the growing need for quality imprinted sports products within the promotional product industry.

  • Distributors can now order any Champro sports ball directly through Galaxy. This includes lacrosse balls and a wide variety of collegiate, high school and youth league-approved baseballs, softballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, basketballs and footballs.
  • The partnership will amplify the Champro brand within the promotion products industry and showcase its innovation and dedication to excellence.

January 31

Maple Ridge Farms Earns Shining Star Award From United Way

United Way of Marathon County (Wisconsin) recognizes Maple Ridge Farms (PPAI 114165, S8) – the No. 46 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – with a Shining Star award for its 2023 United Way campaign. Shining Stars are awarded to companies whose employees ran campaigns that have shown participation growth, leadership growth, overall dollars raised, corporate gifts and volunteerism as true advocates for United Way.

  • Maple Ridge Farms’ 2023 campaign offered many opportunities for employees to participate including a visiting gelato cart, a white elephant sale, a raffle for department-created gift baskets, coveted parking places and other prizes. The campaign raised a total of $8,911 to benefit United Way of Marathon County, an increase of 5% over the 2022 campaign.

“We are proud to partner with United Way of Marathon County,” says Shana Gardner, Maple Ridge Farms campaign manager. “Our dedicated committee is always diligently looking for ways to add opportunities for team members to participate and contribute, and it’s an honor to be recognized for those efforts. We plan to add more events throughout 2024 and are excited to continue to develop and grow our support.”