(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.)

February 8, 2023

Terry Town Celebrates 35 Years

Through uphill battles, changes to its business model and an entire product-focus overhaul, Terry Town (PPAI 230911, S10) celebrates its 35th birthday this year.

  • From starting in a small office in Placentia, California, to now having two warehouses in San Diego, Terry Town has expanded to meet the demand of its curated product line. Terry Town has become one of the leading suppliers of towels, blankets and home accessories while continually being a family business.
  • Sy Ereren, Terry Town owner, founder and president, attributes Terry Town's success to the hardworking individuals who help bring the company's vision to life every day. "We've created a culture that thrives off collaboration, hard work, and having each other's back," Ereren says. "Being able to work with such talented colleagues has allowed us to grow to where we are today."
  • The company video, found here, gives a glimpse of life at Terry Town and an inside look into what makes this family business so unique.

Promo Expo Launches Soapbox Canada

Soapbox co-founders Dan Pigott and Brett Schaffer are pleased to announce an agreement with Neil Mihan from PRG and Anis Somji from Promo Expo for the launch of Soapbox Canada.

  • Soapbox is a custom technology platform that bridges the communication gap between suppliers and distributors in the promotional products industry by hosting monthly, virtual, one-on-one conversations.
  • Soapbox is currently developing the Canadian platform by partnering with suppliers and distributors who are focused on the Canadian market. The plan is to launch its first Canadian event day mid-year 2023.
  • Anis Somji, general manager for Promo Expo, says, "Distributors will be pre-screened to be part of the platform. We are interested in those sales people who are in a growth mode, who are committed to expanding their industry networks, and who are currently responsible for a good book of existing business. Participation requires a once-per-month, two-hour commitment to engage with our participating suppliers."

February 7, 2023 

Toddy Gear Expands Its Sustainable Product Portfolio

Toddy Gear (PPAI 516677, S6) announced the addition of select ICE Cooling models to its newly released sustainable Eco-friendly (RPET) line of promotional products.

  • The newly added Eco-friendly (RPET) products include most models in its ICE Cooling Series, including ICE Cooling Wraps (ICEI701, ICEI702), ICE Cooling Rally Wraps (ICEI703, ICEI704), and ICE Cooling Active Band (ICEI706).
  • “Bringing sustainable products to the promotional space is essential to who we are and aspire to be,” says Jason Emery, president of Toddy Gear. “We have searched for ways Toddy Gear could take a responsible stance in maintaining a healthy business while doing so responsibly as it relates to our products. As a result of these initiatives, we have strengthened our sustainability commitments.”
  • With the addition of select ICE Cooling models to the already robust Eco-friendly line of products, Toddy Gear is helping to contribute to our environment's sustainability while simultaneously delivering products. Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET) products not only benefit the environment but also look and feel better and have enhanced color vividness for an elevated branding experience. 


NC Custom Names Chris Barlow National Account Manager

NC Custom (PPAI 111662, S7) has named Chris Barlow as the company’s new national account manager. Barlow will work with several key buying groups and customers while continuing to grow the Southeast territory for the company. This new opportunity has been given to Barlow as a direct result of his service to his customers and commitment to NC Custom.

  • “Chris tirelessly works to improve himself and expand NC Custom’s business in his territory and with his accounts,” says Chris O’Connor, vice president of sales for NC Custom. “He proves that hard work and determination creates success.”
  • Barlow has been with NC Custom for more than six years in a sales representative role, supporting clients in the New York and New Jersey and currently the Southeast area. During his time with NC Custom, he has consistently increased sales for his respective territories.