(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.)

March 11

Firebrand Promotions Earns Highest Rating For Sustainability

Firebrand Promotions, A Geiger Company, has been recognized for its sustainability initiatives with a Platinum EcoVadis award rating. Geiger (PPAI 105182, Platinum) – the No. 7 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100 – acquired the company last year.

  • EcoVadis, the world’s leading provider of business sustainability ratings, evaluates companies across four key pillars: environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. To receive the highest rating of Platinum, companies must score above 75% overall across all pillars. Firebrand Promotions, a Geiger Company achieved a score of 86% in its overall assessment putting it in the top 1% of companies worldwide.
  • In 2023, Geiger UK was awarded its second consecutive EcoVadis Platinum Award and Geiger’s U.S. headquarters earned its first EcoVadis Gold Award. Geiger is the first major promotional products distributor in the U.S. to receive a Gold award.

Vicky Kinasz, managing director of Geiger International, says, “Acquiring Firebrand Promotions was a strategic move aligned with Geiger’s steadfast dedication to sustainable initiatives. This Platinum award for Firebrand Promotions, a Geiger Company, is a testament to the hard work and unwavering commitment of our global team in upholding and surpassing international standards.”

Orbus Plans Grand Opening Of New Production Facility

Orbus Visual Communications (PPAI 428128, Silver) has relocated its manufacturing for SEG Systems and Fabric Images to a new 225,000 square-foot facility in Huntersville, North Carolina.

  • The move and expansion mark a $25 million investment by the supplier and will create 100 new jobs, in addition to the 86 jobs moving from Charlotte. The new facility is 50% larger than the previous space and will incorporate the entire production capabilities for SEG Systems and Fabric Images.
  • A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for April 17.

“I am proud of Orbus Visual Communications and our success, marked by this relocation and expansion to a new cutting-edge facility,” says Gary Keefer, CEO. “This relocation and expansion propel us forward and reinforces our commitment to excellence in the retail and interiors markets.”

March 7

karstpromo Ranks No. 156 On Inc.’s Southeast List

South Carolina-based karstpromo (PPAI167797, Standard-Plus) has been ranked No. 156 on Inc. Magazine’s fourth annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast.

  • The distributor reported two-year revenue growth of 122.67%.
  • Between 2020 and 2022, the 223 companies that made the list had an average growth rate of 166.43%. By 2023, they’d also added 20,496 jobs and $8.8 billion to the region’s economy.

“We are honored to be part of an amazing group of organizations that make up this list,” says Michelle Harris, CEO of karstpromo. “Growth like this doesn’t happen without a fantastic team – a team that works hard and plays just as hard. This recognition shows that you truly can find success while having a great time with a fantastic group of people.”

Twintech Industry Raises Almost $9,000 For Hungry Kids Campaign

Twintech Industry (PPAI 261545, Silver) reports that its 2023 Power Bar for Hungry Kids campaign raised $8,953.64 for the Feed My Starving Children charity.

  • The money was raised through a campaign that donated a portion of a year's sales of one of the supplier's most popular promo gifts.
  • Feed My Starving Children is a nonprofit organization that has delivered nutritious food packages worldwide to children in need in more than 100 countries since 2009.
  • CEO and founder HC Chao selected the charity as it is close to his heart as a father and a minority business owner. With Twintech’s contribution, more than 30,000 meals will be provided to children in local and worldwide communities.

March 6

Storm Creek Launches Give-Back Campaign With Women-Owned Distributors

Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Silver) announces its Women’s History Month give-back campaign in collaboration with women-owned promo distributors.

  • Throughout March, the supplier will donate 10% of sales (over $500) from women-owned distributors to Girls on the Run International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls through physical activity and mentorship.
  • The donation will be directed to each participating distributor’s local Girls on the Run chapter. There is no additional cost to the distributor.
  • In addition to the donation pledge, Storm Creek is introducing two sample kits exclusively for women featuring trending colors and silhouettes for all seasons.

“I am thrilled to join forces with Girls on the Run International as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history,” says Teresa Fudenberg, CEO of Storm Creek. “I am energized by the opportunity to work with other women-owned businesses to help reach Storm Creek’s goal of generating $5 million for charity by 2030.”

March 4

Carrie Bryan Rejoins Rymax In New Role

Rymax (PPAI 26255, Standard-Base) welcomes Carrie Bryan in the newly created position of senior director of key accounts.

  • Bryan will play a critical role in nurturing and growing relationships with clients, driving revenue growth and ensuring long-term success. Based in Minneapolis, she will report to the supplier's CEO and owner, Eve Kolakowski.
  • With a career spanning over 20 years, many of which were within the incentive, rewards, and loyalty space, Bryan brings deep experience in enterprise sales and channel management to Fortune 500 companies. She was most recently senior director for enterprise sales at Shutterfly and previously worked at Rymax as its north central sales manager.

“It’s especially meaningful to be returning to Rymax with Eve at the helm, which is not just an exciting career move but a commitment to an organization that celebrates entrepreneurship, innovation and success,” says Bryan.