(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of updates submitted from organizations around the promotional products industry. PPAI Media will consider newsworthy entries from any member organization.)

July 18, 2023

Toddy Gear Promotes Viktorya Kooistra To Marketing VP

Toddy Gear (PPAI 516677, S6) has named Viktorya Kooistra its vice president of marketing. Kooistra first joined the Bolingbrook, Illinois-based supplier in 2013, and brings 20 years of marketing communications, branding and product management experience to the new role.

"We are thrilled to welcome Viktorya Kooistra as our vice president of marketing," says Jason Emery, president and CEO of Toddy Gear. "Her unparalleled expertise and proven leadership will be instrumental in shaping our marketing vision and strategy. We have full confidence that her insights and innovative approach will drive Toddy Gear's continued success in the ever-evolving promotional products landscape."

During her time with Toddy Gear, Kooistra’s expertise in marketing communications, creative development, social media, public relations, trade shows, and events has been instrumental in driving brand awareness and boosting sales.

  • She has played a pivotal role in shaping Toddy Gears’ brand positioning and spearheading its marketing initiatives.
  • She has overseen every aspect of the company's marketing operations.
  • Under her guidance, Toddy Gear has achieved growth in lead generation and witnessed substantial engagement across various social media platforms.

Last month, Toddy Gear went through an ownership change, with Emery and his business partner Isaac Delgado acquiring the remaining shares of the supplier from company founder Todd Gabel. The company was also was recently announced as one of Promo’s Greatest Companies To Work For In 2023 by PPAI.

July 17, 2023

BamBams LLC Acquires Visual Promotions

BamBams (PPAI 255565, S9), in Manassas, Virginia, has acquired Sealy, Texas-based supplier Visual Promotions.

  • The Visual Promotions staff will continue their current operations while the BamBams team adds the company’s products and services to their offerings.
  • Industry veteran Louie Massaro becomes BamBams’ general manager, bringing his vast experience in coolers.
  • Jeff Brandes, owner and president of Visual Promotions, will assist with the transition while growing his industry-based software business Schedule Key.

“The opportunity made sense because of the meaningful synergies, adding significant production capacity and new products to our business,” says Dan Taylor, president and CEO of BamBams.

Brock Taylor, COO of BamBams, adds, “With Visual Promotions’ Print on Demand [POD] capabilities, which are fully integrated with Schedule Key software, BamBams can accelerate its growth in the POD company store market. After expanding in on-demand products in 2022 with our Bolt Line, this acquisition moves us toward our goal of becoming an industry leader in POD.”

Koozie Group Enters Exclusive Supplier Partnership With GoGo By Shed Rain

Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, S13) has partnered with GoGo by Shed Rain, a retail brand that includes affordable products backed by 75 years of expertise in the umbrella market.

  • Koozie Group will be the exclusive supplier of GoGo umbrellas in the promo industry. IMAGEN Brands, Koozie Group’s sister company, will continue to be the exclusive promo supplier of the Shed Rain brand.
  • The collection is launching with 12 umbrellas, including compact, stick and inverted models, and all will be made from RPET, with an average of six to eight 16-ounce plastic water bottles used in each umbrella depending on the arc size. Three versions of the VORTEX, which can withstand wind gusts up to 75 mph, will also be offered. The umbrellas carry GoGo’s lifetime guaranty.

Pierre Montaubin, chief product and sustainability officer at Koozie Group, says, “The GoGo brand shares many of our core values, including offering products with sustainability in mind. Their approach to making the fun moments more comfortable, no matter the weather, aligns with our goal of leaving a lasting, positive impact with the solutions we provide. We’re excited to bring GoGo umbrellas to the promo market.”

Chameleon Like Launches New Earth- And Budget-Friendly Line Of Journals

Chameleon Like (PPAI 209189, S6) unveils the B Line, its new collection of sustainable and affordable journals. The launch follows Chameleon’s success in earning its B Corp Certification, which is awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards of social, and environmental business practices.

  • One of the standout features of B Line is its unique tree-free cover stock. Made from sugarcane and bamboo fibers, the cover material provides a natural, elegant look without a premium price tag. The FSC-certified filler sheets are available in the standard Chameleon options – blank, lined, graph and euro dot.

"We are thrilled to launch a new line featuring sustainable sugarcane and bamboo material, which embodies our commitment to sustainability and quality at an affordable price point," says President Pierre Martichoux.

Orbus Intros Two New Modern, Retail-Focused Displays

Orbus Visual Communications (PPAI 428128, S7) expands its display system product options with two new lines: MODify Retail Merchandising System and Blaze SEG Light Box.

  • The MODify Retail Merchandising System is a collection of one-of-a-kind retail displays that incorporates SEG push-fit fabric graphics, enabling organizations to brand, promote and merchandise with ease. This flexible display system allows for easy modification with graphics, accessories and furniture. Kits feature single-sided, double-sided, gondola and four-sided options and accessories include shelves, hooks, hang bars and more. Optional furniture pieces, including risers, nesting tables and counters enhance the overall presentation.
  • The Blaze SEG Light Box collection is a cutting-edge series of fabric light boxes available in wall-mounted, freestanding and hanging variations. Setting itself apart with its sleek six-inch depth frame (four-inch for wall-mounted), the Blaze SEG Light Box effectively eliminates unwanted shadowing while evenly dispersing light.

July 14, 2023

Totally Bamboo Earns WBENC Certification

Totally Bamboo (PPAI 408801, S1) has earned its national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the West Certification Committee, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC Certification is the gold standard for women-owned business certification in the United States.

“Becoming WBENC-Certified serves as a powerful endorsement, validating the exceptional leadership of our owner, Joanne Sullivan, in steering our ever-changing business with visionary guidance, artistic oversight and innovative solutions,” says Tami Beverson, director of finance at Totally Bamboo.

  • The WBENC standard of certification implemented by the West Certification Committee is a meticulous process, including an in-depth review of the business and a site inspection.
  • The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women, and that the business has appropriate structure and strategic business planning and implementation in place.

By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs, which in turn empowers women as leaders and brings about a more diverse, balanced and sustainable economy.

July 13, 2023

Atlantis Headwear Partners With Rowing Team On Ocean Voyage

In December 2022, Atlantis Headwear (PPAI 753003, S1) partnered with The Enginoars, a rowing team comprised of four engineers who were about to begin a grueling 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean. The challenge required them to endure almost 40 days of constant rowing, while eating and sleeping on the boat to support and raise funds for Engineers Without Borders, a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable engineering projects and education.

  • Atlantis Headwear and the rowing teammates collaborated to design two caps for the journey. With its breathable performance fabric, Repreve recycled fiber and stretchable sweatband, Sand kept sweat off the Enginoars’ brows and protected against long days of sun exposure. For windy days and chilly nights, the Enginoars opted for Holly, a beanie made of Polylana fiber (a yarn that is composed of recycled polyester, acrylic and other fibers to ensure softness, warmth and durability).
  • On December 12, after 36 days, eight hours and 57 minutes, the rowing team reached its final destination of Antigua’s English Harbor.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Enginoars on this incredible journey and contribute to their cause,” says Federico Pasini, Atlantis Headwear vice president. “We hope that through our collaboration, we can inspire individuals to take action and embrace sustainability in their own lives.”