(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.)

August 16

Facilisgroup Hosts 150-Plus At Partner Summit In Boston

Facilisgroup (PPAI 493664) held its 2023 Partner Summit series, “Unleashing Potential: Building the Future of Your Business,” in Boston, Massachusetts, last month.

  • Facilisgroup President Ashley McCune opened the event with her State of Facilis remarks expanding on company updates relevant to the partner community.
  • The three-day summit also offered networking and collaboration on leadership best practices and transformative innovation strategies, along with industry education. Futurist Alex Salkever presented on the future of AI and the benefits that translate directly to the promotional products industry, specifically guiding leaders on leveraging the technology to enhance current workflows.
  • PPAI President and CEO Dale Denham, MAS+; Starline COO Jon Norris and Foxtrot COO Nettie Sparkman spoke on transformative technology’s impact on the industry during a panel discussion. TEDx Talk presenter and author, Justine Froelker, led a workshop dedicated to fearless authentic leadership.
  • Attendees also gave back to the community by assembling “gear packs” for Boston middle school students through the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center.
  • Facilisgroup will host its second Partner Summit, September 26-29, in Denver, Colorado.

August 15

Barker Specialty Makes New Hire, Promotes Three To Expanded Roles

After more than 70 years in business, Barker Specialty (PPAI 102001, D7) is continuing to position itself for growth by hiring its first HR manager and promoting three long-time sales pros to new roles.

  • Sara Pajor is the company’s first human resources manager. She brings more than 10 years of professional HR experience and will oversee the management of premium employee benefits, provide employee training, lead onboarding initiatives and aid in general employee engagement efforts.
  • Amy Serrano has been promoted to the new position of chief revenue officer. In the seven years she’s been with the company, she has grown her own book of business, while taking on larger leadership roles including facilitating vendor relations, creating new proprietary business tools and leading the marketing department.
  • Alex D. Bowen has been promoted to director of sales after being with the company for over a decade. He has a track record for excellence and, combined with his strong leadership skills and strategic sales tactics, is expected to be a valuable asset to the distributor’s further growth.
  • Chelsea Fishman has been promoted to director of marketing. Since joining Barker Specialty in 2016, she has remained a top salesperson, while planning and executing multiple marketing campaigns, supporting companywide events and, most recently, leading the company’s rebranding.

“These positions reflect our commitment to fostering talent from within, while also welcoming fresh perspectives. Our continued growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team,” says Gerry Barker, president of Barker Specialty.