(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 7

Tekweld Adds Tom Kronberger As National Accounts Director

Tekweld (PPAI 11788, S4) has hired Tom Kronberger as national account director.

  • His primary responsibilities include developing business for large accounts through strategic meetings and the use of Tekweld’s extensive product line, global sourcing, packaging solutions and advanced decorating techniques.
  • Kronberger brings experience on both sides of the industry. He was previously in a similar role at supplier Lanco and most recently was vendor relations manager and marketing coordinator at distributor Fully Promoted.

“Tom will be an incredibly powerful asset for us,” says Scott Slade, Tekweld CEO. “His deep experience in the industry and strong ability to build relationships with customers in order to develop unique product solutions will help Tekweld maintain the solid growth trajectory we have experienced in recent years.”

August 4

Amy Mazur Now National Sales Manager In Perry Ellis Corporate Sales

Perry Ellis International (PPAI 255232, S8) has promoted Amy Mazur to national sales manager within the corporate sales division.

  • Mazur, who has been with the company for two years, has consistently exceeded sales targets, fostered strong client relationships and contributed to the growth and success of the company, says a news release.
  • In her new role, she will oversee the strategic development and execution of sales initiatives across the country, represent the company at regional and national trade shows, forge strategic partnerships and expand the brand’s reach to new markets. Additionally, she will work on all national accounts and will lead and mentor Perry Ellis’ team of 30-plus independent sales reps.

“Amy’s promotion to national sales manager is a testament to her hard work and remarkable contributions to Perry Ellis,” says Jeff Smith, vice president of sales at Perry Ellis Corporate. “Amy brings a tremendous amount of passion and apparel knowledge to the team. We are confident that she will excel in her new role, continue to educate our customers on current trends and opportunities, and help us reach even greater heights in the competitive apparel market.”

August 3

Taylor Expands Promo Business With DMR Creative Marketing Acquisition

Global giant Taylor Corporation has reached an agreement to acquire the assets of DMR Creative Marketing.

  • The acquisition advances the capabilities and distribution channels of Taylor’s Promotional Products business unit.
  • DMR provides branded apparel and gift items to cruise lines, resorts, gift shops and related markets for uniform programs and the souvenir channel.

“DMR Creative Marketing‘s capabilities and channels are an ideal fit for Taylor Promotional Products,” says Susan Denning, group president of Taylor Direct & Digital Marketing. “The addition of DMR’s design talent and sophisticated screen print and embroidery technology expands our scope in the industry. We have big plans for apparel, souvenirs and other promotional products and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”

Jeffrey Bee, DMR executive vice president, shares his excitement about the opportunity. “Being a part of Taylor Promotional Products will allow us to pursue a larger customer base, expand our sourcing channels and leverage our buying power. Between Taylor’s vast resources and stable, family-owned structure, I honestly couldn’t ask for a better business partner.”

Gabe Peters Promoted To President At ScreenBroidery

ScreenBroidery (PPAI 638974, D7) has promoted Gabe Peters to president where he will oversee the company’s service operation departments including order management, fulfillment, production and creative ensuring their continued pursuit of excellence, innovation and growth.

  • With over 10 years of experience in the promotional products industry, Peters has played a pivotal role in ScreenBroidery’s success with his passion for leadership, forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of the evolving needs of people and the industry, says a company news release.
  • Under Peters’ leadership, the company plans to leverage its existing strengths, develop organizational structures and processes that minimize weaknesses, and champion new strategies to expand its operations. The company will focus on enhancing its service offerings, investing in cutting-edge technology and building strong relationships with clients and partners.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to assume the role of president at ScreenBroidery,” says Peters. “This promotion is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team. I look forward to leading ScreenBroidery into a new era of growth, as we continue to innovate and exceed customer expectations.”

CEO Thomas Rector adds, “We have great confidence in Gabe’s ability to lead ScreenBroidery into the future. His proven track record of thinking differently and challenging the status quo, combined with his deep industry knowledge, make him the ideal choice for this role.”

August 2

Gildan’s Emissions Targets Validated By SBTi

Gildan Activewear (PPAI 250187, S13) announces that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated that the company’s 2030 near term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets are in conformance with the SBTi Criteria and Recommendations (version 4.2), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of the company's ESG strategy.

  • The SBTi’s target validation team has classified Gildan’s Scope 1 and 2 target and has determined that it is in line with a well-below 2ºC trajectory.
  • In 2022, Gildan unveiled its Next Generation ESG strategy and targets, which seek to address global environmental and social priorities, and increase the sustainability of products delivered to customers worldwide. As part of this strategy, Gildan committed to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30 percent by 2030 from a 2018 base year. Gildan also committed to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 13.5 percent by 2030 from a 2019 base year. Both targets have now been reviewed and validated by the SBTi.
  • The SBTi is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050.

“The validation of our emissions targets by SBTi further reinforces our commitment and builds on our foundation of strong sustainability practices which include social, environmental, and economic benefits in the communities where we operate,” says Peter Iliopoulos, senior vice-president, taxation, sustainability and governmental affairs. “We understand the importance of climate change and, over the last year, we have been implementing our new climate strategy across our organization in order to make meaningful progress to ensure we attain our third generation of GHG emissions reduction targets. This is further evidence of our genuine commitment to making purposeful advancements by 2030 in line with our Next Generation ESG strategy.”