Bridgeport, Connecticut-based Prime Line announced it has unveiled a new President Barack Obama Commemorative Inaugural Coin to celebrate the inauguration of the now president-elect. On one side of the United States quarter, soon-to-be President Obama is depicted in full-color. The limited-edition keepsake coins are packaged in a hinged clear case with a navy blue velour protective liner. The case can be imprinted with any design name or logo and features a decorative red, white and blue commemorative insert that is placed beneath the liner and faces out the back. “We’re excited to be able to offer this unique piece which makes an ideal
Read MoreExecutive Apparel Adds Boyd as Director of Marketing
Philadelphia-based Executive Apparel president Donald Singer announced the addition of Malik Boyd as director of marketing. His responsibilities will include managing the overall feel of the Executive Apparel brand, from print to online initiatives, as well as strategizing the brand’s positioning within the marketplace. His expertise in design and brand architecture while at Premiere Brand Group allowed him to give insight and apply his unique brand of creative talents to respected industry leaders like Cuervo Black, the National Black MBA Association and Keep Philadelphia Beautiful. Malik has worked with a client list of respected Philadelphia firms like Community Marketing Concepts and Sherman Toppin Real
Read MoreJornik Mfg. Hires West Coast Sales Reps For FUNline
Jacquie Herz, president of Stamford, Connecticut-based Jornik Manufacturing, a family-owned and operated supplier, announced the company hired West Coast Branded Solutions, co-owned by industry veterans Daniel Sachs and Darren Cook, as its multiline sales representative group in Alaska, Ariz., Calif., Hawaii, Nev., Utah and Wash. Said Herz, “We are very pleased to have Daniel and Darren on board and have high expectations for the results they’ll produce. They have been extremely successful in building mutually beneficial relationships with distributors in their territory.” Herz continued, “One has only to watch them at trade shows or go on appointments with them to see the high regard
Read MoreJoel Moore Is New President of Bay State Specialty Company
Lakeville, Massachusetts-based Bay State Specialty Company announced Joel Moore, son of current president James Moore, has been appointed new company president. James Moore, outgoing president and chairman of the board stated, “This is a seamless change of leadership. Joel grew up in this industry and will continue Bay State’s 54-year tradition of award-winning service and innovative products.” The younger Moore will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Bay State Specialty Company as well as growing the company’s product offerings. Joel Moore stated, “I think it’s important to always remember the strategies that got you to where you are today, while keeping an eye
Read MoreAsh City Worldwide Moves On
Toronto, Ontario-based Ash City Worldwide, a manufacturer and distributor of in-stock, corporate casual apparel, is pleased to announce the opening of its new 285,000 sq. ft. worldwide headquarters in January 2009. Located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, the new facility will house the company’s entire inventory, a state-of-the-art “pick-pack” operation, full service embroidery and corporate office. Garry Hurvitz, company president and CEO stated, “The improved facility and its capabilities represents the new Ash City and will allow our company to service our customers better than anyone else in the industry.” Hurvitz continued, “The new Canadian look combined with our overseas strength in quality
Read MoreAmerican Apparel Keeps Credit Options Open
Love them or hate them, there is apparently no denying (or perhaps even slowing) the clothing juggernaut that is American Apparel. In a tight credit market, in a state that may be bankrupt in two months, Dov Charney finds a way to move forward:
From American Apparel:
Dov Charney, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, “We are pleased to have secured these extensions to our loan maturities given the current difficulties in the credit markets. We have also had discussions with our lenders about the possibility of lengthening the maturity of our debt into 2010, and we will continue these discussions while we
2008 Editors Picks
To wrap up the year, I wanted to take a minute to share the promotional products that the team at Promo Marketing found to be the most desirable. With each of us having reviewed hundreds of products for the magazine and seen hundreds more at trade shows, I thought the choice might be difficult. But, to my surprise, within five seconds of the asking, each of my co-workers had an answer they were sure of. Their choices (and mine) are as follows:
Michael Cornnell: Symphony Handmade Paper—Recipe Bookmarks
“What’s not to like about handmade paper?”
Kyle Richardson: Minya International—The Butt Station
“I don’t
Disaster Relief Program From U.S. Small Business Administration
Unfortunately, it seems that more and more businesses in the Promotional Industry (and elsewhere) have been hard hit by natural disaster. With a flood-, hurricane-, tornado- and ice storm-ravaged industry, it’s at least a little comforting to know help is available. If you know a business affected, then you should check out the disaster relief program sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
From the U.S. Small Business Administration:
“Whether you rent or own your own home, own your own business, or own a small agricultural cooperative located in a declared disaster area, and are the victim of a disaster, you may be
Senator Names Gauger VP of Sales & Marketing
Dallas-based Senator Promotional Group USA announced the promotion of Carol Gauger to vice president of sales and marketing. Previously vice president of marketing, Gauger will be responsible for overall sales, marketing and customer service of Senator Promotional Group USA. Gauger brings more than 15 years of industry experience in both supplier and distributor businesses to her position. “As we move forward into 2009, I’m excited about the strategic realignment of sales, marketing, customer service and art department functions under Carol’s guidance to offer the most efficient, seamless service to all of our distributor customers,” said Jim Burrow MAS, president and CEO. “She provides
Read MoreBoundless Network Acquires Petty Marketing Group
Austin, Texas-based Boundless Network, a technology-enabled branded merchandise distributor, announced it acquired Cleveland, Tennessee-based distributor Petty Marketing Group Inc. This announcement follows less than a week after the company announced the acquisition of Texas-based distributor Custom Solutions. Started in 1998 by Ralph Petty, Petty Marketing Group is now a multimillion dollar distributor. Petty has more than 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry, and he brings a strong reputation and numerous strategic accounts to Boundless Network. “Ralph Petty represents the top 1 percent of industry professionals,” said Boundless Network CEO Jason Black. “From the beginning, Ralph wanted a distributor partner that was
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