Prepared to celebrate its 30th Anniversary in 2008, Cleveland-based Proforma, provider of print and promotional products, achieved a record-breaking month, exceeding $30 million in system-wide sales. The earnings figure represents a 10 percent increase over the company’s previous high that was achieved in December 2006. “We are proud to announce this milestone in the growth of Proforma,” began Greg Muzzillo, founder and co-CEO of Proforma. “Proforma is focused on increasing system-wide sales through the retention and recruitment of quality owners who believe in Proforma and in selling comprehensive business solutions to their customers. This record-breaking month is another exciting indication that Proforma is
Read MoreSportsman Cap Network Showcases Headwear for 2008
In an effort to allow distributors to be better prepared for the upcoming year, Shawnee, Kansas-based Sportsman Cap Network has made its catalog available early. “We have an exciting product lineup for 2008 and we couldn’t wait to get the catalog into the hands of our customers,” said Dan Saferstein, CEO. “We have added new brands, several new styles and trends that are sure to be a hit.” Saferstein believes the wide range of available styles takes into account today’s diverse culture, allowing wearers to display their individuality and fashion sense. The Sportsman line includes an extensive collection of functional caps, as well
Read MorePPAI Expo 2008: Exciting and Educating
On Monday, January 14 and Tuesday, January 15 at the Las Vegas Expo 2008, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) will bring together some of the nation’s foremost sales and marketing experts to help owners take their business to the next level. Ten different paid workshops will be offered this year. Each of these workshops is designed to allow time for an in-depth analysis of the subject matter. Topics will include guerrilla marketing, financial planning, effective referral generation, and niche marketing solutions and strategies for Web site success. In addition, luncheon sessions will allow distributors to take part in the following: Developing a
Read MoreCrystal D Announces Licensing Agreement with Laser Design International
St. Paul, Minnesota-based Crystal D, a leading supplier of crystal awards and corporate gifts, announces that it has entered into a licensing agreement with Laser Design International (LDI). This agreement, effective immediately, allows Crystal D to offer subsurface engraved products to the promotional products industry. LDI holds the patent rights to exclusive technology used to create subsurface engraved images inside crystal. This technology allows for an unlimited amount of creativity. Crystal D will be able to replicate virtually any image or design provided by customers. The licensing agreement allows Crystal D to meet the growing needs of its customers. “Adding this highly technical process
Read MoreLarry Wilhelm Speaks To Entrepreneurship Club at Luther College
At his Decorah, Iowa appearance, HBC Corporation president Larry Wilhelm spoke on “Opportunities in the Promotional Industry,” offering insight into how entrepreneurship is utilized within the promotional products industry. Attendees learned what works and what doesn’t from strategy to tactical applications, when quickly growing a business. Wilhelm brings more than 30 years of health- and beauty-care experience and leadership to the promotional products industry, managing large-scale projects involving custom formulations and custom imprinting. Richard Leake, professor of economics and management at Luther College said, “The historical approach he used helped students understand the personal and professional experiences that Mr. Wilhelm had prior to starting
Read MorePrime Line Names Neil Lipper Director of Custom Sourcing
Prime Line of Bridgeport, Conn., proudly announced the appointment of Neil Lipper as director of custom sourcing. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Lipper brings expertise in all aspects of custom-designed products, including conception and design, sales, manufacturing, importing, customs and duties, and shipping. He is a past president of SAAGNY, a member since 1984, and has been named a 2007 Hall of Fame inductee. “Neil’s experience and mastery of custom direct programs makes for a perfect match with Prime’s existing resources and reach in the industry,” said executive vice president Jeff Lederer. “With Neil, we are in a fantastic position to
Read MoreBroder Bros. Open House Draws More Than 400
Broder Bros. Co. enjoyed a tremendous response at the open house held to debut their brand new Dallas-area distribution center. More than 400 people attended the day-long event, which included seminars on such topics as marketing, the future of our distribution centers, apparel trends and technology, and new initiatives in IT. Attendees also took in the 2008 offerings from Alpha Shirt Company and Broder Bros. private labels and such vendors as Alternative, Bella, Dickies, Gildan, Anvil, Fruit of the Loom, Jerzees, Hanes and more. The day wrapped up with a fashion show, cocktail reception and a concert by recording artist Bob Schneider.
Read MoreSanMar Joins the Fair Labor Association
Seattle-based SanMar, a leading supplier of imprintable apparel and accessories, has recently been accepted as a participating company of the Fair Labor Association. The FLA is a nonprofit organization established to defend workers rights worldwide. In joining the FLA, SanMar further strengthens the company’s long-standing commitment to human rights and compliance. “SanMar takes social compliance very seriously and requires all suppliers to adhere to our global operating principles,” said Marty Lott, SanMar president. “This process begins during supplier selection as it is critical that suppliers share our commitment to ethical practices and agree to abide by our strict requirements prior to receiving orders.” SanMar’s
Read MoreCustom HBC Corporation Ranked #5 on Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal FAST 50 Listing
Custom HBC Corporation, Waconia, Minn., a health- and beauty-care supplier to the promotional products industry, was ranked fifth on the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal FAST 50 Private Companies list, the 50 fastest-growing private companies in the Twin Cities based on revenue growth over the past three years (published in the magazine’s October issue). The Fast 50 list includes manufacturers, banks, high-tech and med-tech companies, architectural firms, and consulting companies. Together, these 50 Twin Cities’ companies had more than $1 billion in revenue in their most recent fiscal year and averaged 161 percent growth since 2004. Six of the top 10 on the list, including
Read MoreJust Hired: Ennis, Smartpart Products Add Team Members
Carrie Hoesli Joins Ennis Sales Team Carrie Hoesli has joined Ennis, Midlothian, Texas, as a new sales representative. Hoesli’s primary territory will cover Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona serving Ennis’ newest acquisitions, B & D Litho of Arizona, based in Phoenix, and Skyline Business Forms of Denver. Prior to accepting her new position, Hoesli was employed by Ward Kraft of Mount Vernon, Ohio where she held customer service and sales representative positions during her seven-year tenure. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in technology in commercial graphics from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan. and is a certified document consultant with the Print
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