PPAI, Irving, Texas, membership has surpassed 7,500 member companies, announcing the highest in the history of the nonprofit trade association that serves the promotional products industry. This total represents more than 500 new members since November 2005, and a 14 percent increase since May 2005. “Everything we do is designed to help our members grow their businesses,” said Michele Packard-Milam, director of membership development. “Our flagship trade show, The PPAI Expo 2007, is loaded with business building products and educational opportunities; our research makes it easier for our members to identify new markets; and our Nova credit card processing system allows customers to do
Read MoreTOA Facilitates Sale of Fort Dearborn Company
The Open Approach (TOA), Westmont, Ill., facilitated the considerations, negotiations and ensuing acquisition of Fort Dearborn Company by Genstar Capital. The three-month acquisition of the $190 million label and packaging printer gives Genstar a profitable platform company to enter the lucrative marketspace and pursue aggressive growth through additional development and bolt-ons. The investment provides Fort Dearborn Company funding to capitalize on new opportunities, while delivering higher returns to company shareholders, as well as a more expansive product/service offering to its nationwide customers. “The Fort Dearborn acquisition provides a lucrative base for a strong, nationwide buildout and significant shareholder gains,” added Richard Hoskins of Genstar Capital.
Read MoreAprons, Etc. Helps Prepare for Disasters
Aprons, Etc., Mauldin, S.C., has reported the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration is predicting another active hurricane season. According to FEMA, there are six basics to have on hand for disaster situations: water, food, first aid supplies, bedding, sanitation supplies and tools. Aprons, Etc. disaster emergency kits are self contained, and are available in three-day fanny pack, one person starter kit, two person pack, and a Community Emergency Response Kit, as well as five additional styles ideal for work or home use. Depending on size and style of item ordered, the kit includes 20 Datrex Drinking Water pouches, emergency survival blankets, hand warms, ponchos with
Read MoreCheck Out “Men of the Cloth” Web Extra
If you didn’t get enough of Cynthia Graham’s article “Men of the Cloth” in Promotional Marketing’s July issue, check out http://tinyurl.com/m7uec/ for an exclusive Web extra with Dunbrooke’s Bob Pierce and American Apparel’s Dov Charney.
Read MorePromoVision Palomino Adds to Staff
Memphis-based PromoVision Palomino has hired Michael Koronis as national sales manager. Koronis has more than 17 years industry experience, working for companies such as BIC, Senator Pen and Dunbrooke. “Mike is very well known in the industry and his experience in both sales and sales management makes him a perfect match for PromoVision Palomino,” said David Campochiaro, president. “We are truly excited to have Mike on our team.” A resident of Kansas City, Mo., Koronis will concentrate on key accounts and attend regional and national trade shows. Stop by and meet him at The SAAC Show in Long Beach, Calif. on Aug. 2 and 3. The company
Read MoreLeed’s To Debut 177 New Products
Pittsburgh-based Leed’s will introduce 177 new products in “Inspire. Leed’s. The essential guide for gift-giving” catalog, which was specifically designed with application ideas in mind. In addition, Leed’s has added Wenger for Leed’s and Stanley for Leed’s, two branded lines representing 28 of the 177 new styles. These recognizable retail brands bring a level of sophistication, as well as enhance Leed’s product offerings in drinkware, and in business and computer cases. The Wenger collection features everyday tools that reflect changing lifestyle needs, while enabling end-users to tackle the demands of everyday life in new and creative ways. The exclusive supplier of Wenger items to
Read MoreUniversal Strap Hires Account Managers
Universal Strap, Jackson, Wis., has hired Jeff Mann and Brett Long as its newest key account managers. Mann and Long each bring a wealth of outside sales experience to the company. Visit www.wov-in.com for more information.
Read MorePPAI Sponsors Solutions Summit in Chicago
PPAI, Irving, Texas, will once again sponsor Solutions Summit, a high-level educational forum that is now part of Marketing Days, a new event scheduled for Sept. 26 to 29, 2006, in Chicago. “We know a marketing effort is successful when the message is consistent, targeted and moves the audience to take action,” said Steve Slagle, PPAI’s president. “And we know that incorporating promotional products into the mix in a strategic manner produces measurable results.” The three-day umbrella event is expected to attract 30,000 attendees, more than 2,200 exhibitors and will be host to more than 120 seminars. Sponsored by The Motivation Show and the In-Store Marketing
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Check out Promotional Marketing’s Educational Webisode
If you missed Promotional Marketing’s Webisode “Education Market: Build Your Sales Credentials with Schools and Universities,” you can view it at http://napco.com/pm/webcasts/
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