PromoCares, an organization focused on social and environmental responsibility in the promo industry, has appointed Elizabeth Wimbush to its Board in an advisory capacity.

• Wimbush is director of sustainability and responsibility at PPAI. She joins the board with a strong sense of intention and a sincere desire to amplify the power created within the PromoCares community.

“Now more than ever, our industry has a responsibility – and an opportunity –to lead with purpose” Wimbush says. “PromoCares proves that merch can be a powerful force for good, and initiatives like Water4Good show us how product and marketing can come together to drive real, measurable impact. I’m excited to join this board of changemakers and support this mission as we inspire more purpose-driven action across the promotional products industry.”

PromoCares Advisory Board Member Denise Taschereau says Wimbush will add important perspective to the all-volunteer board. “We’re thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Wimbush to the PromoCares Board. Her passion for purpose-driven business and deep industry experience will be invaluable as we continue to drive positive impact through the promotional products industry. We’re excited to collaborate and learn from her leadership.”

Presented by iPROMOTEu (PPAI 218870, Platinum) – the No. 11 distributor in the PPAI 100 – DunkFest 2025, the NCAA basketball tournament challenge exclusive to the promotional products industry, wrapped up earlier this month with thrilling finishes in both the Men’s and Women’s tournaments.

Over 240 participants from across the United States and Canada submitted brackets for a chance to win in this landmark year, which marked the debut of the Women’s NCAA Tournament.

In the Men’s Tournament challenge, Ken Alfiero of Logoed, an iPROMOTEu affiliate from Georgia, claimed the top distributor spot with a bracket in the top 99.9th percentile of ESPN’s Men’s Tournament Challenge. John Botos of Business Identity Group and Daniel Flynn of Flynn Advantage secured second and third place, respectively. For the Women’s Tournament challenge, Jason Adams of CHIPS led distributors, followed by Chris Lindwall of Emerge Promotional Marketing and Louanne Alibrio of The Primo Promotion.

In the supplier division, Jenny Straub of Outdoor Cap took first in the Men’s bracket, with Brett Long of Charles River Apparel and Steve Rone of SnugZ USA rounding out the top three. Kim Gasparini of Express a Button dominated the Women’s supplier bracket, followed by Rich Harbert of Ariel Premium Supply and Jeffrey Roberts of iCLICK. Among iPROMOTEu staff, Austin Van Den Bosch claimed first in the Men’s Tournament, with Joe Hoffmann and Eric Kraus taking second and third, respectively. For the Women’s Tournament, David Stolper earned first, followed by Fred Hickey in second and Ryan Carney in third.

“Adding the Women’s Tournament to DunkFest took the fun to a whole new level,” says Lori Bauer, CEO of iPROMOTEu. “It’s a highlight every year, and this one truly raised the bar.”

Overture Promotions (PPAI 288541, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 21 distributor, has achieved its latest environmental milestone, having planted 200,000 trees in partnership with Ecologi, which hires and trains local workers to plant native tree species in regions affected by deforestation.

• The initiative, launched in October 2021, plants one tree for every order over $50. To further expand its sustainability capabilities, Overture also recently acquired Eco Promotional Products (EPP), a B2B ecommerce company dedicated exclusively to sustainable promotional products.
• Overture has made several strategic investments in the past 12 months to better assess and reduce its environmental footprint including new partnerships to reduce packaging and prioritize sustainable alternatives and investing in Aclymate’s carbon accounting platform to improve the company’s greenhouse gas emissions management. Other recent improvements at Overture’s Waukegan, Illinois, headquarters include ethical supply chain audits through Sedex, installation of smart LED lighting, automated screen print reclamation, water bottle refill stations, and a recycling program with an annual volume of 120 tons.
• Overture received a Silver EcoVadis rating in 2023, placing the company in the 88th percentile of audited companies worldwide for its environmental, labor, ethics, and procurement practices.

“Overture is fully committed to doing everything in our power to become a more sustainable business,” says Jo Gilley, Overture’s CEO. “What I especially like about the Ecologi program is that it is also creating tree-planting jobs, in 20 different programs around the world, including in Kenya, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Tanzania.”

On Earth Day, April 22, PCNA (PPAI 113079, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 3 supplier, launched a new giveback program in partnership with The Giving Grove and its brand partner Klean Kanteen.

• From April 22-May 22, proceeds from sales of two Klean Kanteen styles (1600-41 and 1600-43) will be donated through The Giving Grove to Tree Pittsburgh, a nonprofit focused on urban forestry, tree equity and environmental education.
• In the past, New Kensington, Pennsylvania-based PCNA has collaborated with Tree Pittsburgh for activities such as planting 19 fruit trees at its local community garden.
• Klean Kanteen drinkware is manufactured using certified 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel, resulting in a 40% reduction in steel greenhouse gas emissions.

This month, supplier Cotton Heritage (PPAI 254025, Gold) is introducing a new online design tool created to be a game-changer for designers, brands, screen printers and merch makers.

• The tool allows users to mockup custom embellishments and decorations on Cotton Heritage’s garments, making it easier to visualize designs before production.
• To celebrate the launch, Cotton Heritage is inviting members of the creative community to put their skills to the test with a design competition. The most innovative design submitted through the platform will win $150 in Cotton Heritage product credit.

Henderson, Nevada-based distributor Promo Direct (PPAI 462719, Gold) has introduced a new collection of products designed specifically for Gen Z end users.

• The line was curated to reflect Gen Z’s core values of self-expression, sustainability and digital connectivity, and includes stylish and sustainable products such as recycled cotton totes, tech accessories and reusable drinkware in popular colors. The apparel selections in the line range from custom streetwear and minimalist caps to trendy fanny packs.

Dave Sarro, CEO, Promo Direct, says: “We recognized a growing need among our clients to reach Gen Z in a way that feels relevant and meaningful. This new collection goes beyond the traditional promotional item. It’s about helping brands create lasting impressions with a generation that demands more authenticity, sustainability, and style.”