Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 3 distributor, recently concluded its 2025 Convention and Family Reunion at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

Drawing more than 600 distributor owners, supplier partners, sales professionals and support center team members, this year’s event broke an attendance record, according to Proforma.

• More than 30 specialized workshops and 150 supplier partner and support center booths offered attendees tools, resources and inspiration to fuel both personal and professional growth.
• A major highlight of the event was the annual awards celebration, which honored more than 100 top-performing distributor owners, sales professionals and supplier partners for their achievements, leadership and contributions to the network.
• Attendees were treated to a special Supplier Appreciation Social at Odie’s, complete with refreshments, networking opportunities and the Perfect Pitch.
• The celebration of music and success carried through to Proforma’s Annual Service Project, where volunteers assembled welcome kits for 400 students at the W.O. Smith Nashville School of Music – a nonprofit providing music education to underserved youth.

“Over the last 40 years, I’ve worked in a variety of industries – from aerospace to manufacturing to food and beverage – and I’ve never attended an event of this caliber,” says Tim Nale, chief brand officer at Proforma. “What stood out to me is how much Proforma cares about helping its distributor owners succeed while furthering the print and promotional products industry. The record-breaking turnout and high level of engagement this year speak volumes about the value of the content, programming and networking opportunities offered.”

PCNA (PPAI 113079, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 5 supplier, has announced two major milestones: the opening of five new community orchards in Pittsburgh, funded through PCNA contributions, and the company’s third annual tree planting event.

• Both initiatives are made possible through collaboration with nonprofit partners Tree Pittsburgh and The Giving Grove.

During the spring 2025 season, PCNA funding made possible the installation of orchards in Waisenhaus Park, Millvale Community Orchard, Mission Agape, Rankin Orchard and Turtle Creek.

On September 10, PCNA hosted its third annual tree planting event at Hilltop Urban Farm in Pittsburgh.

• Approximately 40 PCNA employees joined partners from The Giving Grove and Tree Pittsburgh to plant trees, maintain the orchard and remove invasive weeds.
• PCNA also presented a $5,000 donation on-site to The Giving Grove.
• Since 2023, PCNA has contributed nearly $800,000 to The Giving Grove, funding community orchards that generate both environmental and social benefits.

“Our partnership with The Giving Grove and Tree Pittsburgh is a true reflection of the PCNA brand,” says Mary Furto, senior vice president of marketing at PCNA. “At our core, PCNA is about driving positive impact and building a more sustainable future. Through our ProudPath goals, we bring those brand values to life in ways that matter, supporting local communities, improving the environment and planting the seeds for long-term resilience. These orchards embody what our brand stands for: purpose-driven action.”

Vantage Apparel (PPAI 113235, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 14 supplier, has announced the launch of its Custom Color Apparel Program, powered by Redwood Classics.

With minimums as low as 300 pieces and produced in as little as six weeks after color sign off, the Custom Color Apparel Program delivers PMS-matched garments crafted with Canadian-made silhouettes from Redwood Classics.

How it works:

• Choose your garment style
• Send your PMS color
• Submit your artwork

“This Custom Color Program redefines what’s possible in custom apparel,” says Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage Apparel. “By enhancing our collaboration with Redwood Classics, we’re giving brands the ability to create on-brand, North American-made garments with speed, precision and a level of creative control that’s never been this accessible.”

Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 33 supplier, has announced the addition of Ty Cannon as territory account manager.

• Most recently, Cannon served as national sales manager at Antigua Apparel.
• Prior to that, he held sales roles at S&S Activewear, The Magnet Group and Cutter & Buck.

“Bringing Ty on board reflects our commitment to strengthening relationships and delivering exceptional value to our distributor partners,” says Teresa Fudenberg, CEO of Storm Creek. “His extensive experience in apparel and proven ability to drive strategic growth will help us continue to innovate and provide sustainable solutions that set our partners apart. Plus, having Ty based in Arizona means we can connect with more customers in their offices and provide even stronger regional support.”

Gemline (PPAI 113948, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 13 supplier, has announced two additions to its product lineup: a new brand partnership with Yankee Candle and the launch of a mini version of the Igloo Playmate cooler.

• Both introductions spotlight American craftsmanship and address growing consumer demand for Made-in-USA products, according to Gemline.

“These two additions represent the best of American-made innovation,” says Frank Carpenito, president and CEO of Gemline. “Yankee Candle and Igloo are iconic names that resonate across generations, and their domestic production reduces the exposure to international tariff fluctuations.”