Gemline (PPAI 113948, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 13 supplier, has announced the addition of RIGWA and Native Union to its expanding portfolio of lifestyle and technology brands.

RIGWA, a South Carolina-based brand founded by parents on a mission to responsibly reimagine food storage, is best known for its insulated bowls, bento boxes and food jars that keep food hot or cold for hours.

• RIGWA products support the goals of Gemline’s betterway corporate social responsibility platform by helping to reduce single-use plastics by offering thoughtful alternatives to disposable containers.

Native Union, a premium technology company based in Paris, brings a global design perspective to tech essentials, offering sophisticated charging accessories, travel organizers, and desktop solutions crafted with durable, premium materials.

“With the addition of RIGWA and Native Union, Gemline is expanding its position as the go-to source in the promotional products industry for premium retail brands,” says Frank Carpenito, president and CEO of Gemline. “Our continued retail brand expansion reflects a deliberate strategy to differentiate through brand equity, quality, design and responsible sourcing, while helping our distributor partners meet growing demand for the names their customers know and trust.”

MSP Design Group (PPAI 674447, Standard-Plus) has announced that Deborah Gaspar has joined the team as executive vice president of sales.

A 25-plus-year veteran of the promotional products industry and current chair of the SAAGNY Foundation, Gaspar will work directly with the company’s 25,000 clients.

• Most recently, she served as director of sales and marketing at Zagwear.
• Previously, she was chief revenue officer at Sky High Marketing and at director of marketing at NC Custom.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Deborah join our MSP family,” says Dan Clarkson, CEO of MSP Design Group. “What impressed us most about Deborah wasn’t just her track record, but her authentic approach to building relationships. She truly gets that our job isn’t just to sell promotional products – it’s to help our clients tell their stories and connect with their audience in meaningful ways. That’s exactly the kind of thinking that makes MSP Design Group special.”

Maple Ridge Farms (PPAI 114165, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 49 supplier, was honored at Proforma’s 2025 Family Convention with the PLP Supplier of Excellence Award, marking the second consecutive year the company has received this recognition.

“What I value most is truly getting to know the Proforma owners – how they run their businesses and their priorities, and where Maple Ridge Farms can help,” says Jamie Johnson, national sales executive at Maple Ridge Farms, who has managed the Proforma account for more than five years. “Those insights allow us to show up in ways that genuinely work, and that makes all the difference.”

Maple Ridge Farms also received the Social Media Award and the Overall Recipe Award during Proforma’s Family Cooking Show.

Vernon Company (PPAI 109323, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 26 distributor, welcomes Steve Hall, owner of Hallway Graphics, to its sales team.

• Hall brings more than 38 years of experience in screen printing, embroidery, heat press and promotional products.
• He launched Hallway Graphics in 2005.

“Steve is a tremendous addition to our team,” says Stephanie (Vernon) Critchfield, vice president and national sales manager at Vernon. “A seasoned veteran, he is a true team player who consistently looks for ways to strengthen and grow his business.”

Charles River Apparel (PPAI 111644, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 39 supplier, has announced the addition of Melissa Casey and Holly Bray as outside territory managers.

• Casey will cover New York, Long Island, Eastern New York, Southern Connecticut and Northern New Jersey.
• Bray will cover New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and Western New York.

“Charles River Apparel is focused on growing with our customers, and we’re excited to strengthen our sales team with talented professionals who share our passion for the industry,” says Nicola McLeod, director of sales at Charles River Apparel. “Melissa and Holly bring extensive experience, proven expertise and exceptional energy to their territories. We’re pleased to welcome them to the Charles River Apparel team and are confident they will deliver immediate and lasting contributions.”

The Houston Promotional Products Association celebrated one of its most successful events to date with the 2025 Hot Stuff Show, welcoming over 800 attendees.

Hosted at the Bayou City Event Center, the Hot Stuff Show has become a gathering for distributors, suppliers and end-buyers looking to connect with top brands, explore innovative products and generate fresh ideas for upcoming campaigns.

“This year’s Hot Stuff Show was truly one for the books,” says Latisha Marshall, president of the HPPA. “The energy on the show floor was electric from start to finish. Seeing so many distributors and end-buyers engage with our suppliers, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships reinforces why events like this are so valuable to our industry. HPPA is proud to provide a platform where innovation and connection come together in such an impactful way.”

PromoKitchen, the all-volunteer, 501C non-profit that focuses on education and mentorship in the promotional products industry, has officially opened up submissions for the 2026 Mixer Tote Bag Design Contest.

• This year’s design theme is “Stir It Up.” The winning design submission will receive a cash prize and have their design printed on this year’s PK Mixer tote bags given out at the event.

If you want more information on the design submission rules, click here.

Make sure to submit a design before October 10 at 6 p.m. PST. for a chance at this year’s cash prize.