commonsku (PPAI 552077) has announced the creation of a dedicated AI + strategy role, promoting Bobby Lehew to chief AI officer. commonsku claims the move makes it the first platform in the promotional products industry to invest at the leadership level in AI strategy shaped directly by distributor needs.

Lehew brings more than 30 years of experience in the industry to the role. Prior to joining commonsku, he was the CEO of Robyn Promotions, a company among the first wave of distributors who architected the model of technology driven e-commerce company stores in the industry, earning three consecutive Inc. 5000 rankings. His industry recognition includes multiple Gold and Silver PPAI Pyramid Awards.

The shift to AI strategy is a natural next chapter for Lehew. At commonsku, he built the company’s content engine from scratch, co-hosting the skucast podcast while leaning heavily into AI for all his work. He is editor of The AI Promo Brief, the industry’s go-to resource for AI developments in promotional products.

“The industry is at an inflection point with AI, and distributors need a partner who understands their business,” says Catherine Graham, CEO of commonsku. “commonsku has always been built ‘by promo, for promo.’ Bobby has three decades of that expertise, a passion for helping our customers and the strategic insight to shape AI tools for future growth. This role reflects our mission: making sure our AI tools solve real problems for real distributors.”

commonsku’s AI investments are already in motion. The skubot Mockup Generator is in beta with Advanced and Enterprise customers, a new Opportunity Agent is entering beta as an AI-powered business intelligence tool, and the company’s immediate roadmap includes a Description Rewriter, Auto-Art Configuration and a Presentation Generator.

“Bobby and I have been creative partners for years, always pushing each other to see around corners for this industry,” says Mark Graham, president of commonsku. “We’ve launched multiple projects together and helped educate and raise the standard for what the future distributor can look like. This role is a natural evolution of that passion. He deeply understands the industry and the distributor’s pain points, and he sees with us an incredible opportunity with AI. We’re thrilled to build commonsku’s AI future together.”

Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 33 supplier, is one of seven Minnesota companies that have been named finalists for the fourth annual Meaningful Capitalism Awards, an initiative that recognizes privately held businesses that achieve strong financial performance while making a measurable difference in the lives of employees, families and communities.

Three companies will be selected from the finalist group as this year’s honorees. They will be announced during an awards reception on May 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley, Minnesota.

“Our firm is proud to produce this program in part to honor Platinum Group Founder Dean Bachelor, who passed away in 2021. Dean defined, and had trademarked, our firm’s mission of Meaningful Capitalism,” says Platinum Group Partner Bob Stewart. “Dean’s passion was to bring significant meaning to all stakeholders of every client we work with, and to drive their growth and success through capitalism. We recognize and appreciate seeing this same value in other companies and are placing the spotlight on them through this awards program.”

Logomark (PPAI 110898, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 12 supplier, supports the next generation of four-legged heroes through the organization’s innovative Morale Dog Program.

Dawson is a newly recruited rescue dog who is already making strides toward her future role supporting active-duty service members aboard U.S. Navy ships. The Morale Dog Program is designed to enhance the mental health and well-being of active-duty military personnel. Specially selected rescue dogs are trained as “four-legged crew members,” providing comfort, stress relief and companionship to sailors navigating the demands of life at sea. These dogs – formally recognized as Expeditionary Facility Dogs – are part of the Navy’s Expanded Operational Stress Control program and are trained to operate in complex maritime environments.

Dawson, adopted through Labs & More Rescue, has already begun her specialized training aboard the USS Midway, where she is learning to confidently navigate the unique challenges of a naval ship. Once fully trained, Dawson will join the ranks of other successful Morale Dogs, including Raider, a rescued Labrador commissioned as a Lieutenant aboard the USS Makin Island, and Lady, who currently serves aboard the USS Boxer.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Shelter to Soldier and support a program that creates such powerful impact,” says Clive Goldberg, president of Logomark. “Dawson’s journey is just beginning, and we are excited to see her grow into a role that will touch countless lives.”

Atlantis Headwear (PPAI 753003, Standard-Plus) is celebrating Earth Month by spotlighting the initiatives that continue to shape its environmental impact.

The company has set an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 (compared to 2021 levels). As part of this effort, Atlantis has invested in renewable energy solutions, including a photovoltaic system installed on its warehouse facilities, which is expected to generate approximately 50% of the company’s annual energy needs and significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The brand incorporates innovative, lower-impact materials such as Polylana, a fiber that blends the qualities of acrylic and wool while reducing environmental impact, as well as recycled polyester (rPET) made from post-consumer plastic bottles, and recycled cotton derived from both pre- and post-consumer waste. Additionally, Atlantis utilizes dope dyeing, a water-saving technique that minimizes resource consumption during the coloring process.

Beyond product development, Atlantis works with organizations and events that reflect its environmental values.

• The brand has partnered with TEDx Venice to raise awareness about marine pollution through beach clean-ups and limited-edition sustainable merchandise tied to impactful community programming.
• Additionally, Atlantis has collaborated with the All Blacks in an official European licensing partnership.
• Atlantis has also supported creative cultural events like the ONA Short Film Festival, co-producing environmentally themed storytelling that highlights the beauty and fragility of the natural world.