The event provided participants with an inside look at the company’s operations and approach to longevity in business. Guests toured Vernon’s headquarters and fulfillment facilities, attended a discussion with president and CEO Chris Vernon and networked with other business leaders. The program aimed to showcase how a multigenerational company continues to operate and adapt while remaining family-run. “We authentically showed our guests our ‘Get to Know Vernon’ culture and business experience and you could really feel it walking around the tour,” Vernon said.

The event also featured a panel of Vernon leaders focused on the complexities of sustaining a family business for more than 120 years. The panel included fifth-generation leadership, with Alex Vernon sharing perspectives on preparing to guide the company into its next phase. The program emphasized both continuity and transition within a long-standing, family-owned enterprise.

Since opening in 2019, Star of the North has provided housing and support services to mothers and families at its Duluth location and has expanded to include additional space in Hibbing. Staff and volunteers work with residents to promote stability and long-term independence. “We’re helping moms write their stories,” says Molly Rathke, program manager.

The fundraising effort reflects ASB’s ongoing focus on community engagement as part of its Accelerate event. The initiative is intended to create a positive local impact while bringing together industry partners for professional development and collaboration.

The Michigan warehouse will carry core styles such as the Titan, the Avenger and the Superblend polos, which represent some of the company’s most frequently ordered products. By stocking these items locally, the partnership is designed to improve fulfillment speed and streamline ordering. Distributors in Michigan will have access to next-day shipping on stocked items, while those in neighboring states, including Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, will benefit from reduced transit times of one to two days. Additional efficiencies include the ability to combine orders across brands (such as Lane Seven and A4) to meet free freight thresholds without requiring larger single-brand purchases.

Blue Generation stated that the partnership reflects a deliberate effort to bring products closer to customers and improve accessibility across key markets. As director of strategy Matt Rubin noted, “Partnering with One Stop is a natural next step in our strategy to get our best-selling styles closer to our customers. The Midwest is a critical market for us, and by leveraging One Stop’s Michigan warehouse, we’re able to offer 1-day shipping in Michigan and significantly faster ordering across Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.” The agreement represents the company’s second such wholesaler partnership, following a similar arrangement with Apparel Coast to Coast, and signals ongoing expansion of its distribution approach.

Through the partnership, SnugZ will introduce a collection of Ekster’s premium, customizable travel bags and wallets to the promotional products market. The offering is positioned to address demand for elevated products that combine performance, innovation and modern design across corporate gifting and promotional channels. “At Ekster, we’re focused on creating smarter, more intentional everyday carry products and partnering with SnugZ USA allows us to bring that vision into the promotional and corporate gifting space in a meaningful way,” says Wes Lindenmuth, owner and head of retail partnerships.

Company representatives from both organizations cited alignment in design, functionality and sustainability as key drivers of the collaboration. The launch expands SnugZ USA’s portfolio of exclusive brand partnerships and reinforces its position within the promotional products industry. Ekster products are now available exclusively through the SnugZ website, with additional brand launches planned for 2026.