The Vernon Company (PPAI 109323, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 28 distributor, has named Shona Heywood as its new supplier relations manager.

Heywood started her career with Vernon in 2023 as a digital content specialist in the marketing department.

The Vernon Company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing Lisa Hubbard touted Heywood’s impact on business in her marketing role, noting her success launching new social media strategies, strengthening supplier partnerships and supporting sales initiatives that drove growth across the company’s digital marketing program.

“We are extremely excited for Shona to take on this new role. Her contributions so far with Vernon in the marketing team have made her a natural fit for this next step. Shona’s relationship with our suppliers is already strong, and her strategic thinking will take our partnerships to the next level,” Hubbard says.

iPROMOTEu (PPAI 218870, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 4 distributor, has confirmed that all employees based in its Appleton, Wisconsin, office have been safely accounted for following the severe storms and tornado that impacted the Appleton area on July 27.

The storm caused widespread damage, leaving thousands without power and damaging homes and businesses across the Fox Cities region. iPROMOTEu’s Appleton office building was not damaged and continues to operate as normal. While several iPROMOTEu team members experienced damage to their homes and property, no employees were injured.

“We are incredibly grateful that everyone on our Appleton team is safe,” says Lori Bauer, iPROMOTEu CEO. “While several employees are now facing the difficult process of recovering from damage to their homes and property, our focus is on supporting them and their families in the days ahead. We deeply appreciate the outpouring of care and concern we’ve already received from colleagues, affiliates and industry partners.”

HALO (PPAI 106462, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 3 distributor, has announced appointments to its board of directors and executive leadership team. Melanie Whelan has joined Halo’s board, while Dan Shedivy has been appointed CFO and Christine Fong has joined the company as executive vice president and GM, merchandising and marketing.

“We’re building the leadership team and governance to match the opportunity ahead of us,” says HALO CEO Jim Hilt. “Brands today are looking for partners who can help bring their stories to life across every physical touchpoint. Melanie, Dan and Christine each bring a unique combination of leadership, operational excellence and brand expertise that will strengthen our ability to serve clients, empower our team members and accelerate Halo’s next chapter.”

Whelan currently serves as an advisory partner at Summit Partners and sits on the boards of FIGS, PostPilot, OVME, and RISE Youth Sports Platform. Previously, she served as CEO of SoulCycle.

Shedivy brings more than 25 years of experience spanning finance, corporate strategy and business transformation. Most recently, he served as CFO of Medical Solutions.

Fong most recently served as GM at Mars Science & Diagnostics and previously led the Gifts & Home business at Shutterfly.

Thumbprint (PPAI 638974, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 31 distributor, has announced the appointment of Kirk Meyer as vice president of business development.

A branded merchandise veteran of more than 15 years, Meyer joins Thumbprint following his tenure as partner at Texas-based Meyer Dunlap, which was acquired by HALO in 2020.

“Kirk is exactly the kind of leader we’ve been looking for,” says Tom Rector, founder and CEO of Thumbprint. “He’s built an incredible reputation over the past 15 years – not only because of the brands he’s served, but because of the way he’s served them. Kirk leads with integrity. He treats people with respect. He does the right thing even when no one is watching. Those qualities matter just as much to us as his business experience.”

SanMar (PPAI 110788, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 1 supplier, has announced Steve Mullinax as vice president of IT operations, infrastructure and security.

In his previous role at Alaska Airlines, Mullinax earned a reputation as a leader with a passion for delivering innovative solutions in a highly engaged organization, SanMar says.

“Steve’s experience and expertise within a large organization, leadership capabilities and commitment to delivering tangible results make him an ideal fit for our dedicated IT team,” says Mike Knapick, CIO at SanMar. “He understands that business is personal and that we only succeed when our customers do. We’re proud to have him on board.”

Gemline (PPAI 113948, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 9 supplier, has announced the launch of a new order tracking tool on Gemline.com, giving distributors quick self-service access to order status information without needing to log into their Gemline.com account or call a Gemline sales or customer service representative.

By entering their Gemline Account Number along with either an Order Number or Purchase Order Number, distributors can instantly pull up the same high-level order information a Gemline sales or customer service representative would provide over the phone or in an email, the company says.

• Distributors who need shipment tracking numbers or other order specifics will still need to log into their Gemline.com web account.

“At Gemline, we’re continually investing in digital tools that make it easier for our customers to do business with us,” says Saadia Bryant, vice president of product, marketing and design. “The new order tracking tool gives distributors a faster way to get the answers they need to better serve their customers.”

Quinn (PPAI 360359, Silver) has announced the addition of seven new team members across key areas of the business.

The new team members include:

• Alex Gotwalt, graphic designer
• April Rummel, administrative assistant
• Cindy Perez, bookkeeper
• Kelly Coffman, seamstress
• Olivia Chiaverini, sales consultant
• Steven Hess, shipping coordinator
• Vashti Moore, sales consultant

“These additions reflect the continued momentum of our business and our commitment to investing in the team behind the work,” says Matt Quinn, CEO and president. “Each of these individuals brings valuable experience and energy that will help us better serve our customers and expand our capabilities.”

Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 5 distributor, hosted its Annual Service Project in Las Vegas during the 2026 Proforma Convention and Family Reunion.

This year’s project supported Living Grace Homes, a nonprofit based in Las Vegas that provides a safe, inclusive residence and extensive services for pregnant and parenting young mothers who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Since its founding in 2007, Living Grace Homes has served more than 900 women.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Proforma Network for their partnership and support in advancing our mission,” says Morgan Hill, program manager at Living Grace Homes. “Proforma’s contributions will help us reach more women during one of the most vulnerable and critical moments of their lives.”

More than 200 Proforma Convention attendees participated in the 2026 service project, during which they assembled hundreds of personalized care bags, wrote encouraging messages and recorded videos with words of advice for women entering Living Grace. Care bags were filled with toiletries, comfort items and other products to support women during a difficult time.

“Living Grace Homes’ mission closely aligns with the values of the Proforma Family – showing up for the community and helping create opportunities for others to thrive,” says Donna Raucher, managing partner of Proforma distributorship Proforma GPS and Advisory Board Member at Living Grace Homes. “I’m honored to witness Living Grace Homes’ impact firsthand and proud of the Proforma Family for coming together to support young mothers on their path toward a brighter future.”

The 2026 Proforma Convention & Family Reunion Annual Service Project generated and donated over $15,000 to Living Grace Homes, comprising both in-kind product contributions and financial donations. Those interested in supporting Proforma’s efforts to purchase clothing for residents of Living Grace Homes can do so through the Amazon Wishlist.