HANK also includes trademark and logo search capabilities, enabled by an internal AI process that tags artwork across Hit’s systems. According to the company, the tool is intended to function as an always-available resource that provides actionable insights rather than serving solely as a traditional chatbot. The launch reflects Hit’s broader effort to make customer data and business intelligence more accessible through AI-driven tools.

The platform is built on AI infrastructure and Model Context Protocol (MCP) capabilities that Hit has been developing over the past 18 months. The company said HANK operates using locally run, open-weight AI models within its own computing environment to help keep customer data secure. Future enhancements are expected to allow users to manage order updates directly through the platform. “HANK is the first thing we’ve put in customers’ hands, and it gives them the same chat-based data access our internal teams already run on,” says Jon Norris, chief strategy officer. “This is data democratization, for real.”

The partnership brings together two organizations with longstanding ties to New England. The Patriots have been a fixture in the region for more than six decades, while Charles River Apparel is a Massachusetts-based, family-owned company founded in 1983. The new collection expands on last season’s debut collaboration and includes outerwear, quarter-zips, fleece, packable layers and newer offerings such as the TexturKnit Hoodie.

“We’re proud to continue our collaboration with Charles River Apparel as we expand this exclusive collection,” says Ali Towle, senior vice president of marketing for Kraft Sports + Entertainment. “These new styles give our fans more ways to showcase their connection to the Patriots, whether they’re in the stands, around town or watching from home.” The collection is designed for New England’s changing weather conditions and aims to combine team branding with versatile, everyday apparel.

The appointment follows Goldstar’s recent launch of a redesigned global website aimed at providing distributors with easier product discovery and more consistent product information across markets. Wingard will report to Cathy Yonek, Goldstar’s global director of digital experience, and will support the company’s broader digital transformation efforts.

“I’m excited to join Goldstar at such a pivotal moment. The investment in a more connected digital experience shows real commitment to partners, and I’m looking forward to building on that foundation,” Wingard says. According to Goldstar, the addition of the role reflects its ongoing investment in digital tools and services designed to simplify business processes and enhance the distributor experience worldwide.

The collection includes stainless steel tumblers, canteens, insulated drinkware and barware designed for a variety of corporate gifting and recognition applications. According to SRG, the addition expands the range of premium products available to businesses seeking branded merchandise and milestone recognition items.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with such an innovative and design-driven brand as Corkcicle,” says Merrick Falkenstein, chief revenue officer of SRG. “Adding their forward-thinking craftsmanship and standout designs to our platform allows us to offer our clients a fresh, on-trend way to elevate their corporate gifting and recognition needs.” SRG said the partnership will provide customers with access to Corkcicle’s design-focused product line through its online platform.