Marti Tarmichael has joined Toronto-based Genumark (PPAI 261066, Standard-Plus) as senior account director, strengthening the No. 47 distributor’s growing U.S. team and supporting continued expansion across the United States.

With more than 20 years of experience in the branded merchandise industry, Tarmichael brings a deep understanding of how merch can create meaningful, emotional connections between brands and their audiences.

• Her work has been recognized with two PPAI Pyramid Awards, a testament to her commitment to excellence and innovation.

“Genumark stood out to me as an industry leader with positive momentum, powerhouse industry veterans, and a clear vision for growth in the U.S. market,” says Tarmichael. “I’m thrilled to bring my love of the branded merchandise experience, a whole lot of hustle and a passion for client service to Team USA. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

Genumark CEO Mitch Freed says she is an incredible addition to the company’s U.S. team: “Her experience, creativity and client-first mindset align perfectly with who we are and where we’re going. We’re excited to kick off 2026 with continued expansion in the United States, and Marti will play a key role in that growth.”

Altitude Group, parent company of AIM Smarter (PPAI 230461, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 17 distributor, has  announced the launch of AIM iQ, a purpose-built AI platform designed to help promotional product distributors serve customers the way today’s brand marketers actually buy: fast, visual and mobile-first.

AIM iQ brings together AI-powered tools that remove friction from the moments that matter most in a distributor’s workflow:

• Logo Finder locates and verifies client logos from multiple sources.
• Product and Inventory Lookup provides real-time visibility into products, availability and quantities across suppliers.
• Product Mockup applies logos to products and places them into photorealistic lifestyle settings – no design expertise required.

“Our distributors are competing for attention with every other buying experience their customers have,” said Angela Taylor, vice president of customer experience at AIM Smarter. “When a brand marketer can order lunch, book a flight and approve a campaign from their phone in 10 minutes, they’re not going to wait three days for a PDF quote. AIM iQ closes that gap. It gives distributors the tools to meet buyers where they are and to do it faster and better than anyone else in the market.”

AIM iQ is now on waitlist as we continue to refine the experience for early adopters, with full access to all AI tools at launch as soon as you are accepted. Verified distributors can unlock additional credits and exclusive partner benefits through higher productivity tiers. Current AIM members, ACS affiliates, and Tech Suite subscribers will be able to access these new tools based on their subscription tier, and all AIM iQ™ tools are embedded directly within Tech Suite for seamless workflow from product discovery through order management.

Learn more at AIM iQ.

Gemline (PPAI 113948, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 13 supplier, announced on January 13 that it is expanding its long-standing relationship with Igloo Products Corp. through a new exclusive partnership with Dometic, one of the world’s most respected outdoor lifestyle brands.

• Launching as part of Gemline’s Spring 2026 collection, the company will serve as the exclusive distributor of Dometic drinkware, coolers and active cooling products in the promotional products channel.

The addition of Dometic – known for rugged durability, elevated design and premium performance – strengthens a partnership that began with Igloo in 2011 and expanded with Cool Gear in 2025, solidifying Gemline as a leading destination for hydration and cooling solutions across the promotional products marketplace. Dometic’s product range includes insulated drinkware, hard and soft coolers, and premium electric fridge/freezers with vacuum insulation.

“Adding Dometic gives our distributor partners access to a premium outdoor name that corporate customers actively seek out, and we’re excited to be the exclusive supplier in the promotional products channel,” said Frank Carpenito, president and CEO of Gemline. “It is a natural extension of our long-standing relationship with Igloo Products Corp., and it expands the range of cooling and hydration options available to our distributor partners seeking high-quality, high-performance products from globally recognized retail brands.”

SanMar (PPAI 110788, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 1 supplier, has announced its 2026 Spring New Arrivals featuring more than 150 styles across 19 brands. Spring 2026 brings the launch of Richardson headwear and exclusive apparel, Mercer+Mettle’s first suiting collection and the supplier’s largest assortment of on-trend tees and fleece, as well as new styles from retail icons like Carhartt, The North Face, Nike, TravisMathew, OGIO and Brooks Brothers.

• The new assortment launches with 31 of Richardson’s most popular caps, plus 15 performance apparel styles designed exclusively for SanMar.

“Richardson has been the most requested brand from our customers, and we’re thrilled to finally make it part of the SanMar lineup,” said Steve Cuthbert, chief revenue officer at SanMar. “This launch delivers the iconic styles people know and love, paired with the quality apparel and service they expect from SanMar.”

• SanMar’s Mercer+Mettle label goes head-to-toe with Capital Tech Suiting, the first complete tailored uniforming collection of separates for SanMar. The warp-knit blazers and coordinating trousers deliver a polished look with stretch and comfort for all-day wear in three classic suiting colors for both men and women.

“While the trend to polished dressing continues, consumers still seek the comfort and ease of movement that they find in knit fabrications,” said Shelley Renning, vice president of merchandising.

The launch also showcases an expanded assortment of the industry’s most sought-after retail brands, as well as an expanded catalog of 289 sustainable styles featuring elements from recycled fabrics to bluesign-approved materials.

“Customers have shown us that premium sustainable apparel isn’t just appreciated – it’s expected,” said Emily Gigot, director of sustainability. “I’m excited to see this collection expanding to provide even more options for teams and communities committed to reducing impact on the planet.”

• To view the new styles visit SanMar.com or stop by the SanMar booth (#3111) at The PPAI Expo.