Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, Platinum), the No. 9 supplier in the PPAI 100, is continuing Skinner & Kennedy’s 125-year promotional calendar legacy with the purchase of its product line. The deal closed on Monday.

• Skinner & Kennedy produces an extensive line of calendars, including commercial, desk pad, planner and custom styles, along with notepads and paper fans.
• As part of the sale agreement, Scott Michel (sales) and Harm Kurz (customer service) will become part of the Koozie Group team to ensure a seamless experience for customers.
• Pam Baumann, who has over 43 years of experience in promotional calendars with Koozie Group, will play a key leadership role during the transition.
• Operations will move to the Koozie Group’s facility in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
• Skinner & Kennedy CEO Chuck Pecher, who began his industry career at the company in 1975, will be retiring and plans to travel with his wife, play more golf and volunteer in his community.
• Koozie Group intends to keep the Skinner & Kennedy portfolio as intact as possible and anticipates full integration by the end of March. Customers can continue to place orders through Skinner & Kennedy’s channels until then.

Pierre Montaubin, CEO of Koozie Group, says, “Chuck Pecher has contributed so much to the promotional products industry, and we couldn’t be prouder to add such a well-respected line to our portfolio.”

For the second consecutive year, the sales team of Rob Ball, Ben Black and Johanna Black of Ball and Black has earned the prestigious Sales Representative of the Year Award from Towel Specialties (PPAI 113150, Gold), the No. 79 supplier in the PPAI 100.

• Ball and Black covers Illinois and Wisconsin for the supplier.
• Towel Specialties also recognizes runners-up Fritz Ford Associates (Fritz Ford and Mike Jones) and Paul Sprunk and Associates (Paul Sprunk, Tim Rosica and Dave Mattson), who tied for second place.

“We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated and skilled rep force from coast to coast,” says Shawn Kanak, president of Towel Specialties. “As we embark on our 40th anniversary of challenging ordinary and providing wow, we cannot forget that our 24 multi-line representatives across the country helped us reach this milestone.”

Logomark (PPAI 110898, Platinum), the No. 14 supplier in the PPAI 100, has formed an exclusive brand partnership with supplier Incase.

• Founded in 1997 in a Northern California garage, Incase is a supplier of premium backpacks, bags and hardshell cases for computers, phones and other devices.
• Logomark will present a curated collection of Incase daypacks, backpacks and duffels, all crafted from premium materials such as Woolenex, with YKK zippers and faux fur-lined laptop sleeves that offer protection for creative tools.
• Logomark will also showcase Incase’s A.R.C. series featuring eco-friendly rPET fabric.
• Logomark has plans to launch additional Incase products throughout 2025.

Howie Davis, Incase’s EVP of merchandising, says, “We’re excited to join forces with Logomark as our exclusive partner in the promotional products channel, marking a significant milestone in relaunching the Incase brand within this space. With a shared dedication to quality and innovation, Logomark is the perfect supplier to elevate our product in the promo space.”

Michael Bistocchi, Logomark chief revenue officer of Logomark, adds, “We are thrilled to welcome Incase to our family of brands. Incase has long been synonymous with quality, and I’ve personally relied on their products to safeguard my valuables for years. Their addition to our portfolio will undoubtedly strengthen our continued success as we enter the new year.”