LAT Apparel (PPAI 254347, Silver) has announced the promotion of Rachel Newman from chief commercial officer to company president.

Prior to joining LAT, she held several senior roles at Hanesbrands, including VP/GM of the Printwear and Hanes Apparel divisions and vice president of sales for Champion retail.

“Rachel’s leadership, deep industry experience and passion for the LAT mission make her the right person to lead us into the future,” says CEO Jon Hays. “She has an exceptional ability to balance innovation, operational excellence, and team development – all while keeping the customer at the heart of our decisions.”

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry has named Bill Bywater, longtime leader of Tru Art Advertising Calendars (PPAI 113720, Silver), as a 2025 Legends in Manufacturing Award recipient.

Bywater modernized operations, expanding the Iowa City facility to more than 80,000 square feet and introducing advanced printing technologies that positioned the company for long-term success.

His leadership also extended statewide, as he was instrumental in serving the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, advocating for the strength of Iowa’s manufacturers and ensuring businesses had a voice in policy decisions.

Bywater is a member of the PPAI Hall of Fame and former vice chair of the PPAI Board of Directors.

Pop! Promos (PPAI 564497, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 45 supplier, has announced a partnership with veritree, a restoration platform for companies and planting partners looking to make, measure and communicate nature-positive impact.

The partnership kicks off with Pop! Promos’ commitment to fund the planting of one tree in the United States for every 100 pairs of socks ordered.

“At Pop! Promos, we lead with clarity, commitment and action,” says CEO Jay Dilley. “Seeing impact matters, so it’s only natural that we’re cultivating a movement where we redefine branded merch as a force for good. Our partnership with veritree is a clarion call to the industry – we’re planting the seedlings for a better future while delivering unforgettable brand experiences. This is sustainability beyond purpose – scalable, verifiable and transformative.”

Royal Apparel (PPAI 269959, Standard-Base) has announced the upcoming opening of its new West Coast distribution center in San Bernardino, California.

The center will complement Royal Apparel’s existing East Coast headquarters and production operations in Hauppauge, New York.

“Opening a distribution center on the West Coast has been a top priority for us,” says Glen Brumer, sales director at Royal Apparel. “San Bernardino is the perfect hub for our West Coast operations – it positions us to provide quicker turnaround, greater flexibility and the same high level of service our customers expect from Royal Apparel.”

PromoKitchen, the all-volunteer, 501C non-profit that focuses on education and mentorship in the promotional products industry, will be hosting an education seminar: The Hidden ROI of Mentorship with Jeff Tobe on November 5th at 1 p.m. ET.

As a former promo pro, Tobe launched an award-winning agency in Dallas, earning eight Golden Pyramid Awards in five years before moving into training and professional speaking.

Registration is now open for this free 90-minute educational seminar.