Following their merger last year, OrderMyGear (PPAI 704581, Silver) and Inktavo (PPAI 817423, Standard-Base) have rebranded to Taivo.

“Two companies arrived with their own ways of counting customers, deals and growth,” said Kreg Holdaway, CFO at Taivo, on LinkedIn. “The Finance, Accounting, People, RevOps and Data teams did the patient work of agreeing on one set of rules, writing them down and getting every group that touches the numbers to sign off. That’s slower than letting one team decide. But it’s why our leadership conversations are now about how we’re playing instead of debating the rulebook.

“That shared foundation puts us in a position of strength. We’re heading into year-end and 2027 focused on growth, for the decorators, distributors and suppliers who count on us, and the Main Street print shops that keep youth sports teams in uniform.”

Cotton Heritage (PPAI 254025, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 79 supplier, has announced the appointment of Shanann Heaton as COO.

With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, Heaton brings extensive expertise in business operations, supply chain management, distribution and organizational development.

Throughout her career, Heaton has held senior leadership roles at Thermo Fisher Scientific and iHerb, most recently serving as COO of SAYN Beauty.

MediaTree (PPAI 192068, Silver), PPAI 100’s No. 94 supplier, has announced that Amelia Madl has joined as head of business development, leading distributor growth.

Madl has worked in the branded merchandise industry since 2012. Most recently, she was vice president of sales at PromoCorner. Before that, she held sales roles at DistributorCentral and Logomark. Many in the industry also know her from A. Madl’s Closet, her long-running monthly video series on PromoJournal.

“Gift cards are one of the biggest opportunities distributors are still leaving on the table,” says Brian Duran, GM of MediaTree. “There is nothing to decorate, store or ship, and the client already has the budget. What distributors need is a partner who makes it simple and stays out of the relationship. Amelia understands that better than anyone I know. I’m excited to have her leading this work with our partners.”

ASB (PPAI 101656, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 11 distributor, has announced the promotion of Kate Murray to marketing and communications manager.

A 2025 PPAI Rising Star, Murray holds a degree in communication and management from Gustavus Adolphus College and was hired with ASB in March 2024.

“Kate’s ability to create meaningful messaging and engagement is incredibly valuable in telling ASB’s story as well as building connection within to serve our home office, sales associates and support teams,” says Taylor Borst, ASB’s vice president of vendor relations, marketing and events. “I’m so proud of what our teams accomplish every day, and confident that Kate will help make an impact in strengthening our marketing strategy.”

Prominate (PPAI 571894, Platinum) is hosting its next virtual fireside on November 4 from 2:30-4 p.m. UK time.

The chat will explore the trends shaping 2027, from what’s next for creativity, culture and brands to what happens when digital is no longer enough to stand out.

“We’d love for you to join us for Welcome Back to the Real World, bringing together a brilliant line-up of voices from creativity, behavioral science, PR and the creative industries to explore the cultural shifts shaping what comes next,” says Priya Pancholi, global marketing lead at Prominate.

“Expect fresh perspectives, big ideas and thought-provoking questions, from human creativity in an AI world to the growing value of real-world experiences and things worth keeping.”

 iClick (PPAI 254537, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 38 supplier, has announced its Holiday 2026 collection, featuring 17 new tech accessories.

The launch is highlighted by a new lineup of semi-solid state power banks, alongside chargers, 240W fast-charge cables, audio products, PopSockets accessories, phone wristlets and Xoopar tracking devices.

“This launch is our direct answer to what distributors tell us their end users are asking for: technology that’s safer, faster and smarter,” says Jeffrey Roberts, CEO of iClick. “Technology changes incredibly fast, and keeping up with what’s new can be challenging. That’s why we do more than just introduce the latest products. We equip our distributors with the insights, education and tools they need to confidently sell tech and help their clients navigate a category that’s constantly evolving.”

Keepsake Products USA (PPAI 634695, Silver) has launched Keepsake University, an educational audio series created and recorded by Cliff Quicksell, MAS+.

The series is designed to help distributors and marketers rethink packaging as a strategic tool for creating memorable brand experiences, increasing engagement and delivering greater value to their clients.

“Packaging has become much more than a container for a product,” says Andy Griffin of Keepsake Products USA. “It is an opportunity to extend a brand, create an experience and give distributors a way to bring greater value to their clients. This series was created to help distributors understand that opportunity and confidently incorporate packaging into their sales conversations.”

Facilisgroup (PPAI 493664) recently brought its Electrifi sales development program to SanMar (PPAI 110788, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 1 supplier, for a three-day immersive event for emerging sales professionals.

Led by Terri Harland, Facilisgroup’s director of professional development, the event welcomed 26 sales reps from 21 Facilisgroup distributor partners for an inside look at SanMar’s culture and operations, alongside sales development, hands-on Syncore training and time to build professional connections.

“Getting to know this unique group of new sales reps in our industry, watching their interaction, enthusiasm, creativity, insightfulness and approach to selling, gives me hope and excitement for the future of our industry,” says Parvaneh Frilot, strategic account manager. “The industry is in great hands, and our future is bright!”

Pica Marketing Group (PPAI 394875, Silver) has been named the 2026 Michigan WBE of the Year by the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council.

The award was presented on October 21 during the 2026 Great Lakes Business Conference. Great Lakes WBC is a nonprofit that certifies women-owned businesses through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and connects them with corporate and government contracting opportunities, capital, and business education.

“This award belongs to our whole team, and to the clients and partners who trust us with their brands every day. Great Lakes WBC has been a true champion for women-owned businesses in our region, and we’re honored to be recognized alongside so many remarkable companies,” says Stephanie Zafarana, president of Pica Marketing Group.

commonsku (PPAI 552077) has announced a new partnership with John Booth, a Professional EOS Implementer and former distributorship owner.

Through the partnership, commonsku distributor customers can work directly with John to implement the EOS in their businesses, guided by someone who has run EOS inside a distributorship.

“As distributorships grow, the hardest work often shifts from selling to leading. John sat in the same seat as our customers,” says David Shultz, chief partnerships officer at commonsku. “He built a highly successful distributorship and ran it on EOS for more than a decade, so he understands this industry in a way few advisors can. We’re excited to give commonsku distributors access to that experience as they plan their next stage of growth.”

To introduce the partnership, commonsku will host a live conversation between David and John on Tuesday, December 1, at 2 p.m. ET. The session is exclusive to commonsku distributor customers and will explore how EOS works inside a promotional products distributorship and how leadership teams can tell whether they’re ready for it.

The Fair Labor Association has announced today that its board of directors has voted to award Fair Labor Accreditation to Next Level Apparel (PPAI 272027, Silver).

The decision by the FLA board follows a multi-year review of Next Level Apparel’s business systems for compliance with international labor standards designed to protect workers in its global supply chains. Next Level Apparel sources from 15 factories across seven countries.

“At Next Level Apparel, we know it’s never just about making a T-shirt,” says Brett Bjorkman, CEO of Next Level Apparel. “Behind every garment are people, factories and communities working incredibly hard to bring that product to life. We recognize the responsibility that comes with that, and we also recognize that doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest thing to do.

“We are committed to never settling, asking the right questions, making responsible decisions and doing our best to ensure the people and partners throughout our supply chain are treated fairly, that we operate compliantly, and that we remain conscious of the impact we have on the communities and environments around us.”

STAHLS’ (PPAI 189660, Standard-Plus) introduces its online Patch Selector Tool, giving customers a faster way to find the right patch for their design and discover options they may not have considered.

With one artwork upload, customers can check compatibility across 18 patch types, including embroidered, woven, PVC, debossed leather, FlexStyle, Liquid 3D and more. The tool quickly shows which options are ready to order, which need artwork adjustments and which are not compatible with the submitted design.

The Patch Selector Tool is now available at stahls.com/patch-selector-pr

Discount Marketing Products (PPAI 582106, Standard-Plus) announces the addition of JSA Promo, Jules Scheck Associates, as its new multi-line reps in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.

JSA President Jason Bickoff brings more than 20 years of industry experience and Beata Miller, vice president of sales, has worked in the industry since 2005.

“We’re excited to welcome JSA Promo to the DMP team,” says DMP President Dalan Cohen. “Its strong distributor relationships and extensive industry expertise make it a great fit for us.”

Botanical PaperWorks (PPAI 674278, Standard-Base) has appointed Kim Ewchuck as vice president of sales and marketing.

Ewchuck joined Botanical PaperWorks three years ago with extensive knowledge and a thoughtful approach to leadership, the company says.

“This appointment is in recognition of the strategic role Kim plays on the team,” says CEO Kyle Kannwischer. “She understands our customers, our products and where we’re headed. Her leadership will be an important part of how we continue to grow while staying focused on what matters most: continuing to deliver quality products and an excellent customer experience.”

Infinity Product Group, parent company of Infinity Her (PPAI 791471, Standard-Base), continued its support of the Samaritan Community Center through a volunteer event on Oct. 13.

During the event, IPG employees packed 1,000 SnackPacks to help address childhood food insecurity in Northwest Arkansas. The team also donated 104 pounds of dried beans to support SCC’s grocery shop program. Employees who were unable to attend the volunteer session could participate by contributing to the food donation drive. SCC serves individuals and families throughout Northwest Arkansas through programs designed to meet community needs.

Bodie, the rescue dog sponsored by Logomark (PPAI 110898, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 16 supplier, through Shelter to Soldier, has officially graduated from the organization’s psychiatric service dog program alongside his veteran partner, Chelsea, after successfully completing his public access test.

Logomark CEO Clive Goldberg attended the graduation ceremony in Oceanside in early October, joining Shelter to Soldier, Bodie’s trainers and others who helped make the moment possible. At the The PPAI Expo 2025, Bodie was a 10-month-old rescued shepherd-Lab mix beginning an entirely new chapter. Logomark invited the promotional products community to become part of his story by helping name him. Leez Osterstock of BAMKO submitted the winning name, and Bodie quickly became a familiar face among the Logomark team and distributor community.

“A year ago, our distributor community helped give Bodie his name. Since then, so many people have followed his progress and cheered him on,” says Goldberg. “To be there and watch him graduate alongside Chelsea was incredibly special. This is what makes our relationship with Shelter to Soldier so meaningful. The impact is real, and in Bodie’s case, our team and our customers have had the privilege of watching that impact unfold from the beginning.”