Premier Group Network, a non-profit association serving the promotional products industry, recently hosted its annual Distributor Leadership Summit in Boston.

The event brought together 38 distributor leaders representing 22 member companies from across the United States for two days of collaboration, conversation and camaraderie.

• The event was supported by Premier Group member Gemline, which hosted attendees at its Lawrence, Massachusetts-based headquarters for factory tours and group discussions.

“As a collaborative network built on trust and shared success, our goal is to create spaces where leaders can engage authentically and learn from one another,” says Dana Geiger, executive director of Premier Group Network. “The Boston Summit was a reflection of our mission in action, advancing our members’ businesses through connection, curiosity and collaboration.”

Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 33 supplier, has launched the Comfort Zone Collection, which is designed for those “who crave style, versatility and next-level comfort.”

With velvety-soft exteriors, cool-touch interiors and the perfect blend of stretch and structure, these pieces are made to be lived in and lounged in, the company says. Plus, the collection is made with bluesign-approved fabric and recycles anywhere from 11-15 plastic bottles per garment.

“No one in promo has fabrics like these,” says Doug Jackson, founder and president at Storm Creek. “As a retail brand, everything we create has to be perfect – fit, fabric and finish. Our first production run didn’t meet our standards, and we made the tough call to start over. We’re incredibly grateful to our distributor partners for their patience while we perfected this fabric. The end result is something truly exceptional.”

Royal Apparel (PPAI 269959, Standard-Base) has announced the addition of Jeff Beja and Robert Wantland to its sales team.

The two industry veterans bring deep experience and relationships from S&S Activewear and Manhead Merchandise, respectively.

Their hires come as part of Royal Apparel’s ongoing national expansion, following the launch of its West Coast distribution center and strong momentum across its eco-friendly, American-made apparel line.

The Promotional Products Association of Chicago-Wisconsin has announced the two newest members of its board of directors:

• Marty Engel, chief revenue officer at HH Agency
• Traci Simonis, MAS, national sales executive at Maple Ridge Farms, PPAI 100’s No. 49 supplier