S&S (PPAI 256121, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier , has opened a new 162,000-square-foot distribution center in Vancouver, more than doubling its regional footprint. The facility introduces Locus picking automation to the region for the first time, supporting faster, more accurate order fulfillment.

The facility began shipping customer orders this week, replacing S&S’s nearby 67,000-square-foot location. Nearly 2.5 times the size of its predecessor, the new distribution center combines expanded warehouse space, automation and enhanced shipping infrastructure to strengthen S&S’s regional distribution capabilities.

“This investment is about growing alongside our customers in Western Canada,” says Enrique Escalona, vice president, general manager of Canada. “We’re expanding our capacity, investing in technology and equipping our experienced team to better serve businesses across the region.”

The Vancouver opening builds on S&S’s ongoing investment in its North American distribution network. Earlier this month, the company announced plans for a new 500,000-square-foot distribution center in the Phoenix metro area, scheduled to begin operations in late summer 2027.

Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 5 distributor, served as a title sponsor of the 2026 Halloween in the Village event on Davis Islands for the 12th consecutive year, helping bring the annual event to life for more than 1,000 attendees.

From new hires to members of the executive and leadership teams, the Proforma network came together in support of this year’s Halloween in the Village. Throughout the afternoon, support center team members entertained guests of all ages with themed games and activities while dressed in a variety of carnival-inspired costumes. Alongside volunteer efforts, Proforma also provided event signage, printed materials, trick-or-treat bags, and other branded goodies for attendees.

“Proforma’s involvement over the past decade has been instrumental in the success of Halloween in the Village,” says Jenn Fadal, event founder and local business owner of Wag Natural Pet Market. “Their team consistently goes above and beyond to create engaging experiences for attendees, and their commitment has helped make this event the beloved tradition it is today.”

“At Proforma, we believe our responsibilities extend beyond day-to-day business operations,” says Vanessa Edwards, Proforma’s vice president of business development, Davis Islands Civic Association member, and long-time event organizer. “We’re passionate about supporting the communities where we live and work, and we encourage our team members to take an active role in making a difference. Halloween in the Village is just one example of how we bring that commitment to life, and it reflects the values that define who we are as an organization.”

STAHLS’ (PPAI 189660, Standard-Plus) Fulfill Engine has integrated Cutter & Buck (PPAI 196156, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 23 supplier, and Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 28 supplier, into its on-demand platform, connecting both brands with automated decoration and fulfillment. The additions allow distributors and decorators to offer more apparel through online stores without minimum order quantities.

“Our supplier and brand partners are the lifeblood of this industry and a huge part of what makes the Fulfill Engine ecosystem work,” says Jayson Tompkins, founder & chief digital officer at STAHLS’ Fulfill Engine. “Cutter & Buck and Storm Creek are two of the best in the business, and now Fulfill Engine users have even more opportunities to offer premium apparel without the traditional headaches of inventory and minimums.”

The integrations support programs ranging from individual employee orders to ongoing corporate apparel, outdoor and golf collections. Orders placed through Fulfill Engine webstores or connected commerce platforms are automatically routed for decoration and fulfillment, allowing businesses to offer on-demand orders without managing production and shipping themselves. The platform supports multiple decoration methods and a five-day business day turnaround for orders fulfilled through its decorator network.

“Our partners need great products and an easy, reliable way to get them,” says Joel Freet, CEO of Cutter & Buck. “Connecting our portfolio with Fulfill Engine brings those strengths together, helping partners serve more customers and grow with confidence.”

Cutter & Buck brings 198 new styles to the platform and Storm Creek expands the platform’s selection of sustainable apparel.

“At Storm Creek, we’re always looking for ways to make it easier for our partners to bring high-quality, sustainable apparel to their customers,” says Teresa Fudenberg, CEO and owner of Storm Creek. “Our integration with STAHLS’ Fulfill Engine gives distributors and decorators greater access to the styles their customers want, while simplifying the path from idea to finished product. It’s another way we’re helping our partners grow their businesses with products people are excited to wear.”

PromoKitchen (PPAI 652237), the 501C non-profit that focuses on education and mentorship in the promotional products industry, has officially opened up submissions for the 2027 PK Mixer Tote Bag Design Contest.

The 2027 theme, “Passport to Possibility,” invites participants to imagine where creativity can take them. From exploring new horizons to inspiring change within their communities, each tote is an opportunity to bring their vision for what’s possible to life. The winning design submission will receive a $500 cash prize and have their design printed on this year’s PK Mixer tote bags supported by Hit Promotional Products (PPAI 113910, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 3 supplierSupplier.

PromoKitchen’s 2027 Mixer Tote Bag Design Contest prize this year is brought to you by the Tee Hamilton Creative Scholarship Fund. Design submissions are due before November 6th, 2026 at 6pm PST.