Arch Promo Group (PPAI 820951, Silver), PPAI 100’s No. 28 supplier, has appointed Wendy Flaherty as director of digital strategy, bringing more than 15 years of marketing experience in the promotional products industry to support the company’s next phase of growth.

• Wendy previously held marketing leadership roles at BIC Graphic USA (now Koozie Group), DFS and California Tattoos.
• At Arch, she will focus on unifying the company’s legacy brands, including BGD Promo, Drum-Line, Gemini Line, HOWW USA, ProRose, StrombergBrand, and TK Sorg’s, under a streamlined digital strategy.

“Wendy brings strong industry knowledge and digital expertise that align perfectly with where Arch Promo Group is headed,” says Scott Andreson, vice president of sales and marketing. “Her leadership will help create a more connected experience for distributors and continue strengthening our brands.”

Liftoff Commerce (PPAI 818074) has announced the appointment of Tanya Ignacek-Sutton as vice president of sales and marketing.

Prior to joining Liftoff Commerce, Ignacek-Sutton helped lead strategic sales and marketing initiatives at BrightStores and OrderMyGear, where she played a key role in business development, customer engagement and market expansion efforts.

“Tanya is exactly the kind of leader we were looking for as we continue accelerating the growth of Liftoff Commerce,” says Andrew Alford, president of Liftoff Commerce. “Her experience scaling sales organizations, deep understanding of the branded merchandise industry and passion for building strong customer relationships make her an incredible addition to our leadership team. We’re thrilled to welcome her aboard.”

Starline (PPAI 112719, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 27 supplier, has announced a new partnership with Pirani, a lifestyle drinkware brand rooted in sustainability.

Pirani is best known for its insulated, stackable tumbler, the company says.

“At Starline, we’re always looking for products that deliver something truly different,” says Brian Porter, chief revenue officer at Starline. “Pirani stands out by combining versatility, innovation and premium design into its products. It’s a game changer in the drinkware category and offers our customers a fresh way to create memorable, high-value branded experiences—especially with its focus on eco-friendly, reusable, and thoughtfully sourced materials.”

“From our first conversations with the Starline team at The PPAI Expo, it was clear they were different,” adds Brandegee Pierce, co-founder and design guru of Pirani. “Beyond the business opportunity, we were looking for a partner who genuinely understood Pirani, respected our mission and cared about bringing the brand to market the right way. That authenticity mattered to us, and it’s what made Starline feel like the right partner as we continue to grow in the promotional products space.”

SanMar (PPAI 110788, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 1 supplier, announced it has been selected as a 2026 U.S. Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies.

SanMar also earned the distinction of Gold Honoree – companies that have been recognized as a Best Managed Company for four to six years.

“We are honored to receive this recognition once again,” says Jeremy Lott, CEO of SanMar, “and accept this award on behalf of all our SanMar employees who show up every day, give their best and never lose sight of who we do this for: our customers, our communities and each other.”

Gemline (PPAI 113948, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 13 supplier, has been awarded a Gold Medal rating from EcoVadis, a leading provider of business sustainability ratings.

The recognition places Gemline, a Certified B Corporation and Massachusetts Public Benefit Corporation, among the top 5% of companies assessed globally by EcoVadis over the past 12 months and reflects the strength of Gemline’s sustainability management systems and commitment to transparency across its value chain.

“Earning EcoVadis Gold recognition is an important milestone for our company and a meaningful validation of the work our team has done to embed responsibility and accountability throughout our business,” says Frank Carpenito, president and CEO of Gemline. “Through betterway, we remain focused on continuous improvement, transparency and delivering products and solutions that help our distributor partners and their customers make more responsible choices.”

commonsku (PPAI 552077) has announced that Shepenco (PPAI 114083, Silver), PPAI 100’s No. 71 supplier, has joined the Connected+ supplier community. The integration gives commonsku distributors real-time access to Shepenco’s inventory, pricing and order data.

Connected+ is commonsku’s growing network of suppliers integrated directly into the platform via PromoStandards.

“Shepenco’s reputation in promo speaks for itself as a fourth-generation family ownership and trusted supplier of writing instruments,” says David Shultz, chief partnerships officer at commonsku.

“We look forward to building new relationships and strengthening existing ones through this partnership with commonsku, and to continuing to deliver the quality, speed and customer service Shepenco is known for,” says Dan Townes, president of Shepenco.

Infinity Headwear (PPAI 791471, Standard-Base) has announced a new licensing partnership with Anheuser-Busch to develop and produce men’s and women’s headwear and T-shirts featuring some of the most iconic beer brands in the world.

“Partnering with Anheuser-Busch is an exciting opportunity for our company,” says Jeremy Laney, president of Infinity Product Group. “Its portfolio includes some of the most recognizable and enduring brands in the marketplace, and we’re proud to create high-quality products that celebrate that legacy while connecting with today’s consumers.”

The Ampersand Group (PPAI 260319, Standard-Plus) is expanding into Canada through a new strategic partnership with a global retail giant.

“We’re seeing a clear shift in how companies approach branded merchandise and print. They want simplicity, speed and consistency across every touchpoint,” says Todd Mellon, president and CEO of The Ampersand Group. “This partnership allows us to bring a more connected, turnkey solution to Canada, backed by the distribution and technology clients expect today.”

Through the partnership, The Ampersand Group will deliver a full suite of services, including branded merchandise programs, printing and packaging, custom e-commerce platforms, kitting and fulfillment, and office supply solutions, supported by an expanded distribution network.