Merch.ai (PPAI 881176) has announced the launch of Geppetto, a proprietary AI-powered image creation tool that enables branded merchandise distributors and suppliers to generate photorealistic, fully branded product imagery directly from a simple text prompt.

Geppetto is the first AI imaging tool designed specifically for the accuracy demands of the promotional products industry where a misplaced logo, an incorrect zipper or a distorted imprint area can undermine a client presentation before it begins, the firm says.

“The promotional products industry has always run on the power of a great presentation,” says Nick Lateur, vice president of revenue at Merch.ai. “But for too long, creating an impactful presentation or lookbook meant outsourcing to a designer, waiting on product photography or spending days building something from scratch. Geppetto changes all of that, and it does it instantly.”

Key features of Geppetto include:

• Automatic imprint placement
• Custom AI models
• Full creative freedom
• Lookbook integration

PCNA (PPAI 113079, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 5 supplier, has announced new retail-brand launches led by Caddy Splash, a new retail partner now available through PCNA. PCNA is also expanding existing retail partnerships by adding new styles from Cap America, Hydro Flask, Thule and High Sierra.

“PCNA is committed to helping distributors win, and a big part of that is creating marketing tools that make it easy to sell,” says Mary Furto, senior vice president of marketing at PCNA. “We have created a new set of golf-focused resources, including our 2026 Golf Guide catalog and nine targeted flyers. We are proud to offer industry leading turnaround on decorated golf balls including next day 24-hour shipping on Srixon and Bridgestone as well as 5-7 day shipping on Titleist.”

“At PCNA, we are continuing to invest in key growth verticals like golf, while also expanding our retail brand assortment to reflect the styles and functionality today’s customers are looking for,” says Liz Haesler, global chief merchandising officer at PCNA. “We’re especially excited to welcome Caddy Splash to our lineup, adding an innovative golf accessory that supports our focus on delivering more options for the golf market.

“At the same time, our new offerings from Cap America, High Sierra, Hydro Flask, and Thule align well with summer trends and the growing demand for versatile products that fit seamlessly into travel, outdoor activities, and on-the-go lifestyles. Together, these additions reflect our ongoing focus on curating on-trend, high-performing products that give our distributor partners more choice across categories and occasions.”

Imperial (PPAI 133496, Standard-Plus) has once again been recognized by the Association of Golf Merchandisers as the No. 1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities.

This marks the ninth consecutive year Imperial has earned the top honor from AGM members.

• The distinction is based on AGM’s annual membership study, conducted late last year and recently released.
• In the latest results, Imperial earned a commanding 36% of total votes, nearly three times the share of the next closest brand at 13%.

“Being recognized by AGM members year after year speaks volumes about the strength of our partnerships and the consistency of our product,” says David Shaffer, president of Imperial. “We’re proud to lead the category by such a meaningful margin. By continuing to invest in product and embellishment innovation, while offering quick turnarounds and low minimums, we’re able to help our retail partners react quickly, stand out on the shelf and better serve their members and guests.”

Bay State Specialty Company (PPAI 113896, Standard-Base) has announced that Halle Moore will join the company as director of marketing following six years with PromoCorner.

A 2025 PPAI Rising Star, Moore became a recognizable voice within the industry through her work in media, marketing, content creation, social engagement and relationship-building.

Her move to Bay State represents the continuation of a longstanding family legacy within the business. Moore joins as a third-generation member of the Moore family, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Jim Moore, and her father, Joel Moore.

“Watching my daughter grow professionally over the past six years at PromoCorner has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” says Laurie Moore, president of PromoCorner. “What started as a chance to work side-by-side became an experience I’ll cherish forever. She brought passion, creativity and heart to everything she did, and I couldn’t be prouder of the impact she made on our team and throughout the industry.”

Vernon Company (PPAI 109323, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 26 distributor, recently recognized its top 25 account executives and celebrated milestone achievements across its sales team during the 2025 sales year at its national sales meeting.

• The top prize was awarded to Burke Buchanan, who was named Account Manager of the Year. Buchanan is a third-generation Vernon sales rep, joining the company in 1992.
• The Team Player Award recipient this year was Mindy Benson.
• Vernon also recognized two AEs with the Reaching New Heights Award. The awards went to Kay Thomson and Bill Porter.
• Adam Worrel received the Rising Star Award.
• The Driven to Succeed Award was given to Stella Brock.
• The Industry Award went to Mitchell Barker.
• The Grit & Growth Award was given to Jennifer Crowder.
• Luke Sigle received the Humanitarian Award, honoring Sigle and his family’s work through the Mighty Micah Foundation, a nonprofit that provides aid to families navigating a NICU stay. The program has helped dozens of families, including three Vernon home office employees.

“Their success represents dedication, integrity deep relationship-building and teamwork,” says Lisa Hubbard, vice president of sales and marketing at Vernon. “I hope they walk away proud of their accomplishments, confident in their impact and motivated to continue leading by example for the rest of the team.”

Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 3 distributor, announced that it was recently ranked third on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s largest franchisors list.

Over nearly 50 years, Proforma has grown its footprint to 485 distributor locations throughout North America. Proforma’s recent acquisition of Safeguard will continue to expand the number of distributorships powered by Proforma, as well as the Network’s presence and capabilities.

“We’re extremely proud to be recognized alongside some of Tampa Bay’s most successful franchises,” says Doug Kordel, president and chief legal officer at Proforma. “This acknowledgment motivates us to keep raising the bar for what our Network can achieve together.”

ePromos powered by GSD Designs (PPAI 212648, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 27 distributor, announced it has earned a Silver sustainability rating from EcoVadis, a leading corporate sustainability intelligence platform.

• Published in March 2026 and valid through March 2027, this recognition places ePromos in the top 10% of all companies evaluated globally.
• With a score of 75 out of 100 and a 90th percentile ranking, this milestone is especially meaningful as it follows the company’s inaugural Bronze certification in 2025.

“Earning Silver from EcoVadis, especially within a year of our Bronze certification, is a milestone we are genuinely proud of,” says Christine Puglisi, CMO and co-owner of ePromos Powered by GSD Designs.

“This recognition reinforces that sustainability is part of how we work, support our clients and continue to grow. As a women-owned business, ePromos is committed to building a company that delivers strong performance while creating meaningful impact. This achievement reflects that commitment.”

Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 33 supplier, is one of seven Minnesota companies that have been named finalists for the fourth annual Meaningful Capitalism Awards, an initiative that recognizes privately held businesses that achieve strong financial performance while making a measurable difference in the lives of employees, families and communities.

The awards reception was held on May 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley, Minnesota.

“I’m humbled and honored to announce that Storm Creek has been named a 2026 Meaningful Capitalism Awards Honoree,” says Teresa Fudenberg, CEO of Storm Creek.

“Recognition like this really takes a driven team and partners who push us to do more, which is why we brought them on stage with us. They are the reason we do what we do. We’re so grateful to use our apparel as an economic engine to give back to partners like Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest and Tee It Up for the Troops.”

Office Beacon (PPAI 255089) has announced the appointment of Denise Cline as general manager of its promotional products division.

A key part of this strategy is Office Beacon’s continued investment in South Africa as a client-facing delivery hub for the promotional products industry.

With more than two decades of experience in the promotional products industry, Cline brings deep expertise across operations, supplier relations, workflow design and business growth.

“Denise’s appointment reflects our long-term commitment to the promotional products industry,” says Pranav Dalal, founder and CEO of Office Beacon. “We are not building a traditional outsourcing model. We are building specialized support teams that operate as a true extension of our clients’ businesses, and Denise brings industry expertise and operational leadership to help scale that vision.”

Booker Promotions (PPAI 102188, Silver) has announced its acquisition of North Carolina-based distributor Custom Advertising.

This strategic acquisition expands Booker Promotions’ footprint in the promotional products industry as a premier leader in the Southeast, the firm says.

“Custom Advertising has built a strong reputation for quality, creativity and customer service,” says Shimon Kaminetzky, partner of Booker Promotions. “We are excited to welcome their talented team and loyal clients into the Booker family. Together, we will continue to drive growth and deliver exceptional client experiences with our signature white-glove service.”

“This is an exciting new chapter for our company,” adds Dave Watson, owner of Custom Advertising. “After a lengthy two-year search and many conversations, I found a partner that shares the same passion and energy. Partnering with Booker Promotions allows us to scale our capabilities while maintaining the personalized service our clients expect.”

Fully Promoted of Southern NH recently announced its official move to a larger facility at 2 Commerce Drive, Suite 102 in Bedford, New Hampshire. Less than a minute’s drive from its previous location, the new space features a significantly expanded showroom and production area.

Owned and operated by Sal and Jennifer Calautti, the firm recently hosted clients, partners and the community at a grand opening celebration. Representatives from the national Fully Promoted headquarters, Walter Miska, brand president of Fully Promoted and Andrew Titus, president of United Franchise Group, were in attendance.

“Our new space represents opportunity,” says Sal Calautti, owner of FPSNH, recognized as one of Business NH Magazine’s Top Fastest-Growing Family Companies in 2025. “By nearly tripling our footprint, we’ll be able to add new equipment, grow our expert team and better serve our loyal clients. Our clients appreciate our central location; it’s easy to visit our new showroom, see samples and pick up orders. We are thrilled to stay in the neighborhood while gaining the extra room we need to serve our clients in an even greater capacity.”