HPG (PPAI 110772, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 4 supplier, has opened the doors to its new 135,000-square-foot facility in Sunnyvale, Texas, which now serves as the permanent home of BEST Promotions USA, a subsidiary of HPG and a supplier known for its promotional can coolers and drinkware.

• The new space consolidates key production capabilities under one roof, including screen printing, dye sublimation, laser engraving, sewing and fulfillment.
• The facility also features upgraded workflows, optimized floor layouts and advanced equipment investments.
• In addition, the facility includes an expanded administrative area with a collaborative customer service space, a showroom for product displays and a dedicated training room designed for hosting customers.

“Opening HPG Texas and bringing BEST Promotions USA into this space represents a major investment in our future,” says Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG. “This facility allows us to elevate service, expand creativity and continue delivering the high-quality branded products our distributor partners count on.”

The grand opening, which included customers, industry leaders from PPAI and SAGE, city officials, BEST Promotions USA staff and HPG team members, took place on June 26.

“Attending HPG’s Sunnyvale facility opening was an energizing experience,” says PPAI President and CEO Drew Holmgreen. “This new space reflects the kind of innovation and strategic vision that’s key to elevating merch across our industry. The joy on the faces of the HPG team, especially while celebrating with a Texas-style BBQ, was infectious. Huge thanks to Chris Anderson for his leadership on the PPAI Board and to the entire HPG team for continuing to push branded merchandise forward with purpose and passion.”

SRG (PPAI 230188, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 17 supplier, has announced the upcoming retirement of Missy Kilpatrick, CAS, vice president of business development, after half a decade with the company.

• A 35-plus-year promo veteran, Kilpatrick brought a wealth of experience from her prior roles at The Book Company and Castelli USA.

“It’s been an incredible journey working with such a passionate and innovative team,” Kilpatrick says. “I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve built and the accomplishments we’ve achieved together. I look forward to this next chapter with gratitude and excitement.

Merrick Falkenstein, CRO of SRG, shared: “Missy has been instrumental in shaping our business development strategy and strengthening our client partnerships. Her leadership, grace, and deep industry knowledge have elevated SRG in immeasurable ways. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.”

If you’d like to send your well wishes to Missy, you can reach her at missy@mkilpatrick.com

Gemline (PPAI 113948, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 13 supplier, has announced the introduction of Hartmann, the luxury travel brand of the Samsonite portfolio, to the promotional products industry.

• Hartmann products will debut in July as part of Gemline’s Fall & Holiday 2025 Collection.

“Offering the Hartmann portfolio to Gemline is more than a new product introduction – it’s a testament to Samsonite’s trust in our ability to represent iconic brands exclusively in the promo channel,” says Frank Carpenito, president and CEO of Gemline. “Hartmann has long been synonymous with quality and craftsmanship, and we’re proud to once again offer our distributor partners access to such a brand perfectly positioned to be a premium gifting option.”

American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 9 distributor, has announced the promotion of Alyssa Sullivan to HR Director.

• Sullivan joined ASB in 2016 and has since played a key role in enhancing the company’s HR operations while driving employee engagement initiatives.

“I’m thrilled to recognize her contributions with this well-deserved promotion to director as she continuously demonstrates her commitment to our people-first culture,” says Sarah Louden, vice president of HR at ASB.

iCoStore (PPAI 372689, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 45 distributor, has announced the opening of a new 16,000 sq. ft. production facility and warehouse adjacent to its 20,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Tempe, Arizona.

• The new facility will increase the company’s manufacturing and decoration capabilities, specifically focused on hard goods and paper-based products.
• The additional space will house blank inventory for laser etching, UV printing and paper printing operations.
• It will also be used to store client inventory as part of iCoStore’s fulfillment programs.

“This expansion is about investing in our future and continuing to provide unmatched service to our clients,” says Tom Meissner, president of iCoStore. “We’re building out future capacity, adding new decoration capabilities and reinforcing our position as the most innovative on-demand company store provider in the industry.”

Chocolate Chocolate (PPAI 111668, Standard-Base) has announced four new appointments to its sales force. Kristina Beal joins the supplier in the newly created sales leadership position of national account manager.

Additionally, three multiline rep groups have joined the company:

• MAC Marketing will represent the Southeast
• JSA Promo will represent the Northeast
• Monarch Marketing will represent Southern Ontario in Canada

“Kristina brings a wealth of strategic expertise, strong relationships and leadership capability to our team as we organize to better support the industry as a supplier,” says Justin Walford, president of Chocolate Chocolate.

“Kristina will be leading our efforts to grow promo and merch supplier sales via our expanding network of sales reps, distributor partners and industry collaborators. We’re thrilled to have found such a passionate and capable resource to support our next phase of growth.”