Innovative (PPAI 102575, Silver) welcomes branded merchandise industry veteran Nick Augustine as a branded solutions category specialist.

In this role, Augustine will partner with Innovative’s sales team and clients to expand branded merchandise opportunities across existing customer relationships. This addition reflects Innovative’s continued investment in expanding its branded solutions capabilities throughout the Upper Midwest.

• He previously worked at ACS Affiliate Services as director of business development and, prior to that, as national sales manager at ADG Promotional Products.
• Through Innovative’s participation in the Facilisgroup network, he’ll leverage preferred supplier relationships, marketing programs and technology platforms.

“What excites me most is helping clients discover the full value of partnering with Innovative,” Augustine says. “Branded merchandise isn’t a separate conversation; it’s another way we help organizations strengthen their brands. When clients can source through one trusted partner, the experience is simpler, more strategic and ultimately more valuable.”

Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 28 supplier, has launched ReLabel, a program that gives distributors access to completely unbranded versions of 12 best-selling styles without overseas sourcing, four-figure minimums or months-long production timelines.

Distributors can now order unbranded Storm Creek styles starting at 24 pieces per style. Every ReLabel garment is stocked in Storm Creek’s warehouse and ships directly to decorators (orders in by 4 p.m. CST. to ship same day).

“Today’s biggest apparel opportunities aren’t always about adding another logo – they’re about creating an experience that feels intentional,” says Doug Jackson, founder and product visionary at Storm Creek. “From premium employee programs to high-visibility events, clients are looking for apparel that reflects their brand without outside labels getting in the way. ReLabel gives distributors that flexibility, backed by inventory, speed and the quality customers already expect from Storm Creek.”

Join Storm Creek for an upcoming distributor webinar to get a first look at ReLabel, learn how to position the program with customers and discover how to deliver the private label look without the traditional barriers. Register HERE for the August 12, 1 p.m. CST. webinar.

Koozie Group (PPAI 114187, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 4 supplier, has shared that its Garyline Cubbie RPET Bottle with Straw Lid – 20 oz. (Item#: 46524S) has advanced to the Top 16 in the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Coolest Thing Made in Florida contest.

Voting in this bracketed, head-to-head round will determine which products move on to the Top 8. Voting opened August 4 and runs through August 18 at coolestthingmadeinflorida.com, and supporters can vote once per day.

“The Garyline Cubbie RPET Bottle didn’t just make the honor roll – it made the Sweet 16,” says Joe Richards, vice president of marketing at Koozie Group. “Now we need our distributor community to fill out their bracket in our favor. Vote daily and let’s take this all the way to the Elite 8 and beyond.”