Starline – PPAI 100’s No. 27 supplier – has added the German brand LAMY to its offerings. The partnership brings a variety of the brand’s world-class writing instruments, including fountain pens, rollerballs, ballpoints and mechanical pencils, to the promo market.

Founded in Heidelberg in 1930, LAMY has built a global reputation for its engineering, design and writing comfort.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome LAMY into the Starline family,” says Starline Chief Revenue Officer Brian Porter. “Adding such a prestigious brand to our writing category allows us to offer our customers not only everyday functionality but also a premium gift experience that sets their brand apart. This is an exciting step in continuing to deliver high-end, retail-quality products across all categories.”

The LAMY collection is available now through Starline’s website, offering distributors a new option for high-end, retail-quality promotional gifts.

Pittsburgh-based distributor HDS Marketing has launched a sports marketing division to serve professional teams and their sponsors with branded merchandise strategies. The division began operating in January and is led by Christie Stewart, director of sports activation.

HDS ranks No. 46 on the PPAI 100 measure of industry leading distributors.

Stewart, who has extensive experience in sports and merchandise, is focused on building partnerships across major leagues including the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. The group’s work spans gameday giveaways, sponsorship activations, retail-inspired apparel and premium fan experiences.

“The foundation of our company is rooted in delivering high-quality, thoughtfully designed branded products, and the sports world is a natural extension of that,” Stewart says. “We’re helping teams and their partners make lasting impressions with fans, employees and VIPs alike, while delivering on key business objectives.”

Founded more than 30 years ago by Howard Schwartz, HDS has grown into a full-service provider of promotional products and branded merchandise. Schwartz, the company’s CEO, says the new division reflects both market demand and the company’s long-standing commitment to creativity in promotional marketing.

“The sports world moves fast and demands excellence, which is exactly the kind of challenge we love,” Schwartz says. “This new division is a natural evolution, and we’re proud of the team that’s bringing it to life.”

PPAI 100’s No. 13 supplier, Massachusetts-based Gemline has announced an exclusive partnership with Timbuk2, the San Francisco-based bag company recognized for its urban mobility designs and sustainable materials.

Through the agreement, Gemline will offer Timbuk2’s City Compass Collection, which features bags made with certified recycled and bluesign-approved materials. The partnership expands Gemline’s betterway portfolio, which emphasizes products aligned with environmental and social responsibility.

The collaboration marks the first time Timbuk2 has partnered with a supplier in the promotional products industry, bringing some of its most recognizable backpacks, messenger bags and everyday carry solutions into the channel.

“Welcoming Timbuk2 to our retail brand partner family is another step in providing access to respected retail names,” says Frank Carpenito, president and CEO of Gemline.

Timbuk2, founded in 1989, has built its reputation on durable, design-driven bags. Teresa Vincent, senior sales director at Timbuk2, says the partnership allows the brand to reach new customers while staying true to its focus on smart design and responsible production.

“This partnership with Gemline represents a meaningful milestone for Timbuk2,” Vincent says. “By combining our legacy of innovation and sustainable design with Gemline’s trusted service and reach, we’re opening new doors for the brand and for customers who value quality with purpose.

“The City Compass Collection embodies what we stand for – smart design, responsible materials and gear that moves with you.”

California-based supplier Logomark is celebrating the graduation of Bella, a rescue dog turned psychiatric service animal, through its sponsorship of the Shelter to Soldier program.

A training program that pairs rescue dogs with veterans, Shelter to Soldier is the most visible give-back program for PPAI 100’s No. 12 supplier.

Bella, a two-year-old chocolate Labrador mix, was adopted into the program in February 2024 and paired shortly after with a U.S. Navy veteran named Shawn. Their path to graduation was not without setbacks – Bella required surgeries on both knees before resuming her training – but the pair worked together to complete the program. They officially graduated Sept. 4 at Shelter to Soldier’s Wings of Freedom Training Campus in Oceanside, California.

“Bella’s dedication, resilience and joyful spirit have been inspiring to watch,” says Michael Bistocchi, chief revenue officer of Logomark, who attended the ceremony. “Her journey exemplifies the powerful impact a rescue dog can have on the life of a veteran. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with her, Shawn and the Shelter to Soldier team.”

As a Red Star Sponsor of Shelter to Soldier, Logomark helps fund the adoption, training and placement of service dogs like Bella. The company donates a portion of proceeds from its Perka, iCool and Work collections to the program.