MadeToOrder (PPAI 216503, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 55 distributor, has announced the promotion of Katie Grimes to director of strategic accounts, a newly created leadership role.

“Katie is someone who jumps in, solves problems, builds strong relationships and is always willing to help move an opportunity forward,” says Sandy Gonzalez, CEO of MadeToOrder. “She has a natural ability to see the bigger picture, bring people together and find creative solutions for our clients. We’re incredibly excited to see her step into this new role and continue making an impact across MTO.”

A 2023 PPAI Rising Star, Grimes began her career in the branded merchandise industry in 2018 at Origaudio, where she started as a project coordinator before being promoted to account manager. She was one of four sales employees retained through HPG’s acquisition of the company during the pandemic.

In 2021, Grimes joined RED Promotions, later transitioning to MadeToOrder following the RED acquisition.

HPG (PPAI 110772, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 7 supplier, introduces drinkware brand Denwell to the branded merchandise market.

The debut collection features ceramic and glass drinkware. Elevated plastic drinkware, manufactured in the U.S., will launch later this year. Two of the new glassware items offer a new printing technique HPG is calling FrostBrite to create a wraparound translucent imprint.

“With Denwell, we saw an opportunity to bring the look and feel of today’s retail drinkware into the promotional products space,” says Trina Bicknell, CRO, HPG. “From trend-forward design and modern decoration to the way each product is packaged and delivered, every detail has been considered to create a better branded drinkware experience.”

Evans Manufacturing (PPAI 110747, Standard-Base), a subsidiary of HPG (PPAI 110772, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 7 supplier, has announced that it’s expanding its product offering with the launch of a new Umbrella category.

The initial collection features 10 umbrella styles with a variety of sizes, opening mechanisms and functional features. The assortment includes compact travel umbrellas, automatic open and automatic open-and-close styles, an inverted umbrella, a vented windproof design, traditional hook-handle options and oversized golf umbrellas.

“Umbrellas are a natural extension of the Evans product line,” says David Goldfarb, director of product development and management. “They combine everyday usefulness with exceptional brand visibility, giving our distributor partners another versatile category to offer their customers.”

On September 25, Kehkashan Basu was named the 2026 Global Impact Award recipient at the Women Empowerment Awards in Toronto. Basu’s recognition is accompanied by grant support from Kathy Cheng, president of Redwood Classics Apparel (PPAI 696010, International), which also supported the grant.

Basu is the founder and president of Green Hope Foundation, an organization she founded at the age of 12 to help address the exclusion of children, young people, women and marginalized communities from sustainable development. Her work has since grown into an international movement focused on education, sustainability, climate action and community empowerment.

“None of us builds a career, a company or a community entirely on our own. Somewhere along the way, someone opened a door, made an introduction, shared their experience or simply believed in us,” Cheng says. “As leaders and organizations, I believe one of the most meaningful things we can do is share the opportunities, access and encouragement that others have generously shared with us.”

Business Card Service, Inc. (PPAI 691442, Standard-Base), has announced the unveiling of a new brand identity: Printforce, powered by BCSI.

The change accompanies the launch of a redesigned website at printforce.com. Alongside the rebrand, Printforce is rolling out new vertical-market sales tools, giving distributors resources tailored to the specific industries their clients sell into. The tools are available now on the Market Solutions pages at printforce.com.

Fully Promoted of Southern NH welcomed hundreds of clients and local business leaders at its third annual Client Appreciation Event at Bedford Event Center in Bedford, New Hampshire.

The game-day-themed gathering featured a vendor showcase of the season’s newest customizable apparel and promotional items, a complimentary custom Granite State T-shirt bar and refreshments from Tidewater Catering. The New Hampshire Home Builders Association capped off the event with its signature “Beers with Builders” evening networking program.
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During the event, FPSNH awarded $3,000 in “MVP” giveaways to several local businesses and non-profit organizations.

“This event started as a small gesture for our clients, and it has grown into an incredible networking tradition that the NH business community looks forward to,” says Sal Calautti, owner of FPSNH. “It gives our team a chance to show our appreciation, share the newest trends in apparel and gear and highlight the quality that FPSNH delivers to businesses and non-profits. Bringing everyone together, in-person and under one roof, is very rewarding.”

Last year’s outing was named one of PPAI’s Coolest Events In Merch 2026.