HALO Branded Solutions (UPIC: HBS) held its annual awards gala at the Four Seasons Las Vegas Hotel during The PPAI Expo 2016. The Sterling, Illinois-based distributor honored the achievements of more than 250 top account executives at the event, and presented its 2015 Supplier of the Year and 2015 Supplier Representative of the Year awards.

More than 70 of the distributor’s preferred suppliers qualified for its Supplier of the Year Award. The recognition went to Leed’s after a vote late last year by HALO’s account executives and support staff. Terry McGuire, HALO senior vice-president of marketing, says, “Our continued growth, as well as the growth of our preferred supplier program, is a result of the incredible support from promotional products suppliers like Leeds.”

Jim Heurung, national account manager for HIT, was recognized as the 2015 Supplier Representative of the Year. “Jim was an overwhelming choice,” says McGuire. “Our business with HIT continues to grow double-digits, thanks in large part to the exceptional service he provides our team. He is always there for us.”

Marc Simon, HALO CEO, says, “Our preferred supplier program is an industry success story. The profit enhancements and exclusive promotions our preferred suppliers provide are passed on to our sales people—this year we announced a new record of over $2 million in supplier bonus payments to our sales team. In turn, these key suppliers are honored with nearly 70 percent of our purchases. We are pleased to recognize their exceptional efforts throughout the year.”

Recognizing its account executives, HALO presented Star Awards to more than 50 individuals for sales increases over 20 percent over the prior year, and MVP Awards, honoring top account executives with exceptional profit performance, were awarded to 44 account executives. Bob Southard of Columbus, Ohio was recognized as the top sales performer at the culmination of the evening.

“It’s an honor to recognize the many achievements of our account executives,” says Jim Stutz, executive vice president of business development for HALO. “Their effort, enthusiasm and creativity have created the most dynamic sales community in our industry. We appreciate the opportunity to serve them.”

Simon adds, “The HALO sales force represents many of the highest achieving selling professionals in our industry. Their hard work and high integrity allow HALO to continue to achieve great things. We take great pride in recognizing the many contributions these individuals make throughout the year.”