With the PPAI staff’s aim of connecting and engaging more frequently with members in their offices and factories, PPAI directors Ellen Tucker, director of business development, and Tina Berres Filipski, director of publications/editor, visited the offices of PPAI supplier members Compass Industries, Inc. (PPAI 110923, S6) and Bulova (PPAI 133171, S4), while in New York City last week. Tucker also met separately with New York City-based DBEBZ/Backpacker (PPAI 675752, S4).

At Compass, the pair met with Gary Rosenberg, director of sales and marketing; Michael Levy, president, and Josh Levy, vice president, to learn about the 80-year-old, three-generation, family-owned company specializing in tools and outdoor gear, with brand names such as MagLite, Leatherman, Buck Knives and Nite Ize, and its own brand of knives, compasses and similar items.

The meeting with Bulova took place in the supplier’s offices on the 29th floor of the Empire State building, which included a look at museum-quality items and memorabilia from the iconic brand’s 144-year history. Tucker and Filipski met with Adrienne Forrest, vice president, corporate sales; Patricia Schmoyer, director, integrated marketing; and Ryan Roberson, corporate sales coordinator, to learn more about the company’s promotional markets division and its plans for 2020.

Earlier in the day, Tucker visited with David Bebon, CEO of DBEBZ/Backpacker, and his son, Spencer Bebon, vice president, along with Marlene Shapiro, production manager, and Binnie Acquicino, customer service lead, to learn more about the supplier’s line of quality, outdoor apparel under the Backpacker brand including flannel, performance and outerwear.