(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of news releases and updates submitted from organizations around the industry. PPAI Media edits these only slightly, including for length, and will consider newsworthy entries from any member organization.)

July 13, 2022

Roger Burnet, CAS, Named Chairman Of MiPPA’s DEIB Committee

The Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) has named Roger Burnett CAS, the first chairman of the newly established Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.

MiPPA President, Eric Pehrson MASI said, “We’re so pleased that Roger has once again stepped up to take a leadership role in helping us establish initiatives and programs to advance understanding, education and advancement of this important issue. For a few years, MiPPA has had a stated purpose to weave DEIB into all of our programs, but defining and execution has been a challenge. It is an area where we don’t know what we don’t know but we know we want to make a difference.”

MiPPA’s Board of Directors voted to make DEIB a standing committee in order to commit to progress in this area. Director Maureen Dwyer has acted as DEIB Champion for the past two years reminding the board in our deliberations about the commitment.

Burnett brings a passion for positive change and advancing social responsibility in the promotional products industry. MiPPA welcomes volunteers from the industry, even outside of MiPPA, who wish to assist in their efforts.

AIM Smarter Promotes Kara Main to Senior Director of Supplier Relations and Merchandising

AIM Smarter, LLC is pleased to announce the promotion of Kara Main to Senior Director of Supplier Relations and Merchandising.

“Since joining AIM Smarter in 2019, Kara has been an integral part of the team, advancing her responsibilities and leadership skills,” said Cathy Cummings, Executive Vice President of Supplier Relations. “Kara has developed and cultivated relationships with our supplier partners and will continue to develop plans and strategies to continue strengthening these relationships. I’m thrilled and excited for what Kara has planned.”

In her new role, Main will provide broad-based, proactive leadership and strategic direction in corporate programs, merchandising, supplier relationships and services to drive AIM’s and ACS Affiliate Services’ core business strategies. She will continue to collaborate with cross-functional teams on event planning and marketing initiatives, while focusing her attention on developing and providing programs to accelerate growth.

“Kara has been a great asset to the business from day one. She is passionate about the development and delivery of our programs to the AIM and ACS communities and is a collaborative leader who embodies the spirit of culture and capability,” said Nichole Stella, CEO of AIM Smarter. “I am delighted to recognize her accomplishments.”

Main was born into the promotional product industry, previously working at AIA Corporation, Marco Promotional Products and Laser Specialties (LSI).

July 12, 2022

iPROMOTEu Hosts Successful Supplier Showcase In Washington D.C.

iPROMOTEu, one of the largest and fastest-growing distributors in the promotional products industry, recently hosted its second of four 2022 Supplier Showcases. This second Showcase was held at the Park Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C.

iPROMOTEu’s Supplier Showcase series brings together twenty-five of iPROMOTEu’s top Independent Distributor Affiliates and representatives from leading industry suppliers for group networking and one-on-one meetings. During these meetings, suppliers learn about each Affiliates’ business and gain a deeper understanding of their current projects. This insight allows suppliers to customize recommendations and better support the individual Affiliates. In addition to iPROMOTEu-exclusive offers, Affiliates receive previews of upcoming new product launches and hear details about the latest trends. 

Special guest Dale Denham, President and CEO of PPAI, addressed the entire group with an inspirational speech during the opening night’s dinner. The following evening, all attendees were treated to a moonlight tour of Washington D.C.’s historical monuments including a stop at the Lincoln Memorial. 

“Our Supplier Showcase series has proven successful for many years, and I’m thrilled to say I believe this was our best one yet. The relationships between our Affiliates and suppliers grew even stronger and the potential business opportunities are now limitless” said Ross Silverstein, iPROMOTEu President and CEO.

“iPROMOTEu’s Supplier Showcase is an amazing platform to dig deeper into your vendors’ product lines and capabilities” said Mary Quinlan of Q Group, a top iPROMOTEu Affiliate based in Bend, Oregon. “You also create personal relationships that will carry you through years to come when tackling unusual projects or when issues arise. You will experience fabulous venues, conversations, dining and regional activities while building relationships with your counterparts and vendors - truly a must do experience.”  

Tim Mason from supplier Fossa Apparel, Inc. said “There is not a better experience or meeting format in the industry than iPROMOTEu’s Supplier Showcase.” Likewise, Jessica Majors from IMAGEN Brands said “Thank you to the iPROMOTEu team for the outstanding work at the Supplier Showcase East. The event offered the perfect mix of work and fun that allowed us to create relationships, business opportunities and friendships that will continue well beyond the event.”

iPROMOTEu’s next Supplier Showcase will again take place in Washington, D.C in September 2022.

July 12

Proforma Wins Two Graphic Design USA In-House Design Awards

Proforma, the $500 million technology and business success leader, was awarded two Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) In-House Design Awards last week.  

These wins represent the 11th consecutive year in which Proforma has been recognized for in-house graphic design leadership and excellence by GDUSA, a business-to-business thought leader for graphic design professionals for nearly 60 years. 

"I'm incredibly proud of our award-winning design team for consistently producing high-level creative work year over year," explained Proforma VP of Marketing Patrick Magyar. “We continue to push ourselves further outside the box when telling our brand stories with innovative and creative visuals that are clearly setting us apart in the marketplace.”  

These awards recognize in-house graphic designers for their creativity, the special challenges they face, and the value they bring to the table. GDUSA is widely regarded as the most predominant design institution in the United States. 

“I’m proud to share some of our strongest projects with the industry and the design community,” explained Proforma Creative Manager Xanthi Katsigiannis. “This recognition helps our clients and partners experience the powerful marketing assets that underscore our position as an industry leader.” 

GDUSA received entries from 27 categories including Integrated Marketing Campaigns, Catalogs, and Packaging. Award winners across all categories are presented the opportunity to be featured on GDUSA.com, showcasing their brands to the publication’s 100,000 monthly website visitors.