(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.)

June 27, 2022

Class of 2022 Meriden Hall of Fame Honors Herbert Barker

Barker Specialty Company is honored to announce Herbert (“Herb”) Barker’s induction to the Class of 2022 Meriden Hall of Fame.

Barker dedicated his entire life to the promotional products industry and was involved in the company’s operations, until his passing in 2019. Together with his wife Gloria, they worked to establish Barker Specialty Company, founded in 1951. Herb started Barker Specialty based on the idea of imprinting company’s names on useful products for advertising. Barker Specialty is now one of the leading promotional product companies in the USA and celebrated their 70th anniversary last year.

Herb also had an endless amount of pride and joy for animation, art, and collectibles! Herb and Gloria began collecting animation art and antique toys, which ultimately inspired them to open the infamous Barker Animation Arts Galleries and the Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum in the 1990’s. Both remain remarkable sources of attraction to this day in Cheshire, Connecticut.

Herb and Gloria were devoted to preserving cartoon heritage by the continuous collection of art, toys, animation, and artifacts. In 2016, they expanded the long-lasting appreciation for artwork by opening an additional Barker Animation location in the Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Herb's business acumen and friendly demeanor made him a popular figure in Meriden where he chaired the Public Celebrations Committee. He led major events like the Meriden Day at the 1964 World's Fair in NYC and many parades throughout the downtown Meriden area. He also opened the first Golden Skillet restaurant in Meriden, CT. In addition, he was one of the first inductees into the Connecticut Business Hall of Fame in 2006 and was named “Boss of the Year” by the Greater Hartford Jaycees.

“Dad and Mom would be so thrilled and honored to have this recognition by the Meriden Hall of Fame. Our entire family appreciates all the work done by the Meriden Hall of Fame organization!” said President Gerry Barker.

Herb was an amazing person, father, boss, friend, and husband during his lifetime and certainly would be proud of the business’s evolution, success, and the continuous dedication to thrive in the industry. Herb will forever be remembered as a charismatic entrepreneur, visionary, and an icon of Meriden.

June 24, 2022

Kevin Davydov Joins Fully Promoted As Marketing Manager

Fully Promoted, the world's largest branded apparel and promotional products franchise, has appointed Kevin Davydov to lead its promotional initiatives as its new Marketing Manager.

Davydov brings an extensive background in corporate marketing with the franchise industry and has managed campaigns at international and local levels. Using an innovative digital approach, he will lead Fully Promoted in streamlining the marketing efforts at all of its franchise locations worldwide, with the goal of boosting their individual sales as Fully Promoted strives for brand saturation.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Kevin Davydov into the Fully Promoted family and add to our marketing team,” said Mike Brugger, Brand President. “Kevin has brought innovative thinking to every company where he has worked and we’re eager to see him take our digital marketing strategy to the next level.”
Davydov said, “I’m excited at the opportunity to join this forward-thinking company that leads the promotions industry. Fully Promoted already has powerful marketing strategies, and I plan to enhance them with new approaches to elevate these efforts.”

Davydov is a native New Yorker who has lived in South Florida since 2020. He is a 2018 graduate of the Lubin School of Business at Pace University, where he earned a degree in business marketing. He holds multiple certifications in digital marketing and related specialties.

Reciprocity Road Member C&S Sales Cleans Hawthorne, California-Area Beach

Through a partnership with Heal the Bay, employees of C&S Sales Brand Promotions volunteered to provided service to a Hawthorne, California-area beach for its Day of Service. The team took over 100 pounds of trash of the beach, including over 550 cigarette butts. Two teams of employees competed against each other over which could pick up the most trash and do the most good. C&S Sales also made a cash donation to Heal the Bay.

Reciprocity Road, an alliance of 10 distributors across the U.S and Canada, comprising approximately $230 million in promotional products spending. The alliance demands transparency, a commitment to giving back to charitable initiatives and free referencing of suppliers.