(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 29, 2022

American Solutions for Business Partners with OtterBox and Gold Bond to Donate to Local School

American Solutions for Business, together with Patriot-level partners, OtterBox and Gold Bond, donated drink wear to students of Glacial Hills Elementary in Starbuck, Minnesota. After receiving a donation request from Glacial Hills for sufficient water bottles for children, ASB began the search for a durable and long-lasting solution.

ASB’s partner, OtterBox, graciously stepped up to donate the product as part of the company’s mission “We Grow to Give.” This mission is largely supported through the OtterCares Foundation, founded 2009 to support innovative education and empower youth to create lasting change through philanthropy and entrepreneurship.

“Our company and employees are dedicated to giving back in meaningful ways to support our communities,” said David Baldwin, Business Development Manager for OtterBox. “We appreciate American Solutions’ leadership and Gold Bond’s partnership in making this donation possible.”

These bottles not only provide a solution for children who may not have the means, but provides them with something they feel proud to carry with school spirit. The Glacial Ridge logo, along with the American logo, is prominently laser-engraved onto the tumbler thanks to our partner, Gold Bond, who waived fees on decoration.

“Gold Bond is honored to partner with American Solutions and their continued efforts and support of the local community in Glenwood,” explained Kim Newell, VP of National Accounts for Gold Bond. “To be just a small part of a project that helps children and families we are incredibly thankful for the opportunity and our hope is that this small donation will bring joy to the children that receive the items.”

“They are absolutely fantastic!” expressed Jodee Lund, Director at Glacial Hills Elementary. “We are going to put the kids’ names on the water bottles and hand them out. We are so thankful for the support!”

Fully Promoted in Cleveland Expands Reach With Acquisition of Garment Specialties
Expansion will amplify product offerings across both businesses.

Cristina and Fernando Bertero, owners of the Fully Promoted® franchise in the Greater West Cleveland, Ohio area, have acquired Garment Specialties, a 35-year-old company selling apparel and decorated products. The purchase is expected to double sales and expand the reach of the Cleveland area franchise location into a new geographic area (Cleveland Southeast) and an additional niche market.

The purchase was facilitated by a broker from Transworld Business Advisors® (TBA), a franchise company that, like Fully Promoted, is part of the United Franchise Group™ (UFG) family of affiliated brands. Mike Brugger, Fully Promoted Brand President, was personally involved in the transaction.

"We're excited about serving an expanded geographic area while offering enhanced services to a whole new customer base," said Fernando Bertero. "We're also grateful to our colleagues at Transworld Business Advisors and the team at United Franchise Group, who offered us support and guidance in making this transaction happen. Our broker at TBA was extremely professional and knowledgeable, and Mike Brugger was an invaluable resource."

Based in Twinsburg, Ohio, Garment Specialties sells a wide variety of apparel and decorated products including embroidery, screen printing, uniform patches and more. It also provides special niche offerings to police, fire fighters, and emergency personnel as well as tactical and armored protective gear, a market that Fully Promoted has not yet penetrated.

The acquisition also benefits the Garment Specialties location by adding to its product portfolio: promotional items, trade show materials, signage, and paper printing. Both locations will be able to lower costs through consolidation of production in one location.

"We congratulate Fernando and Cristina for a smart acquisition that offers unmatched products and services to customers," said Brugger. "It's exciting to see them bring the Fully Promoted experience to thousands of new customers. As Fully Promoted expands and continues to open new locations, we have the opportunity to introduce existing companies and distributors to our proven success."

Garment Specialties will keep its name while transitioning to Fully Promoted over the next year. Cristina Bertero will continue to run the Cleveland West Fully Promoted franchise location and Fernando Bertero will oversee the new location and its expansion.

June 28, 2022

Ariel Galletti Joins BAMKO In Strategic Development Role

Austin, Texas based Ariel Galletti has joined BAMKO in a Strategic Development role. She comes from Sock Club and was previously at RDP Creative. Ariel will be working directly with BAMKO’s SVP of Strategic Growth Josh White and help drive a number of BAMKO’s most high-impact strategic growth initiatives.

“Ariel is smart, tenacious, and a great cultural fit for BAMKO. At BAMKO, we believe greatness happens at the intersection of personal and professional growth. We look for the insatiably curious and empower them to make a difference. Ariel is someone who is going to make a big difference at BAMKO.”
-Josh White, SVP Strategic Growth