(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of updates from organizations around the promotional products industry. PPAI Media will consider newsworthy entries submitted by any member organization.)

December 18

Dave Saracino Joins All American Writing Instruments As CRO

Promo industry veteran, Dave Saracino, has returned to his writing instrument roots as chief revenue officer at All American Writing Instruments (PPAI 113946, S5).

  • In his new role, Saracino will focus on growing the distribution of AAWI’s promotional products portfolio across North America. He will report directly to Adam Bell, CEO.
  • Saracino’s career in the industry includes more than 35 years with Koozie Group (formerly BIC Graphic North America) as its vice president of sales and senior vice president of business development. Most recently, he was vice president of sales for Charles River Apparel.

“It is incredibly exciting and humbling to have someone of Dave’s stature believe in the power of US manufacturing and family-owned business. We cannot wait to see what the future holds with Dave as part of the AAWI team,” says Colleen Shea, VP of sales.

“I am extremely excited to be part of a third- and fourth-generation family business producing USA-made writing instruments,” says Saracino. “Pens have been my passion since I started my career, and I’m confident that in this position, I will help to expand the depth and distribution of AAWI in the promotional products industry.”

Orbus Recognized As Most Environmentally Responsible Company Of 2023

Orbus Visual Communications (PPAI 428128, S7) has been awarded a 2023 Silver Best in Biz award for Most Environmentally Responsible Company of the year.

  • The award recognizes Orbus’ commitment to environmental protection and its recertification to ISO 14001:2015 environmental management policies. Measures include maintaining a robust recycling program. In 2023 alone, Orbus diverted 80.3% of all waste from landfills. Over the course of the last decade, Orbus has diverted over 10 million lbs. of waste from landfills.
  • This is the fourth-year that Orbus has received a Best in Biz award. Submissions are judged by diverse members of the press who have researched and covered countless successful companies. Companies are judged on accomplishments in the past year and their dedication to continuous improvement, as well as the innovation, employing new technologies, employee inclusion, critical investments in environmental and corporate social responsibility programs.

The Incentive Federation Announces 2024 Board Of Directors

The membership of the Incentive Federation has elected its 2024 Board of Directors. Joining the board next year is new member, Adrienne Forrest, CPIM, senior vice president for corporate sales at Citizen Watch America. Other board members are:

Richard Blabolil, CPIM, President, Marketing Innovators International
George Delta, Esq., Executive Director and Legal Counsel, Incentive Federation
Dale Denham, MAS+, President and CEO, Promotional Products Association International
Michael Donnelly, CPIM, President, Hinda Incentives
Brian Galonek, CPIM, President, All Star Incentive Marketing
Theresa Harkins-Schulz, SPHR, CCP, CRP, Senior Vice President – Customer Experience, Inspirus/Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services
Richard L. Low, CPIM, Division Director, Richmond, The Image Group
Sean Roark, CPIM, Executive Vice President, Promotion, Incentive and Engagement Professionals
Karen Wesloh, CAE, CMP, Executive Director, Incentive Marketing Association

  • Sue Voyles, president of Word and Vision Consulting, leaves the board after serving IFI for several years as president of Logos Communications.
  • Since 1984, the IF has been a voice for the industry by monitoring, lobbying and communicating about government legislative and regulatory matters that impact the industry, and has conducted valuable industry research studies since 1996.

December 15

Brenda Angelini And Patrick Reinecker Inducted Into HPPA Hall Of Fame

Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) has inducted Brenda Angelini, MAS, and Patrick Reinecker into its Hall of Fame. The inductions took place at the HPPA Holiday Party on December 8.

  • The HPPA Hall of Fame is an exclusive recognition bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and contributions to the association and the promotional product industry as a whole. Inductees are celebrated for their outstanding achievements and their enduring impact on the industry and HPPA.
  • Brenda Angelini, MAS, began her industry career in 1998 by launching her own business, Adventure in Advertising, now known as AIA. Twelve years later, she founded Proforma Angelini & Associates. Angelini has also served in every HPPA board position and contributed to numerous committees from 2014 to 2022, culminating in her role as RAC Delegate in 2022. She is the recipient of multiple awards, including HPPA Distributor of the Year in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2022, the Proforma Family Legacy Award and the Proforma Women of Leadership Award.
  • Patrick Reinecker, the youngest member to receive this prestigious honor, is a visionary leader who has left an indelible mark on the industry. His contributions to HPPA have spanned numerous committees and roles, from Membership and Programming to Trade Shows and treasurer. He has also served as president for four terms and is credited with creating and nurturing the Cool Stuff Show, alongside Teri Ray, and co-chairing the HotStuff Show. Beyond HPPA, Reinecker and his wife, Kim, have been dedicated volunteers in community efforts, particularly in hurricane relief during Hurricanes Katrina and Ike.