(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.)

January 10

Susan Rye Joins Brikl Board Of Directors

Brikl (PPAI 803362, A01), an online store solution for promotional products and team wear, has added Susan Rye as the newest member of its board of directors.

  • Rye brings 23 years of experience at SanMar, including a wealth of supplier insight and a proven track record of steering multi-million-dollar programs.

“I am thrilled to be joining Brikl’s board at such a pivotal time,” says Rye. “Brikl’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric approach are commendable and highly exciting. I look forward to contributing to the company’s journey towards setting new industry standards and delivering unmatched value to our clients.”

Jason Reinhardt, chief revenue officer and co-founder of Brikl, adds, “Our paths crossed just two and a half years ago, and it was immediately clear that we shared a common vision for addressing the challenges in our industry. Susan’s background, where she contributed significantly to their growth, combined with her renowned insight and foresight in technology trends, makes her an incredibly valuable asset to our company.”

Eyevertising Rebrands To Bold Promo

Eyevertising (PPAI 536045, S5) has been rebranded as Bold Promo in response to its growth in products and services, and enhancements to its integrated print-on-demand solution.

  • The company now offers decorated apparel, wearables, accessories and drinkware, in addition to promotional sunglasses and premium eyewear, plus a free company store platform, print-on-demand and fulfillment services.
  • The news follows an earlier announcement that the supplier is expanding its production capacity through a larger printing and fulfillment facility.

“Our business has evolved dramatically in recent years,” says co-CEO/CTO Sylvan Faber. “We’re excited to unveil our new brand, which more accurately reflects the company we have become and our bold vision of the promo industry.”

“While the brand is evolving, our core values stay the same. Expect the same high-quality products and great level of customer service from start to finish!” says co-CEO/COO Victoria Newton Dunn.

January 9

Gemline Debuts Under $10 Collection Featuring Aware Traceability Technology

Gemline (PPAI 113948, S11) introduces an all-new under $10 collection of recycled cotton products – including tote bags, a pouch and an apron – featuring Aware textile traceability technology.

  • The technology was previously showcased in the MiiR Olympus 2.0 Collection. By scanning the QR code on the product hangtag, consumers can trace the entire journey of the sustainable materials used in the product.
  • Aware, renowned as the world’s first hybrid traceability technology, combines physical tracers with a public blockchain to create a virtual passport that authenticates sustainable materials throughout the production process. This revolutionary technology guarantees the authenticity of products made from sustainable materials.

Frank Carpenito, president & CEO of Gemline, explains the company’s continuing commitment to sustainability with a focus on affordability. “At Gemline, we firmly believe that sustainability should not be a luxury, but an accessible choice for all. The integration of Aware’s state-of-the-art technology in products sold for under $10 sets a new industry precedent for affordable eco-conscious options and serves as a perfect complement to the large number and variety of under $10 products we have added to our line over the past 12 months.”

SanMar Debuts New Styles From 10 Iconic Brands

With its 2024 Spring New Arrivals, SanMar (PPAI 110788, S16) is introducing more than 125 styles across 10 iconic brands.

  • The release includes stock uniform collections from Sport-Tek, elevated fabrications from District, fashion-forward sustainability options and a major rollout in bags from TravisMathew.
  • The updated Sport-Tek collection introduces 33 new authentic sport styles with a wide range of fits and uniforms in up to 14 team colors.
  • District introduces District Wash tees and fleece with sun-drenched colors and lived-in softness. The Very Important Tee program grows expands with 20 new colors.
  • SanMar also builds on its sustainable apparel offerings with 28 new options across seven brands, including Nike products with recycled polyester, Port Authority C-FREE jackets, TravisMathew and OGIO polos, and Allmade heavyweight 100-percent recycled cotton tees.
  • Bags and luggage are rolling out in a big way with 24 innovative and stylish new bags from five brands, including new backpacks, duffels, rollers and spinners from TravisMathew.

SanMar will showcase samples from its Spring New Arrivals at The PPAI Expo 2024. The company's products can be found at booth 3113. 

Orbus Enhances And Expands Print Capabilities With New Equipment

Orbus Visual Communications (PPAI 428128, S7) has made a recent investment in market-leading, state-of-the-art dye-sublimation and UV print equipment to improve capacity and ensure consistent color and output across its facilities.

  • The new equipment increases Orbus’ dye-sub printing capacity by 10%, a rise from 15,400 square feet per hour to 23,000 square feet per hour.
  • With the addition of a Digitech TruFire UV LT/X2 printer and an EFI VuTek Q5R Ultradrop printer with inline cutting capability, Orbus has also increased its UV print capacity by 60%. This pushes the hourly output from 9,500 square feet to 15,000 square feet.

“The advancements in our printing capabilities reaffirm our dedication to excellence and position Orbus as the place to go superior displays graphics,” says Jaime Herand, vice president of graphic operations at Orbus. “We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in the latest technologies that enable us to offer the best solutions to our clients.”

January 8

ASB Adds Seven New Members To Its Vendor Advisory Board

American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, D12) introduces its 2024 Vendor Advisory Board. The board was established in 2019 to achieve a higher level of communication, collaboration and partnership between ASB and its vendor network.

  • Incoming members are:
    Brian Deissroth, CAS – Director of National Accounts, Edwards Garment
    Matt Kaplan – President, OrderMyGear
    Brian Padian – Vice President of Sales & Marketing, High Caliber Line
    Brittany David, MAS – Chief Revenue Officer, SnugZ
    Joe Douglas – Tradeshow & Event Manager, Orbus Visual Communications
    Emily Meyers – Vice President of Sales & Marketing, BCSI
    Megan Spire – Vice President of Sales, BELLA+CANVAS
  • Board members who will continue for another year are:
    Marc Gammon (Cap America), Kim Newell (Gold Bond), Kevin Mullaney (PDF), John Abbott (Abbott Label), Marc Held (alphabroder) and Dan Taylor (BamBams).
  • ASB also recognizes these members whose terms recently ended: Michael Szymczak, Melisa Ralston (Koozie Group), Beth Marston (Navitor), Jarod Thorndike (SAGE), Kevin Walsh, CAS (Showdown Displays), Bob Saunders (Wise) and Roni Wright, MAS (The Book Company).

January 4

Outdoor Cap’s Newest Style Offers Exceptional Comfort

Outdoor Cap (PPAI 213485, S10) introduces the OCflx – a cap that combines stretch mesh panels with the company’s ProFlex adjustable sweatband for exceptional comfort and micro adjustable fit.

  • Two styles are available: a flagship version and an eco-friendly version crafted of REPREVE recycled polyester with the ProFlex adjustable sweatband.