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


March 6, 2023

PPAChicago To Assume PPAW Membership; Wisconsin Association Dissolves

On Monday, Promotional Products Association of Wisconsin (PPAW) announced to its members that it will dissolve effective immediately, and that neighboring regional association Promotional Professional Association of Chicago will assume their memberships for the remainder of 2023.

In an email to members signed by PPAW Executive Director Mandy Faller and the association's board members, PPAW said, "First and foremost, we wanted to thank you for your support and dedication to our organization. It comes with a heavy heart that we have decided to dissolve. We have spent numerous meetings going over the budget, the strategic plan, and most of all the future of PPAW. We held a meeting on Friday, February 3rd, and with a 2/3 vote, we were in favor of dissolving.

"We didn't make this announcement until now because we had to make a plan for you, our members."

  • Since the vote, Faller and the PPAW board note that they have had many meetings and conversations with professionals in and out of the industry. Of PPAChicago, the memo reads, "They offer many more events, education, and support in the industry than we had to offer you."
  • PPAW members are encouraged to contact PPAChicago Executive Director Stacey Felice for the opportunity to attend the upcoming PPAChicago Showcase end buyer show on March 16. 
  • Members who already have dual membership in PPAChicago may be eligible for a refund from PPAW. Those members should contact Faller at info@ppaw.org by March 31 to initiate the refund process.
  • PPAChicago has scheduled a virtual town hall for its members to discuss the association assuming PPAW's membership.

GoFundMe Page Created For Longtime Industry Veteran

Scott Wood, a member of the promotional products community for more than 30 years, has been in the hospital and intensive care since suffering a stroke December 31. He remains in critical condition after undergoing multiple surgeries and experiencing several complications.

  • Wood has been a longtime multi-line representative and the owner/operator of Scott Wood & Associates since 1993.
  • “Always smiling and more than willing to lend a hand by sharing his vast knowledge of the industry,” according to the GoFundMe page. “Scott has mentored many of today’s successful sales professionals. He knows thousands of promo pros throughout the nation and Midwest, where he and Karen raised their family in Chicago.”
  • For donation information, click here.

Sarah Goshgarian Unruh Joins Sock101

Sarah Goshgarian Unruh, previously vice president of business development at Dallas-based OrderMyGear, is the new chief rainmaker (CRO) at Missouri-based supplier Sock101 (PPAI 625402, S6).

  • Unruh has been in the promotional products industry since 2008, starting as president/owner of 4G Events & Promotions. Prior to joining OMG in 2021, she was vice president of sales at Logomark and a global account manager at Proforma.

Givenly.com Announces Brand On Demand

Givenly.com (PPAI 698869) has announced the addition of Brand On Demand to its suite of gifting and employee store offerings, now providing businesses an innovative and convenient way to obtain high-quality branded promotional merchandise with short lead times, and a minimum order quantity of just one unit.

  • With the ability to order as little as one item, Brand On Demand allows anyone to access branded merchandise for their businesses, events, or personal needs, direct from their company store and available to order with just a click.
  • Brand On Demand offers a catalog of over 1,000 premium promotional products, including apparel, bags, drinkware, tech gadgets and more. The program features products from many leading brands, all available with short lead times of 3-10 business days.

March 2, 2023

BAG MAKERS Hires Frankie Gashler As Regional Business Development Manager

 

BAG MAKERS (PPAI 111408, S10) welcomes Frankie Gashler to the sales team as a Regional Business Development Manager. Gashler will serve the company’s customers in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Oregon and Washington.

  • Gashler brings more than 15 years of sales experience to her role at BAG MAKERS. Most recently, she served as director of sales and marketing for Georgia-based PromoMatting, a division of Americo Manufacturing Company. Frankie represented PromoMatting and its product line at national and regional trade shows and was responsible for securing and managing hundreds of national accounts, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to big box retailers.