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

July 6, 2023

A.T. Cross Company Names Dave Saracino SVP, Global Business Gifts

Promo industry veteran Dave Saracino has joined Providence-based A.T. Cross Company as its senior vice president of sales, global business gifts.

Saracino extensive career in the promotional products industry includes more than 35 years with Koozie Group as their vice president of sales and senior vice president of business development.

 

  • Most recently, Saracino was the vice president of sales at supplier Charles River Apparel.
  • In 2016, Saracino was recognized by ASI with its Marvin Spike Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I’m ecstatic to be able to join the A.T. Cross Company – one of the oldest and most prestigious manufacturers of writing instruments in the world,” says Saracino. “It is my goal to make significant contributions to sales growth in this critical role. Given my tenure in the industry, and my intricate knowledge of writing instruments, I’m confident I will be able to continue the legacy of this timeless brand in the global business gifts space.”

In his new role, Saracino’s responsibilities will cover sales for the Americas and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa), and he will report directly to James Miranda, CEO of A.T. Cross Company.

“I’m extremely thrilled to bring Dave on board during a time of strategic transformation within our business,” says Miranda. “His industry knowledge and sector expertise will be extremely beneficial as we reshape our business into a model that will be successful for years to come. We look forward to his leadership as we embark upon this new era for A.T. Cross Company.”

July 5, 2023

The Game Branded Headwear Available Through S&S Activewear

S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, S12) now offers 15 headwear styles from The Game, an exclusive brand of MV Sport.

Amy Rabideau Takes On New, Elevated Role At Facilisgroup

Facilisgroup (PPAI 493664, A00) has promoted Amy Rabideau to senior vice president of strategy and innovation. She had been VP of product. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing research, accessing areas of future business opportunity and working closely with product, marketing and sales teams to bring new products to market.

 

 

  • Rabideau has more than 25 years of industry experience and expertise in go-to-market activities, product and project management, and procure-to-pay best practices.
  • An active industry volunteer, she has served on the PPAI Board of Directors and on its Regional Association Council Board, as a member of the PromoStandards Board of Directors and chair of its Membership, Marketing & Education Committee and on the board for Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals.

“I am excited to tackle this new role at Facilisgroup,” says Rabideau. “Using my knowledge of the promotional products industry and the challenges we have overcome as an industry, I am excited about the opportunities ahead of us. Our company and the promotional products industry, along with many adjacent industries, have many successful and transformative years ahead, and I want to be a part of that.”

Charles River Apparel Donates $15,000 To Circle Of Hope

Charles River Apparel (PPAI 111644, S10) has donated $15,000 to local nonprofit organization Circle of Hope to provide those experiencing homelessness in metro Boston with vital resources, such as clothing, hygiene essentials and more.

  • Charles River Apparel’s donation was part of its role as Headline Sponsor of Circle of Hope’s annual fundraiser Hope Blooms supporting year-long initiatives aimed to help infants, children, college students and other individuals experiencing homelessness. This year’s Hope Blooms acknowledged the progress Circle of Hope has made over the past 15 years and honored the retirement of Founder Barbara Waterhouse.
  • For more than a decade, Charles River Apparel has supported Circle of Hope’s mission through volunteer work, clothing donations and sponsorships. Together, Charles River Apparel and Circle of Hope will continue to support more than 25 homeless shelters, healthcare clinics and community programs in metro Boston.

“Charles River Apparel’s generosity and unwavering support over the past 15 years have helped Circle of Hope grow dramatically and deepen its impact on thousands of people experiencing homelessness,” says Waterhouse. “I am so grateful to the Lipsett family and Charles River Apparel for their commitment to health equity and helping those in deepest need.”

June 29, 2023

Outdoor Cap Inks Two New State-Wide Partnerships

Outdoor Cap (PPAI 213485, S10) has partnered with Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (PIAA) and with New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) to provide headwear for school athletics in the states. Outdoor Cap will be the official cap provider for school sports for PIAA-member schools and the preferred on-field cap source for school sports for those within NYSPHSAA.

  • The PIAA is a nonprofit corporation and voluntary membership organization for middle, junior, and high schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • The NYSPHSAA advocates for sports participation, sportsmanship, standards and rules for high schools in New York.


June 22, 2023

The Answer Company Joins American Solutions for Business

American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, D12) welcomes The Answer Company (PPAI 208600, D2), based in New York City, into the ASB fold.

  • Created by Larry Dunne in 1995, The Answer Company brings an expert support staff, reliable support crew, and a sales team with decades of experience servicing all kinds of requirements and unique requests.

“Deciding to join the American Family was an easy decision to make,” says Dunne. “When we began talking with ASB, we found that their work culture was very similar to ours – based on collaboration, services to support sales, and a work environment that allows for flexibility and creativity.”