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In The News - August 2026

Sock Club (asi/88072) has earned a Bronze Medal from EcoVadis in its first-ever assessment. The supplier scored 68 out of 100, placing it in the top 35% of organizations rated by the business sustainability platform. The score “reflects years of intentional work across our supply chain, our workplace practices and our environmental commitments – and it gives us a clear benchmark as we continue to raise the bar,” said Sarah Schultz, senior operations manager.

Cap America (asi/43792), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has earned a Gold Medal from EcoVadis for the second year in a row, placing it among the top 5% of companies assessed by the sustainability platform. Cap America said the recognition reflects the strength of its sustainability management system and continued commitment to responsible business practices.

Proforma (asi/300094) Chief Revenue Office Brian Roney has been recognized in the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40 class, the Counselor Top 40 distributor announced. For 20 years, the TBBJ has honored professionals under 40 whose influence drives organizational growth, creates positive economic impact and further strengthens the community. “It’s an honor to be recognized alongside so many exceptional leaders who champion innovation and create meaningful change across Tampa Bay,” said Roney. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a talented and inspiring community.” 

Totally Chocolate Promo (asi/44897), a supplier known for custom-engraved chocolate, is expanding its lineup with 10 new gifts and two new customization options geared toward corporate holiday gifting programs. The new lineup includes chocolate-covered almonds, a chocolate-covered nut selection, Albanese gummies and trail mix. The company has also introduced edible cocoa butter art and flavor infusions as customization options that can be sold as an upgrade. 

Goldstar (asi/73295), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has announced a partnership with promotional products workflow platform PromoLink. The collaboration allows distributors working in PromoLink to pull Goldstar's current catalog, pricing and live inventory in real time, then submit purchase orders and follow order status without leaving their workspace, the companies say.

Ariel Premium Supply (asi/36730), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, is experiencing phone line connectivity issues as of Aug. 17 due to severe thunderstorms in the St. Louis, MO area. Customers are asked to send messages to customer service at emailcustomerservice@arielpremium.com in the meantime.

Stahls' (asi/88984) has announced the expansion of its LIQUID 3D heat-applied emblem technology with more than 400 new texture, pattern and color combinations. Stahls' says the expansion marks the largest enhancement to the LIQUID 3D customization platform since its launch. 

Maple Ridge Farms (asi/68680) and gourmet marshmallows, s'mores and hot cocoa supplier North Mallow will host an activation at the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals (UMAPP) Summer Golf Tournament. Golfers will enjoy handcrafted s'mores featuring North Mallow marshmallows and Sweeter Cards' Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel chocolate from Maple Ridge Farms. "North Mallow and Maple Ridge Farms may offer different products, but we're united by a common mission: helping companies create meaningful connections through food," said Jodie Schillinger, EVP of Maple Ridge Farms and a member of Counselor's Power 50 list of the most influential people in promo. 

Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC) is inducting industry veteran Laura Hansen, former president of Image Group (asi/230059) in Vancouver, BC, into the PPPC Hall of Fame during the association’s annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites in Mississauga, ON. “As a long-term PPPC member and former National Board Director, Laura has been one of the association’s strongest champions, generously supporting our events and bringing clients into our community year after year,” said Jonathan Strauss, president and CEO of PPPC. “Her leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment to our industry have made an incredible impact and lasting legacy.” 

Team OnDemand, an industry nonprofit founded last year to help those affected by natural disasters, has launched a donation campaign for the tens of thousands of people displaced by the Spokane wildfires. Contributors have three ways to make monetary and supply donations, which Team OnDemand will help facilitate. “Thankfully, the more than 2,000 firefighters battling these fires are starting to make progress, and many evacuation orders are beginning to lift,” Team OnDemand Co-founder Rusty Pepper of Taylor OnDemand, part of Counselor Top 40 distributor Taylor Promo Marketing (asi/333647), wrote on LinkedIn. “But for hundreds of these families, they'll be returning to damaged homes, or sadly no home at all, and for them the recovery is just beginning.” 

EcoPlum (asi/185835), a distributor and Certified B Corp, has earned its first EcoVadis Gold Medal, placing it among the top 5% of companies assessed globally. EcoPlum is incredibly proud to earn this EcoVadis Gold Medal for our sustainable swag business, especially when research shows that 91% of companies now view sustainability criteria as important in their purchasing decisions, said EcoPlum President and CEO Gia Machlin.  

Flexfit (asi/54411), a headwear company, will be the title sponsor of the Rip Curl GromSearch North America Series, one of the premier junior surfing competitions in North America. 

Koozie Group (asi/40480), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, announced that its Garyline Cubbie rPET bottle has advanced to the top 16 in the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Coolest Thing Made in Florida contest. Voting in this round of the competition is open until August 18, and supporters can vote once a day. 

Facilisgroup, a promotional product software provider, has announced a new integration between its Syncore platform and Counselor Top 40 supplier S&S's (asi/84358) FAST PLATFORM, which connects distributors to a nationwide network of print-on-demand production partners.

Bob Lilly Promotions (asi/254138), a Counselor Best Place to Work, launched a redesigned website. The goal is to make finding and ordering branded corporate faster and clearer for businesses of every size, the distributor said. "Good merchandise starts with a question, not a product," said Bob Lilly, Jr., president and CEO of Bob Lilly Promotions. "We figure out what a win looks like for the client first, then solve for it. The new site is where that conversation starts."

PromoShop (asi/300446) has promoted Jenna Catron to the role of inventory control & data analytics manager. According to the Counselor Top 40 distributor, Catron has played a key role in inventory management, process optimization and data-driven decision-making. The firm also promoted Kim Holm to human resources generalist. "Kim's contributions to our employee engagement programs, organizational efficiency and the overall success of the PromoShop team have been invaluable," said Kate Alavez, president of PromoShop and a member of Counselor's Power 50 list. "Her dedication to our people and culture, combined with her commitment to continuous improvement, make her a tremendous asset to our organization. I look forward to watching Kim continue to grow and thrive at PromoShop."