ETS Express (asi/51197), an independent subsidiary of Counselor Top 40 supplier PCNA (asi/66887), has hired Daniel Mason as regional sales manager for the Northeast, a territory that includes New England and upstate New York. Adam Stone, vice president of sales, said the supplier is thrilled to have Mason on the team: “We’re confident that his energy, dedication and industry insight will make an immediate and positive impact on our Northeast sales team and the clients we serve.”

Facilisgroup, a software-as-a-service company and partnering community in the promo industry, held its latest Top Executives event in partnership with Counselor Top 40 supplier Gemline (asi/56070) at its Lawrence, MA, headquarters. “We were thrilled to host Facilisgroup and nine of their great partners,” said Jason Kissell, vice president of sales at Gemline. “The discussions over the two days were engaging, insightful, and productive. We learned a lot about the daily issues facing distributors, and it will make us a better partner going forward.”

Gold Bond (asi/57653) has hired Ben Drysdale as strategic account manager. He will oversee key accounts, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of sales success to the team, according to the supplier. “We are thrilled to have Ben join our team,” said Brooke Standefer, national sales manager at Gold Bond. “His industry knowledge and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to provide top-quality brand connections with outstanding service to our clients.”

All American Writing Instruments (AAWI, asi/76811), a Made-in-the-USA manufacturer of writing instruments, has brought aboard new multi-line rep teams across the United States and Canada. The firm also created a map that makes it easy to identify which multi-line rep team covers a particular geographic zone. “By adding dynamic multi-line reps to our family, AAWI reaffirms its commitment to the industry, supporting the local, regional and national supply chain, all while championing the virtues of American-made products,” the firm said.

Facilisgroup held its emPOWER virtual coffee event, connecting 158 women from the industry to foster networking and professional growth among distributor partners, preferred suppliers and employees. “I left the coffee chat feeling inspired and proud to be part of a community that champions women’s success,” said Tricia Jabouri, supplier success manager at Facilisgroup. The emPOWER initiative was launched earlier this year to empower women in the community and amplify their influence in the promotional products industry.

McCabe Promotional Advertising (asi/264901) announces that President Jamie McCabe will participate in a charity boxing match called Fight to End Homelessness in London, ON, on Nov. 21. Donations will go to the Youth Opportunities Unlimited Parent Resource Centre and Teaching Kitchen in Joan’s Place, a planned housing and wellness facility in London. Support McCabe here and learn more about the event here.

Fully Promoted (asi/384000), a Counselor Top 40 distributor, announces that Fully Promoted of Southern New Hampshire (asi/384681) recently hosted its first client appreciation event in September. Franchise owner Sal Calautti welcomed over 200 customers, local business owners and Chamber of Commerce members, and provided custom hats with New Hampshire-themed patches and prizes.

Penn Emblem Company (asi/77120) has received the bronze Supplier Sustainability Stewardship Award from Counselor Top 40 distributor Cintas (asi/162167), which recognizes that Penn Emblem meets Cintas’ Code of Conduct standards for social and environmental responsibility, human rights and fair labor practices. In addition, Penn Emblem has promoted Tom Chambers to manager of compliance and operational excellence, where he will focus on process improvements that will streamline efficiency and improve business performance.

Spector & Co. (asi/88660), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has promoted Victoria Mitchell to vice president of sales for Canada. Mitchell joined Spector 20 years ago, and in that time has forged relationships with clients across the country. “Victoria’s deep understanding of the Canadian market, unwavering dedication to our clients and infectious positivity make her an invaluable asset to our team,” says President Samantha Kates. “She truly has the experience, passion and heart to lead our Canadian sales team into an exciting future.”

AutoTran (asi/12555) had power restored as of Wednesday, Oct. 16 and is fully operational following the impacts of Hurricane Milton.

iDex International (asi/62138) lost power for several days during Hurricane Milton but is back up and running again. “We are working overtime to get caught up and are thankful that we were spared the worst,” said iDex’s David Heggland.

Cannabis Promotions (asi/42996) announced that its facilities experienced no damage during Hurricane Milton, but power was lost for a week. “The team is now working around the clock to catch up, and all orders will follow standard lead times going forward,” the firm said in a statement.

IDProductsource (asi/62088) will plant 1,200 trees by the end of the year, as part of its partnership with One Tree Planted, a reforestation nonprofit. So far, the Florida-based supplier has planted 1,000 trees in 2024.

Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, said that all of its facilities were open and fully operational as of Monday, Oct. 14, following the impacts of Hurricane Milton. “We expect to be fully caught up by the end of this week,” the firm said.

Koozie Group (asi/40480), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, returned to normal operations on Monday, Oct. 14 following Hurricane Milton. Chief Operating Officer Matt Cook told ASI Media that the company is running extra shifts to expedite orders and cautions clients that transit times may vary due to ground conditions. Individual order statuses can be found on customers’ accounts at kooziegroup.com and the Koozie Group Tracker.

Cap America (asi/43792), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has promoted Abby Wallen to the position of digital marketing manager. She’ll now oversee the Fredericktown, MO-based supplier’s digital presence, including ESP and company social media. Wallen first joined Cap America in 2021 as a product development coordinator. “Abby has been an invaluable asset to our marketing team for over three years,” says Cory Cissell, vice president of customer experience. “I’m confident she’ll continue to drive innovation in her new role.”

Facilisgroup hosted a Sellers Workshop at its St. Louis headquarters on Sept. 24. The event welcomed distributors, industry leaders, potential buyers and legal experts for in-depth discussions on mergers and acquisitions. Attendees had the opportunity to network, sit in on break-out sessions and ask questions in one-on-one meetings. Speakers included Gayle Piraino, vice president of beverage strategy at Stran Promotional Solutions (asi/337725); Stephen McFadden, director of vision & new business at The Specialty Company; Sarah Johnston, director of the Midwest offices of Brandito (asi/325944); Geoffrey Patack, partner at Broadway Marketing Ltd.; and Stacy Stahl, founder of Sweeter Cards.

JH Specialty (asi/232445), a Fort Wayne, IN-based provider of promotional products and digital marketing solutions, has promoted Benjamin Bergle to DevOps Engineer. In addition, the firm has hired: Marketing Intern Allyna Gienger; Project Manager Ashley Licari; Account Manager Louis Henry; Project Manager Zareen Pathan; Executive Assistant Amanda Sommer; and Account Manager Steve Kruze.

Blue Generation (asi/40653), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, announces that Terry O’Brien, senior vice president of sales, is retiring. O’Brien spent nearly 25 years at the family-owned apparel firm. “Terry has been tremendously instrumental in building and shaping the company, playing a key role in its success and growth,” Blue Generation said in a statement. “His leadership, vision and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact on both our team and our clients. The Rubin family extends their deepest gratitude to Terry for his remarkable contributions and wish him all the best as he embarks on this new chapter of life. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.”

Crystal D (asi/47759), a supplier of awards and gifts, has hired Kari Rehder as territory manager and promoted Erin Johnson to marketing coordinator. “Crystal D is lucky to welcome Kari aboard, as she possesses incredibly strong promotions industry expertise,” said Bridget Dahlgren, executive vice president of marketing and sales. “We are also thrilled for Erin to leverage her deep understanding of both the promotional products industry and customer relationships to enhance our marketing efforts and product education.”

Sock Club Enterprises (asi/88072) has launched a cozy giftbox collaboration with Sofia’s Cookies (asi/88099) and Denik (asi/49264). The boxes include custom socks made in North Carolina from cotton sourced in the southeastern U.S., gourmet mini cookies and premium artist-designed notebooks. “From working with our distributor partners on kitting other items with our socks, we know what a nightmare it can be to coordinate a custom kit with several suppliers,” said Chloe Ayres, director of marketing at Sock Club. “Our aim is to take the headache of that coordination away for our clients, so that they can focus on servicing their clients, and not tracking a million tiny pieces during the holiday season.”

IDProductsource (asi/62088) announced that President Katelyn Aumock has marked her 10^th anniversary with the company. “Her dedication, hard work and exemplary leadership have been instrumental in driving IDProductsource’s success,” the company said in a statement. “Here’s to many more years of innovative service and growth.”

Barker Specialty (asi/132690) recognized key suppliers at its September annual showcase event. Counselor Top 40 supplier Ariel Premium Supply (asi/36730) was named supplier of the year. Brooks & Brooks was named supplier rep of the year. Sarah Pollard of Counselor Top 40 supplier Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125) was named inside sales/customer service rep of the year.

Infinity Her, available through Counselor Top 40 supplier Sportsman Cap & Bag (asi/88877), announced the return of its “Caps for a Cause” initiative to support Breast Cancer Awareness month. For the second year in a row throughout October, Infinity Her will donate 5% of the total profits from select best-selling styles in pink hues to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.