News Last Updated: September 25, 2025
In The News - September 2025
AmuseMints, a division of Counselor Top 40 supplier NC Custom (asi/44900), has been named a licensed merchandise partner for America250, the nonpartisan initiative working to engage Americans in the 250th anniversary of the United States. Licensed products will include collections across the apparel, drinkware and confectionary categories.
PromoGroup welcomes Jeremy Mercier of Montreal-based Boutique M2 and Maxx Rochette of Ottawa-based Craftfully Promotional Branding as new authorized dealers.
Vantage Apparel (asi/93390), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, is holding a fall open house on Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. EST at its headquarters in Avenel, NJ. Registration is free and open to RSVP. The event will feature a lineup of Vantage’s products and services, alongside curated showcases from leading industry partners, including Counselor Top 40 suppliers SanMar (asi/84863), S&S Activewear (asi/84358), Starline (asi/89320) and Cutter & Buck (asi/47965); as well as Redwood Classics (asi/81627) and iClick (asi/62124). The open house will also include a factory tour, live demonstrations of Vantage’s webstore platform and access to the supplier’s photo studio for free professional headshots.
NC Custom (asi/44900), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has hired industry veteran Lori Donovan as strategic account manager. Donovan spent nearly 20 years on the distributor side, beginning her career at her family’s distributorship in Detroit before joining Corporate Express, now Counselor Top 40 distributor Staples Promotional Products (asi/120601). In 2015, she transitioned to the supplier side with alphabroder. Most recently, she managed key accounts across the Northeast with Counselor Top 40 supplier S&S Activewear (asi/84358). She also has served on the board of the New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA) since 2018 and is current president.
GNP Branded Gear (asi/200020) has hired William O’Shea as manager of e-commerce operations. An industry veteran since 2006, O’Shea will lead the distributor’s online presence.
Engineered Printing Solutions (EPS) has released The Shift in Direct-to-Object Printing, a white paper on the role that single-pass UV inkjet technology plays in direct-to-object (DTO) decoration, which involves applying a 2-D image to a 3-D item. “Single-pass UV inkjet isn’t just a more flexible print technology,” says Kenneth Stack, executive chairman of EPS. “It’s a cost model breakthrough. By removing setup costs, single-pass digital DTO lets manufacturers turn short runs and customization into profitable opportunities, not cost burdens.” The white paper is available for download here.
Eversole Run (asi/53040) has donated more than $200,000 worth of men’s and ladies’ polos to Goodwill Columbus. “Giving back to our community is part of who we are, and we’re honored to support a great organization making a real difference,” says the Columbus-based apparel supplier. Goodwill Columbus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that’s served Central Ohio with donated goods and job opportunities since 1939.
A Woman’s View, part of Counselor Top 40 distributor iPROMOTEu (asi/232119), is hosting a webinar on Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. ET called “AI Innovations: Revolutionizing the Promotional Products Industry.” Panelists include Britney Godsey, chief revenue officer at Gold Bond (asi/57653), and Amy Rabideau, vice president of client and community engagement at Antera Software. Along with the A Woman’s View advisory council, they will discuss how AI learning and automation can streamline operations, strengthen client engagement and create new growth opportunities. Click here to register.
Charles River Apparel (asi/44620) has appointed Melissa Casey and Holly Bray as outside territory managers. Casey has spent more than a decade in the industry and will cover New York, Long Island, Eastern New York, Southern Connecticut and Northern New Jersey. Bray has 20 years of sales experience, including 14 years in promo, and will cover New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and Western New York. “Charles River Apparel is focused on growing with our customers, and we’re excited to strengthen our sales team with talented professionals who share our passion for the industry,” says Nicola McLeod, director of sales. “Melissa and Holly bring extensive experience, proven expertise and exceptional energy to their territories. We are pleased to welcome them to the Charles River Apparel team and are confident they will deliver immediate and lasting contributions.”
Tervis, the drinkware brand that counts Counselor Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480) as its exclusive supplier in promo, was named one of Florida’s most beloved homegrown brands, according to a survey conducted by MarketBeat.com, a financial media company.
Fully Promoted of Southern New Hampshire (asi/384681), part of Counselor Top 40 distributor Fully Promoted (asi/384000), recently hosted its second annual Fully Promote NH Businesses event that welcomed over 200 local business leaders. Attendees customized headwear at the Hat Bar, and had the opportunity to win prizes and learn more about area companies. The distributor was recently named a Top Family-Owned Business and a top 20 Fastest-Growing Family Company in New Hampshire by Business NH Magazine.
The Ohio Promotional Professionals Association (OPPA) is hosting its first Women in Merch event Oct. 20-22 in Newark, OH. The event is open to women working in promo from anywhere in the U.S. and will include sessions from Counselor 2024 Woman of Distinction Susan Lewandowski of BEL Promo (asi/39552), Maple Ridge Farms’ (asi/68680) Jamie Johnson and Jodie Schillinger and more. Registration information and a full agenda are available on the OPPA website.
Maple Ridge Farms (asi/68680) has celebrated the first anniversary of its acquisition of Sweeter Cards, a line the company recently expanded to include chocolate chip cookies, Albanese gummy bears and peppermint bark. “The success of Sweeter Cards in just one year demonstrates how intentional design and innovation can transform corporate gifting into a meaningful, memorable marketing tool,” says Jodie Schillinger, executive vice president of Maple Ridge Farms.