A Message from our CPPA President...... 

Hello CPPA Members,

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer and finding time to relax with family and friends. Every year summer always seems to fly by, and I hope you've had the opportunity to recharge while making the most of these longer days. As we look ahead to the second half of the year, I'm excited about the opportunities we have to reconnect and support one another!

One of the opportunities to come together this season is our CPPA team participating in the ALS Walk at the Baltimore Zoo on Saturday, August 22. This one-mile walk supports the fight against ALS, with check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the walk starting at 8:30 a.m. We hope you'll join us for this meaningful event. Whether you register to walk alongside our team, make a donation, or help spread the word, every act of support makes a true difference. Together, we can help raise awareness and make a positive impact for individuals and families affected by ALS.

Also, be sure to mark your calendars for our CPPA Fall Expo at Laurel Park on Friday, September 26! We currently have one private distributor hosting room still available for companies interested in hosting customers during the show. If you've been considering reserving it, don't wait—this final room won't last long! And don't miss the fun the night before. Join us on Thursday, September 25, at 6:30 p.m. at Main Event in Columbia for our pre-show bowling tournament. It's a great opportunity to connect with industry friends, enjoy some friendly competition, and compete for prizes—and, of course, bragging rights!

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer before we head into the beginning of the school year and the hectic fall schedules. I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events, they are always such a wonderful way to catch up with one another. As always, if you have ideas, suggestions, or there's anything we can do to better serve you, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or any member of the CPPA Board. We value your input and appreciate everything you do to make our association a strong and supportive community.

See you soon!

Tracey Therres

CPPA Board of Directors President

July 29, 2026 Wild Wednesday Webinar: “The Proactive Promo Seller: How to Create Momentum Without "Just Checking In" 

In this practical session, Jamie Lorenty will help promotional products professionals rethink how to stay top of mind without becoming repetitive, annoying, or transactional. The session will explore how belief in the power of branded merchandise, client-focused research, thoughtful touchpoints, and stronger follow-up language can turn routine outreach into meaningful engagement.

Participants will walk away with practical ways to create better reasons to reach out, stay visible between orders, spark curiosity, build trust, and support stronger client outcomes.

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize how belief in the value of branded merchandise shapes confidence, creativity, and more outcome-focused sales conversations.
• Identify client, industry, event, and business insights that can create relevant reasons to reach out before an immediate need exists.
• Evaluate follow-up habits that may cause outreach to feel repetitive, transactional, or easy to ignore.
• Apply more intentional engagement methods and messaging to stay visible, spark curiosity, and strengthen client relationships.



Read more and register

August 11, 2026 Tuesday Learning Lab: “2026 State of the Industry from ASI 

This presentation on the 2026 State of the Industry report from ASI Research will provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. and Canadian promo industries, including top end-buyer markets and products, ongoing supply chain and tariff concerns, trends in the labor market, and a Q4 sales outlook.

Learner Outcomes:

• Issues impacting promo in the U.S. & Canada
• Recent sales, product and market trends
• Predictions for Q4 and beyond



Read more and register

Join Team CPPA & Make an Impact!

We’re proud to share that CPPA has created Team CPPA to participate in the upcoming ALS Walk and we’d love for you to be part of it!

This is a great opportunity to come together as a community, get outside, and support an incredibly meaningful cause. Whether you walk, donate, or simply help spread the word, every bit of support makes a difference in the fight against ALS.



Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

1 Safari Place

Baltimore, MD 21217

Walk Distance: 1 Mile; Walk Check-in: 7:30 AM; Walk Start: 8:30 AM

Let’s show the power of our industry by coming together for something bigger.

We hope to see you there!



Join Team CPPA & Register Here

August 26, 2026 Wild Wednesday Webinar: “The Industry Outlook: Insights, Trends and What's Next" 

From emerging market signals to broader industry developments, join us for a candid conversation about where the industry stands today, what deserves attention now and how the future of branded merchandise is being shaped. Through observations gathered from across the marketplace, we will share perspectives on the opportunities, challenges, and shifts influencing businesses throughout the industry.

This session will also provide an update on the direction of PPAI and the initiatives underway to strengthen, elevate, and advance the branded merchandise community. Hear about the broader forces shaping the industry's future and the role the association is playing in helping members navigate what comes next.



Learning Outcomes:

• Gain insight into the current state of the branded merchandise industry and the trends influencing growth and market performance.
• Leave with a clearer view of what's next and insights to help navigate the rest of 2026 and the industry's future.
• Receive an update on PPAI's strategic priorities and key initiatives for strengthening and advancing branded merchandise



Read more and register

Bowling & Business....Not Your Father's Bowling League!

September 21st

Main Event

10300 Little Patuxent Parkway

Columbia, MD 21044

Join us for an evening of fun, friendly competition, and networking at our Pre-Show Bowling Tournament! Whether you're a seasoned bowler or just in it for the snacks and laughs, this is the perfect event to mix business with pleasure.

Pre-registration is required so that we will have an approximate head count. No experience required for this fun event as we will be using bumpers on all lanes to even the playing field.

• 6:30 - 7 pm: On Site Tournament Registration where brackets will be developed. No need to find a "team" as we will place you with your teammates on site.
• 7 - 9 pm: Bowling tournament with prizes awarded
• $50 per person which includes bowling, appetizers, 1 drink ticket and entry for a chance to win a prize during the event! 

Bring your co-workers, family and clients - the more the merrier! Spots are limited, so reserve yours soon and get ready to roll into a great time!

Read more and register

Mark your calendars and register to attend our upcoming Fall Promo Expo ~ Home of the 2026 Preakness!

CPPA is proud to bring you and your clients multiple opportunities to attend trade shows and events throughout our region. The Fall Promo EXPO is a great opportunity to connect with vendors and discuss current and upcoming projects. CPPA Distributor members are encouraged to invite clients to attend as exclusive guests. 

• 9 am - 10 am: Education Session: Details Coming Soon! 
• 10 am - 1:30 pm: Exhibits Open 

Private Distributor Hosting Rooms! 

We're excited to offer an exclusive opportunity at this year's Fall Promo Expo: Distributor members can now reserve a private room to invite and host their customers during the show! 

*Room Rental: $250 ~ 1 room out of 3 still available - offered on a first come, first served basis (image on website)

Whether you want to create a VIP experience, hold private meetings, or just offer a quiet space for client conversations, these rooms are the perfect solution. Reserve your room today during registration before they're gone!

For more event details and registration links, click here

ASB Appoints Justin Zavadil to CEO and President;
Larry Zavadil to Continue as Founder and Chairman of the Board

Glenwood, MN - ASB recently announced the promotion of Justin Zavadil to Chief Executive Officer and President. Founder Larry Zavadil will transition from his role as CEO to Founder and Chairman of the Board.

After 45 years leading ASB, Larry is passing the role of CEO to the next generation of leadership following extensive succession planning with ASB’s Board of Directors. Larry founded American Solutions for Business in 1981 and has grown the company into one of the largest employee-owned distributors of promotional products and print in the industry. While stepping away from day-to-day executive responsibilities, he will remain focused on fostering the company’s culture and people. Larry will also continue serving as President of Canadian Solutions for Business, overseeing the strategic vision and execution to support the company’s continued growth.

Justin has been a leader within ASB for 18 years and has served as President for more than nine years. Throughout his tenure, he has helped drive the company's evolution while strengthening its people-first culture, expanding strategic initiatives, and positioning ASB for long-term success. As CEO and President, Justin will continue leading the organization with a focus on innovation, customer relationships, associate success, and the values that have been the foundation of ASB since 1981.

“I’m so proud of Justin’s transition to CEO and President of ASB,” expressed Larry Zavadil, Founder of ASB. “It’s been our vision for quite some time, and over the past year specifically, Justin and I have worked closely with the Board of Directors to ensure a seamless leadership transition. As I step into my role as Founder and Chairman of the Board, I look forward to continuing to add value to the American family while supporting Justin and our leadership team. I’m excited to continue working alongside Justin to preserve the culture that has made ASB so special while helping it evolve for the future."

"My dad has built and nurtured an incredible culture,” shared Justin, CEO and President of ASB. “We listen to our customers, treat everyone with kindness and always “do the right thing for the right reason.” I could not have had a better mentor and role model.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue to drive our culture forward. As long as I am here, that direction will not change. We will always do what’s in the best interest of our stakeholders and what’s needed to be the last company standing.”

This transition reflects ASB's ongoing commitment to thoughtful leadership, long-term stability, and its enduring mission of putting people first. Together, Larry and Justin will continue working alongside the Board of Directors and ASB's employee owners to build on the company's strong foundation while positioning it for continued growth for generations to come.

PCNA Appoints Josh Militello as CEO

New Kensington, PA - PCNA recently appointed Josh Militello to the role of CEO, following a comprehensive search.

Militello will succeed Neil Ringel, who is retiring after more than seven years leading the company and who will remain actively involved as an adviser and member of the Board of Directors.

Militello joins PCNA following a career leading consumer products, branded goods and go-to-market organizations. Most recently, he served as president of Dometic Mobile Cooling, where he led the Dometic, Igloo and Cool Gear brands. Prior to Dometic, he served as senior vice president of Igloo Products and held senior leadership roles with Masco Cabinetry, Bang & Olufsen America, HoMedics, Coleman and Lava World International.

“What drew me to PCNA was the quality of the business Neil and the team have built – the brands, the relationships and the people,” said Militello. “I’ve spent my career in businesses where staying close to the customer is what drives growth, and that’s exactly how I intend to approach this role. I’m looking forward to getting to work with this team and continuing to build something our customers and partners can count on.”

Ringel expressed his gratitude for the chance to head up PCNA for seven years. “Leading PCNA has been the privilege of my professional career,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished together and grateful for the dedication, resilience and passion of our employees.” He added that Militello is “an exceptional leader,” and that he’s confident in his ability to lead PCNA into the future.

“Neil and the team have built a great business at PCNA – an industry leader with marquee brands, loyal distributor relationships and a commitment to operational excellence,” said Jesse Ge, managing director at Charlesbank Capital Partners, a private investment firm that has invested in PCNA. Ge also praised Militello for his work as “a customer-centric leader” with a “track record of growth.” “We look forward to supporting Josh and the PCNA team as they continue to grow and innovate in their industry,” he added.

Geiger Expands International Footprint With 2 New German Acquisitions

Lewiston, ME - Geiger recently announced that it has acquired GF Werbemittel and Pro-promotion, two Germany-based firms that Geiger says further expand its presence in the German market.

“It was especially important to me to know that my team and loyal customers would be in good hands,” said Doris Fischer, managing partner of GF Werbemittel. “Our discussions were characterized by mutual trust from the very beginning.” Fischer added that Geiger’s services will allow her team to serve our customers “even better in the years ahead.”

These two deals add to the Lewiston, ME-headquartered distributor’s growing investment in the European market and particularly in Germany. Earlier this year, the firm’s Germany subsidiary, Geiger GmbH, inked a deal to purchase S&P Werbeartikel and UP Werbemittel. To date, the firm has made 14 international acquisitions. And in April, the company announced plans to expand into Austria with the acquisition of Vienna, Austria-based distributorship Nowak Werbeartikel.

The additions of GF Werbemittel and Pro-promotion reflect the company’s continued investment in serving customers with strong local expertise backed by global resources, explained Chris McKee, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at Geiger.

“Businesses today need partners who can support them consistently across markets while still delivering the local relationships they value,” he said. “Both companies have earned the trust of their customers over many years, and we’re committed to building on that foundation while providing access to the broader capabilities Geiger offers around the world.”

ASB Welcomes Kirk Ross as Director of Partnership Growth 

Glenwood, MN - ASB recently announced they have appointed Kirk Ross as Director of Partnership Growth.

ASB has partnered with Kirk Ross as a consultant to help expand and strengthen its distributor partner network. Working closely with ASB's leadership team, Ross will focus on fostering meaningful distributor relationships and supporting continued growth within the ASB family. Drawing on nearly four decades of industry experience, extensive relationships, and a consultative approach, he will help identify new opportunities, strengthen distributor partnerships, and expand the ASB family.

Ross began his career in the promotional products industry with Awardcraft in 1988. Throughout his 38-year career, he has developed deep expertise in senior leadership, sales growth, organizational development, and operations. His experience includes 22 years on the supplier side, 14 years on the distributor side, and two years representing multiple product lines, giving him a well-rounded perspective across every facet of the promotional products industry.

“Kirk and ASB have had a close relationship for a number of years during his time in our industry,” shared Justin Zavadil, CEO and President of ASB. “He has an incredible reputation, and we are so pleased he’s made the decision to work directly with us to help grow the American Family."

"I am truly grateful and excited to partner with ASB in this consulting and growth-focused role,” said Ross. “Their leadership, internal culture, and longevity are unparalleled. By leveraging my industry knowledge and long-standing relationships, I look forward to helping expand ASB's distributor network and welcoming new sales partners into the ASB family."

PPAI Names Its 2027 Board Officers

PPAI has announced its board officers for next year. These new roles will go into effect following the PPAI Expo 2027 in January.

• Zack Ottenstein, president of The Image Group, will assume the role of PPAI Board Chair in 2027.
• Mark Gammon, senior vice president of sales at PCNA, has been named Chair-Elect.
• Samantha Kates, president of Spector & Co., has been appointed Vice Chair of Finance Services.
• Current PPAI Board Chair Danny Rosin, CAS, co-owner and co-president of Brand Fuel, will serve as Immediate Past Chair.

“The branded merchandise industry is changing rapidly, and PPAI is fortunate to have leaders like Zack Ottenstein, Sam Kates and Mark Gammon investing their time and expertise to serve and guide the way forward,” Danny Rosin, current PPAI Board Chair, says. “Their complementary strengths in strategy, finance, operations, innovation and relationship-building will position the Association to shape its future.”


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What Happens When AI Exposes Pricing Secrets Of The Branded Merch Industry

John Corrigan * Deputy Editor * PPAI Media

Although AI has made supplier pricing codes easier to uncover, distributors argue that the real differentiator has never been the price sheet.

It started with a simple Google search.

Out of curiosity, a distributor typed the letter codes from a supplier’s catalog into a search engine. In the branded merchandise industry, those letters have long served as shorthand for distributor pricing – information not intended for end buyers.

But this time, artificial intelligence delivered the answer instantly.

Suddenly, the codes were no longer a mystery. AI could explain exactly what they meant and what distributors might be paying suppliers. In theory, that meant a curious client could also uncover how products are priced, and how much margin a distributor might earn on an order.


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Nominations Are Officially Open For The 2026 PPAI Rising Stars Recognition Program

Since 2010, this program has spotlighted over 200 exceptional emerging leaders who are making a noticeable difference in companies all across the branded merchandise industry.

Many past winners have risen to industry leadership, including two who currently sit on the PPAI Board of Directors: The Image Group’s Zack Ottenstein and Kara Keister, MAS, of Social Good Promotions.

Who do you think are the up-and-comers the industry should recognize in 2026?

PPAI is looking for nominees who are under the age of 40 and, based on what they’ve already achieved at such a young age, have a bright, lengthy future in the industry.

Nominees selected for this year’s honor will be recognized at PPAI’s Leadership Development Conference this fall and profiled in the cover story of the December issue of PPAI Magazine.

Nominators will be asked to provide specific details and examples about your nominee to help the PPAI judging panel evaluate true star quality.

All nominees must work for a PPAI member company. Previous honorees are not eligible. The deadline for nominations is July 27 at 11:59:59 p.m. (CT).



Click HERE to Nominate a Rising Star Candidate