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

Hello CPPA Members,

As we move deeper into the Fall, our industry starts buzzing with anticipation for the busy holiday season. Whether you’re helping clients plan end-of-year appreciation gifts or strategizing for Q1 promotions, this is the time when creativity and partnership really shine. I hope you’re all feeling energized and ready for the exciting opportunities this season brings.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in September for our bowling event that kicked off this year’s Fall Promo Expo at Laurel Park. It was wonderful to see so many members come together for some fun, friendly competition before diving into a productive tradeshow. Your energy and participation helped set the tone for a fantastic event, and we truly appreciate your support. And if you thought September was a blast, just wait—our biggest celebration of the year is right around the corner. Get ready for one of our favorite celebrations of the year—our Peake Awards and Holiday Party on December 11th at the Merriweather Lake House in Columbia, MD from 6–9 p.m.! This event has sold out for the past several years, so be sure to purchase your tickets early and secure your spot. Come dressed in your most festive outfit as we cheer on this year’s Peake Award winners, enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, and have some fun with games and exciting giveaways. We can’t wait to celebrate the season—and our outstanding members—with you!

As we wrap up the year, I want to thank each of you for the energy, dedication, and creativity you bring to our regional community. This season is always a reminder of how strong and supportive our network truly is. I hope to see many of you at our upcoming event as we celebrate our accomplishments and look ahead to an exciting new year. Until then, stay inspired, stay connected, and keep the holiday spirit shining bright!

Warm regards,

Tracey Therres

CPPA Board of Directors President 

Please join CPPA for a fun evening out with industry friends

as we mingle, network and celebrate the Holiday season as well

as honor our Peake Awards Recipients!

Date:

December, 11, 2025

Time:

6:00 to 9:00 pm

Location:

Merriweather Lake House

10209 Wincopin Cir

Columbia, MD 21404

Cost:

Members & Guests: $60 pp which includes a delicious buffet meal

and one complimentary drink ticket

Cash bar available

Dress Code:

Cocktail Attire

Sponsorship opportunities available:

Bar Sponsor: $500 - 2 available

Spots are limited and on a first come, first served basis

Details are on the registration form

Product sponsorship opportunities available:

Please contact Tiffany if you would like to donate door prizes,

party giveaways, decorations, etc. The more the merrier!

In the spirit of the holiday season, CPPA will be collecting donations at the party

for Toys for Tots which delivers hope to children during the holiday season and beyond.

Please consider bringing a new unwrapped toy to spread love and cheer this holiday season!

We hope you will join us for an evening of fun as we toast to

a successful 2025 and a prosperous 2026!

Reserve your tickets today!

CPPA's 2025 Winter Expo is part of The Power of District 1 Tour

January 26 - 29, 2026

Maine to Chesapeake and Long Island to Pennsylvania...

We have you covered!



The Chesapeake Promotional Products Association (CPPA), New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA), Philadelphia Area Promotional Products Association (PAPPA), and Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY), are proud to once again bring you the Power of “1” tour during the week of January 26 - 29, 2026. Each day of the week a different regional show and not to be missed educational component will be included in the Power of “1” Tour.

Mark your calendars to attend our upcoming Winter Expo 

on 1/29/26 at BWI Airport Marriott in Linthicum Heights, MD

Education Session: 9 - 10 am

Show Hours: 10 am - 1:30 pm

Exhibitors Register here
Distributor registration opening soon!

Jill Albers Returns to BAMKO as VP of Client Success

Los Angeles, CA - Jill Albers is rejoining BAMKO as the VP of client success, the company has announced. Albers served as director of client success at BAMKO from 2018 to 2023 before transitioning to  BDA , where she served as senior director of business development.

“Returning to BAMKO genuinely feels like coming home,” Albers said. “I missed the energy, the incredible talent and, most importantly, the people who make this place special.”

Before her first stint at BAMKO, Albers was the vice president of business development at the distributorship formerly known as Shumsky, which merged with employee engagement solutions provider Boost Engagement in 2023. Albers worked at the company for eight years.

In her new role at BAMKO, Albers will focus on developing strategic relationships with the distributor’s largest accounts and oversee complex opportunities for the company.

“I am super excited to dig in with the sales team, meet with our customers and leverage BAMKO’s amazing resources, particularly our unmatched sourcing capabilities, to deliver huge results,” she said.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jill back,” said Jake Himelstein, BAMKO president. “Her leadership and dedication during her previous tenure were foundational, and we look forward to building on the amazing things she started here.”

Alison Beletz Joins Tekweld as Director of Marketing

Hauppauge, NY - Tekweld has announced that Alison Beletz will lead its marketing team, bringing with her nearly 10 years of advertising and communications experience in the promotional products industry.

In her new role, Beletz will oversee product launches, digital marketing campaigns, content development and trade show engagement. She will work closely with Tekweld’s sales and product development teams, helping the company expand its market presence and connection with distributors across the country.

“Tekweld’s energy, creativity, and commitment to excellence immediately stood out to me,” said Beletz. “I’m excited to help shape how the industry experiences the Tekweld brand – from compelling storytelling to innovative marketing programs that empower our distributor partners.”

Beletz comes to Tekweld from AIM Smarter, a Philadelphia, PA-based promo products distributor network, where she served various roles, including sales, project management and most recently marketing.



“Alison’s understanding of the promo industry and her proven ability to build powerful brand experiences make her a tremendous addition to our leadership team,” said Scott Slade, CEO of Tekweld. “Her fresh perspective and passion for creativity align perfectly with Tekweld’s mission to lead with innovation, quality and customer connection.”

Logomark Expands Regional Presence With New Sales Hires

Tustin, CA - Logomark has added two new regional managers to its sales team.

Lee Simerly will be responsible for distributor sales and support across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, while Tyler Turquand will manage accounts in Los Angeles, CA, and the surrounding regions. Anna Vultaggio also joins the company as an inside sales representative supporting the Texas territory.

Based in Forney, TX, Simerly brings with him nearly two decades of promo industry experience at Numo Manufacturing and Best Promotions USA, a subsidiary of supplier HPG.

“I’ve seen and done it all – from unloading trucks before sunrise and running print rooms to managing sales, marketing and operations,” he said. “My goal is to make my territory the best and ensure Logomark is the go-to source for distributor needs.”

Turquand, meanwhile, grew up closely connected to the promotional products industry through his family’s multi-line rep company. His focus at Logomark will be on building lasting distributor relationships and driving consistent sales growth with Logomark partners in the Los Angeles region.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lee, Tyler and Anna to the Logomark family,” said Michael Bistocchi, chief revenue officer at Logomark. “Each brings unique strengths, passion and experience that align perfectly with our company’s values and goals. As we continue to grow, their contributions will play a key role in strengthening relationships with our distributor partners and driving success in their respective regions.”

Gemini, Inc. Adds Seth Soltow as Chief Operating Officer

Cannon Falls, MN - Gemini, Inc., a provider of print services such as letters and logos for signage, plaques, metal signage and other signage components and services, announced that it has brought on Seth Soltow as the company’s chief operating officer.

Soltow has held numerous leadership positions at companies in various industries, most recently serving as the vice president of operations for KGM. Before that, he was general manager of the pumps and filters category for Pentair, president of Pleatco Filtration and held a variety of leadership positions at Clarcor in the industrial manufacturing sector.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Tulsa and completed advanced executive education at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

In his new role, Soltow will harness his background in manufacturing to lead the company’s operational strategy across its manufacturing sites and business units.

“The sign industry is built on trust, quality and responsiveness,” said Fred Oss, CEO of Gemini. “Seth’s track record of driving operational efficiency while keeping customer needs at the forefront aligns perfectly with our commitment to being a stable, innovative and supportive partner to sign professionals. His experience and values will help us deepen that commitment even further.”

Soltow, based in the Dallas area, will spend time across all of Gemini’s plant locations to engage with teams.

“What makes Gemini exceptional is not just what we do, but how we do it,” Soltow said. “These values are more than guiding principles – they’re embedded in every decision, every relationship and every outcome. I’m excited to build on this foundation as we continue to support and elevate our partners in the sign industry.”

CPPA Distributors....We have recently Partnered with
Chipply to Offer You Another Amazing Member Benefit!!

Edwards Garment Promotes Brian Deissroth to VP of Sales - Promotional & International

Kalamazoo, MI - Edwards Garment has announced the appointment of Brian Deissroth to vice president of sales – promotional and international.

Since joining Edwards in 2022 as director of national accounts, Deissroth has spearheaded growth initiatives with national buying groups. In September 2024, he was promoted to senior director of sales – promotional and international.

“Brian plays a key role in leading our company’s growth, and we look forward to his continued success increasing our brand’s presence in the market,” said Jose Gomez, president and CEO of Edwards Garment.

Before joining Edwards, Deissroth held sales positions for other industry firms like Augusta Sportswear Brands and Vantage Apparel.

“I’m honored to step into the role of vice president of sales for Edwards Garment,” Deissroth said. “Our momentum is strong, and I’m confident that together we’ll continue to drive meaningful growth and strengthen our partnerships. I’m excited for what’s ahead and proud to be part of a team that continues to set the standard for our industry.”

What Packaging EPR Laws Mean For Your Promo Business

Are you ready to report your company’s packaging data? As more states enact extended producer responsibility laws regulating packaging like boxes and polybags, it’s time to get to know how this issue could affect your company.

PPAI recently hosted a live, info-packed session designed to help you understand how this issue could affect your promo business, what your obligations may be and what you can do to prepare and achieve compliance.

Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI’s director of sustainability & responsibility, hosted the webinar, along with Public Affairs Manager Rachel Zoch. Ammi Borenstein, founder & CEO of Snaplinc Consulting, which helps companies navigate regulatory requirements and achieve ESG and sustainability goals, presented a summary of the state laws in place and explored promo-specific scenarios to illustrate how these regulations may apply in our industry.

Click Here To View the Webinar and Learn More

AI Isn't Taking Your Job. It's Forcing You to Evolve.

Slava Bogdan * Entrepreneur Leadership Network Contributor * CEO & Co-founder for Flowwow

AI is forcing us to evolve and collaborate with machines to stay relevant.

AI is actively becoming a daily routine for businesses worldwide, with 78% of organizations using AI at least in one focus area, and most implementing it across three or more. There’s a common fear that machines might replace humans, but automation powered by AI has actually created around 97 million new roles, transforming the labor market where humans and technology work side by side.

For businesses, this is an orange flag: act, don’t ignore the AI revolution. It’s already redefining business models, skill sets and competitive dynamics. The question now is how to interact with AI wisely and responsibly.


Read More

The 5-Second Impact

A new study from PPAI Research shows what consumers value in promotional products, including what qualities will prompt them to seek the nearest trash can.

5 seconds.....that’s how long a promotional product has to win space in someone’s life or end up in the trash. In a world where attention is fleeting and brand competition is fierce, the success of a giveaway hinges on an immediate spark. A new consumer study from PPAI Research reveals what separates a branded item that gets used, remembered and loved from one that’s forgotten by lunchtime.

The message from consumers is clear: Make it useful, make it feel good, make it personal – and make it quick. For suppliers and distributors, the five-second window is not a limitation; it’s an opportunity. One good product, well-designed and thoughtfully branded, can do more in five seconds than a digital ad can in five days.



Read More Here