Each year, Chesapeake Promotional Products Association proudly presents the Peake Awards to honor excellence and creativity in our association and industry.

Please help us recognize CPPA members that are 'Peake' performers in our industry by submitting your nominations. You also have the opportunity to submit an "Excellence in Promotions" Campaign so that we may recognize your creativity and promotional campaigns. 

All CPPA members are eligible to make a candidate nomination or submission. Awards are given in the following categories: 

• PEAKE Distributor of the Year
• PEAKE Supplier of the Year 
• PEAKE Distributor Sales Representative of the Year 
• PEAKE Supplier Factory Representative of the Year 
• The John Bennis Memorial Multi-Line Representative of the Year
• PEAKE Distributor Support Representative of the Year
• PEAKE Supplier Support Representative of the Year
• CPPA Rising Star
• The PEAKE Award
• CPPA Excellence in Promotions Campaigns (awarded in the following categories):
• Client Programs: Business-to-Business Programs, Consumer Programs, Promotional Programs Developed as a Result of a Distributor/Supplier Collaboration, Employee Incentive Programs, Internal Communication Programs
• Marketing Programs: Educational Programs, Sales Incentive Programs, Tradeshow/Exhibit Traffic Programs, Health/Wellness Programs, Goodwill Programs
• Technology Programs: Applications/Website/Online tools, Social Media presence/content, Virtual meeting content/Best in class
• Diversity, Environmental and Social Compliance: Diversity and Social Responsibility Programs, Activism/Political/Legislative Programs, Recycling/Green Programs, Not-For-Profit Programs, International Program

Submit a Peake Award Nomination

Submit an "Excellence In Promotions" Campaign

About the Peake Awards

Deadline for Peake Awards Nominations and "Excellence in Promotion"

Campaign entries is October 30, 2026

October 28, 2026 Wild Wednesday Webinar: “Beyond the Product: Building a Smarter Social Media Strategy for 2027" 

Learn how to leverage social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and search engine optimization (SEO) to increase your visibility, stay relevant in a changing digital landscape, and turn your content into a valuable sales asset. This session will explore practical strategies and tools to help you reach the right audience, create more effective content, and build a stronger online presence that supports your business goals.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify ways to use social media and SEO to improve online visibility and reach their target audience.
• Explore practical AI tools and strategies to streamline content creation and improve engagement.
• Apply content strategies that turn digital engagement into meaningful business opportunities and sales



Read more and register

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, 10, 2026

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 2026 and a prosperous 2027!

Reserve your tickets today!

CPPA's 2027 Winter Expo is part of The Power of District 1 Tour

January 25 - 28, 2027

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 25 - 28, 2027. 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 1/28/27 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!

Starline Promotes Nicole Tasca to Chief Services Officer

Grand Island, NY - Starline recently announced the promotion of Nicole Tasca to the newly created position of Chief Services Officer, recognizing her outstanding leadership and more than two decades of dedication to the company.

A 24-year veteran of Starline, Tasca has held key positions across several departments, including marketing, sales, customer service, quality and operations. Her extensive experience and understanding of the business have played an important role in strengthening customer relationships, improving internal processes and supporting the company’s continued growth.

In her new role, Tasca will bring her cross-functional expertise and customer-focused approach to the executive leadership team, helping ensure Starline continues to deliver exceptional service to its distributor partners.

Starline CEO Mason Lapsker praised Tasca's contributions, highlighting her leadership, dedication and lasting impact on the organization.

SAGE Promoted Blake Bozeman to Chief Business Officer

Plano, TX - SAGE, a provider of software and technology solutions for the promotional products industry, recently announced the promotion of Blake Bozeman to Chief Business Officer. In this newly created role, Bozeman will help lead SAGE’s business operations and strategic initiatives as the company continues to grow and expand its solutions for the promotional products industry.

Bozeman brings 25 years of promotional products industry experience to the position. He began his career in sales with an industry supplier before joining Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), where he served as Business Development Manager and oversaw sales and affinity programs.

Bozeman joined SAGE in 2014 and has held progressively expanding leadership responsibilities throughout his tenure with the company. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Sales, leading SAGE’s sales organization and supporting the company’s continued growth and customer relationships.

“Blake has been an integral part of SAGE for more than a decade, and his leadership, industry knowledge, and commitment to our customers have made a tremendous impact on our organization,” said David Natinsky, SAGE President. “As SAGE continues to grow, this new role strengthens our leadership team and positions us to continue moving the company forward. We are excited to have Blake take on this expanded responsibility.”

As Chief Business Officer, Bozeman will be responsible for overseeing key facets of SAGE’s business and working across departments to support company-wide strategy, collaboration, and growth. His expanded role will help ensure SAGE continues to build on its position as a technology leader and trusted partner to the promotional products industry.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to take on this new role and continue building on everything we’ve accomplished at SAGE,” said Bozeman. “I look forward to working alongside our talented teams across the company as we continue to innovate, strengthen our customer relationships, and find new ways to serve the promotional products industry.”

Lane Seven Apparel Promotes Milissa Gibson to Senior Vice President of Sales

Irwindale, CA - Lane Seven Apparel has announced the promotion of Milissa Gibson to Senior Vice President of Sales, recognizing her strong leadership and significant contributions to the company's continued growth and expansion.

Gibson joined Lane Seven in 2021 as National Sales Manager and most recently served as Director of Sales. During her tenure, she has played an instrumental role in developing the company's national sales team, strengthening customer relationships and expanding its distribution network throughout the decorated apparel industry.

In her new executive role, Gibson will oversee national sales operations, revenue planning and strategic account relationships. She will also work closely with Lane Seven's executive leadership team to guide sales strategies, strengthen distributor partnerships and support long-term growth.

Lane Seven CEO Nabeel Amin praised Gibson's leadership, industry knowledge and dedication to customers, emphasizing the important role she has played in building the company's sales organization.

With previous experience at US Blanks and Next Level Apparel, Gibson brings extensive industry expertise to her expanded leadership position as Lane Seven continues to grow its presence in the promotional products and decorated apparel markets.

HALO Expands Its Reach With Two Distributorship Acquisitions

Sterling, IL - HALO recently announced the acquisition of two established distributorships: Leslie Jordan Inc., based in Portland, OR, and T & P Incentives, headquartered in St. Louis, MO.

The acquisitions represent another step in HALO's continued growth strategy, expanding its capabilities in branded merchandise, custom apparel, event merchandising and marketing solutions. Both companies will retain their existing names, employees and operating locations while gaining access to HALO's extensive resources and supplier network.

Founded in 1986, Leslie Jordan Inc. specializes in custom performance apparel, accessories and event merchandise for endurance sports, including running, walking and cycling events. T & P Incentives, established in 1983, has built a strong reputation in the St. Louis market for branded products, corporate recognition programs, company stores and customized safety initiatives.

HALO Executive Vice President Ameed Mallick emphasized that the acquisitions are about more than growth in size, highlighting the value of combining experienced teams, strong customer relationships and specialized capabilities to better serve clients.

L2 Brands Names John Fryer CEO to Lead Next Chapter of Growth

Hanover, PA - L2 Brands recently announced the appointment of John Fryer as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 28, 2026. Fryer brings extensive leadership experience in the apparel and consumer products industries as the company looks to build on its continued growth and expanding brand portfolio.

Fryer most recently served as President of Unrivaled Teamwear, which oversees well-known brands including Champion Teamwear, Gear for Sports and Knights Apparel. His background in activewear, teamwear and collegiate apparel positions him to help guide L2 Brands' future growth across the collegiate, resort, destination, golf and corporate markets.

Headquartered in Hanover, PA, L2 Brands is the parent company of several established brands, including League, Legacy, Ouray and Locale. The company recently expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Wild Tribute, a national park-inspired apparel brand.

In his new role, Fryer will oversee the company's commercial operations, product development, supply chain and manufacturing, with a focus on strengthening customer relationships and expanding market opportunities.

Paige Wingert, co-founder of Legacy Headwear and interim Co-CEO, expressed enthusiasm for Fryer's appointment, highlighting his industry experience, leadership abilities and appreciation for the company's customer-focused culture.

Fryer succeeds interim Co-CEOs Paige Wingert and Evan Toporek, who will assist with the leadership transition before returning to their positions on L2 Brands' board of directors.

PCNA Welcomes Kimberly DiGiandomenico as Vice President of National Accounts

New Kensington, PA - PCNA recently announced the appointment of Kimberly DiGiandomenico as Vice President of National Accounts, bringing more than a decade of industry experience and a strong background in sales leadership, strategic account management and distributor relationships.

DiGiandomenico most recently served as Director of National Accounts at HPG, where she advanced from Account Manager to a senior leadership position. Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for building strong distributor partnerships and driving customer-focused growth. Her previous experience also includes account management roles at Taylor Corp., parent company of Taylor Promo Marketing and The Magnet Group.

In her new position, DiGiandomenico will lead PCNA's national accounts and buying groups teams, reporting directly to Senior Vice President of Sales Mark Gammon. Her responsibilities will focus on strengthening distributor relationships, expanding business opportunities and supporting the company's continued growth.

Gammon welcomed DiGiandomenico to the leadership team, praising her proven ability to deliver value to distributors and build lasting customer relationships. He emphasized that her industry knowledge and customer-first approach align with PCNA's commitment to helping its distributor partners succeed.

DiGiandomenico expressed enthusiasm about joining PCNA, highlighting the company's strong customer-focused culture and her passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.

PPAI Rising Stars Class of 2026 Announced

They come from every corner of the branded merchandise industry, representing distributors, suppliers and business service firms of every size, but they share something important.

The 2026 PPAI Rising Stars possess the ambition to lead, the curiosity to keep growing and the instinct to bring others with them.

Each year, PPAI Media searches the industry for its brightest emerging leaders. From a deep field of nominees in 2026, 12 young professionals distinguished themselves through their accomplishments, contributions to their companies and communities and their potential to shape what comes next.


Meet the 2026 PPAI Rising Stars

4 Tips To Become A Super Connector

Editorial Team * PPAI Media * PPAI Marketing Staff

Networking is a key skill, especially in sales, but to be a super connector, you have to be strategic.

Networking is a key skill, especially when you work in sales. Whether you’re meeting over coffee with another promo pro or building relationships with prospects, when you prioritize regular networking, you can stay in the loop and maintain a competitive edge.

Katie Gabriel, a senior business development director for Salo, says all the tried-and-true networking advice is still effective. You should still listen and be curious, give a strong handshake and always be ready with a business card or promo. But to be a super connector, you have to be strategic about what you do before and after a networking event.

Read on for Gabriel’s tips on how anyone can strengthen their networking muscles and become a super connector.


Read More

How To Get Ahead in Merch

Named after PPAI's former mission – to be the voice and force to advance the branded merchandise marketplace – Voice & Force was created to help level up your business and career.

Season 3 is now available! Season 3 of Voice & Force explores what separates the people who simply work in branded merchandise from those who continually grow within it. Starting from the reality that many careers in this industry begin unexpectedly, the season asks what successful professionals do differently once they arrive. Across five episodes, PPAI Media's Josh Ellis and Stacy Rogers examine ownership, expertise, learning habits, relationships and curiosity, sharing why meaningful career growth is intentional rather than accidental. PPAI Advance provides the practical framework behind that idea, giving professionals opportunities to build knowledge, pursue TAS, CAS and MAS certifications, and turn ambition into a clearer path forward.

Click here to Explore the Episodes