January Newsletter
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Jan 7, 2016
SEND NEWS TO: staff@ppachicago.org

In This Issue:
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PPAChicago Office

2625 Butterfield Road, Ste. 138S
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Questions? Comments?
 Contact:

Jen Mendoza
Executive Director
630-983-7722 (PPAC)
staff@ppachicago.org


Click one of the following links below:
 

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available!

*Gold Star Sponsors
Recognition as Gold Sponsor on signage and PPAChicago website. Priority booth location. Half page ad in show directory. Half page ad in PPAChicago newsletter. One product in Idea Center. One bag insert.
*Show Bag Sponsors
We are looking for 1,200 pieces to be inserted into each bag. Bags will be given to each Distributor and Client.  Priority booth location. 
One product in Idea Center

Suppliers, Want to Present at a 2016 Lunch & Learn?
 
Contact: Kelly Borre
kellyborre@aaainnovations.com

2016 Lunch & Learn Dates
Wednesday, April 20
Thursday, June 23
Thursday, August 25
Tuesday, September 27

All dates have four time slots to choose from; 11:00am, 11:40am, 12:20pm, 1:00pm

Spots will be reserved on a first come first served basis, so secure your spot today!

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Distributors, Want to Attend a 
2016 Lunch & Learn?



Contact: Jen Mendoza
staff@ppachicago.org

2016 Lunch & Learn Schedule
Wednesday, February 24 
Wednesday, April 20
Thursday, June 23
Thursday, August 25
Tuesday, September 27

(All L&L times are from 11am - 2pm) 
They are free to attend and also include a free lunch!

In your email specify the date/s you'd like to attend along with the names of those wanting to attend. Spots are limited and fill fast so reserve yours in advance today!
DISTRIBUTOR MEMBER OFFER BELOW!

Renew or become a new member by clicking the link below:
Interested in signing up for CAS/MAS Testing this year?
If you're ready to test, or plan on testing this year for your certification, and would like this to be offered, we'd like to know!

E-Mail Jen at: staff@ppachicago.org
Check Out Our 2016 Online Catalog Here! 
 
Interested in donating some items to PPAChicago?

PPAChicago is currently in need of the following items:

*Table covers to be used at events and shows

*Give away items for various events 

*Signage  to be used for all PPAChicago events;
Tri-fold board &  Standing banner

This would be a great opportunity for exposure as your logo would be on the items as well! 

Please consider helping by e-mailing staff@ppachicago.org

______THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION_____
2016 Calendar of Events

Starline Wins Two Counselor Distributor Choice Awards


GRAND ISLAND, NY   January 6th, 2016 - Starline is pleased to have been nominated in six categories and won two Counselor Distributor Choice Awards at ASI Orlando this year. The awards were in the Flashlights and Tools categories. 
 
The Counselor Distributor Choice Awards program was created in 2001 by the ASI as a way for distributors to name and celebrate ASI suppliers within the industry. Over 50,000 distributors voted within 55 categories to determine the winners of these awards. A total of 42 suppliers won Counselor Distributor Choice Awards this year. 
PRIME LINE® TO ACQUIRE JETLINE®


Bridgeport, Conn. (January 5, 2016) - In a transaction that brings together two top industry suppliers, Prime Line® (Prime Resources Corp.) announced a deal in principle to acquire Jetline® from Gemini Manufacturing, which is scheduled to formally close later this month.  "We are very excited to welcome Jetline® to the Prime family and immediately start to give our distributor customers even more products and services to choose from," said Prime Line® CEO Jeff Lederer.

"Jetline® has excelled by strategically focusing on lower priced items with deep inventory and free 24 hour rush service, which we absolutely will continue to offer.  Both suppliers have attained levels of distinction -- ASI 5-star ratings, QCA accreditations -- and have established deep, long-lasting customer relationships by delivering the highest levels of product quality and service, which made Jetline a perfect fit for our customers", Lederer added.

"Both Prime and Jetline have a rich tradition of customer-driven innovation and delivering world class service and support", said Jetline CEO Eric Levin.  "Jetline's success in the value priced end of the market, combined with Prime's reputation for excellence will certainly enhance the value proposition for our loyal customers.  We're proud to be part of the team," Levin said.

In recent years, Prime has enhanced its product line by developing unique and exclusive products like MopToppers™; adding retail brands like BUILT NY; and through acquisitions such as the Points of Light and Leeman leather lines. In addition, Prime's acquisitions of Source Abroad (ROI line) and Get It Global have significantly strengthened the company's overseas capabilities.  "With the addition of Jetline, this is another Prime example of how we work hard to exceed the expectations of our distributors," explains Lederer.

Eric Levin, Jetline's Founder and CEO, will serve as Prime's Executive Vice President, and be an important member of Prime's seasoned management team.  Additionally, Michael Honig, Jetline's President, will join Prime as a Vice President.

Prime will continue to operate both the Jetline facility in Gaffney, S.C. along with its' headquarters in Bridgeport Conn.  Orders and inquiries for each product line should continue to be channeled to their respective locations.  "Moving forward, we will unify the sales, marketing and product development teams and leverage the best of both organizations", said Lederer.
MIKE MANNUCCI HIRED AS MANAGING DIRECTOR, NATIONAL OPERATIONS 
S&S Activewear creates position to facilitate national growth


Bolingbrook, IL...January 4, 2015 - S&S Activewear, a leading national distributor of uniform and promotional apparel, has hired Mike Mannucci  to join their corporate office in Bolingbrook, IL.
 
Prior to joining the S&S Activewear companies, Mannucci was the Senior Distribution Manager for alphabroder in Bolingbrook, and before that for Broder Bros. in Louisville, KY and St. Louis, MO. Mike's primary office will be in Bolingbrook.
 
"Obviously, I've been familiar with S&S Activewear for years," said Mannucci. "I admire the values of this company and the growth we are experiencing right now is exciting. Increasing our size with an additional 500,000 square foot warehouse in a few months has me busy already."
 
According to Frank Myers, Vice President of Operations and Finance at S&S, "Mike brings a great amount of knowledge not only of distribution, but of the apparel industry as well. We're so happy to have someone with his experience, attitude and confidence to help us to grow to the next level. "
Hub Pen Company Welcomes Sales Executive 
Ian Brudenell



BRAINTREE, MASSACHUSETTS (December 28, 2015) - Hub Pen Company is excited to announce the addition of industry veteran Ian Brudenell to its team of inside sales executives.  Brudenell will be representing Hub Pen with its distributors on the WestCoast.  Brudenell was a distributor himself, running a small promotional business called Kingfish Promotions, and also worked for Staples receiving recognition for outstanding sales performance for the last four years he was with the company.

"Working directly with our (Staples') top accounts, I fell in love with the process of growing top end business," said Brudenell. "One of my biggest strengths is building loyalty with customers. I take a lot of pride in that and look forward to strengthening our relationships with our distributors."
Prior to Staples and Kingfish Promotions, Brudenell spent 10 years in the human services field and considers himself fortunate to have been part of many fundraising events for various causes.

"Ian is a great addition to our team.  His experience both as a distributor and his account management skills will greatly benefit Hub Pen and our distributor partners on the West Coast" said Andy Arruda, MAS, National Sales Manager.

According to Mike Fleming, Vice President of Sales, "As our product offerings and services continue to expand, the addition of talented sales reps such as Ian will allow us to build on new and existing relationships."