August 2025

Summer Update from the PPAMidwest President.....


As summer winds down and the back-to-school season begins, I want to take a moment to thank our PPAMidwest community for an incredible few months. One of the highlights was our Annual Pickleball Tournament in Overland Park. The turnout was fantastic, the matches were competitive, and, most importantly, the event provided a wonderful opportunity for members to connect, network, and enjoy some friendly competition. I’m grateful to everyone who participated and helped make it such a success.


Looking ahead, we have two exciting events on the horizon:


Our Fall Holiday Showcase offers the perfect opportunity to discover new products, spark fresh ideas, and prepare for the busy holiday season. It’s a valuable time for distributors and suppliers to connect, share inspiration, and plan impactful year-end campaigns. This year, we’re adding an exciting twist — the Annual Golf Tournament will take place between the two showcase events. The tournament is a day filled with networking, camaraderie, and a touch of friendly competition on the course. Everyone is welcome — clients, end-users, and family members alike. (Registration is now open; see details below.)


Thank you for your continued support and participation. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events as we close out the year strong.



Amelia Madl

2025 PPAMidwest President

August 27, 2025 Wild Wednesday Webinar: “A Tactical Toolkit for the Modern Marketer


Marketing has risen to replace sales as the single biggest driver of revenue in our companies. We’ve reached a point where promotional products salespeople need to think, act and deliver like world-class marketers in order to remain competitive.

 

In this session, you’ll learn how to combine digital literacy with data driven insights and a client-centric approach to connect with your target audience in ways that are far more personal and much more impactful than a simple sales call.

 

We’ll go over the difference between traditional and modern marketing, and discover the five modern marketing concepts you need to master to succeed in 2025 and beyond. Then we’ll how to utilize essential tactical tools to drive profit and revenue while creating “sticky” clients at the same time.

Read more and register

2 Great Cities/2 Great Shows...& A Golf Tournament, too!


Mark your calendars and register to attend our

upcoming Fall Holiday Showcase!

 

Don't miss this year's Fall Holiday Showcase which will be held in both St. Louis and Kansas City. Our annual end user friendly tabletop show format will be at two fun and unique locations that you and your customers are sure to love!


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025

The Foundry Arts Centre

520 North Main Center

St. Charles, MO 63301


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

The Fiorella's

9000 West 137th Street

Overland Park, KS 66221



Education: 9 am - 10 am Exhibits Open: 10 am - 1pm


Register to exhibit or attend today!



 For event details and registration links, click here

NEW THIS YEAR!

We will be hosting our annual Golf Tournament between the Fall shows on 10/15/25 in Kansas City so start getting your teams together now!

Get ready to swing into action!

It's time to tee off and have some fun on the fairways with PPAMidwest, your co-workers, family and friends!


10/15/2025

Fred Arbanas Golf Course

11100 View High Dr

Kansas City, MO 64134


Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, this event promises a fantastic opportunity to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with colleagues, family, and friends in a relaxed and beautiful setting with top-notch amenities.


Tournament Details:

  • Registration/Check in - 8 am
  • Shotgun Start - 9 am 
  • Golfer Entry Fee - $150 per person/$600 per team which includes:
  • 18 holes of Championship Golf
  • Electric Cart
  • Buffet Lunch
  • Golfer's Goodie Bag
  • Bragging rights and prizes in various categories, including 1st and 2nd place teams, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Putt.
  • Sponsorship Opportunities:
  • Snack Sponsor - $250 (Limit: 1)
  • Lunch Sponsor - $500 (Limit: 3) 
  • Beverage Cart Sponsor - $500 (Limit: 1) 
  • Hole Sponsor with sign only - $50
  • Hole Sponsor with exhibit space and sign - $200 (must bring all items needed for your exhibit space including table, tent, etc.)


All Sponsorships include prominent signage at the course, online promotion including company logo on pre-event marketing and the opportunity to include product in Golfer Goodie Bags or donate prizes.

 Register Today!

(Fall Holiday Showcase exhibitors may also register

for the golf tournament on their show registration form)

PPAMidwest News

PCNA Partners with FootJoy


New Kensington, PA - PCNA has announced a new partnership with global golf brand FootJoy.

 

Building on the momentum of its early 2025 expansion into the golf category, PCNA continues to expand its assortment by introducing 11 premium FootJoy golf apparel options available in multiple decoration methods.


  • Beyond embroidery, available techniques include premium methods such as HXD, laser, digital transfer and debossing on select styles.

  • Currently, the FootJoy line at PCNA is available exclusively in the U.S., with plans to expand availability to Canada.

 

“We’re honored to partner with FootJoy, a trusted and globally recognized golf brand,” says Neil Ringel, CEO of PCNA. “By introducing a range of premium FootJoy apparel, we’re ensuring that distributors have access to high-demand, performance-driven products that appeal to a variety of styles and preferences. This partnership reflects our ongoing dedication to enhancing our apparel assortment with quality brands that help distributors differentiate themselves and thrive in the promotional golf space—especially as we head into the holiday gifting season.”

Koozie Group Launches Contract Decorating Service


Clearwater, FL Koozie Group recently announced that it has launched a contract decorating service.

 

The initial partnership in this new endeavor is SanMar’s Pack Separately. Ship Together. (PSST) program, which unlocks access to more than 350 additional bags for Koozie Group customers.

 

  • Distributors will enjoy free next-day shipping from SanMar to Koozie Group, no restocking fees and a spoilage protection plan, among other benefits.



  • Bags will be decorated in Koozie Group’s Red Wing, Minnesota-based facility, with one-color screen print, full-color and embroidery options available.

 

“We’re always looking for ways to simplify and enhance our customers’ experience,” says Pierre Montaubin, CEO of Koozie Group. “Through this partnership with SanMar, distributors gain access to an even wider selection of bags, while benefiting from our service advantages, including the Koozie Group Tracker, trusted lead times and consistent quality.”

Cap America Promotes Lauren Allen to VP of Sales


Fredericktown, MO Cap America has announced the promotion of Lauren Allen to vice president of sales.


Allen joined Cap America in 2021 as national sales manager and was promoted to director of sales in 2024.



“Lauren has excelled in her time here and proven to be an invaluable part of our team,” says Cory Cissell, vice president of customer experience. “She represents Cap America exceptionally well and has built strong relationships both internally and across the industry. This promotion is well-deserved and long overdue.”

Hit Promo Enters Strategic Partnership With iClick


Largo, FL Hit Promotional Products has entered into a strategic partnership with iClick, a Seattle-based supplier of technology and lifestyle accessories and 2024 Counselor Best Place to Work. The partnership will bring a curated collection of iClick’s in-demand products, including PopSockets, to Hit’s lineup.

 

“We’re excited to partner with iClick and bring their dynamic product lineup, including PopSockets, to our customers,” said CJ Schmidt, president and CEO of Hit Promotional Products and a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of the most influential people in promo. “iClick’s reputation for quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our commitment to offering trend-forward, high-impact products.” Schmidt, the third-generation leader of Hit, was also named Counselor Person of the Year in 2024 for acting as a change agent at his family company, pushing it into new arenas like print-on-demand apparel fulfillment and growing revenue by hundreds of millions of dollars since taking on the lead role.

 

Jeff Roberts, CEO of iClick, said his company is thrilled to work with Hit. “Together, we’ll raise the bar for what’s possible and set a new standard for excellence, value and customer experience,” he said.

 

In addition to PopSockets, the initial launch will include products from Casely and other top sellers from iClick’s product line, with plans to expand the assortment in the future.

S&S Activewear to Become Exclusive Wholesale Distributor of Gildan's American Apparel


Bolingbrook, IL Gildan has reached an agreement that grants exclusive wholesale distribution rights of its American Apparel brand in the U.S. market to S&S Activewear.

 

“S&S has always been a strong advocate of American Apparel, and we are confident that this partnership will broaden customers’ access to the brand and further position American Apparel as the timeless, iconic choice for customers,” says Chuck Ward, chief operating officer at Gildan.

 

With S&S’s ability to grow within the promo market in the past year alone, the company expresses confidence in the opportunity to leverage its resources to help Gildan’s already established brand reach more customers.

 

“We are proud to be the exclusive distributor of American Apparel products,” says Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear. “By leveraging our scale, industry-leading technology and deep customer relationships, we’re committed to delivering the brand’s full product line across our nationwide network.”

 

Additionally, in Canadian markets, S&S Activewear will now be the exclusive wholesale distributor of Gildan’s portfolio of brands, including Gildan, Comfort Colors, American Apparel and Champion.

 

According to Toby Whitmoyer, S&S’s chief commercial officer, Gildan’s brand will only strengthen S&S’s ability to deliver for its customers and grow within the market. “We’re excited to expand our partnership with Gildan and continue to drive sales for the American Apparel brand,” says Whitmoyer. “This brand has always stood for creativity and cultural relevance, values that deeply resonate with today’s buyers. “With our national reach, deep inventory and service-first mindset, we’re ready to support the brand and deliver more value to our customers.”

Want to earn points and join in on the fun?

Simply complete the easy request form  to have your points credited

for the activities you participate in. For live events and activities, your attendance will automatically be recorded and points assigned, provided you are an active member of PPAMidwest. For recorded webinars, referrals and completion of PPAI Certifications or renewals, simply complete the easy request form to have your points credited.

It is that simple! (click on above image for more information).

Industry News

PPAI Member Town Hall

PPAI Media

PPAI's Member Town Hall is TODAY, August 14th

 

PPAI will hold a virtual town hall for members today, Thursday, August 14, offering updates on the Association’s 2024 accomplishments and a review of its strategic focus for 2025.

 

All members are invited to attend the 1-2 p.m. (CT) session.

 

The event will feature remarks from PPAI leadership including:

  • Denise Taschereau, Board Chair
  • Drew Holmgreen, President & CEO
  • Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE, Chief Revenue & Experience Officer
  • Melissa Ralston, Chief Marketing Officer
  • Christopher Cheney, Chief Operating Officer

 

The session will begin with an introduction to PPAI’s new-look executive team, which was finalized in July with the additions of Ralston and Cheney.

 

The town hall coincides with the release of PPAI’s Annual Report for 2024. Holmgreen and Taschereau will highlight key outcomes from the Association’s 2024 goals, discussing PPAI’s financial performance and transparency, investments in technology – including ERP and LMS upgrades – as well as member engagement milestones.

 

The majority of the session will focus on major member-focused initiatives underway for 2025, including an update on the PPAI Board’s upcoming strategic planning activities.

Members will also be invited to ask questions of PPAI’s leadership during the latter portion of the event.

Read More

How To Cut Costs in the Right Places and Do More With Less

Makena Finger Zannini  Entrepreneur Leadership Network Contributor 7 Figure Business Founder/CEO


In this time of stress for many small businesses, thoughtful cost-cutting can make your company leaner, more agile and scalable without sacrificing long-term growth.


If you're a small business owner right now, you're probably feeling the tension in the market. There is immense pressure to grow, serve your clients, pay your team and still keep a healthy margin against the background of a turbulent economy. At the same time, you know you can't just slash costs blindly, as cutting the wrong things can put you in an even more difficult position.

 

Done well, strategic cost-cutting can actually make your business leaner, more agile and more scalable — and it can give you increased peace of mind. Instead of running your business from a place of fear, reframe this time as a way to lean out your business and build a stronger foundation. You may be surprised at how you'll run just as effectively with less.



Read More

SOI 2025 Distributor: Buyer Preferences

ASI

Counselor 2025 State of the Industry: Buyer Preferences

 

Distributors are spending smarter on client campaigns, aiming for the sweet spot of premium-feel promo at every price point.

 

Promo’s history has typically been defined by customers aiming to maximize their budgets with high-volume, low-cost items. However, during the pandemic, this dynamic was turned on its head. With no events to spend on, buyers shifted toward high-end products that matched their glossy retail brand aesthetic. Now, customer demand has settled into a middle ground.


Read More

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