PPAMidwest Messenger - August 2026 Edition

August 2026

JOIN OR RENEW YOUR PPAM MEMBERSHIP HERE!

A Message From Our PPAMidwest President......

Dear PPAMidwest Members,

It is hard to believe that we are already heading into the end of summer. This means schools are back in session and our industry is headed into our last big sprint for the year before the holidays. Wishing everyone a successful fourth quarter and hope to see you at some of our upcoming events.

This month, PPAMidwest members joined us in Kansas City and St Louis for Putt Putt and Bowling. I had a great time in Kansas City meeting some new faces and connecting again with our members.

The PPAMidwest Fall Holiday Showcase kicks off on October 20th in St. Louis. This show offers an opportunity to include your end buyers and show them first hand some of the offerings available and collaborate with product line experts. On October 22nd, the Fall Holiday Showcase will be in Kansas City and at a new exciting location - AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park.

Our annual golf tournament is October 21st at the same amazing golf course we played at last year - Fred Arbanas Golf Course in Kansas City, MO. Bring your team and even your end buyers to join you on a team to play some golf in between the showcases in St. Louis and Kansas City.

I look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events and as always, please reach out with any questions, concerns, and if you want to learn more about being a volunteer with PPAMidwest.

Warm regards,

Aubrey Weaver

2026 PPAMidwest President

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

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 20, 2026

The Foundry Arts Centre

520 North Main Center

St. Charles, MO 63301

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk

16201 Shawnee Drive

Overland Park, KS 66223

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

For event details and registration links, click here

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!

10/21/2026

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.

(Fall Holiday Showcase exhibitors may also register for the golf tournament
on their show registration form)

^{PPAMidwest News}

Obituary: Rob Watson, Vantage Apparel

Avenel, NJ - Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage Apparel passed away suddenly at his home in New Jersey on Friday, Aug. 21. He was 48 years old.

Born and raised in Virginia, Watson attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, and graduated with a degree in Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communications. Following stints in the commercial cruise industry, Watson entered the industry where he’d find a home for the next 20 years – promotional products.

Watson’s career started at MediaTree, followed by positions at several industry firms, including ASI, Zing, Axis Promotions and finally, Vantage Apparel, a company with nearly $65 million in annual sales. Watson was instrumental in the company’s 16.5% growth from 2024 to 2025, and a key driver of the company’s launch of Swagee, its print-on-demand platform for the promo industry and its decorators.

“Rob was beloved by the Vantage family, as well as his extended family of the entire promo industry,” said Ira Neaman, president & executive chairman of Vantage and a member of Counselor’s Power 50, along with Watson. “Rob had this wonderful quality of making everyone he met feel special and that was something genuine and authentic in him. He cared, he was curious about people and he listened. He had that rare skill set of being extremely intelligent, with wisdom beyond his years. We at Vantage, and the promo and print folks Rob knew throughout the industry, will miss him and his warmth, humor and friendship so very much.”

Read more here

Cap America Earns Second EcoVadis Golf Rating

Fredericktown, MO - Cap America has earned a Gold rating from EcoVadis for the second consecutive year, scoring 86 out of 100 in the sustainability assessment. The score places the company in the 98th percentile of apparel manufacturers evaluated by EcoVadis and among the top 5% of all companies assessed globally. EcoVadis evaluates organizations across four areas: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.

The company recorded its highest scores in Sustainable Procurement (86/100) and Labor & Human Rights (88/100), both ranking in the top 1% of its industry. Cap America also received strong marks for Environment (84/100) and Ethics (81/100). More than 130,000 companies worldwide have been evaluated through the EcoVadis assessment program, which is based on international standards including the UN Global Compact, International Labour Organization conventions and ISO 26000.

Cap America, which has supplied decorated custom headwear to promotional products distributors since 1985, said the recognition reflects its ongoing focus on responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency. “Earning this rating again wasn’t just about repeating a score,” says Gerald Pinkley, vice president of compliance. “It’s proof that responsible sourcing is part of our daily approach here, not a project we revisit once a year.” The company said its continued participation in EcoVadis and Higg FEM assessments supports its broader sustainability and continuous improvement efforts.

Starline Announces Retirement of Longtime Southwest Rep, Hiring of Successor

Grand Island, NY - Starline USA recently announced the retirement of Kim Reinecker, who has represented the company in the Southwest territory for the past 16 years and will retire at the end of September. Reinecker is concluding a 40-year career as a supplier representative in the branded merch industry. Reflecting on her career, she said, “The success I enjoyed throughout my career was only possible because of the trust of my customers, the support of my colleagues and the friendships I developed along the way. I am truly blessed to have spent the last 16 years representing Starline and could not think of a better company to end my industry career with.”

The company has named Clay Bridges as Reinecker’s successor in Texas. Bridges brings nearly 25 years of industry experience, most recently on the distributor side, and has recently relocated to Texas. He will assume responsibility for the territory following Reinecker’s retirement.

Brian DeBottis, Starline’s chief revenue officer, thanked Reinecker for her contributions and wished her well in retirement. He also welcomed Bridges to the organization, noting his longstanding commitment to customer service and industry expertise. Bridges will spend the coming month traveling with Reinecker to meet customers and support a smooth transition.

Proforma's CRO Recognized As '40 Under 40' By 'Tampa Bay Business Journal'

Cleveland, OH - Proforma recently announced that Chief Revenue Officer Brian Roney has been named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40 class, which recognizes professionals under age 40 for their contributions to business growth and community impact. Roney said he was honored by the recognition, noting, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a talented and inspiring community.”

As CRO, Roney oversees financial initiatives aimed at supporting Proforma’s distributor network. The company credited him with helping advance ProStores, its e-commerce platform, which surpassed 2 million transactions earlier this year. He also contributed to the financial modeling behind Proforma’s acquisition of Safeguard from Deluxe, a publicly traded company.

Beyond his business responsibilities, Roney has led community-focused initiatives, including the creation of Proforma’s annual Proform-A-Service Day, which gives employees paid time to volunteer with charitable organizations. He is also active in local civic groups and youth sports. The Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40 honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Oct. 22 and in the publication’s print and online editions.

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^{Industry News}

2026 PPAI Member Town Hall

PPAI Media

PPAI Names Its 2027 Board Officers

PPAI leadership met with members Thursday for a town hall focused on the Association’s progress in 2025 – a crucial year for long-term planning – its position today and the priorities shaping what comes next for the branded merchandise industry’s largest and longest-running not-for-profit trade association.

The discussion coincided with the release of PPAI’s 2025 Annual Report, which details a year the Association says was centered on strengthening member value while building a clearer roadmap for the future. That work included development of a new five-year strategic plan, organizational investments and a renewed focus on three strategic pillars: strengthening community, elevating the industry and supporting member success.

The town hall was led by Danny Rosin, CAS, Board Chair and co-president of Brand Fuel, and included commentary from President and CEO Drew Holmgreen, CAS, Chief Revenue and Experience Officer Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE, and Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Ralston, CAS.

Click here to watch the PPAI Member Town Hall

Should You Go All-in on AI Now or Wait for the Dust to Settle? Here Are the Risks and Rewards of Each Path

Vuk Stajic • Entrepreneur Leadership Network Contributor • Founder of MVRK Inc. & Coach at the SSB

Now is the time to decide if your team will leverage emerging technology or wait for the winners of the race to become clearer. Both options present risks and rewards for your business.

If you’re a business leader, you have an important decision awaiting you today. Will your company invest in emerging AI technology before the dust settles in the race for AI supremacy? Or will you maintain the status quo, dabble a bit in AI and save most of your chips for when the cards are clear?

Whatever you decide, it will impact your business. But the only wrong decision today is not having a clear strategy for how you will invest in AI. This article will help you crystallize your decision.

Before we dive into the pros and cons of each direction, let’s understand the ecosystem players. The race is being contested across three categories.

2026 PPAI Regional Volunteer Award

PPAI Media

Steven Lazarun, MAS, Honored With PPAI Regional Volunteer Award

Steven Lazarus, MAS, vice president of sales and marketing at Florida-based distributor Promotional Breezes has been named the recipient of the 2026 PPAI Regional Volunteer Award.

The honor is given out annually to regional association members who demonstrate an outstanding level of volunteerism, leadership or have made other significant and measurable contributions to one or more regional associations.

Recognition for the 2026 PPAI Regional Volunteer Award winner will be held during the PPAI Leadership Development Conference from Oct. 27-29 at the Sheraton Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas.

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