November 2025

A Message from the PPAMidwest President.....


A Season of Gratitude and Giving


Can you believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner? For most of us, that means family, friends, turkey—and of course, those trusty stretchy pants! But it’s also a time to pause and reflect on what we’re thankful for, and to extend a helping hand to those in need.


In that spirit, we’ll be collecting food donations at both our St. Louis and Kansas City Holiday Parties this season. Your generosity will help bring comfort and care to local families who could use a little extra support during the holidays. Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference.


Meanwhile, your board has been hard at work planning an exciting 2026 calendar filled with fresh opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together. We’re committed to creating more ways for our members to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and continue building a vibrant community within our industry.


Before we wrap up the year, we’d like to send a very special thank-you to Past President Dennis Oglesby. Dennis has been invaluable in his service—dedicating not only this past year as Past President, but also two years as President. His leadership, insight, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting mark on our association.


As we head into the holiday season, let’s take a moment to appreciate our community, celebrate our successes, and give back wherever we can. Here’s to gratitude, generosity, and a strong finish to the year! As always please reach out directly to me with your comments, questions, or just to chat. I can be reached via email at amelia@promocorner.com.



Amelia Madl

2025 PPAMidwest President

November 19, 2025 Wild Wednesday Webinar: “Elevating Merch: Shaping the Future of Branded Joy, with Drew Holmgreen, CEO, PPAI


The promotional products industry isn’t just evolving — it’s stepping into its spotlight. In this session, we’ll look beyond what’s trending today to where we’re headed tomorrow. We’ll dig into PPAI’s long-term “Elevating Merch” vision, exploring how responsibility, creativity, and global storytelling are setting the stage for a new era of branded merchandise. Think of this as a peek at the road ahead — full of opportunity, growth, and a whole lot of joy.

 

Learning Outcomes: 

  • Gain a clear understanding of PPAI’s long-term vision to elevate merch as a powerful, respected marketing medium.
  • Identify the big shifts and global trends shaping the industry over the next decade.
  • Explore how purpose, innovation, and storytelling can make branded merchandise even more meaningful.
  • Walk away inspired — and ready — to play an active role in shaping a brighter, bolder future for our industry.


Read more and register

December 2, 2025 Tuesday Learning Lab: “Don’t Post and Ghost: Building a Social Media Strategy That WORKS”


Your social media shouldn’t be a guessing game. Discover how to beat the algorithm, attract meaningful engagement, and turn your content into connection and conversion.

 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Master the Mindset Shift: Understand how algorithmic signals and a defined strategy framework drive an authentic, high-impact presence, moving beyond the "Post and Ghost" approach.
  • Execute Strategic Interaction: Implement immediate and sustained post-engagement tactics, apply the "Quality Comment Rule," and convert outbound interactions into referrals and collaborations.
  • Balance Content for Impact: Design and deploy content across the four essential post types (Product/Service, Educational, Interactive, and Human/Authentic) to maximize audience interest and engagement.


Read more and register

Enjoy a fun evening out with industry friends as

we mingle, network and enjoy the holiday season


We're having a social in both St. Charles and Kansas City, so please choose your city, mark your calendar and make plans to attend.


  • Event includes 2 drink tickets, light fare, networking and a great time!
  • Both socials begin at 5:30 pm
  • No Charge for PPAMidwest members and their guest! 

In the spirit of the holiday season, we will be collecting donations at both socials for our PPAMidwest Scholarship fundPPAMidwest has partnered with PPEF to offer a one year scholarship each year to all staff of PPAMidwest member companies or their children who are high school seniors or college undergraduates. PPEF takes all of the applications, reviews, verifies and makes a recommendation for a recipient which will be announced after the application period closes on March 15th. Please consider donating to this wonderful cause.

We look forward to celebrating the season with you!


Register to attend here

December 10, 2025 Wild Wednesday Webinar: “Beat Rising Healthcare Costs: Smarter Healthcare Options for Promo Professionals”


Learn about the SALA Healthcare Program offered as a membership benefit through MIPPA. Since 2018, the Healthcare Program has provided an innovative and cost effective solution for member organizations across the country. Available to individuals and businesses, this program has no minimum enrollment or employment status requirements. It’s flexible, features rolling enrollment, and is well designed for the sole proprietor and small businesses. With a 91% satisfaction rating, we hope you’ll join us to learn and save more!


Read more and register

PPAMidwest News

Jen Guse Takes on New Role as National Sales Manager at 3M/Promotional Markets


North Mankato, MN - 3M/Promotional Markets has a new sales leader. They recently announced that Jen Guse will assume the role of national sales manager.


Guse, who has been with the supplier for nearly a decade, will serve as the primary contact for distributors nationwide.


“Jen’s knowledge of our products and her genuine care for customers make her an incredible asset to both our team and our distributor partners,” said Greg Landsteiner, general manager at 3M/Promotional Markets. “We’re thrilled to have her leading our national sales efforts.”


The news comes just weeks after Misty Friedrichs, who previously served as the national sales manager at 3M/Promotional Products, joined IDLine as vice president of sales and marketing.



“I’m truly honored to step into this role and continue supporting the incredible distributor partners who make our business thrive,” Guse said. “This team and our customers inspire me every day with their creativity and passion. I’m excited to build on that energy, helping our partners grow, innovate and continue making the Post-it brand a powerful tool for connection and success.”

Jodie Schillinger Advances in ASI's Counselor Power 50


Mosinee, WI – Maple Ridge Farms, Inc. is proud to announce that Executive Vice President Jodie Schillinger has been named to ASI’s Counselor Power 50, which recognizes the most influential leaders in the promotional products industry. This year, she has advanced five places, achieving the #45 position. 

 

“This recognition highlights the spirit of Maple Ridge Farms—a team driven by purpose, dedicated to excellence, and committed to growth,” said Schillinger. “Over the past year, we have gained momentum through the successful integration of Sweeter Cards, expanded our product portfolio, and diversified our multi-sensory food gifting experiences. These initiatives, along with the growth of our talented team, enable us to meet rising demand and deliver unforgettable gifting experiences. Every success we celebrate is the direct result of collaboration, creativity, and the unwavering commitment of the entire Maple Ridge Farms family.” 

 

She added, “This honor is not solely about individual leadership; it reflects the shared heartbeat of our organization — ‘Ridgers’ united by creativity, collaboration, and connection.” 

 

Tom Riordan, founder and president of Maple Ridge Farms, praised Schillinger’s impact: “Our company would not be where it is today without Jodie’s vision and leadership. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and proud to see her recognized among the industry’s most influential leaders.”  

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.”

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.”

Industry News

PPAI EPR Compliance Webinar

PPAI Media

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

PPAI Research

PPAI Media

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

Connect with us on our Social Channels!

Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram