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Your PPAMidwest Membership is Full of Sweet Benefits!
From networking and education to exclusive savings and industry connections, PPAMidwest membership offers plenty of treats all year long.
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2 Great Cities/2 Great Shows...& A Golf Tournament, too!
Mark your calendars and register to attend NEXT WEEK's 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
Register to attend today!
For more event details click here
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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.
Register Today!
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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
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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PPAMidwest Members.....
Are you taking advantage of your
membership benefits like our Member Only Coupon Book?
Visit our Members Only Section
for this and other Member Only Benefits!
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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.
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Logomark Names Brad Eisenstein Chief Financial Officer
Tustin, CA - Logomark recently announced the appointment of Brad Eisenstein as Chief Financial Officer, strengthening its executive leadership team as the company continues to focus on long-term growth and operational success.
Eisenstein's appointment brings new leadership to the company's financial operations. In his role as CFO, he will help guide financial planning, oversee financial performance and support strategic business decisions as Logomark continues serving its distributor partners.
Eisenstein brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning finance, operations and sales operations. Prior to joining Logomark, he served as CFO of Direct Edge Media and held CFO and COO positions at Todd Pipe & Supply and AllDigital. His earlier career included leadership roles with XO Communications and White Cap Construction Supply.
He succeeds longtime CFO Russell Taitz, who is retiring after 25 years with Logomark. Taitz will assist with the transition to ensure continuity as Eisenstein takes over the company's financial leadership.
The appointment follows another significant leadership change at Logomark, with longtime President Clive Goldberg recently named CEO, succeeding company founder Trevor Gnesin.
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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.
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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).
| | PPAI Rising Stars Class of 2026 | | |
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
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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
| | Voice & Force Podcast Series | | |
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
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