TREVOSE, PA – December 7, 2017 – alphabroder, the leading distributor of imprintable sportswear and accessories in North America, is pleased to announce the addition of Prime Line to its’ family of brands.  The combination of these two great companies establishes a new standard in the industry for convenience, service and solutions – creating the industry’s first true ‘one-stop-shop’.

 

“As a family business with long time employees, we gave careful consideration to this strategic move and ultimately feel that this is in the best interest of both Customers and employees,” said Jeff Lederer, now President of alphabroder’s hard goods division, which will operate under the Prime Line name. Jeff will report directly to Norm Hullinger, CEO of alphabroder. “The industry is changing and it was important for me to make sure Prime Line is positioned in the best possible way moving into the future.  We have chosen a partner in alphabroder that matches our values and commitment to the future. I am so excited to work with Norm and Dan Pantano (President of alphabroder) helping to lead the team to the next level.” Jeff and the long time members of the Prime Line management team will be joining the alphabroder management team while continuing to operate Prime Line with the same dedication to Customers and family values that created one of the industry’s leading companies, which was one of the key drivers for alphabroder in this deal.

 

As plans were being formed for the integration of these two great companies, Norm and Jeff agreed to place one priority above all else: Continue to deliver the highest level of service to all of our Customers.

 

Said Hullinger, “The combination of these two great companies and cultures was born out of the input from our Customers. We will honor this by continuing our sharp focus on their businesses.  Bringing our organizations together will provide us with the flexibility and agility to focus 100% on our Customers – to deliver best-in-class solutions to help their businesses succeed.  This merger provides our Customers with unmatched product choice, reach, delivery and availability. The quality and longevity of the Prime Line team and their corporate culture firmly grounded in family values, brings a high level of predictability to the business which is essential to delivering the ultimate customer experience and these were the key drivers of this deal.”

 

alphabroder is committed to the ongoing growth of the company and the industry. Prime Line is the fourth significant company to join the alphabroder family in the last five years, having added Bodek and Rhodes in 2015, Ash City Worldwide in 2014 and Imprints Wholesale in 2012. 

 

Contact:

Tricia Lyster tlyster@alphabroder.com
215-291-6140 ext. 1399

 

About alphabroder:

Founded in 1919, alphabroder is North America’s largest distributor of trade, private label and retail apparel brands and merchandise to the promotional products marketplace. alphabroder offers more than 40 brands including a broad selection of retail and trade brands from Under Armour, Bella + Canvas, Next Level, Threadfast, adidas, Columbia, Marmot, Gildan, Fruit of the Loom, Hanes, and many others as well as sourcing our own Private Brands.

 

About Prime Line:

Founded in 1980, Prime Line became an industry leader through the introduction of innovative products and services. The company, headquartered in Bridgeport, Conn., now offers more than 1700 products across 15 categories. It features exclusive brands such as MopToppers™, Leeman New York, Rubik’s® and BUILT® as well as numerous product collections. In 2016, it acquired Jetline, which was rebranded as Prime’s value line. Source Abroad by Prime is the company’s custom and overseas sourcing division offering fully custom products as well as fast turn import items. A founding member of QCA, Prime has an industry leading focus on product safety and regulatory compliance. 

MEDIA RELEASE Contact: Fernanda Larriva Marketing Department Email: flarriva@etsexpress.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ETS Express™ Hires New South Central and Mid-Atlantic Sales Managers Matt Mertins and Laird O'Cain join the ETS Express™ sales team  Matt Mertins Laird O'Cain OXNARD, CA: 21 November, 2017 — ETS Express™, a leader in promotional drinkware, is pleased to announce the addition of Matt Mertins and Laird O’Cain as a Regional Sales Managers. Matt Mertins is responsible for the South Central territory which includes; AR, LA, OK and TX while Laird O’cain is responsible for the Mid-Atlantic territory which includes: MD, NC, SC, VA and WV. Matt has a Communications degree from the University of Houston to go along with minoring in Public Relations. He spent the last 12 years working in the Print Industry where he held several roles including a management and mentoring position. In his most recent role Matt was a Global Account Representative responsible for partnering with Fortune 500 companies in numerous areas of print management. Matt spends most of his free time at the various sporting events his kids are involved in and as a former baseball player and a lifelong fan, he is currently enjoying the Houston Astros World Series victory!  Laird studied Engineering at Clemson University before transferring to the University of South Carolina where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. In 1999, after 11 years with a 3rd generation family-owned distributorship, Laird accepted a Regional Sales Manager position in the Mid-Atlantic region with a prominent Top 40 Industry Supplier. There he spent the following 17 years developing an in-depth knowledge of his customer base and establishing countless lifelong friendships. Laird is a life-long outdoorsman and enjoys spending time with his wife and 8-year old son.  “These new hires complete our outside sales team and bring tremendous value to both ETS as well as our clients. Matt brings a rich B2B sales experience and a phenomenal track record which will undoubtedly add a fresh perspective and Laird is an established Regional Sales Manager with a name that precedes him in his territory. We are extremely excited to have both on our team” – Shlomo Cohen, National Sales Manager. Matt can be reached at mmertins@etsexpress.com or 346.413.1024 Laird can be reached at laird@etsexpress.com or 803.62.8718  Questions? Please email flarriva@etsexpress.com  About ETS Express, Inc. ETS Express, Inc. (asi #51197/PPAI #135148) is the promotional product industry's premier source for quality, innovative drinkware. Based in Southern California, this family-owned company has been in business for 30 years and is unique among the promotional products industry because of its dedication to one, single product category... drinkware. It is this exclusive focus that has allowed ETS Express to develop superior product decorating methods that complement its extremely fashion-forward line of drinkware products to promote the famous brands of Fortune 1000 companies all over the world. ETS Express™ Oxnard, CA p: 800.292.0900 f: 805.292.0900 e: info@etsexpress.com www.etsexpress.com

VIRGINIA (November 17, 2017) 

The Virginia Promotional Products Association (VAPPA) is pleased to announce that Lisa Deane (Fuze, LLC) and Dan Jenne, CAS (Tekweld) will be joining the VAPPA Board of Directors Jan. 1, 2018. In addition to these new members the Board also welcomes back Jeanne Walls (J Walls Ink!) for a second term. You can read more about each selectee by clicking here.

The VAPPA Board is comprised of 10 volunteer leaders that donate their time and energy to be sure that VAPPA is achieving the mission meeting the needs of the membership.

“I am delighted that both Lisa and Dan will be joining our team next year,” said Craig Dickens, VAPPA Board President. “I am also delighted Jeanne will be serving a second term. The VAPPA Board is a tremendous group of professionals that work diligently to serve the industry in the region. I have no doubt that Lisa and Dan will bring not only a fresh perspective to the team but also years of industry knowledge and volunteer know how. Jeanne will continue to bring the energy and passion that both the Board and many of our members have come to rely on.”

ABOUT VAPPA:

Virginia Promotional Products Association (VAPPA) is a non-profit trade association formed in 1986 to advance the image of promotional products and their use in Virginia.Through trade shows, social events and education, we work to foster the relationships of Suppliers and Distributors to continue to grow the business in these areas. We also work to educate and include end-users in this process by offering end-user trade shows.

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VAPPA Names Pinnacle Award Winners and Inducts Harold Wood
Into the Hall of Fame at The 2017 VAPPA Fall Showcase

VIRGINIA (Sept 22, 2017) VAPPA held the annual Pinnacle Award Ceremony and Member Appreciation Event sponsored by Pacesetter Awards on Sept 12, 2017 in Richmond VA. This annual event is an opportunity to acknowledge regional industry leaders. Approximately 70 people attended this year’s event that highlighted nominees and award recipients selected by member ballot. VAPPA is pleased to congratulate this year’s winners and we thank them for their tremendous efforts in the industry.

Distributor of the Year  – Boost Promotional Branding

Distributor Rep of the Year – Larry Arntz, Artnz Promotions

Supplier of the Year – Suntex Industries

Supplier Rep of the Year – Harold Wood, BIC Graphic

Multi-line Rep of the Year – MAC Marketing

Humanitarian of the Year -  Ron Baellow, Bright Ideas

In addition to the six annual award categories above, VAPPA welcomed a new member into the VAPPA Hall of Fame. Harold Wood (BIC Graphic) is the fourth person to be inducted with this high honor.

VAPPA Hall of Fame Award – Harold Wood, BIC Graphic

The VAPPA Hall of Fame award is the most prestigious award given to a member for contributions to the association and the industry. Harold began his Board service with VAPPA in 2011. He has served on the Board in all leadership positions. Under his guidance VAPPA has achieved membership growth and well as financial stability.

In addition to service to the region, Harold current serves at RAC delegate as well as the RAC Board Secretary.  Harold has left an indelible mark on VAPPA.  It is the pleasure of the VAPPA Board of Directors to honor Harold's extensive commitments with this honor. 

The annual awards ceremony kicked off the VAPPA Fall Showcase in Richmond, VA. Pre-show education facilitated by PPAI’s Seth Barnett included end-buyers and highlighted trends and tactic for managing Millennials in the marketplace. The shows welcomed approximately 195 distributors and 200 end-buyers. Virginia is a powerful force in the industry producing $284 million in distributor revenue and is home to 661 promotional product companies. Those who support the region know that Virginia is a place to prosper.

“The VAPPA Fall Showcase continues to be one of the strongest regional shows offered. Virginia distributors are committed to educating their buyers and include them in this event that highlights not only new trends in the industry but also reiterates the effectiveness of the promotional products as an advertising medium.  VAPPA members are elevating the industry. Hosting our Pinnacle Awards in conjunction with this event is a way for us to acknowledge the talent we have in Virginia. - Craig Dickens, VAPPA Board President. 

Distributor Company of the Year Boost Promotional Branding	Distributor Rep of the Year Larry Arntz Artnz Promotions	Multi-Line Company of the Year MAC Marketing
Supplier Company of the Year Suntex Industries	Humanitarian of the Year Ron Baellow Bright Ideas	Supplier Rep of the Year Harold Wood BIC Graphic

The Virginia Promotional Products Association (VAPPA) was formed to advance the image of promotional products and their use in Virginia. VAPPA fosters the development of professionalism and business ethics through education, certification and the exchange of ideas in a variety of business and social environments. For more information about VAPPA, call (757) 491-3114 or visit www.vappa.biz .

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VAPPA is proud to have the opportunity to connect with members at the major national shows in 2016. Tell us, where will we see you? Orlando, Vegas, or Atlantic City Perhaps?

See our full schedule of of events here.