May 15, 2025 – Premier Group Network, an industry non-profit trade association and leading alliance of distributors and suppliers in the promotional products industry, is proud to announce the success of its charitable partnership with Mercy Chefs, a nonprofit dedicated to providing chef-prepared meals to communities facing hardship.

During PG’s 2025 Annual Meeting, held in Asheville, NC, members came together not only to network and collaborate but also to give back in a meaningful way. Together, PG and it's members raised a total of $18,200 in support of the organization.

A core component of this year’s giveback initiative was a hands-on volunteer activity where meeting attendees packed 250 grocery boxes, each filled with shelf-stable, family-friendly ingredients. These boxes are now on their way to families in need — a direct result of the compassion and commitment of PG members. The cost to fund this project was $12,500, meaning that an additional $5,700 will go to further support Mercy Chefs’ global mission.

“This initiative exemplifies what makes our community so special,” said Dana Geiger, Executive Director of Premier Group. “Not only do our members come together to grow their businesses — they show up to care for others and invest in lasting impact.”

Premier Group is honored to support Mercy Chefs and invites others in the promotional products industry to join in the effort. Donations can still be made directly at:
👉 https://give.mercychefs.com/campaign/673821/donate

To learn more about Mercy Chefs and their life-changing work, visit www.mercychefs.com.

Premier Group Network, the leading partnering network in the promotional products industry, is excited to announce it's teaming up with PromoPulse, the leading provider of automated marketing for the promo industry.

Premier Group members will benefit with exclusive savings from the PromoPulse Automated Marketing Platform (AMP), which will send curated content highlighting preferred suppliers to their customers automatically via email and social media.

Premier Group members will receive cost savings, extended AMP trial time, increased email limits, and discounts for additional email lists and campaigns.

“Every business knows that marketing is essential to succeeding in today’s competitive landscape,” said Dana Geiger, executive Director of Premier Group Network.“ By teaming up with PromoPulse, we are giving our members access to an effective, always-on marketing solution that will keep them front and center with their clients so they can take advantage of every sales opportunity.”

“We are excited to partner with Premier Group so we can bring our marketing and technology expertise to its members,” said Jason Nokes, founder of PromoPulse. "Our deep experience with applying technology to the promotional products industry, combined with Premier Group’s leading network, will make marketing easy for their members.”

The partnership between Premier Group Network and PromoPulse illustrates their dedication to using technology to support distributors, and move the industry forward.

More Info:

For more information about Premier Group Network, visit www.premiergroupnetwork.com. For more information about PromoPulse, visit their website at www.promopulse.io.

Media Contact:
Dana Geiger
757.491.3114
Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com

ASHEVILLE, NC – April 30, 2025 – Premier Group Network proudly celebrated the achievements of its member companies and individual representatives during the 2025 Annual Meeting at the historic Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. Each year, PG honors individuals and organizations who exemplify outstanding service, innovation, and the spirit of partnership that defines the Premier Group community.

Download all award winner photography here.

Top Honors: Recognizing Leadership, Collaboration, and Ingenuity

• MVPG – Most Valuable Premier Group Player Award:
  Alicia Rhodes (Action Plus Ideas)– Recognized for exceptional leadership, impact, and commitment to PG’s mission.

• Wingman Award (Supplier Rep):
  Cecilla Chicone (Logomak)– Honored for reliability, partnership, and unwavering support of distributor members.

• Allstar Award (Distributor Rep):
  RJ Dunnigan (Renaissance Promotions) – Celebrated for collaboration, leadership, and excellence in service.

• MacGyver Award:
  Menda Wright (Creative Studio Promotions)– Acknowledged for resourcefulness and creative problem-solving.

Doug Bruce Distributor Performance Award

Named in memory of longtime PG co-founder Doug Bruce, this award recognizes distributor companies who embody the spirit of partnership and collaboration. Voted on by supplier members, recipients stand out in the following areas: meaningful relationships with PG suppliers, understanding of timelines and process and commitment to solution oriented approaches when faced with challenges. 

2025 Recipients:
(by sales category)

• Under $3.5M: Skylight Creative

• $3.5M–$7.5M: JH Specialty

• Over $7.5M: The Promotions Dept

Paul Smith Supplier Performance Award

Voted on by distributor members, this award recognizes suppliers who exemplify the collaborative values of Premier Group and deliver consistent excellence in: product quality, marketing support, customer service, sales support, problem resolution and management engagement.

2025 Recipients:
(by sales category)

• Under $20M: Pop Promos!

• $20M–$50M: Cap America

• Over $50M: Hit Promotional Products

Sales Awards: Celebrating Growth and Volume

Highest Supplier Sales Volume with PG Distributors:
(by sales category)

• Under $20M: Ball Pro / Diversified

• $20M–$50M: Cap America

• Over $50M: SanMar

Highest Year-Over-Year Supplier Sales Growth with PG Distributors:
(by sales category)

• Under $20M: The Chest

• $20M–$50M: NC Custom

• Over $50M: Gill Studios

Highest Distributor Purchase Volume with PG Suppliers:
(by sales category)

• Under $3.5M: City Apparel & Merch

• $3.5M–$7.5M: Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple

• Over $7.5M: Barker Specialty

Highest Distributor Purchase Percentage with PG Suppliers:
(by sales category)

• Under $3.5M: City Apparel + Merch

• $3.5M–$7.5M: Renaissance Promotions

• Over $7.5M: The Callard Company

Introducing The Wagner Award

Established in 2025, The Wagner Award was created to honor the extraordinary leadership and service of Matt Wagner, whose legacy as PG Board Chair continues to inspire the organization. This distinguished award recognizes a Premier Group member whose contributions reflect the same values Matt embodies—integrity, kindness, objectivity, and an unwavering commitment to what is best for the association.

The award is not given annually, but is reserved for moments when the Board of Directors identifies a member whose voluntary service is truly exceptional.

We are proud to announce that Matt Wagner was named the inaugural recipient of The Wagner Award in 2025, a fitting tribute to his years of dedication, steady leadership, and lasting impact on the PG community as he completes his board service.

Award Criteria:
Honorees will have:

• Made sustained, meaningful contributions to PG’s mission

• Acted selflessly and without expectation of recognition

• Demonstrated consistent leadership, fairness, and support across the PG community

Premier Group congratulates all 2025 award recipients and expresses deep appreciation for the continued collaboration, excellence, and leadership shown by its members. Together, these individuals and companies represent the very best of what Premier Group stands for.

Premier Group Network, the leading partnering network in the promotional products industry, is excited to announce its partnership with Delegate CX (DCX), a global staffing and training solution designed to help businesses scale efficiently by providing skilled promotional products professionals. Through this collaboration, Premier Group members will benefit from exclusive access to cost-effective hiring solutions, dedicated training resources, and ongoing support to help expand their teams and improve operational efficiency.

DCX specializes in helping distributors and suppliers find, train, and onboard high-performing team members, eliminating hiring obstacles while ensuring businesses have the support needed to grow. This partnership reflects Premier Group’s commitment to providing members with strategic resources that enhance productivity, streamline operations, and drive long-term success.

A Smarter Way to Grow

“Talent acquisition and training are key challenges for any growing business,” said Dana Geiger, executive Director of Premier Group Network. “By partnering with Delegate CX, we are giving our members access to trusted, high-quality staffing solutions at a reduced rate, allowing them to focus on growth without the usual hiring and training roadblocks.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Premier Group and bring our expertise in global hiring and training to its members,” said Rory Young, CRO of of Delegate CX. “This partnership is designed to make hiring, onboarding, and team development more efficient and cost-effective, so businesses can scale with confidence.”

Through this partnership, Premier Group members will receive cost savings and access to additional resources at a reduced rate, including talent placement, training programs, and onboarding support. With DCX’s expertise in building high-performing teams, members can optimize their workforce while focusing on long-term business growth.

About Premier Group Network

Premier Group Network is the leading supplier-distributor networking group in the promotional products industry and the only one that grants full and equal membership to both suppliers and distributors. Membership is selective and based on a recommendation of the membership committee and approval of the Board of Directors. Now in its 28th year Premier Group has evolved into one of the most respected and long-standing “buying groups” in the industry. Recognized as a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, Premier Group continues to foster collaboration, innovation, and success among its members.

For more information about Premier Group Network, visit www.premiergroupnetwork.com.

For Immediate Release: Jan 30, 2025

Media contact:
Dana Geiger
757.491.3114
Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com

Premier Group Network, the leading partnering network in the promotional products industry, is pleased to announce its partnership with Merch AI, a forward-thinking technology platform designed to enhance the sales and operational capabilities of distributors.

As part of this collaboration, Premier Group formed and internal beta testing the platform with a select group of distributor members who have opted in to explore its potential as a collective. The goal of this initiative is to develop additional tools tailored to the needs of the PG community, strengthening member relationships, increasing spend within the group, and providing distributors with innovative sales resources that set them apart in the industry.

“This partnership represents an exciting step forward for our members,” said Savannah Simmers, Board member and Resource Committee Chair of Premier Group Network. “We are always looking for ways to bring value to our distributors, and we believe Merch AI has the potential to revolutionize how our members approach sales, marketing, and client engagement.”

Merch AI’s AI-driven tools and data-driven insights aim to streamline operations, enhance client interactions, and optimize product offerings. Through this beta testing phase, Premier Group members will have the unique opportunity to shape the platform tool development for members.

“At Merch AI, we’re excited to collaborate with Premier Group and its dynamic network of distributors,” said  Nick Lateur, VP of revenue of Merch AI. “Our mission is to empower distributors with cutting-edge technology that drives efficiency and success, and we look forward to refining our solutions with the valuable feedback from PG members.”

About Premier Group Network

Premier Group Network is the leading supplier-distributor networking group in the promotional products industry and the only one that grants full and equal membership to both suppliers and distributors. Membership is selective and based on a recommendation of the membership committee and approval of the Board of Directors. Now in its 28th year, Premier Group has evolved into one of the most respected and long-standing “buying groups” in the industry. Recognized as a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, Premier Group continues to foster collaboration, innovation, and success among its members.

For more information about Premier Group Network, visit www.premiergroupnetwork.com.

For Immediate Release: Jan 30, 2025

Media contact:
Dana Geiger
757.491.3114
Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com

CHESHIRE, CT, USA, May 14, 2024

Barker Specialty, a leader in the promotional products industry since 1951 is pleased to announce the acquisition of Wolfepromo, a Connecticut based distributorship for over 35 years. David Wolfe, managing partner of Wolfepromo, developed a reputation for creativity backed with excellent customer service throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. He noticed early in his career that the way promotional products were marketed did not resonate well with him. He took this opportunity to differentiate himself by focusing on each client’s individual needs, understanding the clients’ goals, and envisioning their logo on products that would be differentiators. From there Wolfe’s tagline “Creatively Disruptive!” was born.

"We are so excited to join with David Wolfe! David is exceptionally creative and has built a great business. Our entire staff is looking forward to working with David.” - Gerry Barker

The hyper focused client experience that Wolfe led his company with is a natural fit for Barker Specialty. “I wanted to partner with a great company, I was very selective in inviting possible partners to discuss opportunities,” Wolfe said. As a family-owned business of more than 75 years, Gerry Barker fully understood and valued the importance of the client relationships Wolfe built over the years. “I’ve always thought highly of David. His company is small, highly respected and well run. This is just a terrific fit”, says Barker. Amy Serrano, Chief Revenue Officer for Barker Specialty added, "As soon as I met David, I knew the synergy between our companies would be perfect. We both have the same goals--- giving our clients peace of mind while providing the best solutions using promotional products."

Wolfepromo clients will continue toexperience the same level of customer care, with the benefit of additional resources that Barker Specialty offers.This includes implementation of company stores, on premise warehousing, artwork services, on-site production, in-house kitting, global sourcing, and much more, all while providing competitive pricing. Furthermore, Barker Specialty's commitment to a diverse work force and supply chain, sustainable product sourcing, safe and vetted products, and intellectual property protection, all enhance the value of the Wolfepromo and Barker Specialty combination. 

About Barker Specialty Company:

As one of the leaders in the promotional products industry, Barker Specialty quickly grew to be a multi-million-dollar company. Recognized with numerous prestigious awards, such as "Greatest Companies to Work For," "Top 50 Distributors of Promotional Products in the USA," "Top 20 Best Places to Work," and "Family Business of the Year," Barker Specialty is committed to excellence in every aspect of its operations.

www.barkerspecialty.com

Click here for City Apparel's Impact Report Infographic

City Apparel+Merch Achieves Certified B Corporation Status, Pioneering Social and Environmental Excellence

City Apparel+Merch, a leading provider of branded apparel and promotional merchandise, is proud to announce its certification as a B Corporation, joining a global community of businesses committed to social and environmental excellence. This prestigious certification reflects the company's steadfast dedication to not just being the best in the world but being the best for the world.

A Journey to Excellence Amid Challenges

The journey towards B Corp certification began in earnest in 2019, spearheaded by City Apparel+Merch's dreamer President, Andrea Kramer. Despite facing unprecedented delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company's commitment to achieving this goal never wavered. "Our journey to B Corp certification was both challenging and deeply rewarding," said President Andrea Kramer. "Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, and delay in changing our business structure to a Benefit Corporation in the State of Ohio, our team's resilience and dedication to our core values of sustainability and social responsibility have been unwavering. This certification is a testament to our commitment to make a positive impact on the world."

The Rigors of B Corp Certification

Achieving B Corp certification is no small feat. The process requires companies to meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Businesses must undergo a rigorous assessment that evaluates their impact on their workers, customers, community, and environment. City Apparel+Merch excelled in these areas with a score of 123, demonstrating an exemplary commitment to creating a positive impact.

Championing Social and Environmental Initiatives

City Apparel+Merch has long been a champion of social and environmental initiatives. From implementing sustainable sourcing practices to engaging in community outreach and development programs, the company has set a benchmark for corporate responsibility. "We believe that business can be a force for good, and our efforts in sustainability and community engagement reflect this belief," remarked Kramer. "From reducing our carbon footprint to supporting local communities, we are committed to making a meaningful difference."

Products and Services with a Purpose

City Apparel+Merch offers a wide range of products and services designed to meet the needs of businesses and organizations looking to both radically elevate their brand and make an impact. From eco-friendly apparel options to sustainable promotional merchandise, each product is curated with the environment and social responsibility in mind. The company's innovative approach to branded merchandise and apparel not only sets it apart in the market but also underscores its commitment to the planet and its people.

A Legacy of Recognition

City Apparel+Merch's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company has received numerous awards in recognition of its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community engagement. In 2023 they were recognized in the Business Hall of Fame for Social Impact, PPAI’s Greatest Companies to Work For, and PPAI’s Responsibility Recognition. These accolades serve as a testament to City Apparel+Merch's leadership in the industry and its unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world.

About City Apparel+Merch

City Apparel+Merch is a leading provider of branded apparel and promotional merchandise, offering enterprise solutions with curated merchandise, inhouse design and decoration and company stores; dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, City Apparel+Merch offers products and services that help businesses and organizations radically elevate their brand and make a positive impact on the world. As a Certified B Corporation, City Apparel+Merch stands at the forefront of a global movement of people using business as a force for good.

For more information, please contact:

Kelsey Jones

419-434-1157

Kelsey@cityapparel.com

www.CityApparel.com

JH Specialty believes in hiring talented people and creating an environment in which they can grow and prosper.

Evidence that the firm is turning that belief into action comes as the Fort Wayne, IN-based provider of promotional products and digital marketing solutions this week announced nine promotions.

Those moving up the ladder include Darren Lichtsinn, who is rising to vice president of JH’s promo products division. He joined the firm as a director in 2022 following a near 21-year sales career with T-Mobile.

JH Specialty (asi/232445) promoted the following employees: Darren Lichtsinn, Patrick Florea, Sarah Englert, Nate Kaiser, Miranda Haney, Reed Nicholson, Jamie Nicholson, Tyler Bearman, and Jim Coughlin.

Another new VP is Patrick Florea, who is now vice president of professional services. Sarah Englert has elevated to production manager, while Nate Kaiser is senior project manager and Miranda Haney project manager. Other promotions include Reed Nicholson to warehouse associate and Jamie Nicholson, Tyler Bearman and Jim Coughlin to senior account managers.

Beyond branded merchandise solutions, JH Specialty provides web design and development, enterprise ecommerce, digital marketing, digital recruiting services, app development and more. Company Founder/CEO John Henry III was Counselor’s 2019 Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year. He earned the honor, in part, for his work diversifying JH’s offerings to include a range of tech solutions.

 [CHESHIRE, CT, April 4, 2024]
Barker Specialty Company, of Cheshire, CT, a worldwide leader in the promotional products business, is proud to announce the promotion of Karen Heiligman from Vice-President to Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective April 1, 2024. Karen, currently VP of operations, has been with Barker Specialty for 21 years, after graduating from Central CT State University. During those 21 years, Karen has worked in many of the operating areas of the company, including customer support, sales, logistics, and most recently as director of fulfillment operations. Son of company founders, Herb and Gloria Barker, President Gerry Barker states, “I am so proud to recognize and promote Karen to the critical position of COO. Karen is a strong leader and diligent worker. Her innate commitment to succeed is one of her many impressive qualities, and her compassion, empathy and concern for others are traits that my Mom recognized when she hired Karen. I remember how excited Mom was when Karen joined us, and I know my folks would be thrilled seeing the success Karen has achieved." In her new role as COO, Karen will be responsible for overseeing the company's day-to-day operations, developing strategic initiatives, ensuring operational success throughout all areas of the business, and expanding international opportunities through IGC Global Promotions. Karen commented, "I am excited to take on this new challenge and greatly appreciate everyone's confidence in me! This business is difficult and has so many moving parts.... but I am determined to build on our 75 year history, while still maintaining our company values of respect for all, excellence in service, and competitive pricing." Karen’s constant strive for excellence can be attributed to her numerous athletic victories throughout her high school and college career as a competitive swimmer. She is a passionate reader, averaging 30 books a year, fueling her love for knowledge and personal growth. Karen is deeply committed to her family and finds joy in the companionship of her beloved dogs Kenzie and Bella. 

 About Barker Specialty Company: Barker Specialty is dedicated to assisting clients in promoting their brands and achieving marketing success through innovative and creative promotional merchandise. As one of the leaders in the promotional products industry, Barker Specialty has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, such as "Greatest Companies to Work For," "Top 50 Distributors of Promotional Products in the USA," "Top 20 Best Places to Work," and "Family Business of the Year," Barker Specialty is committed to excellence in every aspect of its operations. 

See original PR here.

September 22, 2023
Barker Specialty proudly announces the reveal of its new brand identity! The new design embodies BarkerSpecialty’s cutting edge and contemporary position as a leader in the world of branded merchandise, company webstores and proprietary marketing strategies.

The choice was made to maintain similar color schemes, secondary design elements and the company name in order to preserve the recognition of the family-owned business that Herb and Gloria Barker started in 1951. By introducing a completely new logo, Barker Specialty demonstrates the importance of being able to adapt and modernize. The new logo is intentionally subject to varied interpretations, with the overarching goal to represent the concepts of caring and concern for customers, company and community.

Along with the brand refresh, Barker Specialty has reframed its mission,vision and values to highlight its commitment to an enhanced client experience, focus on the environment and continued emphasis on employee growth.“Adapting to an ever-changing world, while maintaining core values isthe driving focus behind the excitement of this rebranding. We are thrilled to reintroduce ourselves with a fresh, modern and vibrant persona.” –Chelsea Fishman, Director of Marketing

Gerry Barker, president, stated, " I have so much respect for our marketing team who have led this initiative and worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition. Removing our revered dog from our logo wasn't an easy choice but reflects our growth as a worldwide supplier of promotional marketing products."

The new brand identity can be found throughout the Barker Specialty website and social media channels.

About Barker Specialty

Barker Specialty has been the one-stop source for all promotional and marketing needs for over 70 years. We are an innovative promotional marketing agency, specializing in branded merchandise and e-commerce solutions for items such as promotional products, apparel and uniforms, gifts and awards, tradeshow displays,print media and signage. Call (800) 227-5377 or visit barkerspecialty.com for more information.