Pittsford, NY, April 19, 2022—Cooley Group, Inc., an industry leading branded solutions provider in promotional, print and fulfillment for over 75 years, announced today that it has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York by The New York State Society for Human Resource Management (NYS-SHRM).   

Cooley Group is headquartered in Pittsford, NY, and has offices throughout the state. As a locally based and all employee-owned company, Cooley Group has a long history of hiring locally, maintaining a culture of continuous learning, teamwork, integrity, and service.  These values have been the foundation that has enabled lasting client relationships, continued growth, and achievement. 

“It’s a very high honor to be one of only 75 companies in all of New York State to be recognized in this way.  Every day I am very grateful for our colleagues at Cooley Group—for how they support our clients and, just as importantly, each other,” said Phil Yawman, President.  “I am extremely proud of our team. Despite the challenges we have all faced in the past two years, not only have we retained our long-time employees, but we have continued to grow and attracted new talent during this difficult time.”

Yawman went on to add, “While the pandemic changed how so many companies operate, including Cooley Group, our team’s shared commitment to embracing change as a pathway to continuous learning and further delivering a differentiated client experience has never wavered.  The reward for that is a great place to work, growth in our client base and the opportunity to give back to the communities that we live and work in.”

The distinctive Best Companies to Work for in New York Program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in New York, whose practices benefit the state's businesses, economy and workforce. Winners are determined by specific registration eligibility requirements and a two-part survey of employee satisfaction and engagement, as well as workplace practices and policies. 

The Cooley Group team has over 375 years of collective industry experience, ranging from several months to several decades.  Cooley Group has a very high employee retention rate and has simultaneously and successfully hired additional resources to support its growing client base. This has been made possible in part due to the company’s competitive compensation and benefits package including:

• Flexible hybrid work environment
• 401(K) and Profit Share Plan
• Company stock ownership for all employees
• Company provided health and dental coverage
• PTO, including a company-wide community service day

In addition to being honored as a Best Company to Work for in New York, Cooley Group is also a five-time winner of the Best of Print and Digital Award, recognizing its best-in-class customer service, and recently earned the Pyramid Gold Award by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).

 

ABOUT COOLEY GROUP, INC.

Cooley Group is a leader in customized promotional, print and fulfillment solutions. Cooley Group brings clients’ brands to life with programs that enable them to grow their business. Cooley Group has offices in Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Utica and the Hudson Valley area. To learn more about Cooley Group and how we can help your business, visit www.cooleybrand.com. Contact: Patricia Lipari: plipari@cooleybrand.com

Cheshire, Connecticut, March 17, 2022: To provide much needed support to help feed the refugees from Ukraine, Jody Morneault of Stackpole Moore Tryon in Hartford, CT is selling STAND with Ukraine T-shirt’s featuring the amazing artwork of well-known designer, Ellis Echevarria (https://ellisechevarria.com/). All profits will be donated to World Central Kitchen (www.wck.org), a not-for-profit organization which is currently working to provide meals to Ukrainian refugees. 

The need for food was brought to Morneault’s attention by Jamie McDonald of Bear’s Smokehouse of South Windsor, CT who had flown to Poland to help cook for the many hungry refugees. The shirts are $25 each and come in sizes small, medium, large, extra-large and 2XL. Barker Specialty Company of Cheshire, CT is producing the t-shirts. 

The shirts will be available in stores beginning Wednesday, March 23. Please order your shirts today at the Stackpole Moore Tryon location at 242 Trumbull Street in Hartford or online at www.morneaults.com . T-shirts will also be available at The Common Man chain of hospitality locations in New Hampshire and at the Barker Animation Art Gallery locations in Cheshire, CT and Foxwoods. 

Barker Specialty Company is a promotional products company that partners with clients to communicate their brand story through the creative use of branded products and apparel. Barker Specialty Company is a one-stop source for all promotional and marketing needs with a global reach and specializes in company e-stores. 

Barker Specialty Company 

Jessica Mollin, Public Relations  jmollin@barkerspecialty.com

The Premier Group Network Board of Directors is pleased to announce the renewal the PPEF Named Scholarship honoring Paul E. Smith, MAS, president of Ardmore, Pennsylvania-based supplier Calconix, Inc. The scholarship was created by the Premier Group Network to honor Paul, one of the group’s founders, during their 20th anniversary celebration in 2017. The renewal will continue the Paul E. Smith Scholarship through 2025. 

Founded in 1997, the Premier Group Network is an alliance of 70+ distributors and suppliers in the promotional products industry. This group of dedicated peers collaborate to build business success and long-lasting relationships with innovative tools and valuable face-to-face interaction. With representation in numerous territories throughout the United States and Canada, and nearly $200 million in distributor buying power, the Premier Group Network is one of the largest partnering organizations in the industry.

 

PPEF offers higher-education scholarships to promotional products industry employees and their children. In 2021, $278,750 was awarded to 161 students. PPEF’s Named Scholarships are established as long-term honorary gifts or memorials that endure over several years to assist students in pursuing their college educations.

 

“Paul Smith is a firm believer in higher education. He has been an active volunteer to both his alma mater, Lehigh University, and the promotional products industry. PPEF is honored to be part of recognizing Paul for his efforts to make education accessible to the next generation,” says Sara Besly, PPEF executive director, “and we are so grateful to the members of the Premier Group for continuing this scholarship to honor Paul.”

 

Past recipients of the Paul E. Smith Scholarship can be found here. The application deadline for 2022 is March 15. Click here for more details or to apply.

 

About PPEF 

PPEF is an industry-based nonprofit organization that raises money to help students achieve their higher education goals.  PPEF was founded to recognize and encourage scholastic ability and academic performance among promotional products industry employees and their children. Since 1989, it has awarded over $2.7 million in financial assistance to 1,488 recipients. More information about applying for and supporting the scholarships is available at www.ppef.us. 

 

*****

 ABOUT PGN

Premier Catalog Group AKA 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 25^th year, it is among the oldest “buying groups” in the industry.  Founded in 1997 by Paul Smith and Doug Bruce, it has evolved and grown over the years.  It is recognized under Internal Revenue Service code as a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.  More information about Premier Group Network may be found at www.premiergroupnetwork.com.

Pittsford, NY. September 20, 2021— In conjunction with its 75th year anniversary, Cooley Group, Inc., a leader in promotional, print and fulfillment solutions, is introducing a new corporate brand.

Over the past several years Cooley Group has expanded its capabilities and is currently able to offer clients more products and services than ever before. The company provides a state-of-the-art online store platform which enables clients to build brand awareness with their customers and efficiently engage their employees in an increasingly remote work environment. It has also expanded its kitting and fulfillment capabilities which provides a simplified and cost-effective delivery and overall experience for clients who desire a complete solution.

“The Cooley Group logo has been updated to better represent the end-to-end capabilities and our approach to creating solutions for our customers without limits. This includes the technologies we’ve invested in which enable execution on the total solution promise. We have the thought leadership to move our clients’ brands forward in this world, as evidenced in our best-in-class NPS scores and Best of Print & Digital recognition,” said Cooley Group President, Phil Yawman.

Cooley Group is also updating its tagline to “Showcase Your Brand”, which signifies its promise to bring clients’ brands to life. With 75 years of progressively innovative industry experience, Cooley Group develops creative programs which grow the businesses of its client partners.

What has not changed with the new brand introduction is the relationship-building approach Cooley Group Brand Consultants take, as evidenced by the word “Partnership” in the logo descriptor. Brand Consultants strive to understand client objectives in an effort to create programs for long term success. “It’s my belief that while there are plenty of choices for promotional items, branded apparel, or printed products, it’s the “how” these products and solutions are created and delivered that provides sustainable value for the customer. Excelling at our core competencies and striving to build long term relationships with our clients allows us to provide the most value and serve them best,” said Yawman.

ABOUT COOLEY GROUP, INC.
Cooley Group is a leader in customized promotional, print and fulfillment solutions. Cooley Group brings client’s brands to life with creative programs that enable them to grow their business.and how we can help your business, visit www.cooleybrand.com. Contact: Patricia Lipari:

plipari@cooleybrand.com

###

Premier Group Network (PGN), the leading partnering network in the promotional products industry, is excited to reconnect members with a perfectly placed retreat in Park City Utah August 22-25, 2021.

 

The Premier Group Network Annual Meeting, held virtually in both 2020 and 2021, is traditionally where members come together to brainstorm, address challenges, and explore avenues to partner and grow. “While we are grateful for the virtual events that have sustained us over the past 18 months, we are all craving the collaboration and magic that seems to happen when we are all in the same physical space,” offered Menda Wright, 2021 PGN Board Chair. “Being together in Park City will help us strategize individually and collectively about how emerge from this pandemic stronger and more resilient.”

 

Approximately half of PGN’s members are registered to attend the event in Park City. In addition to individualized business discussions, members will engage in small roundtable discussions and help cultivate solutions to some of the unprecedented challenges the industry is currently facing.

 

Premier Group Network is looking forward to 2022 when the entire membership will gather for the 25^th anniversary and annual meeting. Until then, Board leaders are pleased to facilitate this retreat where members can reset, recharge, and reconnect in a safe and supportive space.

*****

 

Premier Catalog Group AKA 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 24^th year, it is among the oldest “buying groups” in the industry.  Founded in 1997 by Paul Smith and Doug Bruce, it has evolved and grown over the years.  It is recognized under Internal Revenue Service code as a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.  More information about Premier Group Network may be found at www.premiergroupnetwork.com.

For Immediate Release: Aug 9, 2021

Media contact:  Dana Geiger | 757.491.3114 | Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com

Six months after Premier Group Network partnered with ZoomInfo, a software program that provides access to a database of lead generating information, one-third of distributor members are utilizing the software to grow business.

Premier Group Network worked to negotiate access to ZoomInfo’s Elite Level Plan at a discounted rate for members.

License holders can search potential new clients in a host of ways – by industry, by job title, geographically, and much more. Researched and selected contacts can be tagged and saved to integrate with individual CRMs or workflows can be created within Engage, ZoomInfo’s integrated CRM platform provided at no additional cost.

The robust software empowers users providing a 360-degree view of their ideal customer. Accessible data includes company profiles, business statistics, sales Intelligence, contact details, intent data, organizational charts and more.

Distributor Member Team IP Owner Randy Sparks offered “The group-buy negotiated exclusively for Premier Group Network members is what made this platform accessible to my team. We are thrilled with the leads generated so far and it is proving to be a game changer - helping us develop prospecting processes that generate a much higher return.” He continued, “It is just one of the many resources brought to us through our Premier Group membership that has strengthened our company.”

For over a decade ZoomInfo has helped companies achieve profitable growth with access to the world's most comprehensive B2B database, putting sales and marketing professionals in position to identify, connect, and engage with qualified prospects.

“The partnership with ZoomInfo brings our members a resource many would not have access to otherwise. This type of offering supports Premier Group’s mission directly contributing to the success and growth of individual member companies,” said Executive Director Dana Geiger. “We are thrilled with the productivity to date as a group and we are committed to continuing to support our member user with scheduled trainings and best practices to help their teams maximize the platform.”

*****

Premier Catalog Group AKA 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 24^th year, it is among the oldest “buying groups” in the industry.  Founded in 1997 by Paul Smith and Doug Bruce, it has evolved and grown over the years.  It is recognized under Internal Revenue Service code as a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.  More information about Premier Group Network may be found at www.premiergroupnetwork.com

For Immediate Release: May 17, 2021

Premier Group Network, the leading partnering network in the promotional products industry, is pleased to welcome New York based distributor Cooley Group Inc. to the membership.

Cooley Group, Inc. is a 75-year-old multi-million-dollar company headquartered in Rochester with four satellite offices in Albany, Hudson Valley, Syracuse and Utica. Phil Yawman, Cooley Group President, is entering his third year leading a twenty-six-person team committed to clients, company culture and community.

The company’s award-winning legacy successfully elevating client brands is driven by empowered employee-owners. Its Brand Consultants have built strong relationships with their clients and strive to gain a deep understanding of clients’ needs and offer holistic solutions. Additionally, Yawman’s business acumen and energizing demeanor has inspired a revitalized commitment to innovation for Cooley Group Inc.  The objective is to strategize with clients to enable  them meet and exceed their goals, and then create and deliver value added end to end customer solutions that leverage best-in-class services and technology.

 “Joining Premier Group will position us to be even better partners to our clients,” remarked Yawman. “We are all excited to be part of this community and we look forward to collaborating with other exceptional industry professionals”

Premier Group Network Board Chair Menda Wright of Creative  Studio Promotions welcomed Cooley Group, Inc to the group.  “We are so excited to have Phil and his team as part of the Premier Group family. The last year has affirmed the importance of being part of a community of like-minded professionals. I know we will be an even stronger community with Cooley Group Inc as a member and am assured they too will grow towards their goals from opportunities made available through the Premier Group network.”

*****

Premier Catalog Group AKA 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 24^th year, it is among the oldest “buying groups” in the industry.  Founded in 1997 by Paul Smith and Doug Bruce, it has evolved and grown over the years.  It is recognized under Internal Revenue Service code as a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.  More information about Premier Group Network may be found at www.premiergroupnetwork.com.

 

Cooley Group is a leader in customized print, promotional and apparel solutions. Cooley Group brings customers’ brands to life with creative solutions that enable them to grow their business and profitability. Cooley Group brand consultants value three things above all else—their clients, their culture, and the communities in which they live and work. This balance helps the team deliver exceptional results, as a partner, as a business, and as individuals. Cooley Group has offices in Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Utica and the Hudson Valley area. To learn more about Cooley Group and how we can help your business, visit www.cooleybrand.com.

Media contact:
Dana Geiger   |  757.491.3114  | Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com

Listen Here

SwagCycle: Upcycling of Branded Merchandise with Ben Grossman

When companies rebrand or get acquired, branded merchandise with outdated logos and mottos often end up in a landfill before their actual material life is over. This is a very concerning and sad issue for the environment. Ben Grossman mobilized the resources of the 4th generation family business in marketing and created the platform of givers and takers that helps redistribute branded merchandise and keep it away from landfills for as long as possible. Tune in to the episode to learn how Ben and SwagCycle do it and hear inspiring and creative success stories. Enjoy it!

Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgrossman/  

Ben's personal website site www.bengrossman.info

SwagCycle website: https://www.swagcycle.net/ 

Anna's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esms-esmp-esia/ 

About Sustainability Explored Podcast
By Anna Chashchyna

This is a podcast on sustainability and innovations in business and economy, a great place to learn more about sustainability across industries. Every week the podcast features professionals working on the implementation of innovative sustainable solutions for the future - to explore circularity and resilience, corporate social responsibility, leadership and culture, impact investment and so on, and give some guidance on how to actually implement sustainability in business.

Read online at PPB Link here

Premier Group, a 501(c6) trade association with the mission of contributing to the success and growth of individual member companies, held its annual business meeting on April 27. Traditionally part of a four-day event designed to connect members and strengthen business relationships, like most organizations, Premier Group was challenged to find a new way of conducting business in 2021, and held the meeting virtually. Along with confirming the proposed slate of directors for 2021 and celebrating members with several annual awards, PPAI Interim President Bob McLean joined the event as guest speaker. He welcomed Premier Group members and shared a brief report on the state of the industry.

“While we are excited to be planning in‐person events in the near future, we are again holding our annual business meeting virtually. Doing so allows us to keep our members connected and informed about the business of the organization and ensures the election of our 2021‐2023 class of board directors can be completed as outlined in our governing documents,” says Glen Hersh, Premier Group board chair.

The Premier Group’s 2021-2023 elected board directors include:
Linda Tulchin – The Promotions Department (second term)
Fred Hickman – SanMar
Chris O'Connor – Chocolate Inn / Lanco
Bob Titelman, Jr. – Skylight Creative

Representatives from Premier Groups’ 67 member companies tuned in to hear from McLean before participating in the official business meeting that reviewed the position of the organization after what proved to be a tumultuous year for all businesses, including those in the promotional products industry.

“Despite the challenges we have faced as business owners in 2020, Premier Group’s mission and purpose has never been more relevant and poignant to members,” says Premier Group Vice Chair Menda Wright, co‐owner of distributor member Creative Studio Promotions. “Being part of PG has no doubt impacted how we responded to the events of 2020 and kept us connected to a brain trust of like‐minded entrepreneurs that understand our business. That is the magic of our small but mighty organization.”

Awards presented during the business meeting included:

Most Valuable Premier Group Player Award: a supplier or distributor who does not sit on the board but contributes and supports the group in very significant ways.
Andrew Shea – Arcon (Distributor)

Rookie Rockstar: a new representative from a supplier that was a "rock star" and made a significant contribution to their company and/or the Premier Group.
Grace Schettier – Cap America

MacGyver: a member that made the impossible happen.
alphabroder

Straight out of Quarantine: a company that adapted in a way culturally or responsively that has altered how business was conducted through a pandemic.
The Promotions Department

Bunsen Burner: hottest new idea or custom project.
Prime Resource Abroad

Paul Smith: Premier Group’s most prestigious supplier award in honor of co-founder Paul Smith. Supplier recipients are based on the several criteria—quality of products, marketing support, internal customer service support, outside sales support, problem resolution and management support.
$20 Million – Fields Manufacturing
$50 Million – Vantage
More Than $50 Million – Hit Promotional Products

Doug Bruce: Premier Group’s most prestigious distributor awards in memory of co-founder Doug Bruce. Recipients of the Douglas Bruce Distributor Performance Award are based on several criteria—access to distributor organization by Premier Group suppliers, support of Premier Group suppliers’ lines, pay within terms and works with Premier Group suppliers to resolve issues.
Under $2.5 Million – Skylight Creative
Under $5.9 Million – W.S. Emmerson
$6 Million-plus – Callard

For Immediate Release: April 22, 2021 

The Premier Group Network Board of Directors is excited to announce Bob McLean, Interim President of PPAI, as the guest speaker for the organization’s annual business meeting scheduled Tuesday, April 27. McLean will welcome Premier Group members and share a brief state of the industry report.

 

Traditionally Premier Group hosts the annual business meeting as part of a four-day event designed to connect members and strengthen business relations. Like most organizations, Premier Group was challenged to find a new way of conducting business in 2020 and held the official business meeting as a virtual event.

 

“While we are excited to be planning in-person events in the near future, we are again holding our annual business meeting virtually. Doing so allows us to keep our members connected and informed about the business of the organization and ensures the election of our 2021-2023 class of board directors can be completed as outlined in our governing documents,” says Glen Hersh, Premier Group Board Chair.

 

On the agenda for this year’s meeting is the announcement of the location of the 2022 annual meeting which will serve as the 25^th anniversary for one of the industry’s oldest “buying groups”. Premier Group is in fact a 501(c6) trade association with the mission of contributing to the success and growth of individual member companies through a unique partnering structure designed to encourage information sharing and foster strong relationships.

  

Representatives from Premier Groups’ 67 member companies will be tuned in to hear from McLean before participating in the official business meeting that will review the position of the organization after what has proven to be a tumultuous year for all businesses including those in the promotional products industry.

 

“Despite the challenges we have faced as business owner’s in 2020, Premier Group’s mission and purpose has never been more relevant and poignant to members,“ said Premier Group Vice Chair, Menda Wright, co-owner of distributor member Creative Studio Promotions. “Being part of PG has no doubt impacted how we responded to the events of 2020 and kept us connected to a brain trust of like-minded entrepreneurs that understand our business. That is the magic of our small but mighty organization.”

 

*****

 

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 24^th year, it is among the oldest “buying groups” in the industry.  Founded in 1997 by Paul Smith and Doug Bruce, it has evolved and grown over the years.  It is recognized under Internal Revenue Service code as a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.  More information about Premier Group may be found at www.premiergroupnetwork.com.

Media contact:Dana Geiger   |  757.491.3114  | Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com