Press Releases

Vantage Apparel Incentivizes Integrated Distributors with New Discounted Pricing. New Integrated Pricing offers up to a 30% savings on single-piece decoration.

Avenel, New Jersey – November 12th, 2024 - Vantage Apparel, the foremost supplier of custom branded apparel known for its award-winning decoration and integration capabilities, is excited to unveil its new Integrated Pricing for distributors whose order systems are connected to Vantage. This innovative pricing structure provides up to a 30% discount on single-piece decoration for customers with full purchase order integration, helping businesses achieve high-quality custom apparel at competitive rates.

The new pricing model, designed exclusively for integrated customers, showcases significant savings across Vantage’s range of embroidery, direct-to-film, and laser etching services. In addition to cost-effective decoration options, integrated customers benefit from enhanced operational efficiencies, including:

Instant order processing: Streamlining the workflow to reduce turnaround times.

Real-time inventory access: Offering immediate insight into product availability.

Order status updates: Providing customers with full transparency on the progress of their orders.

Chris Alfano, Chief Digital Officer for Vantage Apparel, emphasized the value this new pricing structure brings. "Vantage’s new integrated pricing reflects our commitment to supporting businesses with affordable, high-quality apparel decoration. We insist that our connected customers enjoy enhanced productivity while offering considerable savings, allowing our customers to scale without compromising on quality."

The integrated system offers savings on sourced goods as well. Vantage's partnership with top suppliers ensures that customers can also apply integrated pricing to goods sourced from vendors like SanMar, Alpha, and S&S, with an additional processing fee.

Distributors of any size can take advantage of the new integrated pricing through Vantage’s Webstore service. A recently launched, state-of-the-art company store platform that automatically inherits the new pricing. For more information, visit www.vantageapparel.com/webstores.

Maple Ridge Farms Acquires Sweeter Cards, Marking Its First-Ever Acquisition in 45 Years

Mosinee, Wisconsin – July 29, 2024 – “Maple Ridge Farms is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Sweeter Cards, a strategic move that enhances our market leadership and opens new avenues for growth and innovation,” said Tom Riordan, the company’s founder and President.

Jodie Schillinger, Executive Vice President at Maple Ridge Farms, added, “At Maple Ridge Farms, we pride ourselves on our gourmet brand, unwavering commitment to quality, and recognition as one of ASI and PPAI's Best Places to Work. Our genuine passion for ensuring customer happiness is evident in every interaction, enthusiastically forming the core of our brand ethos. Stacy and her team at Sweeter Cards share these principles, making this partnership an exciting and natural fit.”

Stacy Stahl, founder of Sweeter Cards in 2019, expressed her excitement about the acquisition. “The industry’s respect for Maple Ridge Farms is unparalleled,” Stahl said. “Their deep distributor relationships and outstanding reputation will serve as a catalyst for Sweeter Cards, and I look forward to bringing the magical Sweeter Cards experience into their esteemed ecosystem.”

Following Sweeter Cards; victory at PPAI’s The Pitch competition in January 2024, the brand captured the attention of Jodie Schillinger. “I was familiar with Stacy’s background prior to Expo and was eager to meet her in Vegas. Her impressive business acumen, combined with the values, authenticity, and energy she infused into her company, deeply resonated with me,” Schillinger explained. “When we met in person, our connection was immediate, and we recognized the bright future ahead for Maple Ridge Farms and Sweeter Cards. Our team of Ridgers is enthusiastic about providing Sweeter Cards with the resources and support needed for substantial growth in our industry.”

Schillinger further commented, “Maple Ridge Farms; legendary quality and customer-centric approach will continue to evolve, with enhancements in packaging, creative offerings, and varied price points. The synergy between Maple Ridge Farms and Sweeter Cards will drive innovative strategies, establishing a new industry standard and demonstrating the power of collaboration and forward-thinking solutions to create an epic branded food-gifting experience.” The companies plan to introduce new gourmet treats within Sweeter Cards, featuring Maple Ridge Farms; diverse array of food components. This initiative aims to offer customer creative, premium-quality products in the under $15 (C) category, addressing a growing need in the promotional products industry. This collaboration is set to elevate Maple Ridge Farms; product offerings and customer experience.

Riordan added, “The superior quality, service, and charismatic vision of Stacy and Sweeter Cards align perfectly with the values Maple Ridge Farms has upheld for over 45 years. By leveraging our extensive and loyal customer base, we anticipate a significant increase in sales for Sweeter Cards, particularly in company stores and corporate programs.”

975 South Park View Circle Mosinee, WI 54455 800-477-5577 Fax: 715-693-4600

www.MapleRidge.com

Both companies will continue to operate independently although Sweeter Cards will be available through Maple Ridge Farms. Distributors can continue to send Sweeter Cards orders to Sweeter Cards and Maple Ridge Farms orders to Maple Ridge Farms. About Sweeter Cards: Sweeter Cards is a unique product that combines a greeting card with a gourmet treat, initially launching with chocolate and expanding to cookies and other delights. Founded by entrepreneur Stacy Stahl in 2019, Sweeter Cards uses ethically sourced chocolate, recyclable card packaging, and employs adults with disabilities to bring their innovative concept to life. Based and manufactured in St. Louis, Sweeter Cards began as a retail brand and gained traction in the promotional products industry in 2022. To learn more about the company, visit their website at www.sweetercards.com.

About Maple Ridge Farms: Founded in 1979, Maple Ridge Farms, located in Mosinee, WI, is the leading supplier of gourmet food gifts to the promotional products industry. Recognized for its outstanding quality, the line includes a diverse offering of naturally aged cheeses, premium chocolates, fresh-roasted nuts, made-from- scratch baked goods, and smoked meats presented in innovative packaging. To learn more about the company, visit their website at www.mapleridge.com.

ASB and ASI Co-Host International Dinner to Advance Global Expansion Efforts

Glenwood, MN – 7/29/2024 – American Solutions for Business recently co-hosted an international dinner with industry partner, Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI). This event underscored our commitment to building a global network and brought together industry leaders and partners from around the world.

Guests joined the dinner as they arrived to attend the ASI Show in Chicago, IL. This served as an opportunity to welcome individuals from all over the world, including representatives from leading promotional product industry countries such as Canada, UK, Germany, and Turkey. As we continue expansion, we remain mindful of the industry and our customer base on a global scale.

“When Dana asked me if I’d be interested in co-hosting a dinner with him and the ABS team for all the international promo folks coming to the ASI Chicago Show, I happily accepted,” says Michele Bell, ASI’s Senior Vice President of Content & Global Alliances. “I know what it’s like to travel to overseas promo shows and not know many people, and I’ve always appreciated how warm and generous our global industry colleagues have been to me and members of ASI’s team when we attend their events. Dana’s idea to have this dinner and welcome our promo friends from around the world to show them the gracious hospitality they’ve shown us was a fabulous one.”

We value our partnership with ASI on this event and on shared initiatives to reach global markets. ASB is proud to build relationships with industry leaders from around the world. To learn more about ASB, visit http://www.americanbus.com.

PCA Hires Ian Brudenell As National Sales Manager

October 26, 2023: Pen Company of America (PCA) has added industry veteran Ian Brudenell to its team as national sales manager.

Brudenell will represent PCA, All American Writing Instruments (AAWI) and Garland brands and will be responsible for bringing new awareness to the brands, supporting key accounts and continuing the company’s growth.

He brings over 15 years of industry experience including eight years at HPG as national sales executive and inside sales executive. He was also previously account manager at Staples Print and Promo, managed his own small distributorship and served as a director on the Northwest Promotional Marketing Association’s (NWPMA) board for six years.

“I could not be happier about my new role as national sales manager at PCA. From the moment I met the team, I knew it was going to be a perfect fit,” Brudenell says. “I am excited to be a part of the future growth of the company. In a time where so many suppliers are going overseas, I am humbled to be a part of a true, all-American company with a rich history and reputation.”

VP of Sales Colleen Shea adds, “We are thrilled to have Ian join our team. His experience in the promotional industry and specifically his expertise in the writing instrument category is the ideal combination for us. There are many exciting, innovative opportunities on the horizon now that Ian is on board.”

Vantage Apparel Expands Retail Brands with the Addition of Berne Apparel Workwear

[AVENEL, NJ] SEPT 19, 2023 – Vantage Apparel, a leading manufacturer and decorator of custom apparel, is proud to announce its partnership with Berne Apparel, a renowned name in the industry since 1915. Berne's reputation for providing rugged and reliable workwear aligns perfectly with Vantage Apparel's commitment to quality and durability. Read More

ORBUS VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS® ANNOUNCES REBRAND OF ULTIMA DISPLAYS CANADA TO ORBUS VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS CANADA

Woodridge, IL – September 05, 2023: Orbus Visual Communications®, North America’s largest producer and manufacturer of visual communications solutions for tradeshows and events, retail environments, and workplace interiors, is proud to announce that Ultima Displays Canada, is now officially rebranded as Orbus Visual Communications Canada, effective today.  Read More

SAGE ® and PPPC Announce Partnership Renewal

Addison, Texas – Winnipeg, MB (September 7, 2023) – SAGE, the leading provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions to the promotional products industry, and Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC), the not-for-profit association for the Canadian promotional products industry, announces the renewal of the SAGE and PPPC partnership. The SAGE and PPPC partnership provide a comprehensive solution for distributors and suppliers of promotional products in the Canadian marketplace for one low membership price. Read More

SAGE® UNVEILS ENHANCED COMPANY STORE STANDARD

Addison, Texas (August 29, 2023) – SAGE, the leading provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions to the promotional products industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of its upgraded SAGE Company Store Standard. This latest release introduces a multitude of features designed to elevate user experience and site functionality to new heights. With these updates, SAGE continues to revolutionize the way distributors manage their online presence. Read More

PORTLAND, Ore., August 29, 2023: Premier Press, an award-winning creative production company, today announced that it has combined forces with KG Specialties, a branded merchandise company, to expand Premier’s in-house capabilities and enable the company to quickly deliver on growing client demands. KG Specialties President and Owner Kyle Gibson will join Premier as director of promotional merchandise, and all KG Specialties employees will transition to Premier’s facilities.   Read More

Driving Growth And Innovation: EME’s New Leadership Will Elevate Their Client’s Meeting Experience 

The company has brought in experienced staffing to propel the company forward in both its reach and technical capacity. 

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (August 25, 2023) – Exclusive Meeting Events (EME), the originator of the invitation-only, one-on-one formatted meetings that bring top distributors and suppliers from across the nation together, has brought in experienced staffing to propel the company forward in both its reach and technical capacity. EME President Eric Taras has taken a minority role in the business and will continue in an advisory capacity, while longtime EME Vice President Lauren Fox will retire November 1.  Read More