2011 Year in Review: Industry News

Chocolate Inn, Taylor & Grant Merge
This June, in the midsts of PROMOTIONS EAST 2011, confectioners Chocolate Inn and Taylor & Grant announced the two companies were merging to form one of the largest food providers in the promotional products industry. "We believe the combination unites two great companies and will provide a best-in-class product offering, imprinting capabilities, and a passion for customer service to our promotional products distributor customers throughout North America," said the company presidents David Miller and Dundee Staunton in a joint statement.

Paul Bellantone Named President and CEO of PPAI
PPAI announced that Paul Bellantone, CAE, was elected by the board of directors to succeed G. Stephen Slagle, CAE, and president and CEO of the association. Bellantone, who first began working with PPAI in 1998, served in various vice president roles for the association, most recently as executive vice president since 2007. "In general, I think distributors and all members should expect more association outreach, industry presence and inclusiveness in the direction of the decision-making process. The foundation and plan for a forward-facing PPAI is in place, and it is now my role to execute this plan," he said in an interview with Promo Marketing. Bellantone assumed his new position on July 1.

Suppliers and Distributors Among Fastest Growing Small Businesses
Inc. Magazine, which publishes the Inc. 500|5000 list of fastest growing companies, included more than 25 promotional products suppliers and distributors on their list in August. Aztec Awards was the highest-ranking industry company, and the only one to break the top 500, at number 229. Other well-known inclusions were SnugZ USA, Boundless Network, iPROMOTEu and several Proforma companies.