Prime Resources

The Atlanta-based Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals (GAPPP) announced its 2009 Educational Seminars for Profit (ESP) and the Expo trade show will be held March 4 to 5 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Marietta, Ga. Seating is limited for distributors wanting to attend the ESP portion and early reservations are highly suggested. Members of other regional associations are able to attend all GAPPP events at member rates. GAPPP’s mission is to lead the vital and growing promotional products industry by assisting its members in education, professionalism, supplier/distributor relations and to provide a sense of community. In addition to the trade-show announcement, GAPPP

Edwards Garment, based in Kalamazoo, Mich., announced Larry McDonald is retiring after 34 years of working for the company. During his tenure McDonald opened new sales territories, expanded customer service and was a member of the marketing team. McDonald was instrumental in developing uniform programs for Edwards Garment’s distributors and worked tirelessly to assist in growing their business. Edwards Garment has been manufacturing and supplying corporate, casual and uniform apparel for 140 years. For more about Edwards Garment, visit www.edwardsgarment.com

In a move to strengthen their overall customer experience, Jim Hagan, president and CEO of City of Industry, California-based Sweda Company announced the hiring of three new members of the company’s management team: Suzie Gunsauls, formerly of Leeds/Polyconcept, became the new vice president of sales; Lou Nicolaides, previously with Mars Inc., will be the new director of marketing; and James Visperas, formerly of Bare Escentuals, will be Sweda’s new inside sales manager. “Experts in their areas with strong and diverse backgrounds, Suzie, Lou, and James provide the clear, strategic thought and creativity required as we focus on communicating our capabilities, enhancing our brand,

Bodek and Rhodes announced the addition of Amy VonAllmen as outside sales representative catering to Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. “We’re very excited to have Amy on our team,” said Marc Held, national sales manager of the Philadelphia-based supplier. “Amy’s been developing great rapport with everyone in her area, and her background in promotional products is definitely a big plus, not just for her, but for the customers she’s there to help.” VonAllmen joined the Bodek and Rhodes family after more than ten years’ experience working in the promotional products industry. “I’m proud to be the Bodek and Rhodes rep for

Bridgeport, Connecticut-based Prime Line announced it has unveiled a new President Barack Obama Commemorative Inaugural Coin to celebrate the inauguration of the now president-elect. On one side of the United States quarter, soon-to-be President Obama is depicted in full-color. The limited-edition keepsake coins are packaged in a hinged clear case with a navy blue velour protective liner. The case can be imprinted with any design name or logo and features a decorative red, white and blue commemorative insert that is placed beneath the liner and faces out the back. “We’re excited to be able to offer this unique piece which makes an ideal

Philadelphia-based Executive Apparel president Donald Singer announced the addition of Malik Boyd as director of marketing. His responsibilities will include managing the overall feel of the Executive Apparel brand, from print to online initiatives, as well as strategizing the brand’s positioning within the marketplace. His expertise in design and brand architecture while at Premiere Brand Group allowed him to give insight and apply his unique brand of creative talents to respected industry leaders like Cuervo Black, the National Black MBA Association and Keep Philadelphia Beautiful. Malik has worked with a client list of respected Philadelphia firms like Community Marketing Concepts and Sherman Toppin Real

Jacquie Herz, president of Stamford, Connecticut-based Jornik Manufacturing, a family-owned and operated supplier, announced the company hired West Coast Branded Solutions, co-owned by industry veterans Daniel Sachs and Darren Cook, as its multiline sales representative group in Alaska, Ariz., Calif., Hawaii, Nev., Utah and Wash. Said Herz, “We are very pleased to have Daniel and Darren on board and have high expectations for the results they’ll produce. They have been extremely successful in building mutually beneficial relationships with distributors in their territory.” Herz continued, “One has only to watch them at trade shows or go on appointments with them to see the high regard

Lakeville, Massachusetts-based Bay State Specialty Company announced Joel Moore, son of current president James Moore, has been appointed new company president. James Moore, outgoing president and chairman of the board stated, “This is a seamless change of leadership. Joel grew up in this industry and will continue Bay State’s 54-year tradition of award-winning service and innovative products.” The younger Moore will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Bay State Specialty Company as well as growing the company’s product offerings. Joel Moore stated, “I think it’s important to always remember the strategies that got you to where you are today, while keeping an eye

Toronto, Ontario-based Ash City Worldwide, a manufacturer and distributor of in-stock, corporate casual apparel, is pleased to announce the opening of its new 285,000 sq. ft. worldwide headquarters in January 2009. Located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, the new facility will house the company’s entire inventory, a state-of-the-art “pick-pack” operation, full service embroidery and corporate office. Garry Hurvitz, company president and CEO stated, “The improved facility and its capabilities represents the new Ash City and will allow our company to service our customers better than anyone else in the industry.” Hurvitz continued, “The new Canadian look combined with our overseas strength in quality

Bridgeport, Connecticut-based Prime Line, in conjunction with Jack Nadel International, announced the company’s String-A-Sling backpacks were provided for the Glory Outreach Assembly (GOA) Children’s Conference in Kenya last month. Each child who attended the event was provided with one of the backpacks. The conference united children from all over Kenya who attend GOA churches. The GOA started in 1991 with one church in central Kenya. The number has since grown to 126 self-propagating churches. The theme of the conference was Changing You to Change the World. Activities, worship and bible study focused the nearly 500 children, ranging from ages four to 16, on what