Bodek and Rhodes Merges with alphabroder
alphabroder, the leading distributor of imprintable sportswear and accessories in North America, announced the addition of Bodek and Rhodes to its family of brands.
"As a family business, Bodek and Rhodes gave careful consideration to our customers and employees and we feel that we have chosen a partner that matches our values and commitment," said Mike Rhodes, CEO of Bodek and Rhodes. Mike and members of his family will continue as owners in the combined company and Mike will serve on the board of directors.
As plans were being formed for the integration of these two great companies, Norman Hullinger, CEO of alphabroder and Rhodes agreed to place one priority above all else: exceeding current customer delivery and service levels.
"The combination of these companies was born out of input from our customers, so we will honor this by continuing our sharp focus on their businesses," said Hullinger. "Bringing our organizations together will provide us with the flexibility and agility to focus 100 percent on our customers – to deliver best-in-class solutions to help their businesses succeed. This merger provides our customers with unmatched product choice, alphabroder is committed to the ongoing growth of the company."
Pantone: Rose Quartz and Serenity Named Pantone Color of the Year
For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity – are chosen as the Pantone Color of the Year, the company reported.
"As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace."
The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association, Pantone notes. "In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage."
Chocolate Inn / Taylor & Grant Reps Win PPPC Awards
Chocolate Inn / Taylor & Grant reported that Line Chaumont of Promocom was named Multiline Sales Agency of the Year for Eastern Canada and Karen Spencer of Creative Solutions and Ideas was named Multiline Agency of the Year for Central Canada by Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC). The awards of distinction are voted upon by distributors from three regions across the country, recognizing multiline sales agencies for their professionalism and service.
"We find the news as no surprise to us," said Alex Jovetic, vice president sales for Canada. “I personally have had the great pleasure of being on the team with these two great companies and individuals for as long as 15 years, and their attention to detail and sincere concern for the impression left with clients is an example to all of us.”
Register Now for SuccessFit4Life at the 2016 PPAI Expo; Proceeds to Benefit the Promotional Products Education Foundation
The PPAI Award-winning FreePromoTips.com program will facilitate SuccessFit4Life! benefitting the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF) at the 2016 PPAI Expo in Las Vegas.
For a $25 donation to PPEF, participants will receive a collection of useful SuccessFit4Life! products. Participating suppliers include: SnugZ USA, Pro Towels, Halls & Company, Prime Line, Ad-A-Day Company Inc., Southern Plus, HTT Headwear, BIC Graphic, and AdCapitol.
The 2016 SuccessFit4Life! Fun Run/Walk will be held outside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center Jan. 11, at 7:00 a.m. Participation in this event is FREE, but a donation to PPEF of any size is appreciated. Everyone is welcome to come run, walk or just network with industry colleagues. More information and the link to donate click here. A turnkey SuccessFit4Life! health and wellness program that distributors can sell to their clients also is being launched. For more information, contact info@allamericanmarketing.com.
Hub Pen Company Adds Multi-Line Rep Gerard Schifano
Hub Pen Company announced the addition of Gerard Schifano of the Schifano Group to its expanding list of multi-line representatives. Schifano will represent the company in New Jersey, New York City (five boroughs) and Long Island. Schifano has worked in the promotional products industry for the past 23 years, most recently as national sales manager for Superior Bag.