The Premier Group Network proudly recognized outstanding supplier and distributor members during its 2026 Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, honoring organizations and individuals whose leadership, collaboration, innovation, and partnership continue to elevate the promotional products industry.

The annual awards program celebrated top-performing companies, rising stars, trusted partners, and longtime contributors who embody the mission and values of Premier Group Network.

Sales Awards - Celebrating Sales Excellence

Premier Group recognized suppliers and distributors achieving exceptional sales volume and growth within the network.

Supplier Highest Sales Volume in Network

• Pop Promos! (From suppliers up to $20M in annual sales)
• Cap America (From suppliers $20M–$50M in annual sales)
• SanMar (From suppliers over $50M in annual sales)

Distributor Highest Purchase Volume In Network 

• Skylight Creative Ideas (From distributors up to $3.5M in annual sales)
• Wallace Graphics (From distributors $3.5M–$7.5M in annual sales)
• Barker Specialty (From distributors over $7.5M in annual sales)

Supplier Highest Sales Growth in Network 

• The Chest — (From suppliers up to $20M in annual sales)
• The Magnet Group — (From suppliers over $50M in annual sales)

Distributor Highest Percentage of Spend with PG Suppliers

• Impact —  (From distributors up to $3.5M in annual sales) 
• Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple — (From distributors $3.5M–$7.5M in annual sales) 
• The Callard Company — (From distributors over $7.5M in annual sales) 

Founder Awards Honor Members Epitomizing Premier Group Values

Among the evening’s highest honors were the Founder Awards, named in recognition of Premier Group co-founders Doug Bruce and Paul Smith. These awards celebrate organizations that exemplify integrity, creativity, partnership, and collaboration throughout the industry.

Paul Smith Supplier Award Winners - Awarded to Supplier Members

• Towel Specialties (From suppliers up to $20M in annual sales)
• Hirsch (From suppliers $20M–$50M in annual sales)
• Hit Promotional Products (From suppliers over $50M in annual sales)

Doug Bruce Distributor Award Winners -  Awarded to Distributor Members

• Skylight Creative Ideas (From distributors up to $3.5M in annual sales)
• Renaissance Promotions (From distributors $3.5M–$7.5M in annual sales)
• Creative Studio Promotions (From distributors over $7.5M in annual sales)

MVPG  - Most Valuable Premier Group Volunteer Award -  Betsy Vickery, WS Emerson

Premier Group awarded the prestigious MVPG (Most Valuable Premier Group Volunteer) Award to Betsy Vickery of WS Emerson in recognition of her extraordinary volunteer leadership and ongoing contributions to the organization.

A former board member and longtime contributor to the Marketing Committee, Vickery was recognized for her collaborative leadership, generosity, and instrumental role in helping shape the member experience at Premier Group events.

All-Star Awards Recognize Rising Leaders

Premier Group’s All-Star Awards honored distributor sales professionals who exemplify excellence, professionalism, and meaningful business growth:

• Jessie Cox – TK Promotions
• Hayden Keifer – Creative Studio Promotions
• Andrea Mann – The Promotions Dept

“These individuals represent the future and strength of our industry,” the organization noted during the ceremony. “Their professionalism, leadership, and commitment to partnership elevate our entire community.”

Wingman Award - Tyler Dunn, Hit Promotional Products

The 2026 Wingman Award was presented to Tyler Dunn of Hit Promotional Products. The award recognizes a supplier representative who consistently serves as a trusted collaborator, problem solver, and dependable partner during challenging projects and critical moments.

Dunn was recognized for receiving numerous peer nominations across the network, highlighting the profound impact of his support and partnership within the Premier Group community.

MacGyver Awards Celebrate Creative Problem Solvers

Premier Group concluded the evening by honoring members known for making the impossible possible through ingenuity, resourcefulness, and exceptional service.

2026 MacGyver Award Recipients

• Meghan Pyecha, Hit Promotional Products (Supplier)
• Jan Lorenzano, Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple (Distributor)

Both recipients were recognized for their ability to navigate complex challenges with creativity, professionalism, and grace—qualities that continue to define the Premier Group Network community.

“The Premier Group Awards are ultimately about recognizing the people and companies who strengthen this community through partnership, service, innovation, and generosity,” said Premier Group Executive Director, Dana Geiger. “This year’s recipients truly represent the best of who we are.”

AWARDS GENEROUSLY DONATED BY

See photo gallery here.

Is Your Marketing Optimized? 

When it comes to marketing, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. A campaign here, a post there, a quick pivot when something isn’t working. But it’s worth pausing and asking a bigger question: Is your foundation actually set up for success? Because strong marketing doesn’t start with tactics; it starts with a plan. 

More Proactive,Less Reactive 

If your marketing feels reactive, you’re not alone. Many businesses find themselves responding to immediate needs instead of planning ahead. The problem? That approach often leads to rushed decisions, inconsistent messaging, missed opportunities, and no results. 

When you align your vision with actionable, measurable marketing plans, you know where you’re going, and your marketing becomes more intentional. You’re no longer scrambling, you’re building. Every campaign and message creates alignment, clarity, and confidence to support your vision, working together seamlessly to reach multiple markets.  

 

Unify Your Message 

One of the biggest challenges we see is a disconnect between marketing and communications. When they’re not aligned, things start to feel off, with mixed messages, different tones, and a brand that doesn’t quite sound like itself. 

Alignment brings clarity. It means your brand sounds like you, from your website, campaigns, social, eNewsletters, billboards, and more. When marketing and communications work together, your message is stronger, clearer, and easier for your audience to connect and fuel your growth. 

 

Is Your Foundation Optimized? 

Everything begins with a clear, strategic plan, and it’s worth taking a step back to review: 

•Are your goals clearly defined? 
•Is your messaging consistent across channels? 
•Are your marketing and communications aligned? 
•Are you planning ahead or reacting? 

When your foundation is strong, everything you build on top of it performs better. 
 
 
One Team, One Vision 

Trying to manage multiple marketing vendors can feel overwhelming, and it often leads to fragmented results. A full-service marketing partner brings everything together under one strategy, with one interconnected team to create a strong voice for your brand, creating consistency, efficiency, and momentum when everything works in sync.  

WhiteBox Marketing is a strategic marketing and communications agency that partners with businesses to drive meaningful growth. Our in-house team brings strategy, creativity, and execution together under one roof, ensuring every aspect of your marketing works cohesively to maximize reach and deliver measurable results.  

Our tight-knit team also creates impactful branding, website development, campaign development and lead generation, content creation, video and photography, social media and digital strategies, and public relations and reputation management. 

At WhiteBox Marketing, we help brands step back, get aligned, and move forward with confidence. As a Premier Partner who helps develop the Premier Catalog each year, we highly value the partnership with Premier and Premier Group Members! To show our appreciation for the partnership, we would like to offer a discount for all Premier Group Members.  

 
In the Words of Dana Geiger:  

WhiteBox Marketing has been an exceptional partner to our organization. Their responsiveness is outstanding — questions are answered quickly, timelines are communicated clearly, and they are always proactive in keeping projects moving forward. What I appreciate most is that they don't just execute tasks — they anticipate needs, offer thoughtful solutions, and step in as a true strategic marketing partner. On the rare occasion when a challenge arises (as they inevitably do in any creative process) the WhiteBox Marketing team is quick to address it, problem-solve collaboratively, and work toward a solution with professionalism and urgency. 

Their commitment to quality, partnership, and follow-through makes them an invaluable extension of our team. I highly recommend WhiteBox Marketing to any organization looking for a creative agency that is responsive, proactive, and invested in their clients' success. 

 

Let’s Connect 

Every solution we provide is fully customized to fit your goals and audience. With offices in Minnesota, as well as Tempe, Arizona, we proudly serve clients nationally. It all starts with a conversation. Let’s build something extraordinary together. Contact us today by emailing Hello@WhiteBoxMarketing.com. Be sure to mention PG in your message for the members-only discount. We’d love to connect and support you as you grow! 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boston, MA – October 23, 2025 — Premier Group Network (PGN), a leading 501(c)(6) nonprofit association serving the promotional products industry, recently hosted its annual Distributor Leadership Summit in Boston, Massachusetts. The event brought together 38 distributor leaders representing 22 member companies from across the United States for two days of transparent collaboration, conversation, and camaraderie.

The Summit featured a series of roundtable discussions and peer-led sessions designed to foster idea-sharing and strengthen leadership across the network. The event was supported by Premier Group member Gemline, who hosted attendees at their Lawrence, Massachusetts headquarters for factory tours and group discussions that sparked new partnership opportunities and fresh excitement for the year ahead.

“As a collaborative network built on trust and shared success, our goal is to create spaces where leaders can engage authentically and learn from one another,” said Dana Geiger, Executive Director of Premier Group Network. “The Boston Summit was a reflection of our mission in action — advancing our members’ businesses through connection, curiosity, and collaboration.”

Premier Group Network is not a traditional buying group, but rather a member-driven association committed to cultivating a culture of partnership, transparency, and professional growth. Through shared best practices, educational programming, and supplier partnerships, Premier Group strengthens the collective impact of its members and elevates the standards of the promotional products industry.

For more information about Premier Group Network, visit www.premiergroupnetwork.com.

Media Contact:
Dana Geiger
Executive Director, Premier Group Network
dana@premiergroupnetwork.com

Premier Group Network, a member-driven coalition of promotional products industry leaders, proudly announces its 2025 Board of Directors following a dynamic and collaborative annual retreat in Virginia Beach. The retreat served as a springboard for setting operational priorities to better serve the growth and success of the membership.

2025 Premier Group Network Board of Directors
With nearly 300 years of combined industry experience, the newly seated board includes:

• Todd Mawyer, TK Promotions – Board Chair
• Robert Titelman, Skylight Creative Ideas – Immediate Past Chair
• Samantha Kates, Spector & Co. – Vice Chair
• Brittany Frase, Hirsch – Director
• Brian Diessroth, Edwards Garment – Director
• Jackie DeFusco, Koozie Group – Director
• Andrea Kramer, City Apparel + Merch – Director
• Darren Lichtsinn, JH Specialty – Director
• Alicia Rhodes, Action Plus Ideas – Director

Key highlights from the annual retreat included:

• Strategic alignment around key priorities: operational excellence, member engagement and growth, spend optimization, and brand awareness
• Reaffirmed commitment to delivering exceptional value, connectivity, and profitability for supplier and distributor members alike
• Activation of realigned committees to drive progress on organizational goals and enhance support for Premier Group’s growing membership

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many incredible industry leaders since joining Premier Group in 2021,” said Dana Geiger, Executive Director. “Each year we say goodbye to tenured leaders and welcome a new class of brilliant volunteers. This year is no exception.  I’m so excited about the energy and expertise this new board embodies, and I am thrilled to be working alongside them to bring fresh initiatives to the membership.”

About Premier Group Network
Premier Group Network (also known as Premier Catalog Group) is the leading supplier-distributor alliance in the promotional products industry—and the only one that grants full and equal membership to both suppliers and distributors. Founded in 1997 by Paul Smith and Doug Bruce, Premier Group is one of the industry’s oldest and most respected buying groups. Membership is selective and based on recommendation by the Membership Committee and approval by the Board of Directors. Premier Group operates as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization.

For more information, visit: www.premiergroupnetwork.com

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

May 15, 2025 – Premier Group Network, an industry non-profit trade association and leading alliance of distributors and suppliers in the promotional products industry, is proud to announce the success of its charitable partnership with Mercy Chefs, a nonprofit dedicated to providing chef-prepared meals to communities facing hardship.

During PG’s 2025 Annual Meeting, held in Asheville, NC, members came together not only to network and collaborate but also to give back in a meaningful way. Together, PG and it's members raised a total of $18,200 in support of the organization.

A core component of this year’s giveback initiative was a hands-on volunteer activity where meeting attendees packed 250 grocery boxes, each filled with shelf-stable, family-friendly ingredients. These boxes are now on their way to families in need — a direct result of the compassion and commitment of PG members. The cost to fund this project was $12,500, meaning that an additional $5,700 will go to further support Mercy Chefs’ global mission.

“This initiative exemplifies what makes our community so special,” said Dana Geiger, Executive Director of Premier Group. “Not only do our members come together to grow their businesses — they show up to care for others and invest in lasting impact.”

Premier Group is honored to support Mercy Chefs and invites others in the promotional products industry to join in the effort. Donations can still be made directly at:
👉 https://give.mercychefs.com/campaign/673821/donate

To learn more about Mercy Chefs and their life-changing work, visit www.mercychefs.com.

Premier Group Network, the leading partnering network in the promotional products industry, is excited to announce it's teaming up with PromoPulse, the leading provider of automated marketing for the promo industry.

Premier Group members will benefit with exclusive savings from the PromoPulse Automated Marketing Platform (AMP), which will send curated content highlighting preferred suppliers to their customers automatically via email and social media.

Premier Group members will receive cost savings, extended AMP trial time, increased email limits, and discounts for additional email lists and campaigns.

“Every business knows that marketing is essential to succeeding in today’s competitive landscape,” said Dana Geiger, executive Director of Premier Group Network.“ By teaming up with PromoPulse, we are giving our members access to an effective, always-on marketing solution that will keep them front and center with their clients so they can take advantage of every sales opportunity.”

“We are excited to partner with Premier Group so we can bring our marketing and technology expertise to its members,” said Jason Nokes, founder of PromoPulse. "Our deep experience with applying technology to the promotional products industry, combined with Premier Group’s leading network, will make marketing easy for their members.”

The partnership between Premier Group Network and PromoPulse illustrates their dedication to using technology to support distributors, and move the industry forward.

More Info:

For more information about Premier Group Network, visit www.premiergroupnetwork.com. For more information about PromoPulse, visit their website at www.promopulse.io.

Media Contact:
Dana Geiger
757.491.3114
Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com

ASHEVILLE, NC – April 30, 2025 – Premier Group Network proudly celebrated the achievements of its member companies and individual representatives during the 2025 Annual Meeting at the historic Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. Each year, PG honors individuals and organizations who exemplify outstanding service, innovation, and the spirit of partnership that defines the Premier Group community.

Download all award winner photography here.

Top Honors: Recognizing Leadership, Collaboration, and Ingenuity

• MVPG – Most Valuable Premier Group Player Award:
  Alicia Rhodes (Action Plus Ideas)– Recognized for exceptional leadership, impact, and commitment to PG’s mission.

• Wingman Award (Supplier Rep):
  Cecila Chicone (Logomark)– Honored for reliability, partnership, and unwavering support of distributor members.

• Allstar Award (Distributor Rep):
  RJ Dunnigan (Renaissance Promotions) – Celebrated for collaboration, leadership, and excellence in service.

• MacGyver Award:
  Menda Wright (Creative Studio Promotions)– Acknowledged for resourcefulness and creative problem-solving.

Doug Bruce Distributor Performance Award

Named in memory of longtime PG co-founder Doug Bruce, this award recognizes distributor companies who embody the spirit of partnership and collaboration. Voted on by supplier members, recipients stand out in the following areas: meaningful relationships with PG suppliers, understanding of timelines and process and commitment to solution oriented approaches when faced with challenges. 

2025 Recipients:
(by sales category)

• Under $3.5M: Skylight Creative

• $3.5M–$7.5M: JH Specialty

• Over $7.5M: The Promotions Dept

Paul Smith Supplier Performance Award

Voted on by distributor members, this award recognizes suppliers who exemplify the collaborative values of Premier Group and deliver consistent excellence in: product quality, marketing support, customer service, sales support, problem resolution and management engagement.

2025 Recipients:
(by sales category)

• Under $20M: Pop Promos!

• $20M–$50M: Cap America

• Over $50M: Hit Promotional Products

Sales Awards: Celebrating Growth and Volume

Highest Supplier Sales Volume with PG Distributors:
(by sales category)

• Under $20M: Ball Pro / Diversified

• $20M–$50M: Cap America

• Over $50M: SanMar

Highest Year-Over-Year Supplier Sales Growth with PG Distributors:
(by sales category)

• Under $20M: The Chest

• $20M–$50M: NC Custom

• Over $50M: Gill Studios

Highest Distributor Purchase Volume with PG Suppliers:
(by sales category)

• Under $3.5M: City Apparel & Merch

• $3.5M–$7.5M: Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple

• Over $7.5M: Barker Specialty

Highest Distributor Purchase Percentage with PG Suppliers:
(by sales category)

• Under $3.5M: City Apparel + Merch

• $3.5M–$7.5M: Renaissance Promotions

• Over $7.5M: The Callard Company

Introducing The Wagner Award

Established in 2025, The Wagner Award was created to honor the extraordinary leadership and service of Matt Wagner, whose legacy as PG Board Chair continues to inspire the organization. This distinguished award recognizes a Premier Group member whose contributions reflect the same values Matt embodies—integrity, kindness, objectivity, and an unwavering commitment to what is best for the association.

The award is not given annually, but is reserved for moments when the Board of Directors identifies a member whose voluntary service is truly exceptional.

We are proud to announce that Matt Wagner was named the inaugural recipient of The Wagner Award in 2025, a fitting tribute to his years of dedication, steady leadership, and lasting impact on the PG community as he completes his board service.

Award Criteria:
Honorees will have:

• Made sustained, meaningful contributions to PG’s mission

• Acted selflessly and without expectation of recognition

• Demonstrated consistent leadership, fairness, and support across the PG community

Premier Group congratulates all 2025 award recipients and expresses deep appreciation for the continued collaboration, excellence, and leadership shown by its members. Together, these individuals and companies represent the very best of what Premier Group stands for.

Premier Group Network, the leading partnering network in the promotional products industry, is excited to announce its partnership with Delegate CX (DCX), a global staffing and training solution designed to help businesses scale efficiently by providing skilled promotional products professionals. Through this collaboration, Premier Group members will benefit from exclusive access to cost-effective hiring solutions, dedicated training resources, and ongoing support to help expand their teams and improve operational efficiency.

DCX specializes in helping distributors and suppliers find, train, and onboard high-performing team members, eliminating hiring obstacles while ensuring businesses have the support needed to grow. This partnership reflects Premier Group’s commitment to providing members with strategic resources that enhance productivity, streamline operations, and drive long-term success.

A Smarter Way to Grow

“Talent acquisition and training are key challenges for any growing business,” said Dana Geiger, executive Director of Premier Group Network. “By partnering with Delegate CX, we are giving our members access to trusted, high-quality staffing solutions at a reduced rate, allowing them to focus on growth without the usual hiring and training roadblocks.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Premier Group and bring our expertise in global hiring and training to its members,” said Rory Young, CRO of of Delegate CX. “This partnership is designed to make hiring, onboarding, and team development more efficient and cost-effective, so businesses can scale with confidence.”

Through this partnership, Premier Group members will receive cost savings and access to additional resources at a reduced rate, including talent placement, training programs, and onboarding support. With DCX’s expertise in building high-performing teams, members can optimize their workforce while focusing on long-term business growth.

About Premier Group Network

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 28th year Premier Group has evolved into one of the most respected and long-standing “buying groups” in the industry. Recognized as a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, Premier Group continues to foster collaboration, innovation, and success among its members.

For more information about Premier Group Network, visit www.premiergroupnetwork.com.

For Immediate Release: Jan 30, 2025

Media contact:
Dana Geiger
757.491.3114
Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com

Premier Group Network, the leading partnering network in the promotional products industry, is pleased to announce its partnership with Merch AI, a forward-thinking technology platform designed to enhance the sales and operational capabilities of distributors.

As part of this collaboration, Premier Group formed and internal beta testing the platform with a select group of distributor members who have opted in to explore its potential as a collective. The goal of this initiative is to develop additional tools tailored to the needs of the PG community, strengthening member relationships, increasing spend within the group, and providing distributors with innovative sales resources that set them apart in the industry.

“This partnership represents an exciting step forward for our members,” said Savannah Simmers, Board member and Resource Committee Chair of Premier Group Network. “We are always looking for ways to bring value to our distributors, and we believe Merch AI has the potential to revolutionize how our members approach sales, marketing, and client engagement.”

Merch AI’s AI-driven tools and data-driven insights aim to streamline operations, enhance client interactions, and optimize product offerings. Through this beta testing phase, Premier Group members will have the unique opportunity to shape the platform tool development for members.

“At Merch AI, we’re excited to collaborate with Premier Group and its dynamic network of distributors,” said  Nick Lateur, VP of revenue of Merch AI. “Our mission is to empower distributors with cutting-edge technology that drives efficiency and success, and we look forward to refining our solutions with the valuable feedback from PG members.”

About Premier Group Network

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 28th year, Premier Group has evolved into one of the most respected and long-standing “buying groups” in the industry. Recognized as a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, Premier Group continues to foster collaboration, innovation, and success among its members.

For more information about Premier Group Network, visit www.premiergroupnetwork.com.

For Immediate Release: Jan 30, 2025

Media contact:
Dana Geiger
757.491.3114
Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com

CHESHIRE, CT, USA, May 14, 2024

Barker Specialty, a leader in the promotional products industry since 1951 is pleased to announce the acquisition of Wolfepromo, a Connecticut based distributorship for over 35 years. David Wolfe, managing partner of Wolfepromo, developed a reputation for creativity backed with excellent customer service throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. He noticed early in his career that the way promotional products were marketed did not resonate well with him. He took this opportunity to differentiate himself by focusing on each client’s individual needs, understanding the clients’ goals, and envisioning their logo on products that would be differentiators. From there Wolfe’s tagline “Creatively Disruptive!” was born.

"We are so excited to join with David Wolfe! David is exceptionally creative and has built a great business. Our entire staff is looking forward to working with David.” - Gerry Barker

The hyper focused client experience that Wolfe led his company with is a natural fit for Barker Specialty. “I wanted to partner with a great company, I was very selective in inviting possible partners to discuss opportunities,” Wolfe said. As a family-owned business of more than 75 years, Gerry Barker fully understood and valued the importance of the client relationships Wolfe built over the years. “I’ve always thought highly of David. His company is small, highly respected and well run. This is just a terrific fit”, says Barker. Amy Serrano, Chief Revenue Officer for Barker Specialty added, "As soon as I met David, I knew the synergy between our companies would be perfect. We both have the same goals--- giving our clients peace of mind while providing the best solutions using promotional products."

Wolfepromo clients will continue toexperience the same level of customer care, with the benefit of additional resources that Barker Specialty offers.This includes implementation of company stores, on premise warehousing, artwork services, on-site production, in-house kitting, global sourcing, and much more, all while providing competitive pricing. Furthermore, Barker Specialty's commitment to a diverse work force and supply chain, sustainable product sourcing, safe and vetted products, and intellectual property protection, all enhance the value of the Wolfepromo and Barker Specialty combination. 

About Barker Specialty Company:

As one of the leaders in the promotional products industry, Barker Specialty quickly grew to be a multi-million-dollar company. Recognized with numerous prestigious awards, such as "Greatest Companies to Work For," "Top 50 Distributors of Promotional Products in the USA," "Top 20 Best Places to Work," and "Family Business of the Year," Barker Specialty is committed to excellence in every aspect of its operations.

www.barkerspecialty.com