[CHESHIRE, CT, April 4, 2024]
Barker Specialty Company, of Cheshire, CT, a worldwide leader in the promotional products business, is proud to announce the promotion of Karen Heiligman from Vice-President to Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective April 1, 2024. Karen, currently VP of operations, has been with Barker Specialty for 21 years, after graduating from Central CT State University. During those 21 years, Karen has worked in many of the operating areas of the company, including customer support, sales, logistics, and most recently as director of fulfillment operations. Son of company founders, Herb and Gloria Barker, President Gerry Barker states, “I am so proud to recognize and promote Karen to the critical position of COO. Karen is a strong leader and diligent worker. Her innate commitment to succeed is one of her many impressive qualities, and her compassion, empathy and concern for others are traits that my Mom recognized when she hired Karen. I remember how excited Mom was when Karen joined us, and I know my folks would be thrilled seeing the success Karen has achieved." In her new role as COO, Karen will be responsible for overseeing the company's day-to-day operations, developing strategic initiatives, ensuring operational success throughout all areas of the business, and expanding international opportunities through IGC Global Promotions. Karen commented, "I am excited to take on this new challenge and greatly appreciate everyone's confidence in me! This business is difficult and has so many moving parts.... but I am determined to build on our 75 year history, while still maintaining our company values of respect for all, excellence in service, and competitive pricing." Karen’s constant strive for excellence can be attributed to her numerous athletic victories throughout her high school and college career as a competitive swimmer. She is a passionate reader, averaging 30 books a year, fueling her love for knowledge and personal growth. Karen is deeply committed to her family and finds joy in the companionship of her beloved dogs Kenzie and Bella. 

 About Barker Specialty Company: Barker Specialty is dedicated to assisting clients in promoting their brands and achieving marketing success through innovative and creative promotional merchandise. As one of the leaders in the promotional products industry, Barker Specialty has been 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. 

See original PR here.

September 22, 2023
Barker Specialty proudly announces the reveal of its new brand identity! The new design embodies BarkerSpecialty’s cutting edge and contemporary position as a leader in the world of branded merchandise, company webstores and proprietary marketing strategies.

The choice was made to maintain similar color schemes, secondary design elements and the company name in order to preserve the recognition of the family-owned business that Herb and Gloria Barker started in 1951. By introducing a completely new logo, Barker Specialty demonstrates the importance of being able to adapt and modernize. The new logo is intentionally subject to varied interpretations, with the overarching goal to represent the concepts of caring and concern for customers, company and community.

Along with the brand refresh, Barker Specialty has reframed its mission,vision and values to highlight its commitment to an enhanced client experience, focus on the environment and continued emphasis on employee growth.“Adapting to an ever-changing world, while maintaining core values isthe driving focus behind the excitement of this rebranding. We are thrilled to reintroduce ourselves with a fresh, modern and vibrant persona.” –Chelsea Fishman, Director of Marketing

Gerry Barker, president, stated, " I have so much respect for our marketing team who have led this initiative and worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition. Removing our revered dog from our logo wasn't an easy choice but reflects our growth as a worldwide supplier of promotional marketing products."

The new brand identity can be found throughout the Barker Specialty website and social media channels.

About Barker Specialty

Barker Specialty has been the one-stop source for all promotional and marketing needs for over 70 years. We are an innovative promotional marketing agency, specializing in branded merchandise and e-commerce solutions for items such as promotional products, apparel and uniforms, gifts and awards, tradeshow displays,print media and signage. Call (800) 227-5377 or visit barkerspecialty.com for more information.

Pittsford, NY, June 21, 2023—Cooley Group, Inc., an industry leading branded solutions provider in promotional, print and fulfillment for over 75 years, is pleased to share that its President, Phil Yawman, has been selected by the Small Business Council of Rochester, New York as a Business Person of the Year finalist.

Since 1983 the Small Business Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber affiliate, has honored accomplished individuals within the for-profit business sector in Greater Rochester. These individuals are recognized for their exceptional achievements, expansion, effective leadership, and contributions in both civic and professional domains.

Yawman joined Cooley Group in 2018 as the President and Board Chairman of the Cooley Group. During his tenure, the company has earned numerous awards for customer satisfaction and employee engagement, including the “Best Companies to Work For” designation from the New York State Society for Human Resource Management. In recent years the company has seen tremendous growth—2022 was a record year, achieving the highest revenue and net income in the employee-owned company’s 78-year history.

Yawman’s expertise lies in strategic planning and positioning; executive leadership coaching and mentoring; start-up, expansion, and growth management; marketing, sales and business development. He previously held executive positions at Annese and Associates and co-founded Choice One Communications, a telecom start-up which grew rapidly under his leadership.

Yawman serves as the Vice Chair of the St. John Fisher University Board of Trustees and sits on the boards of Monroe Community College Foundation and Constellation Brands Performing Arts Center (CMAC). He was also on the Executive Committee of the 2023 PGA Championship, which put Rochester in the national spotlight and brought hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy.

Expressing gratitude for those who have supported him both personally and professionally, Yawman said, “I am extremely thankful for the great mentors I have had throughout my life and career who modeled the value of purposeful work, community service and who defined success as making an impact on the growth and achievements of the entire organization.” He went on to add, “It was important to me to bring these values to Cooley Group, and I am extremely

proud of the success the company has achieved in the past several years. As a lifelong resident of this community, thank you to the Small Business Council for acknowledging the contributions and accomplishments of small businesses in our area.”

Sarah Compter, President of the Small Business Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber affiliate, expressed her excitement about this milestone anniversary and the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable finalists. She stated, "As we mark the 40th Annual Business Person of the Year Awards, we reflect on the incredible growth and success of our small business community. It is an honor to recognize the talented entrepreneurs who have displayed innovation, resilience, and dedication over the years. We are particularly thrilled to host this year's ceremony with an exciting 80s theme, reminding us of the award's inception and the inspiring journey that brought us to this point."

Bob Duffy, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the pivotal role played by small to midsized businesses in the Greater Rochester region. He said, "Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and shaping the unique character of our region. The Business Person of the Year Awards highlight those who have made significant contributions to our business landscape while inspiring others to reach new heights. We thank the Small Business Council for bestowing this recognition and hosting this 40th annual celebration of our vibrant local small business community."

ABOUT COOLEY GROUP, INC.

Cooley Group is a leader in customized promotional, print and fulfillment solutions. With its mission to “Showcase Your Brand”, Cooley Group customizes products and services which drive brand awareness and growth for its clients. Founded in 1945, Cooley Group is an employee-owned company that is recognized for award-winning client service and has been named a “Best Company to Work For in New York State”. The company has offices in Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Utica and the Hudson Valley area. To learn more about Cooley Group and how we can help your business, visit www.cooleybrand.com. Contact: Patricia Lipari: plipari@cooleybrand.com

Premier Group Network is pleased to announce the announce the recipients of the 2022 annual awards presented during the 2023 Premier Group Annual Meeting in Cancun Mexico.  The Premier Group annual awards celebrates excellence of members in all categories.

Awards were presented to the following members:

SUPPLIER AWARD Highest Sales Volume (In Group)

Awarded to suppliers in each category with highest sales volume with Premier Group Network distributors.

Towel Specialties             (Up to $20M in annual sales)

Cap America                     ($20 M-$50 M in annual sales)          

SanMar                              (Over $50 M in annual sales)

 

DISTRIBUTOR AWARD: Highest Purchase Volume (In Group)

Awarded to distributors with highest purchase volume with Premier Group Network suppliers.

Skylight Creative Ideas         (Up to $3.5M in annual sales)

Bacon & Co.                            ($3.5 M-$7.5M in annual sales)

Barker Specialty                     (Over $7.5M in annual sales)

 

SUPPLIER AWARD: Paul Smith Award
Awarded in honor of PG Co-Founder Paul Smith to one supplier in each category who partners well with PG members and exhibits excellence on all fronts.

Pop! Promos                            (Up to $20M in annual sales)

NC Custom                                ($20 M-$50 M in annual sales)                            

SanMar                                       (Over $50 M in annual sales)

 

DISTRIBUTOR AWARD: Doug Bruce Award

Awarded in honor of PG Co-Founder Doug Bruce to one distributor in each category who partners well with PG members and exhibits excellence on all fronts.

1338 Tryon                           (Up to $3.5M in annual sales)

TK Promotions, Inc.              ($3.5 M-$7.5M in annual sales)

The Callard Company        (Over $7.5M in annual sales)

 

SUPPLIER AWARD Highest Sales Growth Over Last Year 2022 vs 2021 (In Group)

Awarded to suppliers in each category with highest sales volume with Premier Group Network distributors.

Visions                           (Up to $20M in annual sales)

Cap America                   ($20 M-$50 M in annual sales)

The Magnet Group           (Over $50 M in annual sales)

 

DISTRIBUTOR AWARD: Highest Percentage of Spend with PG Suppliers

Awarded to distributors in each category with highest percentage of spend with Premier Group Network suppliers.

Skylight Creative Ideas                         (Up to $3.5M in annual sales)

W.S. Emerson                                         ($3.5 M-$7.5M in annual sales)

Creative Studio Promotions                 (Over $7.5M in annual sales)

 

MVPG: Most Valuable Premier Group Volunteer

Michelle Guetle, The Callard Company

Awarded to a distributor or supplier member who does NOT sit on the board but contributes and supports the group in very significant ways.

                

Wingman Award

Sarah Pollard, Hit Promotional Products

Awarded to the supplier member representative that is a go-to partner for tough projects. A trusted mainstay, source of inspiration nd collaborator to be counted on.

 

Allstar Award

Jonathan Prevatte, Team IP

Awarded a distributor sales representative that is building business and exemplifies excellence and professionalism at every turn.

                 

MacGyver Awards

Awarded the distributor and supplier member that made the impossible happen resulting in a great case study or significant sales.                 

Richard Hill, The Promotions Dept.

Lisa Schepis, alphabroder

All winners received awards generously donated by Visions.

***** 

Premier Catalog Group AKA 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 26^th year, it is among the oldest “buying groups” in the industry.  Founded in 1997 by Paul Smith and Doug Bruce, it has evolved and grown over the years.  It is recognized under Internal Revenue Service code as a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.  More information about Premier Group Network may be found at www.premiergroupnetwork.com. 

Premier Group Network, the leading partnering network in the promotional products industry, is pleased to welcome Ohio based distributor City Apparel + Merch to the membership.  

City Apparel + Merch is an award-winning uniform, apparel, and logo’d merchandise company in Findlay, OH; with a mission to “Outfit partners to create positive community impact and lasting relationships.”

City Apparel President, Andrea Kramer, and her team are committed to delivering solutions for their clients that radically elevate their clients’ brands by connecting people. The company’s “Do Good” philosophy aims to positively impact associates, customers, and communities, balancing profit with purpose. 

“Joining Premier Group is exciting for our entire team. We look forward to building with other members of the group as we continue our mission to serve clients and our community. I believe the resources available to us through this organization will help fuel our growth as individuals and as a company. Those that collaborate well, win!” remarked Kramer.  

Premier Group Network Board Chair Matt Wagner of Fields Manufacturing welcomed City Apparel to the group.  “We are so excited to welcome Andrea and her team to the Premier Group family. Premier Group continues to be an integral piece of member success. We are excited to grow with like-minded businesses like City Apparel + Merch who we know will bring a fresh and unique perspective to the group.” 

***** 

Premier Catalog Group AKA 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 26^th year, it is among the oldest “buying groups” in the industry.  Founded in 1997 by Paul Smith and Doug Bruce, it has evolved and grown over the years.  It is recognized under Internal Revenue Service code as a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.  More information about Premier Group Network may be found at www.premiergroupnetwork.com. 

Media contact:  Dana Geiger | Dana@premiergroupnetwork.com

BREAKING NEWS: Towel Specialties lowers prices of products, reduces shipping costs

Leading industry supplier Towel Specialties is ringing in 2023 with an average price reduction of 12% across the entire line. This is on top of additional average savings of 37% on all domestic shipping charges.

“We’re looking to offer a bright spot in the form of price relief for our customers,” said Towel Specialties' President and CSO Shawn Kanak. “COVID-19 globally disrupted the supply chain and caused major price increases from 2020 to 2022. Container shipping costs were six-fold what we were paying in 2019. Raw material costs soared during COVID-19 but have stabilized recently. Since things have settled down over the last few months, we determined it is time to do the right thing and give back on our towels, blankets, bags, and robes.”

The price reduction arrives on the heels of a November switch from UPS to FedEx as Towel Specialties’ designated carrier. This change allowed distributors to enjoy discounts from 25-55%, depending on where orders ship.

www.towelspecialties.com

Pittsford, NY, November 29, 2022—Cooley Group, Inc., an industry leading branded solutions provider in promotional, print and fulfillment services for over 75 years, announced today that it has donated $10,000 in product to several nonprofit organizations across New York state.

“Cooley Group is proud to support these organizations which work tirelessly to create a positive impact in our communities,” said Cooley Group President, Phil Yawman. “We’ve had our Cooley Cares program in place for many years and I truly believe that the power of giving benefits us as much as the organizations we support.”

The Cooley Cares program demonstrates the company’s commitment to serve and enrich the communities in which it operates. In addition to charitable donations, the program also gives employees paid time off to volunteer their time and talent to the community.

This year’s benefiting organizations include:

Loretto Foundation—comprehensive continuing healthcare organization dedicated to transforming eldercare in Central New York, focusing on person-first, affordable care.

Mercy Flight Central—independent, non-profit organization of air medical professionals, devoted to integrity, compassion, and excellence providing critical care to the sick and injured.

Volunteers of America—empowers people in the community to rise out of poverty, move toward self-reliance, and reach their full potential.

Integrated Community Alternatives Network—strives to empower children, families and individuals who have high service needs, to enable them to live in ways that are productive and healthy, and to keep families together.

The Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center—the region’s only children’s hospital, devoted exclusively to the medical needs of infants, children, and adolescents.

Alzheimer’s Association—through many initiatives and worldwide reach, the Alzheimer’s Association leads the charge in Alzheimer’s care, support, research and advocacy.

David’s Refuge— provides respite, resources and support to parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions where they will be refreshed, restored and renewed in their role as caregivers.

Person Centered Housing Options—committed to addressing, preventing, and alleviating chronic homelessness within Monroe County, New York and surrounding communities using the housing first model.

House of the Good Shepherd—leading provider of treatment, education, and support services to the children and families of the community that it serves.

Camp Good Days—strives to improve the quality of life for families affected by cancer or sickle cell anemia through residential camping programs and year-round recreational and support activities.

ABOUT COOLEY GROUP, INC.

Cooley Group is a leader in customized promotional, print and fulfillment solutions. Cooley Group brings clients’ brands to life with programs that enable them to grow their business. Cooley Group has offices in Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Utica and the Hudson Valley area. To learn more about Cooley Group and how we can help your business, visit www.cooleybrand.com. Contact: Patricia Lipari: plipari@cooleybrand.com

 

TK Promotions is please to announce they have moved into a new office at 4319 Cox Road in Richmond, Virginia. Moving from 1,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet, they are excited to get settled and hosting many clients and community related events. Their growing team is eager to utilize the full bar top and kitchen area for numerous team engagement opportunities too. If anyone is in town, please reach out and set up a visit!

Learn more about the TK Promotions Team Here

ASI Promo Campaign Awards reflects the many ways that industry companies are equipped to serve buyers. Congratulations to PG Member 1338 Tryon for receiving  the Best Distributor Self-Promotions. Read more here or below.

UNLEASHING MAJOR ROI - 1338TRYON (ASI/287946)

Where previous self-promos skewed more to a female audience, 1338Tryon embraced a more male-centric branding spin for big success.

Self-promo has long been an essential part of branded merchandise firms’ marketing strategy – it’s critical for highlighting popular product and imprint trends, showing off distributors’ and suppliers’ capabilities, and sparking ideation for upcoming campaigns among both prospects and existing clients.

But to be effective and result in a healthy ROI, a self-promo campaign has to resonate with and inspire recipients. And that’s the challenge that 1338Tryon (asi/287946), a woman-owned business in Portland, OR, recently sought to address.

The distributor sends out quarterly “hot boxes” – self-promo bundles of new products featuring innovative decoration methods – to key prospects and clients. But last year, it had received feedback that the boxes’ color scheme, which echoed their own branding, often appealed more to women than men.

“We decided to put together a box that targeted men between ages 40 and 60,” says CEO Heather Comerford. “We used a kit that’s darker and more serious, with the wrapped tentacles and ‘Kraken’ theme. It’s a more aggressive version of our branding, but it’s still tongue-in-cheek.”

1338Tryon shipped more than 30 boxes in Q4 2021 to men as well as women in male-dominated industries like trucking and technology to inspire ideas for their clients. “We decided on who would receive the kits based on the audiences they target,” says Comerford. “We sent them to existing clients as well as those we’re in the process of prospecting to, all with more budget to spend.”

The boxes with a “Release the Kraken” theme contained a beanie from Cap America (asi/43792), a 3-in-1 tumbler from Starline USA (asi/89320), dress socks from Sock101 (asi/88071), a lantern from IMAGEN Brands (asi/93990), and a 10-in-1 tool card from Top 40 supplier Logomark (asi/67866).

Comerford loves the raised imprint on the tumbler. “And clients have to see and touch the beanies. It’s like petting a rabbit,” she adds. “We wanted higher-quality items that wouldn’t break the bank.”

The boxes were an instant hit with recipients; 1338Tryon began fielding inquiries from interested recipients not long after they arrived on doorsteps. In addition to three prospects who became customers, one client wanted to use the same five products with their branding, another worked with 1338Tryon to establish a new online store, and a C-suite-level customer is now working on an identical box for his sales team for 2022.

Instead of sending the same self-promo item to their entire list, 1338Tryon put thought into the selection of products, developed a derivative of their branding, segmented the recipient list and developed a targeted strategy. “It resonated with recipients,” says Comerford. “We focused on male buyers and those who target male-leaning demographics. We wanted to show a targeted audience what they could do with their brand. Next, we’ll be working on a box with sustainable products from BIPOC- or veteran-owned businesses.”– Sara Lavenduski

Premier Group is proud to celebrate all members honored at the 2022 Counselor Awards in Chicago on July 20, 2022. In addition to our supplier members designated as part of the ASI Supplier Top 40,  distributor members received some of the highest honors of the night. 

In addition to this year's awards, ASI celebrated the 2021 recipients in person in absence of an in-person event last year.

Click the links below to learn more about each of these prestigious awards.

• Distributor Family Business of the Year 2022: Barker Specialty
• Bess Cohn Humanitarian of the Year 2022: Ben Grossman, SwagCycle & Grossman Marketing Group
• Distributor Entrepreneurs of the Year 2021: Menda Wright and Ann Vidro, Creative Studio Promotions
  
• Top 40 Suppliers: SanMar, NC Custom, Koozie Group, alphabroder. Hit Promotional Products, Koozie Group, Hirsch Gift, Gemline, The Magnet Group,  Logomark, Showdown Displays, Edwards Garment,  Garyline, Evans Manufacturing, Gill Studios, Vantage Apparel