For Immediate Release: May 17, 2021

Premier Group Network, the leading partnering network in the promotional products industry, is pleased to welcome New York based distributor Cooley Group Inc. to the membership.

Cooley Group, Inc. is a 75-year-old multi-million-dollar company headquartered in Rochester with four satellite offices in Albany, Hudson Valley, Syracuse and Utica. Phil Yawman, Cooley Group President, is entering his third year leading a twenty-six-person team committed to clients, company culture and community.

The company’s award-winning legacy successfully elevating client brands is driven by empowered employee-owners. Its Brand Consultants have built strong relationships with their clients and strive to gain a deep understanding of clients’ needs and offer holistic solutions. Additionally, Yawman’s business acumen and energizing demeanor has inspired a revitalized commitment to innovation for Cooley Group Inc.  The objective is to strategize with clients to enable  them meet and exceed their goals, and then create and deliver value added end to end customer solutions that leverage best-in-class services and technology.

 “Joining Premier Group will position us to be even better partners to our clients,” remarked Yawman. “We are all excited to be part of this community and we look forward to collaborating with other exceptional industry professionals”

Premier Group Network Board Chair Menda Wright of Creative  Studio Promotions welcomed Cooley Group, Inc to the group.  “We are so excited to have Phil and his team as part of the Premier Group family. The last year has affirmed the importance of being part of a community of like-minded professionals. I know we will be an even stronger community with Cooley Group Inc as a member and am assured they too will grow towards their goals from opportunities made available through the Premier Group network.”

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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 24^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.

 

Cooley Group is a leader in customized print, promotional and apparel solutions. Cooley Group brings customers’ brands to life with creative solutions that enable them to grow their business and profitability. Cooley Group brand consultants value three things above all else—their clients, their culture, and the communities in which they live and work. This balance helps the team deliver exceptional results, as a partner, as a business, and as individuals. 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.

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

Listen Here

SwagCycle: Upcycling of Branded Merchandise with Ben Grossman

When companies rebrand or get acquired, branded merchandise with outdated logos and mottos often end up in a landfill before their actual material life is over. This is a very concerning and sad issue for the environment. Ben Grossman mobilized the resources of the 4th generation family business in marketing and created the platform of givers and takers that helps redistribute branded merchandise and keep it away from landfills for as long as possible. Tune in to the episode to learn how Ben and SwagCycle do it and hear inspiring and creative success stories. Enjoy it!

Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgrossman/  

Ben's personal website site www.bengrossman.info

SwagCycle website: https://www.swagcycle.net/ 

Anna's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esms-esmp-esia/ 

About Sustainability Explored Podcast
By Anna Chashchyna

This is a podcast on sustainability and innovations in business and economy, a great place to learn more about sustainability across industries. Every week the podcast features professionals working on the implementation of innovative sustainable solutions for the future - to explore circularity and resilience, corporate social responsibility, leadership and culture, impact investment and so on, and give some guidance on how to actually implement sustainability in business.

Read online at PPB Link here

Premier Group, a 501(c6) trade association with the mission of contributing to the success and growth of individual member companies, held its annual business meeting on April 27. Traditionally part of a four-day event designed to connect members and strengthen business relationships, like most organizations, Premier Group was challenged to find a new way of conducting business in 2021, and held the meeting virtually. Along with confirming the proposed slate of directors for 2021 and celebrating members with several annual awards, PPAI Interim President Bob McLean joined the event as guest speaker. He welcomed Premier Group members and shared a brief report on the state of the industry.

“While we are excited to be planning in‐person events in the near future, we are again holding our annual business meeting virtually. Doing so allows us to keep our members connected and informed about the business of the organization and ensures the election of our 2021‐2023 class of board directors can be completed as outlined in our governing documents,” says Glen Hersh, Premier Group board chair.

The Premier Group’s 2021-2023 elected board directors include:
Linda Tulchin – The Promotions Department (second term)
Fred Hickman – SanMar
Chris O'Connor – Chocolate Inn / Lanco
Bob Titelman, Jr. – Skylight Creative

Representatives from Premier Groups’ 67 member companies tuned in to hear from McLean before participating in the official business meeting that reviewed the position of the organization after what proved to be a tumultuous year for all businesses, including those in the promotional products industry.

“Despite the challenges we have faced as business owners in 2020, Premier Group’s mission and purpose has never been more relevant and poignant to members,” says Premier Group Vice Chair Menda Wright, co‐owner of distributor member Creative Studio Promotions. “Being part of PG has no doubt impacted how we responded to the events of 2020 and kept us connected to a brain trust of like‐minded entrepreneurs that understand our business. That is the magic of our small but mighty organization.”

Awards presented during the business meeting included:

Most Valuable Premier Group Player Award: a supplier or distributor who does not sit on the board but contributes and supports the group in very significant ways.
Andrew Shea – Arcon (Distributor)

Rookie Rockstar: a new representative from a supplier that was a "rock star" and made a significant contribution to their company and/or the Premier Group.
Grace Schettier – Cap America

MacGyver: a member that made the impossible happen.
alphabroder

Straight out of Quarantine: a company that adapted in a way culturally or responsively that has altered how business was conducted through a pandemic.
The Promotions Department

Bunsen Burner: hottest new idea or custom project.
Prime Resource Abroad

Paul Smith: Premier Group’s most prestigious supplier award in honor of co-founder Paul Smith. Supplier recipients are based on the several criteria—quality of products, marketing support, internal customer service support, outside sales support, problem resolution and management support.
$20 Million – Fields Manufacturing
$50 Million – Vantage
More Than $50 Million – Hit Promotional Products

Doug Bruce: Premier Group’s most prestigious distributor awards in memory of co-founder Doug Bruce. Recipients of the Douglas Bruce Distributor Performance Award are based on several criteria—access to distributor organization by Premier Group suppliers, support of Premier Group suppliers’ lines, pay within terms and works with Premier Group suppliers to resolve issues.
Under $2.5 Million – Skylight Creative
Under $5.9 Million – W.S. Emmerson
$6 Million-plus – Callard

For Immediate Release: April 22, 2021 

The Premier Group Network Board of Directors is excited to announce Bob McLean, Interim President of PPAI, as the guest speaker for the organization’s annual business meeting scheduled Tuesday, April 27. McLean will welcome Premier Group members and share a brief state of the industry report.

 

Traditionally Premier Group hosts the annual business meeting as part of a four-day event designed to connect members and strengthen business relations. Like most organizations, Premier Group was challenged to find a new way of conducting business in 2020 and held the official business meeting as a virtual event.

 

“While we are excited to be planning in-person events in the near future, we are again holding our annual business meeting virtually. Doing so allows us to keep our members connected and informed about the business of the organization and ensures the election of our 2021-2023 class of board directors can be completed as outlined in our governing documents,” says Glen Hersh, Premier Group Board Chair.

 

On the agenda for this year’s meeting is the announcement of the location of the 2022 annual meeting which will serve as the 25^th anniversary for one of the industry’s oldest “buying groups”. Premier Group is in fact a 501(c6) trade association with the mission of contributing to the success and growth of individual member companies through a unique partnering structure designed to encourage information sharing and foster strong relationships.

  

Representatives from Premier Groups’ 67 member companies will be tuned in to hear from McLean before participating in the official business meeting that will review the position of the organization after what has proven to be a tumultuous year for all businesses including those in the promotional products industry.

 

“Despite the challenges we have faced as business owner’s in 2020, Premier Group’s mission and purpose has never been more relevant and poignant to members,“ said Premier Group Vice Chair, Menda Wright, co-owner of distributor member Creative Studio Promotions. “Being part of PG has no doubt impacted how we responded to the events of 2020 and kept us connected to a brain trust of like-minded entrepreneurs that understand our business. That is the magic of our small but mighty organization.”

 

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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 24^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 may be found at www.premiergroupnetwork.com.

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

Grossman Marketing Group (asi/215205), a Somerville, MA-based promo products distributor that counts the Boston Celtics and Harvard University among its household name clients, has acquired PCI Creative Group, a Stamford, CT-based distributor. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Co-Presidents Ben Grossman and David Grossman of Grossman Marketing Group, in one of their warehouses. Photo by Len Rubenstein.

A fourth-generation family-owned business, Grossman Marketing provides multifaceted marketing solutions, including promotional products, to clients in industries that range from financial services, law and biotechnology, to education and the arts.

The acquisition of PCI Creative, a company with 35 years of experience, expands Grossman’s footprint in Connecticut through a firm that already provides everything from graphic design, image and branding to web and digital design, direct mail, printed communications and branded merchandise.

“Adding decades of marketing experience, along with an amazing reputation and legacy, in a region of New England into which we continue to see a steady influx of growth is truly an asset and another defining moment for our company,” said David Grossman, co-president of Grossman Marketing Group. “Broadening our relationships within the Connecticut market, a state in which we’ve had a presence for over 40 years ourselves, is a major priority for us, and we will continue to pursue that goal when ideal opportunities, such as this one, present themselves.”

Anne Chiapetta, principal at PCI Creative, said company leaders felt it was time to take a less active role in day-to-day operations and were looking for a great partner to which to “pass the torch.” Grossman was it.

“Their stellar reputation and the prestigious clients they have served, many for decades, ensures that our clients will continue to receive the same level of excellent, reliable and high-touch service to which they have grown accustomed,” Chiapetta said.

Grossman Marketing Group’s acquisition of PCI Creative Group marks its third acquisition in the state of Connecticut within the last decade. Grossman previously acquired Fleet Business Products of East Hartford in November 2015, along with ASAP Inc. of Norwalk, in January 2013. The firm has combined its Connecticut operations into a Hartford office established in the mid-1970s. Grossman’s other recent acquisitions include the purchase of Advantages in Marketing (AIM) of West Springfield, MA, in 2019 and Manchester, ME-based Premier Marketing Group in 2017.

Beyond the Celtics and Harvard, Grossman Marketing’s clients include the Boston Bruins, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, athenahealth, Novocure, Columbia University, Tufts University, Hewlett-Packard, John Hancock, L.L. Bean, Zipcar, CVS, and the International Academy of Arts and Sciences (Emmy Awards).

Premier Group Network has announced Dana Geiger will serve as the organization’s new executive director. Geiger brings a broad range of experience to the position and has 17 years’ experience in the nonprofit arena. She served as PPAI’s Regional Relations Manager from 2018-2020 and served as executive director for three industry regional associations from 2010-2018. Geiger’s experience with association management combined with her understanding of the promotional products industry will serve Premier Group well as the group looks for new strategies and offerings to help members and the organization grow.

Board Chair Glen Hersh says, “Premier Group is very excited to welcome Dana to the team as our executive director. Her experience with industry associations and personal demeanor will be an asset to our organization and most importantly to our members.”

“I am thrilled to join Premier Group and build on the firm foundation that makes it one of the best member organizations in the industry,” says Geiger, adding that she is looking forward to working with the 67 member companies and the Board of Directors to explore new ways to strengthen the organization.

Contact Dana Geiger at 757.491.3114 or by email at dana@premiergroupnetwork.com.

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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 24^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 may be found at www.premiergroupnetwork.com.