ADVANTAGES

Key Takeaways • Counselor Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480) is adding four premium metal pen styles from U Brands. • Metal pens have been gaining momentum, according to the supplier, with customers seeking out writing instruments with an executive feel. Counselor Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480) is bringing a collection of premium metal pens to the promotional products industry, thanks to a partnership with U Brands.

Stahls’ Acquires Siser, Adds Heat-Transfer Vinyl Brand to Its Family of Companies The move will allow the two companies to increase their joint focus on product innovation and industry education. Key Takeaways • Stahls’ (asi/88984) has acquired heat-transfer vinyl company Siser, expanding its portfolio of apparel-decoration products and technologies. • Siser will continue to operate under its own name while collaborating with Stahls’ on innovation, customer support and global growth.

Key Takeaways • Counselor Top 40 distributor Cintas (asi/162167) posted a strong fiscal 2026, with revenue up 8.9% to $11.26 billion and diluted earnings per share (EPS) increasing 11.6%. • The company highlighted continued momentum from its UniFirst acquisition, saying the deal remains on track to close in the second half of calendar 2026 pending regulatory approval.

Key Takeaways • Shirt Lab Vegas, set for the day before PRINTING United Expo, is designed to help apparel decorators build more consistent, profitable online stores. • The Sept. 22 event includes in-person and virtual attendance options. Shirt Lab, an education and training community for the decorated apparel and promotional products industries, is holding a one-day event this fall to help the industry scale online stores and drive revenue.

Key Takeaways • Team OnDemand is mobilizing promo industry donations and supplies to support relief efforts after deadly earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. • The nonprofit, started by Lawrence Hanley of Desk Plants (asi/49451) and Rusty Pepper of Taylor OnDemand, part of Counselor Top 40 distributor Taylor Promotional Products (asi/333647), is helping coordinate product, cash and logistics support for affected communities.

Key Takeaways • Rymax has rehired Paula Ambrozic, bringing her back to the incentives and rewards provider after previously working there from 2002 to 2011. • In her new role, Ambrozic will lead vendor strategy and compliance initiatives. Paula Ambrozic’s career has come full circle. After some time away, she’s returning to Rymax as vice president of vendor strategy and compliance.

Editor’s Picks: Stylish Shopping & Tote Bags These “totes” effective shopping and tote bags are ideal for conferences, retail stores and everyday essentials alike. Americans spent around $2.51 trillion on groceries in 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Reusable shopping and tote bags are perfect for grocery shopping and can also be used to haul around everyday items.

Gemline Adds LifeStraw to Portfolio of Purpose-Driven Retail Brands A curated assortment of the brand’s hydration and reusable drinkware solutions are part of the Counselor Top 40 supplier’s Fall 2026 collection. Key Takeaways • Counselor Top 40 supplier Gemline (asi/56070) is adding LifeStraw water-filtration products and reusable drinkware to its Fall 2026 collection. • LifeStraw says its giveback program has provided safe water access to more than 14.2 million children worldwide.

Research CANADIAN NEWS ASI’s 2026 Ad Impressions Study: Preferred Products Exclusive research from ASI explores the powerful impact and influence of promotional products. ASI’s 2026 Ad Impressions Study provided one of our most comprehensive looks at the value, effectiveness and impact of promotional products, particularly when it comes to how branded products influence buying decisions with a low cost-per-impression.

Strategy CANADIAN NEWS ASI Show Comes to Chicago Next Week Attendees can participate in education sessions, explore supplier exhibits and hear from Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun during a keynote address. Key Takeaways • ASI Show Chicago, July 21 to 23, will begin with a full day of education covering sales, marketing, AI and decoration trends, followed by two Exhibit Days featuring new products, Power Sessions, networking opportunities and a keynote with Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun.