SAAGNY News

November 05, 2024 - Lewiston, Maine, USA - Geiger, the world's largest family-owned and privately held promotional product distributor, announces that industry veteran Amanda Kaeppler has joined Geiger as the new Regional Vice President of the Northeast territory.

“Amanda brings a wealth of experience with a strong background in direct sales to large corporations and has a great level of knowledge and history of success in the healthcare sector,” said Chris McKee, Chief Revenue Officer. “Her expertise in revenue growth and strategic branded merchandise solutions perfectly complements Geiger’s commitment to delivering innovative and impactful solutions to our clients and to our sales partners.”

With over 20 years of industry experience, Kaeppler brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role at Geiger. Kaeppler previously served as Branded Merchandise Business Development Manager for Taylor Healthcare. During her eight years at Taylor, she played a pivotal role in driving sales growth through targeted sales strategies and partnerships.

"I'm thrilled to join Geiger and lead the Northeast territory," said Kaeppler. "Geiger's reputation for excellence in the promotional products industry is well-known, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive growth and deliver exceptional value to our sales partners and clients in the region."

Previous to her role as a Business Development Manager, Kaeppler served as a Strategic Account Manager at Taylor and led a healthcare customer service team at RevSpring. Kaeppler resides in the Southeastern, PA area.

Kaeppler replaces Jeff DePalma who was recently named Geiger’s VP of Enterprise Sales. Read more in a recent press release.

ABOUT GEIGER
Geiger is the largest privately held and family-owned promotional products distributor in the world. A fifth-generation business headquartered in Lewiston, Maine, Geiger operates from offices throughout the U.S. and Europe and is affiliated with more than 450 independent sales representatives. Geiger is a socially and environmentally conscientious company, providing proactive, comprehensive marketing solutions to their clients.

MEDIA CONTACT
Stephanie Whitman | Geiger
Vice President of Marketing
70 Mt. Hope Ave • Lewiston • Maine • 04240
207.755.2372 E: swhitman@geiger.com
geiger.com

With over 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry, Marisa is a true expert.  Her outstanding commitment to her clients and exceptional eye for trends have built her a reputation for delivering creative solutions that align with her clients’ branding goals, year after year.  After working for a like company that was recently purchased,  she wanted to stay with a Women Owned Business with similar core values as hers.  They are simple,  work hard,  be respected,  and make a significant contribution to the team she works with and the clients she is honored to serve.   This reunion was meant to be,  Marcia Tarnoff,  Katie Bauer & Marisa had worked together prior and knew this dream team coming back together was a great fit for her next chapter.  “Marisa brings the care factor front and center,  her passion for how she delivers on the promises she makes, the trust and integrity woven into the relationships she has built with her vendor partners and clients is exactly why she was the perfect fit to take on this position with Blank2Branded” says CEO & Founder Marcia Tarnoff, and President Katie Bauer,  we are super excited for what is next with Marisa on board. 

When she’s not creating her next successful client event or collaborating with suppliers, Marisa channels her creativity into her love for cooking. An avid home chef, she enjoys experimenting with new recipes and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. Her culinary passion not only provides a creative outlet and stress relief but also enhances her professional skills. The attention to detail and innovation she applies in the kitchen translate into her approach to client projects, ensuring that every promotional product is as thoughtfully crafted as her signature dishes. Marisa believes that the joy of cooking and entertaining enriches her work, bringing a unique and personal touch to her client relationships.

Last but not least, Marisa is a devoted cat mom and shares her home with her husband and charming feline kids, Kyra, Ella, and Kylie. Her passion for cats not only brings joy to her personal life but also inspires her approach to work. Marisa believes that the patience, care, and love required in feline care enhance her ability to manage her professional relationships and navigate complex projects with ease.

Please join us in welcoming Marisa to the Blank2Branded family!

We are always open to welcoming amazing entrepreneurs  like Marisa.  BE YOU NOT US…we supply an amazing back end, we  lead with respect &  honor and a management team that gets it!!  Call us anytime should you be looking to feel inspired and seen with a fresh start.  973-917-3100. Marcia@blank2branded.com

The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Josh Nachman, EVP of Zagwear, to its Board of Directors. This appointment reinforces SAAGNY’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence within the promotional products industry.

Josh Nachman brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the SAAGNY Board. With over two decades of experience in the promotional products field, Nachman’s expertise in market trends, strategic growth, and client relations is expected to offer invaluable insights and leadership to the SAAGNY Board.

"We are excited to welcome Josh to our Board of Directors," said SAAGNY President, Sean Kurtzman. "His extensive industry experience and visionary approach will greatly contribute to our mission of advancing the promotional products industry and enhancing member value."

As EVP at Zagwear, Nachman has played an integral role in driving innovation and growth, qualities that resonate with SAAGNY’s objectives. Toby Zacks, CEO of Zagwear, remarked, "Josh’s appointment to the SAAGNY Board is a perfect match. Josh has always been an exemplary team player, and I believe his efforts will inject new perspectives and dynamic energy into the Board."

"I am honored to join the SAAGNY Board of Directors and contribute to an organization that has been so instrumental in the growth and development of the promotional products industry," said Josh Nachman. "I look forward to working closely with my fellow board members to support our members, drive industry innovation, and advance SAAGNY’s mission."

The appointment of Josh Nachman is part of SAAGNY’s ongoing efforts to enhance its leadership team and provide members with top-notch events and resources. The association is confident that his contributions will help shape a prosperous future for both SAAGNY and the broader promotional products community.

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Wayne Burden, a cherished member of our community and owner of Northeast Marketing. Wayne was a beloved friend, colleague, and family member. Our thoughts and prayers are with Wayne's family and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the cherished memories they shared with him. Rest in peace, Wayne. You will be deeply missed.

Geiger, the world’s largest privately held and family-owned promotional products distributor, announced they have acquired Broadway Marketing, an Albany, NY-based branded merchandise and apparel company.

Chris McKee, Chief Revenue Officer of Geiger stated, “We are so pleased to welcome Broadway Marketing to the Geiger family. This acquisition demonstrates our continued growth and will allow us to further enhance our service offerings to customers on the East Coast and beyond.”

Broadway Marketing marks Geiger's first acquisition of 2024. In 2023, Geiger acquired Incentives by Design in Tukwila, Washington, in January and Firebrand Promotions in Leatherhead, Surrey, UK, in July. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Geiger's deep commitment to both domestic and global expansion, ensuring customers worldwide have access to the best possible products, services, and talent.

Well-established and respected in the industry for their professionalism and strong, long-term client relationships, Broadway Marketing was founded in 1956 and is currently owned by Leslie Baker and Geoffrey Patack who serve as President & CEO, and Vice President, respectively.

“We are excited to join forces with Geiger, a global leader in the promotional products industry, yet a family-owned business like ours,” said Leslie Baker, President & CEO of Broadway Marketing. “With access to Geiger’s suite of technology and e-commerce solutions, this acquisition will enable Broadway to provide an elevated range of services to our clients. To propel our future growth, it was important to align with a large distributor who shares our corporate culture values and has widespread global logistics capabilities.”

Broadway Marketing will now operate as Broadway Marketing, a Geiger Company.

MEDIA CONTACT
Stephanie Whitman
VP of Marketing | Geiger
swhitman@geiger.com

ABOUT GEIGER
Geiger is the largest privately held and family-owned promotional products distributor in the world. A fifth-generation business headquartered in Lewiston, Maine, Geiger operates from offices throughout the U.S. and Europe and is affiliated with more than 450 independent sales representatives. Geiger is a socially and environmentally conscientious company, providing proactive, comprehensive marketing solutions to their clients.

This year's SAAGNY Annual Meeting & Holiday Party, held on December 14th at the Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, marked a delightful departure from tradition. The new, unique venue provided a refreshing backdrop for industry professionals to come together in a relaxed atmosphere, fostering camaraderie and celebration. As the year draws to a close, it was a time not only for festivities but also for reflection on the accomplishments of 2023.

One significant development at the meeting was the update to SAAGNY's bylaws. Recognizing the need for additional leadership to support the association's continued growth, the membership unanimously voted to add two new board seats. This adjustment is deemed essential, especially with the increased responsibilities stemming from the relaunch and success of Promotions East.

The SAAGNY community warmly welcomed two outstanding individuals to the board during the meeting. Melissa Casey from Pacesetter Awards and Ashley Smalley from Gemline bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the leadership team. Their diverse backgrounds and industry insights will undoubtedly contribute to the association's forward momentum.

SAAGNY President, Michael Reisbaum stated “I, along with the entire Board, am thrilled to welcome Melissa Casey and Ashley Smalley to the SAAGNY Board. Both are industrious, and courageous Promo Professionals who will bring dynamic new insight and innovation to our events and our community. Let’s Go!”

Looking ahead, the SAAGNY Winter Show is the next highlight on the calendar, scheduled for January 30th, 2024, at the Crown Plaza in Suffern, NY. Anticipation is building for another engaging event that will bring together industry professionals, showcase the latest products, and provide valuable networking opportunities.

As SAAGNY continues to evolve, the Annual Meeting & Holiday Party served as a testament to the association's commitment to community, collaboration, and growth. With a successful 2023 behind them and new leaders on board, SAAGNY is well-positioned for an exciting and prosperous future. Stay tuned for more updates and join us at the SAAGNY Winter Show for another round of networking, learning, and celebration!

Midnite Snax, a premier manufacturer of snacks and confections, is proud to announce that we are now certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation's leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women. Under the new leadership of Lara Fraum, Midnite Snax continues to excel in delivering exceptional snacks, confectionary products and innovative packaging solutions to the promotional products industry.

Founded by Jack Goldberg 32 years ago, Midnite Snax has always been committed to excellence and creativity. When Jack decided to retire, he entrusted the future of the company to his daughter, Lara Fraum, and her husband, Craig. Recognizing her exceptional skills and shared vision, Jack confidently passed the torch to the next generation.

As a women-owned enterprise, Midnite Snax is committed to empowering women in the workplace and fostering an environment that promotes equality and opportunity. Under Lara's leadership, Midnite Snax has flourished. Her commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction has been unwavering, driving the company's growth and success.

"I am immensely proud to be a women-owned business," said Lara Fraum, CEO of Midnite Snax. "My journey has been one of determination, creativity, and collaboration. In my early twenties when my father opened Midnite Snax, I answered phones, entered orders, assembled products, and packed boxes. I did whatever it took THEN, and I will do whatever it takes NOW to continue building on the legacy my father established and take Midnite Snax to even greater heights.”

About Midnite Snax:

Midnite Snax is a leading candy, snack and gourmet food manufacturer and supplier to the Promotional Products Industry. Founded in 1991, Midnite Snax is not only a supplier of delectable sweets, but also a manufacturer of the freshest popcorn, chocolate, and bakery items industry wide. Our products are made fresh to order and are never inventoried or pre-made.

About WBENC:

Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nation’s leader in women’s business development and the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with more than 18,000 certified Women’s Business Enterprises, 14 national Regional Partner Organizations, and more than 500 Corporate Members, most of which are Fortune 500. Thousands of corporations representing America’s most prestigious brands, as well as many states, cities, and other entities, look for and accept WBENC Certification. For more information, visit www.wbenc.org and www.buywomenowned.com.

October 6, 2023 - Woodcliff Lake, NJ - The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) is thrilled to announce the winners of the highly anticipated 2023 SAAGNY Awards. The prestigious awards ceremony took place on October 3^rd, 2023 during Promotions East, celebrating excellence and innovation within the SAAGNY Membership.

The SAAGNY Awards honor outstanding individuals and companies that have demonstrated exceptional creativity, dedication, and expertise. These awards serve as a testament to the industry's resilience and commitment to delivering top-notch promotional products and services.

This year's award winners include:

Member Loyalty Award: Gail Deutchman, Distinctive Promotions.

Top Sponsor Award: Geiger

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award: Spectrum Designs Foundation

Influencer of the Year Award: Abby Burke, Walker-Clay

Duct Tape Award: Jack Vincent, Barker Specialty

Rookie of the Year Award: Halle Moore, PromoCorner

Innovator of the Year: Pam Seidman, BYBBA

Foundation Volunteer of the Year: Debbie Gaspar, Skyhigh Marketing

The ceremony was finalized by honoring SAAGNY’s 40 Under 40, an honor given to those individuals under the age of 40 making an impact in the industry. The full list of names can be found here.

SAAGNY President Michael Reisbaum expressed his excitement about the winners, saying, "The SAAGNY Awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional individuals and companies that drive innovation, quality, and dedication within SAAGNY. These winners represent the best of the best, and we are proud to honor them for their outstanding contributions."

The 2023 SAAGNY Awards ceremony at Promotions East brought together industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts for an unforgettable afternoon of recognition and celebration.

The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) is the largest regional trade association of its kind. SAAGNY is comprised of approximately 600 firms engaged in the specialty advertising and promotional products industry in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Within our membership are Distributors, Suppliers, Multi-Line Representatives, and Business Services companies.

For more information visit saagny.org or email info@saagny.org.

Jason Bickoff and his team at Jules Scheck and Associates (JSA) are excited to bring this partnership to the Northeast. "The timing couldn't be better," said Jason Bickoff, President of JSA.  "This is the perfect product for summer AND for the holiday season. With the addition of Midnite Snax custom packaging and creativity, we know this line is going to be a hot one!"

Midnite Snax, the leading candy, snack and gourmet food manufacturer/supplier to the promotional products industry, is proud to announce it has entered into a partnership agreement with City Bonfires, the first portable bonfire, to exclusively promote and sell City Bonfires branded corporate gifts. City Bonfires is a leading provider of portable and eco-friendly bonfire products, enabling users to create a cozy atmosphere anytime, anywhere. While relatively new to the promotional products industry, City Bonfires has experienced rapid growth through its retail and e-commerce channels. Now fueled by the power of the Midnite Snax engine, this synergistic partnership is poised to heat up the overall offering, creating a launching pad to the ultimate bonfire experiences!

“We pride ourselves on product development and being first to market in the edible space,” said David Katz, Partner at Midnite Snax. But when we were approached by Chris and Michael at City Bonfires, we were intrigued by the possibilities and knew that with our product development support and infrastructure we could re-create their success in the promotional world.  We are confident that City Bonfires, with the power of Midnite Snax, is ready, willing and able to deliver just that. “

“We are immensely proud of the growth and accomplishments we have achieved in a relatively short period, gaining recognition from esteemed media outlets such as CNBC, Forbes and Good Morning America.  Starting out as a couple of dads operating from a garage in Rockville, Maryland, the journey has been remarkable” says Chris McCasland, owner and co-founder of City Bonfires.   Managing our exponential growth has been a challenging endeavor, and now, with our partnership with Midnite Snax, we are poised to scale up even further.”   “This collaboration will elevate our corporate gifting efforts to new heights and open exciting new avenues,” adds Michael Opalski, City Bonfires co-founder and partner.  “With Midnite Snax’s vast industry expertise, we are confident in our ability to continue delivering exceptional, high-quality products that foster togetherness.”

The companies will be combining efforts to create an entire line of co-branded corporate gifts.  “Things are heating up at Midnite Snax…. Literally,” said Katz. “We are excited to use our engine once again to fuel the growth of another amazing offering like City Bonfires. The line promises to offer distributors and their customers a unique and fun way to make bonfires, make s’mores and make memories.”

ABOUT MIDNITE SNAX

Midnite Snax is the leading candy, snack and gourmet food manufacturer and supplier to the Promotional Products Industry.  For over 30 years, Midnite has been creating, manufacturing, and custom packaging chocolate, popcorn, fresh baked goods and candy for corporations all over the world.  

ABOUT CITY BONFIRES

City Bonfires is a portable, eco-friendly bonfire with American made materials.  These bonfires are made with love by two dads whose jobs were impacted by the pandemic.  The company believes bonfire nights are the best nights with family and friends.  City Bonfires has been featured in many major media outlets and is perfect for Camping, S’mores, Beach Trips, Date Night, Gifts, BBQ’s, Picnics, hiking, emergency kits and more!

The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) announced today that it will be extending an invitation for end users to attend Promotions East this October in Atlantic City, NJ. Consisting of two days of exclusive programming, end users will get a sneak preview of products on October 3rd and a full day of access to the exhibit hall and show features taking place October 4th. SAAGNY President, Michael Reisbaum stated, “We are continuing to create an innovative, redesigned, and totally productive Q4 event for the Promotional Products Industry. SAAGNY again disrupts the traditional trade show space by adding a highly demanded end user component; paring it with the groundbreaking aspects unveiled in 2022. Distributors are hungry for broader opportunities to provide solutions to their clients and SAAGNY is providing another engagement opportunity.” SAAGNY believes this is an important and necessary addition to the show because it increases the value for distributors by delivering them a unique opportunity to wow their clients at the largest promotional products event on the East Coast. This effort aligns with the association’s continued dedication to advocate for the business development of the promotions products industry. Dan Edge, Chair of the Promotions East Committee added, “Coming off an amazing show in 2022, SAAGNY is committed to making Promotions East better each year. With that, we listened to the feedback from our members and heard, overwhelmingly, that an end user component was necessary. Early October is the ideal time to have end buyers in front of products, talking ideas and strategies. We truly feel this will help elevate the show further and be a win-win for all!” Promotions East is being held October 2-4, 2023, at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. It is the largest promotional products show on the East Coast. The 2023 event will host distributors, suppliers – and now end users – under one roof to educate, connect and explore. It will encourage the industry to “finish strong” by attending this strategically timed Q4 show. Distributor and end user registration will open at the beginning of June. For more information, visit promotionseast.com or email info@saagny.org.