Vantage Apparel Welcomes Christy Ridpath as New Digital Operations Manager

Avenel, NJ – Vantage Apparel, a supplier of custom-branded apparel renowned for its award-winning decoration and integration capabilities, is pleased to announce the appointment of Christy Ridpath as the new Digital Operations Manager. With a robust industry background in customer success, integration, and program management, Christy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Vantage Apparel’s digital commerce team.

Prior to joining Vantage, Christy spent nearly nine years at the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) as Executive Director, Solutions Integration. There, she excelled in customer-facing liaison roles between sales teams and IT, focusing on API integrations and strategic project implementations. She led a team to champion industry-wide adoption of new API integrations and facilitated the utilization of product data APIs, opening new revenue channels and ensuring compliance with customer requirements.

In her new role at Vantage Apparel, Christy will oversee critical aspects of the company’s online operations. Her primary responsibilities will include project and program management, digital sales channel reporting, team coordination, client onboarding, and e-commerce omnichannel management. Christy’s strong analytical mindset, exceptional organizational skills, and passion for driving digital success align perfectly with Vantage Apparel’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

"Our goal is clear: to establish seamless integrations that position Vantage as the easiest apparel supplier & decorator to work with in the industry. With Christy on board, we are more equipped than ever to innovate and deliver exceptional value to our customers." said Chris Alfano, Chief Digital Officer.

Christy Ridpath holds an impressive track record of leading integration projects, developing comprehensive sales reports, analyzing sales data for business growth, and optimizing e-commerce operations. Her expertise will be instrumental in guiding new digital businesses through setup, integration, and launch phases, ensuring alignment on digital initiatives and streamlining processes.

Maple Ridge Farms Acquires Sweeter Cards, Marking Its First-Ever Acquisition in 45 Years

Mosinee, WI – “Maple Ridge Farms is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Sweeter Cards, a strategic move that enhances our market leadership and opens new avenues for growth and innovation,” said Tom Riordan, the company’s founder and President.

Jodie Schillinger, Executive Vice President at Maple Ridge Farms, added, “At Maple Ridge Farms, we pride ourselves on our gourmet brand, unwavering commitment to quality, and recognition as one of ASI and PPAI's Best Places to Work. Our genuine passion for ensuring customer happiness is evident in every interaction, enthusiastically forming the core of our brand ethos. Stacy and her team at Sweeter Cards share these principles, making this partnership an exciting and natural fit.”

Stacy Stahl, founder of Sweeter Cards in 2019, expressed her excitement about the acquisition. “The industry’s respect for Maple Ridge Farms is unparalleled,” Stahl said. “Their deep distributor relationships and outstanding reputation will serve as a catalyst for Sweeter Cards, and I look forward to bringing the magical Sweeter Cards experience into their esteemed ecosystem.”

Following Sweeter Cards' victory at PPAI’s The Pitch competition in January 2024, the brand captured the attention of Jodie Schillinger. “I was familiar with Stacy’s background prior to Expo and was eager to meet her in Vegas. Her impressive business acumen, combined with the values, authenticity, and energy she infused into her company, deeply resonated with me,” Schillinger explained. “When we met in person, our connection was immediate, and we recognized the bright future ahead for Maple Ridge Farms and Sweeter Cards. Our team of Ridgers is enthusiastic about providing Sweeter Cards with the resources and support needed for substantial growth in our industry.”

Schillinger further commented, “Maple Ridge Farms' legendary quality and customer-centric approach will continue to evolve, with enhancements in packaging, creative offerings, and varied price points. The synergy between Maple Ridge Farms and Sweeter Cards will drive innovative strategies, establishing a new industry standard and demonstrating the power of collaboration and forward-thinking solutions to create an epic branded food-gifting experience.” The companies plan to introduce new gourmet treats within Sweeter Cards, featuring Maple Ridge Farms' diverse array of food components. This initiative aims to offer customers creative, premium-quality products in the under $15 (C) category, addressing a growing need in the promotional products industry. This collaboration is set to elevate Maple Ridge Farms' product offerings and customer experience.

Riordan added, “The superior quality, service, and charismatic vision of Stacy and Sweeter Cards align perfectly with the values Maple Ridge Farms has upheld for over 45 years. By leveraging our extensive and loyal customer base, we anticipate a significant increase in sales for Sweeter Cards, particularly in company stores and corporate programs.”



Both companies will continue to operate independently although Sweeter Cards will be available through Maple Ridge Farms. Distributors can continue to send Sweeter Cards orders to Sweeter Cards and Maple Ridge Farms orders to Maple Ridge Farms.

SAGE Releases New CRM Client Text Messaging System



Addison, TX – SAGE, a provider of information, marketing, and business management solutions for the promotional products industry, is proud to announce the introduction of its new comprehensive client text messaging system within the CRM Module of SAGE Online and SAGE Web.

Distributors can now communicate with their clients via text message directly through SAGE’s CRM Module. This not only enhances client communication but also greatly improves the overall client experience. SAGE is the first industry CRM solution to offer built-in text messaging capabilities, building on its tradition as the leader of technology solutions for the promotional products industry.

SAGE’s client text messaging offers a number of advantages to customers. Because the text message threads are safely stored and easily accessible in the CRM, distributors can take advantage of collaboration and easier access to message threads, particularly for larger distributorships and those with multiple account reps for clients. With all messages automatically tracked and searchable in the contact’s history, distributor users can easily reference a clear record of client interactions and retrieve past communications through the robust search function, preventing the loss or misplacement of vital information. 

Additionally, because text messages are sent from a system number as opposed to distributor users’ individual cell phone numbers and kept in the CRM system as opposed to in personal cell phones, SAGE’s text messaging system ensures continuity in client communications even amid team changes. 

SAGE’s new text messaging system includes robust notification options. A unified list of new messages is displayed on the CRM overview dashboard, making it easy to see all new messages in one place. Users can access and search complete message threads from the client’s profile through the new Messaging tab. Account reps can also receive desktop notifications or push notifications to their mobile devices when new messages arrive from clients.

Best of all, SAGE’s new text messaging feature has no additional costs whatsoever. There is no setup required, meaning that text messaging is available now for use by all distributors with a SAGE Total Access subscription. 

From the CRM Module, users can access the client text messaging feature through their client’s profile. There they will see a new Messages tab, and each contact who is opted-in to receive text messaging, as well as the full text message history. In order to send text messages to a client contact, users will simply check the “Text messaging opt-in” box for the client and confirm that they have the authority to send text messages for the particular client’s cell phone number. Client contacts can opt out of text messaging at any time by simply replying STOP and the system will automatically update their preferences in the CRM.

“We all know that effective client communication is a cornerstone of any business success, but particularly for businesses in our industry,” said David Natinsky, President of SAGE. “Our new client text messaging feature not only streamlines the communication process but also ensures that our customers have all the tools they need to maintain strong, lasting relationships with their clients.”

SAGE is pleased to announce that the client text messaging capability is available now as part of SAGE Online’s and SAGE Web’s CRM Module at no additional charge and with no additional setup. 

Glenwood, MN – American Solutions for Business recently co-hosted an international dinner with industry partner, Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI). This event underscored their commitment to building a global network and brought together industry leaders and partners from around the world.

Guests joined the dinner as they arrived to attend the ASI Show in Chicago, IL. This served as an opportunity to welcome individuals from all over the world, including representatives from leading promotional product industry countries such as Canada, UK, Germany, and Turkey. As we continue expansion, we remain mindful of the industry and our customer base on a global scale.

“When Dana asked me if I’d be interested in co-hosting a dinner with him and the ABS team for all the international promo folks coming to the ASI Chicago Show, I happily accepted,” says Michele Bell, ASI’s Senior Vice President of Content & Global Alliances. “I know what it’s like to travel to overseas promo shows and not know many people, and I’ve always appreciated how warm and generous our global industry colleagues have been to me and members of ASI’s team when we attend their events. Dana’s idea to have this dinner and welcome our promo friends from around the world to show them the gracious hospitality they’ve shown us was a fabulous one.”

We value our partnership with ASI on this event and on shared initiatives to reach global markets. ASB is proud to build relationships with industry leaders from around the world. 

S&S Activewear Acquires alphabroder



Counselor Top 40 supplier S&S Activewear has acquired fellow Top 40 firm alphabroder, bringing together two of the largest suppliers in the promo industry. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

The transaction is expected to be complete later this year, and the companies will continue to go to market under their respective brands and existing distribution channels. The suppliers said they have "satisfied the regulatory review needed to complete the transaction."

“We are pleased to reach an agreement that unites two great companies and positions the S&S Activewear and alphabroder family of employees, customers and vendors for long-term growth,” said Frank Myers, S&S Activewear CEO. “With the addition of alphabroder’s dedicated and experienced employee base, strong portfolio of brands and distribution capabilities, we will not only expand our product offering, but will also accelerate our investment in the customer experience, including our marketing, technology and supply-chain capabilities.”

As part of the transaction, S&S Activewear intends to make significant investments in technology, the integration and expansion of its sales force, its supply chain and distribution capabilities, and the employee experience to create what it says is an organization that delivers significant benefits to its customers and industry partners. The companies said Myers and Dan Pantano, CEO of alphabroder, will lead a multi-year integration process.

The two firms, the second- and third-largest in the promotional products industry, combined for over $4.1 billion in North American promo industry revenue in 2023.

This Old School Marketing Strategy Can Better Sway Your Audience

Annie Scranton • Entrepreneur Leadership Network Contributor • Founder & CEO of Pace Public Relations

Leveraging traditional media may be the most innovative marketing strategy you employ this year.

Can influencers be reporters? Do old-school tactics of getting the latest scoop still work? How is a story told in this era of instant gratification and viral content? In the whirlwind of digital innovations and the growing influence of social media moguls, there's something reassuringly solid about traditional earned media of TV, radio, print and podcasts. It's like that trusty old leather jacket amidst a sea of fast fashion: It may not scream "cutting-edge," but its value and style are timeless.

This arena, often viewed as a relic of a bygone era, continues to hold sway over substantial audience segments and maintains a critical role in shaping public perception. Social media influencers and digital marketers may declare that traditional media channels are outdated, claiming that newer, flashier methods are more direct and impactful.

But if you ask my clients (CEOs and founders of some of the most exciting brands on the market today), you'll get the exact opposite answer. The word traditional even sounds … a little traditional. Instead, let's use the moniker proven… proven media that gets that job done. Why, you might ask, does traditional earned media continue to hold court in an era obsessed with the new and the now? Is it nostalgia for the "good old days," or is there something inherently powerful about these traditional channels that modern digital strategies just can't replicate? 

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