Our industry is becoming more mindful of the impact the branded merch industry is having. Denise Taschereau, CEO and co-founder of Fairware Promotional Products, is one of the leaders in this movement. In 2009 Fairware was the first B Corp Certified company in our industry. Fairware is part of Reciprocity Road, a group of like-minded distributors committed to doing the right thing. It's encouraging and exciting to see the positive ways we are changing to be better stewards of how we communicate brand stories. This drives success for everyone. Hear Denise's engaging take on "Why It Matters." #whyitmatters #dotherightthing #bcorp #brandgood #brandedmerch

Here are some things you may not know about one of the industry's largest suppliers. In this "Why It Matters" conversation, Branded Merch Network contributor Jeff Solomon talks with Natalie Sheffey, Director of Sustainability, and Tommy Levin, Director of Sales at Hit Promotional Products. From a sales perspective, Tommy observed that distributors' responses to sustainability initiatives can vary. In his experience, while some distributors are genuinely passionate about these issues, others show little interest. He believes sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial, particularly as many large end-users require documentation of sustainable practices and best practices. Natalie highlighted that Hit is focusing on factory recycling programs and working closely with product development to enhance product sustainability. She stressed the importance of balancing sustainability with profitability, ensuring that the three pillars of sustainability—economic, environmental, and social—are integrated for long-term success. Join the conversation to uncover insights you might not know about Hit—Jeff did! Learn more about Hit here: https://www.hitpromo.net/page/aboutHit #brandedmerch #promotionalproducts #dotherightthing #sustainabilty #businessleadership

In this riveting "Why It Matters" conversation, we talk with industry icon Jo-an Lantz, the President and CEO of Geiger. We discuss the importance of understanding why it matters to do the right thing, which includes respecting people, society, and the planet. Good business is about profitability and Geiger shares that profit with the Geiger team. Jo-an offers meaningful thoughts on sustainability and why it matters to their clients. Enjoy the conversation! Shoutouts to Maine Beer Company (their brand story is about doing the right thing), Rod Brown, Kathy Cheng, Elizabeth Wimbush, and Ryan Moor. Learn more about Geiger here: https://www.geiger.com/c/social-responsibility Learn more about Maine Beer Company here: https://mainebeercompany.com/ #whyitmatters #dotherightthing #brandgood #brandedmerch #businessleadership

Enjoy this thought-provoking, honest conversation on Why It Matters with Peerless President Dan Edge. Get Dan's take on RPET and why it may not be as good for the environment as we think. We discuss takeaway points from PPAI's Product Responsibility Summit and offer insights on selling better branded merch. Learn more about Peerless here: https://www.peerlessumbrella.com/ #sustainability #brandedmerch #makeitbetter

In this engaging "Why It Matters" conversation, Ryan Moor, a founder of Allmade Apparel, talks with Branded Merch Contributor Jeff Solomon about real-world experiences that impacted his life and business. It started with the death of a screen printer due to the long-term impact of chemicals used in screen printing.  We talk about reducing the impact of chemicals, the importance of using bluesign-certified inks and organic materials that lead to producing a cleaner, sustainable product. Ryan and others realized that a better shirt with a better print would last and be kept. He quotes Allmade Founder Brent Bowden, "Good ideas are meant to be worn out." Putting brand messaging on quality products that people will want to use and keep is a critical element of "why it matters" to sell better branded merch.  As screen printers, Allmade started with the goal of manufacturing a better shirt to print on. Ryan shares the compelling story of the Global Orphan Project and GOEX as part of the goal of developing this brand. Their mission is to create jobs that positively affect many lives globally.  This inspirational conversation is packed with good stuff!  Learn more about Allmade here: https://allmade.com/pages/about Check out their impact calculator here: https://allmade.com/pages/impact Learn more about bluesign here: https://www.bluesign.com/en/ Learn more about the Global Orphan Project here: https://goproject.org/ #brandedmerch #sustainableapparel #decoratedapparel #feelyourimpact

Raining Rose is a community-driven company that strives to be a responsible business neighbor as part of their business positioning. Kate Nash, Director of Sales, shares thoughts on Why It Matters to focus on initiatives that positively impact business and community. They consider the longer-term impact of how they produce their products. Kate also shares about Honeybees and Humans, a unique initiative that works on many levels and will pique your interest. Good business is driven by suppliers with an engaging and meaningful brand story. Raining Rose is one of those suppliers that will enable distributors to generate quality business! Shoutouts to Heifer International, Reciprocity Road, and Rod Brown.  Learn more about Raining Rose here: https://www.rainingrose.com/ Learn more about Heifer International here: https://www.heifer.org/about-us/index.html #brandedmerch #businessleadership #brandgood #makingadifference #lipbalm

Doug Jackson, the President and "Product Visionary" of Storm Creek Apparel, shares "Why IT Matters" to create a quality, sustainable product and the steps they take to make it happen. Learn more about Storm Creek here: https://www.stormcreek.com/ #sustainability #sustainableapparel #brandedmerch #brandedapparel

In this informative "Why It Matters" conversation, Branded Merch Network Contributor Jeff Solomon talks with Elizabeth Wimbush, Director of Sustainability and Responsibility PPAI.  Elizabeth talks about being at a crossroads and future-proofing our industry. Articles about brand fill and swag-free conferences are not happening in a void. That's reality. We need to prepare ourselves for this future where promotional products are still universally valued and appreciated because they are positively contributing.  We touch on the EU New Green Deal, coming changes and the impact organizations like bluesign are having.  Jeff loves to quote Global Brand Ambassador Rod Brown: " Ya gotta make money!" Businesses need to be profitable, and profitable businesses can do good things.   There is much good stuff to unpack in this conversation. You can connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn and sign up to get the information that PPAI is putting out here: https://www.ppai.org/media/ #promotionalproducts #brandedmerch #sustainability #dotherightthing #ppai