PPB May 2018

Innovation Line (PPAI 112179) — David Kagel , promoted to president, and Chris Hodge , senior vice president, sales Pinnacle Designs (PPAI 112704) — Todd Turquand of Top Shelf Marketing to represent the company in Southern California Prime Line (PPAI 112744) — Joe Hoffmann , promoted to vice president of sales SnugZ USA (PPAI 112982) — Rosanne Webster , promoted to chief information officer; Justin Gukeisen , promoted to chief operations officer; Brandon Brown , promoted to vice president of marketing; Chris Culley , promoted to director of research and development; Katy Burum , promoted to inside sales manager; Sydra Newell , promoted to business development manager; and Kathy DiFrancesco , promoted to outside sales manager The St Regis Group (PPAI 230188) — John Rodriguez to represent the company in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Wyoming; and Daniel Sachs and Dawn Kovar of West Coast Branded Solutions to represent the company in California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington Stahls’ (PPAI 189660) — Ben Robinson , promoted to vice president of the Hotronix division Terry Town (PPAI 230911) — Bob Heintz , director of national sales Vantage Apparel (PPAI 113235) — Brian Deissroth , regional sales representative for southern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania GOT NEWS? We’ll share it. Send your people news, including high-resolution images, to PPB News Editor James Khattak at JamesK@ppai.org IN MEMORIAM / Ted Dennison, MAS Ted Dennison, MAS, president of Houston, Texas, distributor TMJ Enterprises (PPAI 109099), passed away on January 14 after a long battle with cancer. He was 58. Dennison was a longtime and beloved industry volunteer and leader. He joined the Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) in 1983 and was active at numerous levels, helping lead the regional association and volunteering for its trade shows, committees and events. He was a board member from 2002-2006, during which time he served as secretary/treasurer, vice president and two terms as president. Dennison also co- chaired the trade show committee for many years, producing the association’s Hot Stuff Expo. In 2015, he received HPPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2016, he was honored by PPAI and the Regional Association Council with the Volunteer of the Year award. In addition to his work with HPPA, Dennison also was a member of the Regional Association Council, serving as chair of the Marketing & Communications Committee in 2008 and as treasurer of the RAC Board in 2009-2010. He again served on the board in 2011-2012. Dennison was also active in his community, leading HPPA relief efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and working for many other interests including the Houston Livestock Rodeo, the Jacque DeMolay Scholarship fund, his local HOA, the Scottish Rite Learning Center and the Eagle Scout Advisory Committee. He was also a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason. “Ted was one of the best people I have known in my life,” says Dave DeGreeff, a close friend and executive director of HPPA. “Loyal to his industry and friends, there was never a hesitation when there was a call for help. He was an inspiration to me and has made me a better person by his friendship.” Dennison is survived by his wife Doreen, son Ross, two brothers, Jack and Robert, and his mother Mae. He is predeceased by his father, Zed. A celebration of life was held March 18 at Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Houston, Texas. The family suggests the following charities for those who want to remember Dennison with a donation: The Houston Scottish Rite Learning Center and the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation. Brian Deissroth Bob Heintz Ben Robinson IN MEMORIAM Ralph Lee DeShong, Jr. Ralph Lee DeShong, Jr., president of Houston-based supplier Landes, Inc. (PPAI 221733), passed away on March 11. He was 84. DeShong started The Shoe Hut in Houston in 1970 with a friend. When the partners split in 1983, he became the sole owner of the corporate charter, Landes, Inc., and began making purses for retail. In 1986, DeShong steered the company into promotional products, manufacturing tote bags and duffels with screen printed logos. He is survived by his children: Diane Lee DeShong Pendleton and husband Larry; Paige Lynn DeShong; Ralph Lee DeShong III and wife Carol; and by his grandchildren: Matthew Brock DeShong, Clair Cunningham DeShong, Forrest Jorns DeShong and August Jorns Bell. A celebration of life was held on March 19 at Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas. Joe Hoffman 90 | MAY 2018 | CONNECT