PPB November 2021

PPAI Supplier Star Awards | FEATURE T his year’s PPAI Supplier Star awards were presented to 22 supplier companies that have mastered the golden trifecta: top-quality products, superior decorating and packaging, and superb communication and customer service. What sets this competition apart from other PPAI awards, is that the winners are determined solely by distributor votes based on results in these three key areas. The annual competition is open to all PPAI supplier members in good standing who update their sales volume every two years as required by PPAI and maintain a SAGE Supplier Rating of an A or higher. All suppliers that meet these qualifications are included on a ballot and listed by their sales volume in promotional products. Read on to learn more about this year’s winning suppliers in 12 categories. New Supplier Member Supplier Star FlatBox PPAI 724112 Vancouver, British Columbia FlatBox is a leading manufacturer and creator of the unique two-in-one lunch bag plus placemat. The patented, triple- insulated, neoprene bags are machine- washable lunch bags that easily unzip into placemats, providing a clean and safe eating surface anywhere. With a strong focus on quality workmanship and impeccable craftsmanship, FlatBox products ship worldwide and have been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America and Home & Family. Award of Merit HidrateSpark PPAI 779283 Minneapolis, Minnesota HidrateSpark is the startup behind the smart water bottle of the same name that automatically tracks your water intake, syncs to a personalized hydration app and glows to remind you to stay hydrated. Founded in 2015 during a weekend startup event and nurtured during a three- month accelerator program, HidrateSpark launched with a top one-percent Kickstarter campaign. HidrateSpark has since grown into a leading brand in the smart water bottle category, powering research studies at the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, and guided by its mission to be a partner in shaping healthy habits. $50,000 - $250,000 Supplier Star Fossa Apparel PPAI 330887 Fremont, California Fossa Apparel believes in making clothes that are not only comfortable but also affordable. Fossa’s team works cohesively to provide premium quality apparel at affordable prices without compromising good looks, comfort and style. Fossa Apparel is a family-owned, women-owned and minority-owned small business that firmly believes in its mission to bring innovative designs and carefully manufactured apparel to customers’ hands and looks forward to continuing its mission for years to come. Award of Merit Pop! Promos PPAI 564497 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Pop! Promos is a rapid importer of Pantone-matched and full-color products made from scratch and delivered in 10-30 days, guaranteed. By manufacturing every order from scratch and maintaining a streamlined supply chain from raw materials to the customer’s door, Pop! Promos allows companies to receive products in their exact colors with unlimited customization. $250,001 - $500,000 Supplier Star Stahls’ PPAI 189660 Sterling Heights, Michigan Stahls’ is committed to consistently bringing distributors the tools they need to help businesses grow and thrive. This includes an emphasis on offering innovative materials and equipment and the most comprehensive heat-printing education. Stahls’ products and services are designed to help distributors do more, get more creative and be more inspired. F o s s a A p p a r e l | NOVEMBER 2021 | 59