THE PROMO INDUSTRY runs on people: creative thinkers, problem-solvers, doers who make things happen. Promo pros juggle ideas, clients and deadlines daily and still find ways to deliver. While that kind of magic might look effortless, it takes the right support to keep it all running. That’s where smart solutions come in to take on parts of the workload so the people driving the business can stay focused on what they do best. PPAI-member business services providers may be behind the scenes, but their impact is front and center. Coolest Bouncer At The Chemical Club bluesign helps manufacturers keep the bad stuff out. The system partners directly with suppliers to improve resource use, reduce environmental impact and make sure what your brand puts out into the world is safe and sustainable. You’ll see the bluesign label on brands like SanMar and Storm Creek, which means bluesign is already making waves in promo. Behind the scenes, the company has over 100 environmental experts (many of them Ph.D. chemical scientists) working with suppliers to meet bluesign’s strict safety and sustainability standards. Coolest Way To Build A Branded Webstore Before Lunch Commercio helps you build sleek, branded stores without needing a tech degree. The interface is clean, fast and flexible – ideal for short timelines and high expectations. Just upload, customize, launch and you’re done. You can also manage orders, source competitively priced products, track quotes and generate purchase orders, all from one cloudbased system that’s built for how distributors work. Coolest Detective Since Veronica Mars Someone misusing your logo? VISUA Labs probably already spotted it. The visual AI platform scans the internet in real time for counterfeits, brand misuse, fraud – you name it. It’s sharp enough to detect unauthorized logos on fake products but flexible enough to support everything from sponsorship monitoring to content moderation. It’s no witty teen sleuth, but it brings Veronica Mars-level vigilance nonetheless. Coolest Way To Crack The Code Of Teamwork People are complex. Culture Index makes them (and their quirks) easy to interpret. The performance analytics tool measures things like work habits, decision-making styles and personality patterns to help you build better teams and lead more effectively. It’s part data, part psychology and completely useful, especially in a fast-paced, multi-hat-wearing promo world. Need proof it works? Ask anyone at PPAI – we use it, too. 48 • MAY 2025 • PPAI Must Read | The Coolest Stuff in Promo
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