Industry updates


New hires & promotions

Edward Baiden

Nazdar

Nazdar has appointed Edward (Ed) Baiden as president and CEO. Baiden succeeds Richard Bowles, who is retiring after more than 23 years of dedicated leadership and service to the company. Baiden brings more than 25 years of global leadership experience across industrial and specialty materials businesses. He joins Nazdar from W. R. Grace, where he served as senior vice president, strategy, planning, and transformation. Prior to Grace, he led PPG’s global Traffic Solutions business, experience that aligns closely with Nazdar’s focus on manufacturing.

Josh Culverhouse

JDS Sign Supply

Josh Culverhouse joined JDS Industries as the sales director for its Sign Supply Division. Culverhouse brings more than 20 years of experience across the sign, graphics, materials, and digital commerce industries. His career includes experience with SquareOne Graphics, Gauge Interactive, ORAFOL Americas, and most recently UPM Metamark. In his new role, Culverhouse will lead JDS Industries’ Sign Supply Division, focusing on strengthening customer and vendor relationships, expanding market opportunities, and supporting continued growth.

Steve Mullinax

SanMar

SanMar Corporation announced Steve Mullinax as vice president, IT operations, infrastructure, and security. Mullinax has expertise in help-desk and field systems, enterprise infrastructure, and database and technical administration, providing a durable foundation for growth. Mullinax’s focus will be to ensure technology is resilient, reliable, and responds to business challenges quickly to support continuous improvement.

2026 Events

Impressions Expo

October 21-23

Dallas, TX

Learn more

Webinars

STAHLS’ Oct. 22

Siser Nov. 5
Xante Nov. 19

Radian Laser Dec. 3

All times 12 p.m. CST

Register here

Giving back

Avery Dennison & FASTSIGNS help Painesville, Ohio, schools deliver summer meals When the last school bell rang for Painesville City Local Schools, the joyful clanging also signaled the beginning of another busy season for the Lunch Box, a 30′ trailer that delivers free summer meals to children throughout the city that’s located 30 miles east of Cleveland. But those deliveries almost didn’t happen this year.

The vehicle experienced severe wind damage in 2025: The awning was ripped away, and the trailer’s body panels and vinyl wrap were damaged. Initial repair estimates were higher than the district could afford. Avery Dennison immediately volunteered to donate vinyl materials to rewrap the entire trailer. Wolf Designs of Painesville, Ohio, which created the artwork for the original wrap, also reprised its role. Students at Auburn Career Center, a local vocational school, helped with the trailer repairs. And FASTSIGNS of Mentor, Ohio, printed and installed the vinyl.

“The kids were excited to see the Lunch Box,” said Michelle Papic, director of nutrition services, Painesville City Local Schools. “It’s back to business as usual, which is what we wanted all along. We’re beyond grateful. Without the support of the community and all our partners, this would’ve been a big expense for the district. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to keep it running.”

Q-Tees & AZ Textiles support employee well-being Through its long-standing manufacturing partnership with AZ Textiles, Q-Tees is reaffirming its commitment to responsible manufacturing by investing in programs that support the well-being of more than 500 factory employees in Pakistan.

Throughout the year, every factory employee receives a daily lunch, emergency assistance is available for workers facing unexpected hardships, and major holidays are celebrated with special breakfast gatherings and lucky draws featuring electronic appliances and other gifts.

The companies work together to foster a workplace built on respect, safety, and appreciation, recognizing that a strong manufacturing operation begins with supporting the people behind it.

Infinity Product Group supports University of Alabama Student Pantry Infinity Product Group, the parent company of Infinity Her, is proud to once again support the University of Alabama Student Pantry by donating licensed University of Alabama merchandise to the 2026 Family Weekend Jazz Brunch Silent Auction. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has contributed to the event, reinforcing its commitment to giving back to the university communities it serves.

Hosted by Bama Dining during the University of Alabama’s annual Family Weekend, the Jazz Brunch Silent Auction raises funds for the UA Student Pantry, which provides food and essential items to students experiencing food insecurity. Over the past four years, the event has raised more than $30,000 through the generosity of corporate partners and local businesses.

Updates

Pukka joined brands from across the team sports industry for Team Insight’s Team Headwear Vendor Roundtable, where manufacturers discussed the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of team headwear.

Koozie Group released its sixth-annual Keep It. Give It. Social Impact and Sustainability Report, marking another year of meaningful strides toward its goals.

FASTSIGNS has welcomed three new franchise centers across the New York City region, including the co-branding of two respected family-owned businesses that have served their communities for more than 50 years.

Vantage Apparel has successfully completed a comprehensive company-wide professional development initiative, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to investing in its people and building one of the industry’s best workplace cultures.

DCC, a global printing technology company, has opened a new DCC XPERIENCE CENTER in Sanford, Florida. This marks the company’s first center in North America as well as its 48-year journey of engineering technologies and solutions.

Awards & recognitions

iPROMOTEu has been recognized among the largest promotional products distributors in North America, maintaining its No. 8 ranking on the 2026 ASI Counselor Top 40 Distributors List.

Ken Holloway has doubled his President’s Club success, earning the distinction for both of his Minuteman Press franchise centers in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Propelled Brands, a multibrand franchising platform, announced that Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS among its Most Profitable Franchises for 2026.

Sarah Davis and Joe Davis of Minuteman Press in Danbury earned recognition as members of the President’s Club.

Partnerships

Atlantis Headwear collaborated with Thru Hiking for Trail Days Europe 2026. Developed for Europe’s largest gathering of long-distance hiking enthusiasts, the collaboration centered on creating headwear that would serve hikers well beyond the event itself.

Epson and National / AZON, a distributor of solutions for the printing industry, announced a distributor partnership for Epson’s Professional Imaging Printing Solutions.

Featured awards

Chadds Ford Minuteman Press named Minority Business of the Year Minuteman Press in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, owned by Jyoti Arora since January of 2025, has been named the Minority Business of the Year by the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI) as part of its Business Excellence Awards. Arora accepted the award at the CCCBI Awards Dinner. The award recognizes businesses that demonstrate excellence, community involvement, and a strong commitment to serving Chester County.

Signage & Printing

Journey Land
Navigating the scale: The executive playbook for campus signage & wayfinding systems
A drive to win

Awards & Customization

The sublimation process: A practical guide for decorators
The margin isn’t in the ink
Gear up for the holiday season with custom gift options

Apparel Decoration

Childrenswear market insights
From prompt to press

Business Strategies

The highs & lows of chasing fast trends for big money
The holiday rush should not be a surprise
Behind the mask

Extras

Editor's note
Industry updates
Product picks
Ad index
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Apparel Decoration • Awards & Customization • Signage • Wide-Format Printing • Wraps

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