For the Business of Apparel Decorating
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/178902
Business Watch October 2013 Madeira Introduces New Professor LACONIA, N.H.—Arnie Korfine takes on the role of Prof. T. H. Read at Madeira USA, the wise caricature featured on the company's how-to instructional sheets. Korfine spent the majority of his career in the embroidery business, working for himself and others. He began with Madeira first as regional, then national, sales manager. Now semi-retired, he takes on the role of Prof. T. H. Read, sharing his experiences, offering advice and pointing out best practices. Meant as a forum, Madeira and its professor welcome customer comments, queries and concerns as the professor takes on all comers in an effort to educate, enthrall and entertain. Visit www.madeiramatters.net or click on the blog icon at www.madeirausa. com or www.madeiramart.com. In Memoriam of Robert Blankenship DENVER—Printwear regrets to report that Robert Blankenship, former vice president for Fruit of the Loom, passed away July 21, three days before his 57th birthday, after a very brief battle with cancer. Blankenship spent 19 years with the apparel company before moving to Denver, where he began a successful career with the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce in 2000. Most recently, he served as the COO of Mile High United Way. Former colleagues describe Blankenship as gentle, giving, big hearted and as a man of integrity. (Sources: Denver Business Journal, The Denver Post) Hirings, transfers, promotions Printwear People Ash City (Richmond Hill, Ontario) appoints Brent Neal as dedicated sales representative for the Southern Alberta and South Eastern B.C. territory. Neal will be responsible for building relationships with distributors, supporting and growing sales, and acting as the point of contact for customers in these areas. He comes to Ash City with apparel industry experience in sales, where he most recently worked as a sales executive at Fashion Biz in Alberta. He has also excelled in other sales roles at both Accolade Reaction Promotion Group and Grand & Toy. Vantage Apparel (Avenel, N.J.) promotes Kevin Schardt to vice president, operations and customer experience, and hires Sandy Martinelli as the new director of customer experience. Schardt Martinelli Schardt has been with Vantage since 2010 as the director of customer experience. Prior to joining Vantage, Schardt held several executive-level positions in the promotional products industry. Martinelli brings more than 30 years of blended experience that encompasses golf brands and inventory management. Additionally, Martinelli held the position of vice president, customer service and operations, for the past 20 years. 10 | Printwear PW_OCT13.indd 10 Promotional Products Association International (Chicago), announces Don Lafferre, owner of Priority Promotions, as the 2014 PPAI Hall of Fame inductee at PPAI's North American Leadership Conference in Chicago. Induction into the PPAI Hall of Fame gives permanent recognition to individuals whose selfless efforts and devotion to the promotional products industry are monumental. Since 1977, the PPAI Hall of Fame has been honoring leaders in the promotional products industry who have had an impact in the industry and their communities. Lafferre has worked for more than 62 years supporting the progress and success of the industry, including as a member of the PPAI Board of Directors, PPAI committees and advisory councils and for landmark legislative actions. For more than 30 years he was the consummate industry ambassador, writer and activist. Today he is one of industry's most fervent speakers involved in the PPAI ADvocate program, speaking in support of the promotional products industry educating businesses, community groups and schools on the proven power of promotional products. While serving on the PPAI Board of Directors, Lafferre contributed to the formation of the Regional Association Committee, the recommendation to move the Association headquarters from Chicago to Irving, Texas, and the creation of a fair dues structure. He has made countless contributions and received numerous accolades from regional associations, business and community groups, and religious and charitable organizations. Since 1985, he has owned and operated Priority Promotions in Florissant, Missouri, the largest city in St. Louis County. This honor reflects Lafferre's legacy in both the promotional products industry and his community, and it highlights the impact he continues to have today. pw October 2013 9/16/13 11:41 AM