Media Releases

Big East Sales Team is Re-Hired by Eighth Floor Promotions, LLC

The Big East Sales Team is, once again, representing Visions Awards. In addition, the Big East will also be responsible for the other three brands in the Eighth Floor, LLC family of companies. Now our line-up of top notch supplier brands includes Awardcraft, Craftsman Awards and the newly acquired AITG corporate gifts, along with Visions Awards.

These four brands offer the most comprehensive selection of recognition and employee gifts in the promotional products industry. The parent company has also bolstered its distributor support capabilities by expanding its award-winning internal support team. This will allow all of the Eighth Floor brands to offer a faster, more personal level of customer service.

Known for years as the leader in corporate recognition, the recent acquisition of AITG rounds out Eighth Floor’s product offering perfectly. As Eighth Floor president Dave Willis acknowledges, “Bringing AITG under the Eighth Floor umbrella enables us to offer a broader selection of products and enhanced services to our distributors. Our expansion into the business gift market will allow us to deliver high-quality gifts more quickly and cost effectively. As a result, our distributors will have more options and more solutions to promote in their markets.”

Team Donlin named Multi-line Reps for Awardcraft, Visions Awards and AITG Business Gifts.

Celina, OH, based Awardcraft, Visions Awards, and AITG business gifts, divisions of Eighth Floor Promotions, announced today the selection of Team Donlin as a Multi Line Rep Group. Team Donlin will service the Midwest territory.

The Minnesota based rep group is celebrating 30 years of promotional products, incentive and recognition experience.

Steve Donlin will represent the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa, while Brian Hiner will service the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. Both Steve and Brian have over 16 years of experience with Team Donlin. Recently, Kathy Donlin has joined this dynamic rep group and will cover Ohio and Michigan.

“We have a recognition background and consider the category one of our strengths.” states Steve Donlin.

“We are as excited about having Team Donlin on board!” said Jay Donlin, VP of Sales and Marketing for Awardcraft, Visions Awards and AITG Business Gifts.

When companies put recognition programs in place, statistics show reduced employee turnover and increased employee morale and productivity.

Awardcraft/ Visions Awards/ AITG announce its new West Coast Sales Force!

Celina, OH, based Eighth Floor announces today the hiring of three Regional Managers on the West Coast. Les Dorfman, CAS, Western Regional Vice President has selected three highly trained individuals to work this area.

Eric Martin has been promoted to Southwest Regional Manager and will cover Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Susan Guldbeck is the Southern California Regional Manager and Steve Alegria will represent Northern California, Oregon, and Washington as the Northwest Regional Manager.

“We are so fortunate to be able to attract such high quality managers to represent the Eighth Floor Family of companies.” says Dorfman. “With over 50 years of combined Industry experience, our distributor partners will be well served.”

Steve Alegria named Northwest Regional Manager for Awardcraft, Visions Awards and AITG.

Celina, OH, based Awardcraft, Visions Awards and AITG, divisions of Eighth Floor, announced today the appointment of Steve Alegria as the Northwest Regional Manager. Steve is responsible for Northern California, Oregon and Washington.

Steve brings over 17 years experience in sales promotion, new business development, client-focused account and project management to his new position at Eighth Floor. Steve started on the distributor side in 1991 and spent 5 years with Promark Inc out of Rohnert Park, CA. Steve then moved to Wood Associates and spent almost 7 years there in Sales. From there, Steve made the move to the supplier side and spent 1 year at Lanco and then made the move to IMC where he spent the past 5 years working the Northwest territory.

“I love this industry and have seen many ups and downs but can't imagine working in any other industry. I love the opportunity this industry gives me to be creative and the fast paced nature of it and I try to meet those challenges head-on. I am very excited to be joining the Eight Floor team continue my adventure in this great industry.”

Steve was born and raised in Northern California and has a wife of 26 years and two great kids that keep him busy as well.

Eighth Floor, LLC Focused on Growth with New Acquisition

Eighth Floor, LLC, a leading manufacturer of corporate recognition awards, has acquired AITG, a nationally recognized business gifts supplier based in California. The move rounds out Eighth Floor’s comprehensive offering of recognition and employee gifts, while infusing more infrastructure and support into AITG. The company joins Visions Awards, Awardcraft and Craftsman Awards under the Eighth Floor family of companies.

For distributors, this translates into more product options and improved sales support complemented by Eighth Floor’s commitment to innovation and service.

“Bringing AITG under the Eighth Floor umbrella enables us to offer a broader selection of products and enhanced service to our distributors,” said Dave Willis, president of Eighth Floor, LLC. “Our expansion into the business gift market will allow us to deliver high-quality gifts more quickly and cost-effectively. As a result, our distributors will have more options and more solutions to promote in their markets.”

In recent months, Eighth Floor has set its sights on growth with comprehensive acquisition and branding strategies that are redefining the company’s offerings. The addition of AITG is the latest component to the company’s acquisition strategy, which included the purchase of Craftsman Awards in January 2008.

The strategy is not only building Eighth Floor’s product offering, it is also bolstering the company’s distributor support capabilities. Its award-winning internal support team will be expanded, and the acquisition of AITG has allowed Eighth Floor to establish a concentrated sales group on the West Coast.

This new sales team will be led by Les Dorfman, who was recently named vice president of sales—western region. Dorfman will focus on serving new and existing distributors on the West Coast, and he will further refine the business gifts division and brand. The additional resources will enable Eighth Floor to bring support closer to its distributors for faster, more personal service.

“Les brings more than 30 years of industry experience and involvement to the team,” said Willis. “Our West Coast distributors are going to benefit from his industry expertise and insight.”

Eighth Floor, LLC has additionally promoted Bill Sarno to vice president of business development. In this role, Sarno will continue to develop new business opportunities both domestically and abroad, contribute to new product development and define new product categories.

To build on the acquisition strategy, Eighth Floor has launched a branding and marketing strategy that will help distributors distinguish between the brands that will best meet their needs. Jay Donlin, Eighth Floor vice president of sales and marketing, is leading the charge to expand the company’s marketing strategy and to align the Visions Awards, Awardcraft, Craftsman Awards and AITG brands. The company has retained Graphica, a Miamisburg, Ohio-based branding agency to develop a new look and marketing direction for Eighth Floor’s family of products.

The comprehensive branding strategy and aggressive marketing campaign will be rolled out over the next three to six months, just in time for the business gift season to get underway, Donlin noted.

About Eighth Floor, LCC
A leading manufacturer of recognition awards and business gifts, Eighth Floor, LLC develops the products and solutions that influence employee performance and elevate market awareness. In addition to developing high-quality and innovative products, Eighth Floor offers strategic programming and communications solutions that strengthen recognition programs. Based in Celina, Ohio, Eighth Floor comprises Visions Awards, Awardcraft, Craftsman Awards and AITG. For more information, visit www.8thfloorpromotions.com.

Awardcraft, Craftsman, and Visions Awards acquires AITG.

Celina, Ohio based supplier Awardcraft (PPAI 113370 ASI 37650) and Visions Awards (PPAI 110751 ASI 93986) and Craftsman Awards (PPAI 267179 ASI 47025) has added California-based supplier AITG (PPAI 111250 ASI 35530) to the Eighth Floor family of companies. Eighth Floor LLC is the leading manufacturer of corporate recognition awards and is comprised of three distinct brands known as Awardcraft, Craftsman and Visions Awards. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition provides Eighth Floor expanded capabilities in the business gift market and allows AITG, Inc. to benefit from the infrastructure and experience of Awardcraft, Craftsman, and Visions Awards.

“AITG is a great fit for Eighth Floor as it elevates our position in the business gift segment,” says Jay Donlin, VP of Sales & Marketing for Eighth Floor. “Business gifts are traditionally sold in the last two quarters of the year, whereas it is just the opposite for recognition awards. This will only add to the synergy between the two companies. AITG has enjoyed a phenomenal reputation in the industry and we are very excited to have them as part of our growing family of brands” says Donlin. Les Dorfman, President and CEO of AITG, says “We’re ecstatic to be on board with Eighth Floor, LLC to assist us in accelerating our resources and the growth of our core business. With their solid foundation in the recognition segment, we truly believe we can bring AITG to the same level in the business gift segment”. Dorfman will continue with Eighth Floor as the VP of Sales in the Western Region.

AITG will continue to operate under its current brand and the “Gifts by Visions” line will be folded into AITG forming a new division of Eighth Floor. Customers can expect the same quality customer service level they have come to expect from AITG only now with the combined support of the Awardcraft and Visions team.

Awardcraft and Visions Awards acquires Craftsman Awards

Celina, Ohio based supplier Awardcraft (PPAI 113370 ASI 37650) and Visions Awards (PPAI 110751 ASI 93986) has added Houston, Texas-based supplier Craftsman Awards (PPAI 267179 ASI 47025) to the Eighth Floor family of companies. Eighth Floor LLC is the leading manufacturer of corporate recognition awards and is comprised of two distinct brands known as Awardcraft and Visions Awards. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition provides Eighth Floor expanded capabilities in the glass and crystal market and allows Craftsman Awards to benefit from the infrastructure and experience of Awardcraft and Visions Awards.

“Craftsman Awards is a great fit for Eighth Floor as they bring creative custom crystal solutions and stylish 3D glass designs to the awards market,” says Jay Donlin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Eighth Floor. “Crystal and glass is such a large category of the recognition industry we felt it was important to partner with Craftsman who has a great deal of capabilities and expertise with this medium.” says Donlin

Eric Martin, General Manager for Craftsman Awards, says “We are eager to begin working with Awardcraft and Visions Awards to accelerate the growth of our business.” Martin will continue with Eighth Floor as Crystal Awards Specialist for Craftsman Awards.

Craftsman Awards will continue to operate as a separate business. Customers can expect the same customer service they have known with Awardcraft and Visions Awards.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving - Giving back to the Community

Awardcraft and Visions Awards, Celina, Ohio recently made a monetary donation to host a local Thanksgiving dinner. This annual event had been called off because of lack of funds and volunteers. One of the most fulfilling things about being part of a small community is the willingness of people to go out of their way to help others. In Celina, it is easy to recognize most people you see on the street. These people are not just your co-workers, they are your friends and neighbors, some even family. That is why when a local company asked Awardcraft and Visions Awards to partner with them to fund the dinner, the company enthusiastically agreed. The local community dinner, Giving Thanks, was in financial trouble and it was up to these two companies to help. A generous donation and some able bodies were a small token of thanks from Awardcraft and Visions Awards, to the community they are proud to be a part of. This dinner, presented on Thanksgiving Day, welcomes everyone, from people down on their luck, to those who do not have loved ones left with which to share the day. This holiday season Awardcraft and Visions Awards would like to thank our friends in the industry who have helped make 2007 a year to be thankful for. We truly value your friendship and your business, and we look forward to working with all of you in 2008.

Bill Sarno named Director of Business Development for Awardcraft and Visions Awards.

Celina, OH, based Awardcraft and Visions Awards, divisions of Eighth Floor Promotions, announced today the appointment of Bill Sarno as Director of New Business Development. Bill is responsible for delivering new business opportunities and customers along with creating new business solutions for new and existing customers.

Bill brings over 25 years of promotional products industry experience to his new position at Awardcraft and Visions Awards.

Bill has worked with some very notable companies in the industry including American Identity and BD&A, and has served on boards for ASI, MIA, and PPAI.

“Bill’s extensive background in and knowledge of the Recognition and Incentive industry with two of the top distributors in the country will provide us with exceptional expertise in his position as Director of New Business Development.” says Jay Donlin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Bill’s goal is to support the development and further the awareness of the value of Employee Recognition in the culture of corporations large and small. He is excited about helping Awardcraft and Visions Awards continue to innovate and lead in the Recognition industry. He believes technology is a vital part to this innovation and is always pushing the envelope into the next new tech idea.

Bill enjoys the dynamic nature and entraprenurial spirit of the industry. His relationships with various Fortune 500 companies also give him a great appreciation of the global nature of business and employee recognition. Though Bill can often be found on the road looking for opportunities to help customers with their recognition programs, he also enjoys spending time with his wife and kids in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Awardcraft and Visions Awards announce the promotion of Dave Willis to the position of President of Eighth Floor Promotions.

Celina, OH, based Eighth Floor Promotions announces today the promotion of Dave Willis to the position of President of Eighth Floor Promotions. Willis, although fairly new to the industry, has been the forefront of manufacturing and production for these two companies for the past three years.

"We are extremely excited that Willis has accepted the position!" said Kent Paxson, owner of the Eighth Floor companies. "He already has brought a plethora of changes and innovations to Awardcraft and Visions Awards as the VP of Manufacturing. Now that we’ve unleashed him as President, I look forward to many more improvements in all the aspects of Eighth Floor!"

At the ripe-old age of 30, Willis is ready and willing to jump in, feet first, into this new challenge. Willis wants to bring enthusiasm and dedication to his team at Eighth Floor.

"When they offered me the position, I didn’t say yes….. I said, Hell Yes!" announced Willis. "It couldn’t be a more exciting time here. I am thrilled to be able to continue to create improvements that keep our customers happy."

Willis attended Western Michigan University where he received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, and Indiana Tech where he received a Masters in Business Administration.

Since Dave has been with Eighth Floor, he has been responsible for all North America and Asia operations and has been responsible for more than 700 employees in three countries. He has created a custom lean system for one piece, job-shop orders and decreased manufacturing throughput time from 5.6 days to 2 hours!

Eric Veres named Territory Sales Partner Awardcraft and Visions Awards.

Celina, OH based Suppliers Awardcraft and Visions Awards, divisions of Eighth Floor Promotions, announced today the selection of Eric Veres as a Territory Sales Partner. Eric will service the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Eric Veres brings over 15 years of promotional products industry experience to his new position as Territory Partner for Awardcraft and Visions Awards.

"With his extensive experience servicing this territory as a regional sales manager, Veres is going to be able to hit the ground running as a part of the Awardcraft / Visions Awards team!" said Jay Donlin, VP of Sales and Marketing for Awardcraft and Visions Awards.

Eric started his career within the industry as a regional sales manager handling most of the great lakes region as well as the northeast region for Vantage Custom Classics. After 7 years, he moved on to Swiss Army Brands as a regional sales manager for 7 years. Lastly, Veres was with Corvest Inc., representing Toppers and It’s All Greek to Me, as a sales coordinator for the state of New Jersey for almost 18 months.

Eric has been married for 12 years to his soul mate, Lydia, and has two children; daughter Alexa will be nine in June and son Jake who is seven. Veres graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University - Madison, New Jersey and resides currently in Robbinsville, New Jersey.

Matt Toomb named Territory Sales Partner Awardcraft and Visions Awards.

Celina, OH, based Awardcraft and Visions Awards, divisions of Eighth Floor Promotions, announced today the selection of Matt Toomb as a Territory Sales Partner. Matt will service the states of Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.

“With sixteen years in the industry, Toomb has become one of the top performing promotional product salesmen. The distributors in his territory will have the benefit of soaking up his creativity and feeding off his passion for the business.”

A native of The Bronx, NY, Toomb graduated from the University of Dayton and has called Cincinnati home for the past ten years. He is known for leading by example and since he has experience in day-to-day selling on the distributor side he will have instant credibility.

Toomb is the youngest winner of a Golden Pyramid Award, presented by PPAI. He is the winner of four consecutive awards.

Matt has been married for 15 years to college sweetheart, Annie and father of three children: Joe Fenway 10, Shannon 7, and Kyle 4. His goal is “To deliver every order correctly and on time, to send my kids to college, and still have enough money to buy Annie a dress each month when I retire.”

Cris Bumby named Territory Sales Partner Awardcraft and Visions Awards.

Celina, OH, based Awardcraft and Visions Awards, divisions of Eighth Floor Promotions, announced today the selection of Cris Bumby as a Territory Sales Partner. Cris will service the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa.

Cris Bumby has 14 years of experience in the Promotional Products Industry. He was with Admanco, serving in a variety of positions focusing on Sales, Marketing, and Product Development and was President from 2001 through 2005. When Admanco was acquired by Vitronic Promotional Group, he remained with Vitronic Promotional Group through 2006, focusing on import sourcing and special markets.

He served on the Board of PPAW (Promotional Products Association of Wisconsin) from 1999-2003 and was the RAC delegate for two of those years. He has also been active with PPAI, serving on the Suppliers Committee from 2002-2005.

A native of Wisconsin, Cris is married and has a 2 year-old daughter. He enjoys golf, water and snow skiing and playing basketball. Cris also serves on the Boards of M&I Bank in Oshkosh and Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake.

"Cris brings to the table what we are looking for in a territory partner. His wealth of experience and knowledge in the promotional product industry will be an asset to the distributors of the Mid-West. We are enthusiastic to have him on board and are expecting great success with Cris as a partner!"

Visions Awards announces the creation of its new sales force, the Territory Sales Partners!

Celina, OH, based Eighth Floor Promotions announces today the hire of 9 dedicated Visions Awards and Awardcraft "territory partners" to better serve distributors nationwide! These "partners" will carry both lines, and work exclusively with the Eighth Floor brands to help distributors develop recognition programs for their clients.

Each sales "partner" has an equity stake in their territory and a vested interest in helping their distributors build and grow their business with Eighth Floor Products. The sales partners will reside in their territories to better support and educate distributors on how Eighth Floor resources and capabilities, both domestic and abroad, can be used to help solve their clients’ recognition and promotional needs.

Jay Donlin, VP of Sales and Marketing states, "With the new "partners" on board, I am confident that we will be able to tackle any recognition challenge our distributors face. These highly trained recognition specialists will know what it takes to develop and implement recognition programs and assist distributors with opportunities in the category. Implementing new ways to train, educate and motivate distributors to sell the category of recognition will create a real partnership for growth in a largely untapped segment of the industry. These specialists will be out in the field for immediate support and can even assist with joint end client calls for key prospects".Donlin, previously served as president of The Donlin Group, and has been with Visions Awards and Awardcraft for just over a year. "I feel introducing these changes now will revolutionize the way our reps support our most important asset, our customers!" Donlin confides.

"Both Visions Awards and Awardcraft have made great business strides in recent years," Donlin said. "We feel that our team is strong and positioned aggressively for the future."