The Legacy Group hosted its Legacy Exclusive Sales Event (LESE) August 4-7 in Chicago, IL. The event was sponsored by 34 Legacy Preferred Suppliers and was attended by the top sales executives from each of The Legacy Group partner agencies.

This year’s theme - Elevate, Innovate, Celebrate was inspired by The Legacy Group’s silver anniversary as one of the industry’s preeminent buying groups, as well as their continued commitment to transformative collaboration and community. More than 160 industry professionals took part in two and half days of sales meetings and evening networking, culminating in a celebratory dinner cruise and fireworks over Lake Michigan. 

PPAI President and CEO, Drew Holmgreen, helped kick off the conference  and shared his thoughts on the future of the industry and PPAI.

Each year during LESE, the winners of the Legacy Legends Awards are announced at the closing celebration. The recipients are recognized as stellar partners of The Legacy Group based on their professionalism, responsiveness, innovation, and sales growth.

The 2025 Legacy Legends Award recipients are:

Legacy Soft Goods Supplier of the Year $1MM+: SanMar        

Legacy Soft Goods Supplier of the Year Under $1MM: Cap America 

Legacy Hard Goods Supplier of the Year $1MM+:  Hit Promotional Products  

Legacy Hard Goods Supplier of the Year Under $1MM: Powerstick  

Legacy Niche Supplier of the Year:  Maple Ridge Farms

Legacy Green Initiatives Supplier of the Year:  Gemline 

Legacy Representative of the Year: Kathy Doyle, Par One Inc

  * View pics of this year's meeting and celebration here.

The Legacy Group partner, PromoShop has acquired San Diego-based JR Resources. Founded in 1990, JR Resources is a certified women-owned business with sales representatives in New Jersey, Texas and California.

“We are thrilled to welcome JR Resources into the PromoShop family,” said PromoShop CEO Memo Kahan. “This acquisition aligns with our vision of providing unparalleled service and innovative solutions to our clients. Together, we will continue to set new standards in the promotional products industry.”

All JR employees will be joining PromoShop. Going forward, JR Resources will go to market as “JR Resources, a PromoShop Company.”

“We are excited to join forces with PromoShop,” said JR President Wendy Williams, formerly owner of the firm. “With shared values and a commitment to excellence, we look forward to building a brighter future and continuing our legacy of trust and ingenuity.”

The Legacy Group has announced a donation of $5,000 to the American Red Cross to support relief and recovery efforts in the communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Some 1,900 American Red Cross responders are helping across the Southeast, providing shelter, meals, financial aid, and comfort to those affected by the recent storms.

As a collaborative alliance of promotional marketing agencies , The Legacy Group recognizes the importance of coming together in times of crisis. Our commitment to community support and humanitarian efforts drives us to contribute to organizations that provide essential aid to those affected by devastating events.

The Legacy Group encourages others to join in supporting relief efforts, and in fact did receive additional support from SanMar. Donations, no matter the size, can significantly impact recovery efforts and help communities rebuild.

We are pleased to announce that six of The Legacy Group's partner companies have been named to the  2023 Print + Promo Top Distributors list.  Click here to read the report.

#23 - PromoShop
#29 - Genumark
#36 - Eagle Promotions
#37 - Concord Marketing Services
#38 - Mercury Promotions
#59 - Target Marketing

Genumark is thrilled to announce that Johanna Gottlieb has been appointed Vice President of Business Development. This milestone augments Genumark’s leadership team and its vision for growth across North America.
Based in Chicago, IL, Johanna brings 18 years of experience in the branded merchandise industry, possessing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Her vibrant career has been hallmarked by her passionate commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, aligning seamlessly with Genumark’s mission and vision. Learn more.

The Legacy Group is proud to have three Legacy partners named to the  2023 Counselor Power 50. These dynamic leaders are moving their companies and our industry forward. Click on their names to learn more.

19 - Mitch Freed, CEO and Mark Freed Executive Chairman of Genumark

33 - Memo Kahan, President of PromoShop

43 - Michael Cohen, CEO and Jon Alagem, President of Harper + Scott

Harper+Scott Co-Founders, Michael Scott Cohen and Jon Alagem, were recognized by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) as this year's Counselor Entrepreneurs of the Year. 

"The highly coveted Counselor Awards pay tribute to the extraordinary accomplishments of our industry's most inspiring leaders'" said Timothy M. Andrews, ASI President and CEO. "ASI is delighted to honor Harper +Scott's hard work and applaud Jon and Michael's considerable efforts."

Learn more about Harper+Scott here. 

Five of The Legacy Group’s Distributor partners were named to the inaugural PPAI 100.  The PPAI 100 seeks to identify the industry's leading companies – those best positioned to create a future in which promotional products are universally valued and essential to every brand. Learn more about our partners and why they were recognized below.

No. 31 - PromoShop

No. 32 - Mercury Promotions & Fulfillment

No. 38 - Genumark

No. 39 - Harper + Scott

No. 43 - Eagle Promotions

Genumark, the largest Canadian-owned corporate branded merchandise distributor, announced that it has officially become a Certified B Corporation, defined as a company that uses the power of business to address society’s greatest challenges. Genumark joins the rapidly growing movement of over 6,000 Certified B Corporations from 150 industries across 80 countries, including companies like TOMS, Patagonia, and Ben & Jerry’s.

"Achieving B Corp certification has been a top goal for our company as we seek to expand our sustainability and community commitments," explained Genumark CEO Mitch Freed. “Our team has been working diligently for years to make this a reality, and this certification represents a very proud moment for all of us at Genumark.”