This week, Chicago-area Corporate Imaging Concepts (CIC; asi/168962) acquired Atlanta-area eCompanyStore (asi/185782). The deal creates a new powerhouse distributor in the promo industry – a company projected to generate $85 million in sales in 2018. In this exclusive podcast, CIC CEO Bob Herzog discusses the acquisition and what the future holds.

New ASI data shows first-quarter distributor sales in 2018 were up by 3.4%, led by gains among mid-size firms. In this podcast, Counselor’s Dave Vagnoni and ASI Research Director Nate Kucsma talk about these results, what’s behind them and what’s ahead for the rest of the year.

Michele Bell, head of ASI’s Editorial department, interviews Sharon Eyal, CEO of Counselor Top 40 supplier ETS Express, on the company’s recent win in a trademark infringement case against S’well, and its implications for the industry.

At Stowebridge Promotion Group (asi/337500), a vibrant positive culture permeates everything, powering the Arizona-based distributor’s sales growth and employees’ quality of life. That winning culture is no accident; it’s intentionally cultivated by company President Kathy Finnerty Thomas. In this exclusive podcast, Finnerty Thomas delivers insights into creating a top-notch company culture that drives bottom-line results.

Top 40 distributor Geiger (asi/202900) has acquired BTC Group, a U.K.-based distributor. In this exclusive podcast with Counselor’s Christopher Ruvo, Geiger CEO Gene Geiger and Chief Operating Officer Jo-an Lantz share insights into what the major international deal means.

The new vice president of business development at Proforma (asi/300094) – Chris Piper – discussed his plans for growing the company and the industry as a whole in an interview with Counselor’s John Corrigan.

Growth opportunities, new products, the importance of company culture and the power of promotional products to drive results – BIC Graphic’s (asi/40480) new CEO David Klatt Jr. discussed all that and more in a lively podcast discussion with Counselor’s Christopher Ruvo.

Following AIA Corporation’s (asi/109480) acquisition of OfficeZilla, Counselor’s Dave Vagnoni interviewed CEO Matt Gresge to get more details on the deal.

Roy Wilbur, director of marketing and communications at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, explains why the school's fashion department decided to participate in the Wearables Fashion Faceoff contest and what the contestants gained from the experience.

In this episode of the Advantages Experts Podcast Series, Editor Dave Vagnoni talks with Stephanie Chung, a Dallas-based consultant that trains businesspeople in sales, management, and leadership development. Here, Chung provides several strategies to help salespeople improve engagement and communication with clients.