TREVOSE, Pa., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI), a leading technology provider to the $27.7 billion promotional products industry, today announced Matt Gilliland joined the company as chief product officer on September 14, accelerating the company’s development of AI-powered technology for the businesses that create and sell branded merchandise.

Promotional products are branded items such as apparel, drinkware, bags and tech accessories used by companies and organizations for marketing. ASI connects tens of thousands of promotional product distributors and suppliers through ESP+, its flagship technology platform for product discovery, sourcing, presentations, quotes and orders.

Gilliland brings more than 18 years of product and technology experience, including 12 years at Zillow, where he most recently served as vice president of product. He will lead the ASI product organization, help shape the future of ESP+ and accelerate development of AI-powered tools designed to make it faster and easier for promotional product professionals to develop campaigns, sell branded merchandise and serve customers.

“Promo is moving too fast for incremental thinking,” said ASI CEO Ashish Mittal. “Matt knows how to take complex technology and turn it into products people want to use every day. We’re building the technology our members will need next and Matt is exactly the kind of leader who can help us get there faster.”

Gilliland’s experience at Zillow includes developing technology for a large marketplace connecting real estate professionals, buyers and sellers. At ASI, ESP+ connects distributors with more than 3,000 suppliers and provides access to more than 1.2 million promotional products.

“ASI has spent decades building something technology alone can’t create: deep industry expertise, trusted relationships and a thriving community of distributors and suppliers,” Gilliland said. “I’m excited to combine that foundation with modern technology that takes work off our members’ plates and gives them more time for relationships, creativity and their customers.”

ASI is already expanding its use of artificial intelligence. In July, the company launched the AI-powered Inspire Design Studio in ESP+, allowing distributors to create realistic product lifestyle images, find company logos and generate original visual assets within the platform.

About ASI
The Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI, asicentral.com) is a technology, marketing and information provider serving the $27.7 billion promotional products industry. Founded in 1950, ASI provides technology, research, news, education and events to a network of promotional product suppliers and distributors.

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SOURCE Advertising Specialty Institute

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — General Lester Lyles, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Universities Space Research Association, has been awarded the 2026 AFA Lifetime Achievement Award by the Air & Space Forces Association in recognition of his distinguished career, exemplifying exceptional leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our nation’s security.

From his service as Commander of Air Force Materiel Command to his role as Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Lyles’ leadership helped shape the future of the Air Force while strengthening its readiness, modernization, and global capabilities.

While the award recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary service in uniform, General Lyles’ influence has continued well beyond his military career. He has served on several corporate Boards of Directors, from General Dynamics Corp. to Battelle Memorial Laboratories, and he has chaired the Boards of USAA, KBR Corporation, and USRA. In addition to numerous other career awards, General Lyles received the prestigious Robert Goddard Trophy for Space Leadership in 2024 by the National Space Club. Through his leadership, counsel, and continued service to the aerospace and national security communities, he has remained a trusted voice and an enduring champion for the Air Force and the men and women who serve.

The award was presented during the Air, Space & Cyber Conference in September 2026.

USRA is honored to recognize General Lyles’ lifetime of achievement and the lasting impact he has had on the Air and Space Forces and the broader national security community.

About USRA

Founded in 1969, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is an independent, nonprofit organization that advances space- and Earth-related science, engineering, and technology through innovative research, education, and workforce development programs. USRA partners with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry to address some of the nation’s most complex scientific and technical challenges. For more information, visit www.usra.edu.

PR Contact:
Suraiya Farukhi
sfarukhi@usra.edu
443-812-6945 

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SOURCE Universities Space Research Association

Data Pros has earned a place on CRN’s prestigious 2026 Fast Growth 150 list, recognizing the company’s rapid growth and ongoing commitment to helping organizations achieve more through technology.

HOLMDEL, N.J., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Data Pros, your Trusted Microsoft Solutions Partner, announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company®, has recognized Data Pros on the 2026 CRN Fast Growth 150 list in the #72 spot. CRN® Spotlights The Top IT Channel Providers For Outstanding Performance And Growth

This list highlights the top-performing and fastest-growing technology solution providers, including integrators, managed service providers, value-added resellers and IT consultants in North America. Over the past two years, solution providers on the Fast Growth 150 have achieved remarkable sales growth, propelled by their innovative strategies and advanced technological expertise, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, security and cloud computing.

“This recognition is a direct reflection of the trust our customers place in us every day,” said Joseph Simuro, CEO of Data Pros. “Our growth has never been about growth for growth’s sake. It has been about helping organizations confidently embrace Microsoft technologies, strengthen their security posture, modernize their operations, and prepare for an AI-driven future. We are incredibly honored to be recognized by CRN alongside some of the most innovative technology providers in North America.”

“The companies recognized in this year’s Fast Growth 150 are leveraging deep technical expertise and bold, future‑focused strategies to accelerate their momentum in an increasingly dynamic IT landscape,” said Jennifer Follett, Vice President, U.S. Content, Executive Editor at CRN, The Channel Company. “Their drive, agility, and commitment to delivering lasting value for customers set them apart. We applaud their achievements and look forward to seeing how they continue to innovate and grow.”

Coverage of the 2026 CRN Fast Growth 150 list will be available at crn.com/fastgrowth150 on Aug. 24.

About Data Pros

Data Pros is a Microsoft Solutions Partner and technology services provider that helps organizations modernize, secure, and optimize their IT environments. Since 2004, Data Pros has delivered managed IT services, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, Microsoft 365, AI enablement, and strategic technology consulting to organizations across a wide range of industries. By combining enterprise-grade expertise with a customer-first approach, Data Pros empowers businesses to reduce risk, improve productivity, and confidently leverage technology to achieve their goals.

For more information, visit www.the-data-pros.net and follow Data Pros: LinkedIn

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

Follow The Channel Company: LinkedIn and X.

© 2026 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Kristin DaSilva

The Channel Company

kdasilva@thechannelcompany.com

Media Contact

Anthony Joseph, Data Pros, 1 7327721577, info@the-data-pros.net, https://www.the-data-pros.net/

LinkedIn

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SOURCE Data Pros