Promotional Product Group Formed After Management Change at Crown Products

Bob Bickert, founder and president of Crown Products, has recently stepped out of the day-to-day management of the business. Bickert's role going forward will be advisory in nature, representing the company at industry tradeshows and events, appearing on industry panels, and maintaining industry contacts to support EBSCO's desire to grow its promotional products businesses. He will also contribute to the product development process.

Lori Kates, general manager of Vitronic Promotional Group (VPG), assumes the responsibility of providing management oversight and guidance to Crown. Since joining EBSCO in 1996 as the controller for Four Seasons Garment Co., Kates transitioned to management and distinguished herself as a very able and respected manager. With this change, Kates is effectively becoming president of EBSCO's Promotional Product Group, which includes Crown Products, MCM and VPG. 

Kates appointed Bobby Wasden, who joined EBSCO in 2003, as acting general manager of Crown Products. Through his work as the manager of Manufacturing Accounting, Wasden is familiar with the operations at both Crown and VPG.