PPB December

8 / 108

The week was fascinating and varied
as we met with companies of different
sizes and approaches to the market, in
some very distinct regions. The members
we met with were generous with their
time for our meetings and tours, and they
also had plenty of questions about PPAI.
We learned something new and different
at every stop, and our members were
rightfully proud of their facilities, opera-
tions and recent successes. We also got
the inside track on some exciting new
developments, as well as plans for growth
and expansion at these companies.
Throughout our visits we noticed a
common theme—optimism—for both
the economy and our industry. On the
supplier side, we saw a focus on opera-
tions and on increasing efficiencies
through technology and process improve-
ments. Our distributor members talked
about go-to-market strategies, most often
homing in on personnel and sales rep
models. Whatever the topic, the members
we spoke to were looking for our input
and perspective. Hopefully they found
our feedback and information helpful.
From a board perspective, it was fan-
tastic to see firsthand the value members
place on their trade association, and on
their individual and varied relationships
and experiences with PPAI. While I hap-
pen to think PPAI has historically done a
good job of helping our members be
more successful, I think the Association
has really upped its game and done a
much better job of communicating our
message to members over the past few
years. An aggressive schedule of member
visits, Town Hall meetings and regional
association events across the country, as
well as a recent focus on industry client
and buyer events, have helped convey our
message and prove our relevance. PPAI’s
use of social media has also been instru-
mental in getting timely information to
both members and the industry. The
numerous posts and feeds your
Association generates are working to let
people know what is going on in Irving,
Texas, as well as across the industry.
As members have become more
aware of the scope, quality and volume
of work that is produced by their
Association, they have become more
confident in its leadership and staff, and
the efforts have become even more
rewarding for staff and volunteers.
PPAI’s leadership in industry advo-
cacy, lobbying, education and product
safety are all important reasons to belong
to your trade association—plus the added
benefit of access to the industry’s leading
trade shows and publications.
Four years ago, before beginning my
term of board service, more than one
current or former board member told
me, “You will be surprised by how much
happens at PPAI and how hard they work.
… It’s something you do not realize until
you serve on the board.” I was skeptical,
but that observation was correct. The
work your Association is doing on your
behalf is indeed incredible.
The communication initiatives and
relentless efforts by staff, under the
leadership of Paul Bellantone and his
management team, to reach out to our
members on their terms have bolstered
the confidence of our volunteers and
members. As that confidence continues
to grow, so has PPAI’s ability to present
and execute new initiatives and pro-
grams that will advance our advertising
medium and help our members find
new success. And, in the coming
months, you will be hearing about
bolder and more significant programs
being introduced.
To those members Paul and I visited
on the road, we salute your success, and
to the rest of our membership, I hope
to get to hear your stories and shake
your hand at The PPAI Expo next
month in Las Vegas. Register now at
Road Work
PERSPECTIVES
4 • PPB • DECEMBER 2014
N LATE OCTOBER, I spent a full week on the road with PPAI President and CEO Paul
Bellantone, CAE, visiting members on the East Coast. During our 1,300-mile trek, we made stops at
supplier and distributor members’ factories and offices from South Carolina to Connecticut, seeking
opportunities and information that would help us better serve our membership.
Mark Jenkins, MAS+ PPAI Chair of the Board
PERSPECTIVES
I
201412_Perspectives_PPB 2013 11/14/14 2:02 PM Page 4