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CONNECT
regional associations face. I believe better decisions can be made, mov-
ing forward, when critiquing and benchmarking against others, not just
from the past experience of our own regional association.”
Carpenter adds, “From my very first LDW, it was obvious to me
that the volunteers in attendance were and are committed, giving and
competent professionals who were eager to learn and share their experi-
ences. What wasn’t obvious was how often I would hear one attendee
tell another, ‘I thought we were the only ones with that challenge.’What
has always encouraged me has been that rather than a ‘misery loves
company’ attitude, I more often see the strength-in-numbers mentality
prevail. I have always left LDW feeing stronger and more energized to
make my association a better and more vital value to our members.”
Sue Selseth, executive director of the Upper Midwest Association
of Promotional Professionals, says, “LDW always provides valuable
opportunities to share information and ideas with peers, meet other
association leaders, and establish or reconnect relationships with volun-
teers and staff. A wide array of sessions are offered that incite creativity,
promote idea sharing, and provide industry-specific tools that associa-
tion leaders can implement for best practices. The networking and edu-
cation together make LDW a unique and rewarding experience.”
Rebecca Mclaughlin, CAS, operations manager at Erie,
Pennsylvania supplier CPS/The Keystone Line and president of the
Regional Association Council, noted, “The week truly shows how
committed our industry is to each other and how our volunteers are
truly committed to giving back to the industry. For first-time atten-
dees, this event is the best thing you can do if you are new to your
board or new to the industry. If you really want to get involved, this is
the place to get started.”
LDW attendees had their choice of 28 education sessions with
speakers and panelists from PPAI and within and outside of the
promotional products industry.
PPAI Welcomes Wehrle, David and Cohen To The
Association’s Board Of Directors
In October, PPAI announced the
results of its 2015 Board of Directors
election, welcoming new members Perry
Wehrle, president of distributor PAW
Marketing, Inc., and Brittany David, vice
president of sales at supplier SnugZ
USA. In addition, Larry Cohen, president
and CEO of Axis Promotions, was
appointed to the PPAI Board of
Directors as at-large director with full
voting rights. The new board members
and at-large director will begin their
terms immediately following The PPAI
Expo 2016. Wehrle and David will serve
four-year terms, while Cohen’s term is
for two years.
The board of directors is the govern-
ing body for PPAI and plays a major role
in directing its strategic activities, adopt-
ing policies and approving budgets to
carry out the work of the Association.
The trio participated in a new board
member orientation program at PPAI
Headquarters in November.
PPB
spoke
with the new board members about their
qualifications and goals for their terms
on the PPAI board.
Perry Wehrle
Throughout his more than 35 years in
the promotional products industry,
Wehrle has been an
active member and
supporter of PPAI,
both as a supplier
and a distributor. He
is also a past presi-
dent of the
Partnering Group,
helping that organi-
zation realign its
supplier structure during his tenure, and
prior to his presidency, serving on a
number of its committees.
PPB:
Why do you want to serve on the
PPAI Board?
Wehrle:
As I built my business up for
the past 25-plus years I always felt the
need and desire to give back; give back
to the only industry that I have ever
worked in … give back to others so that
they too can become successful and
grow, and hopefully so they too can
give back in the future. I want to share
my knowledge and leadership with oth-
ers in an effort to keep our industry
strong and growing.
PPB:
What unique strengths and
experiences do you bring to the PPAI
board?
Wehrle:
Early on, I worked in our family
supplier business, and then for 25-plus
years as a distributor. I have a deep
understanding of the needs of the sup-
pliers as well as what is required to be a