PPB October 2016

80 / 112

representatives about the promotional
products industry and tomeet with leaders
at the CPSC. Have you joined your industry
in these events or, if you cannot, have you
connected with your own representative or
senator? Your actions are absolutely critical.
Themore that your representatives know you
and understand your business before a crisis,
the better they can help you and relate to you
during a crisis.
A Changing World
The one constant that we know is change.
Inevitably there will be new products,
new supply chains, new challenges and,
occasionally, new rules to play by.
Most of these new regulations are
subject to what is called “public comment
rulemaking.” As part of nearly every
proposal, the commission asks you, the
public, for your comments before acting on
any new proposed regulation. The reality,
however, is that too often these proposed
regulations are not widely publicized or
simply get lost in the day-to-day activity
of our busy lives. Some regulations are
finalized after only receiving one or two
comments while other proposals may
receive hundreds. One way that a trade
association like PPAI assists its members is
by paying close attention to Washington and
keeping up its relationships and reputation
to try to influence proposed regulations that
affect an industry like yours. Remember that
CPSC employees cannot possibly know or
understand every sector of the economy, so
industry participation is vital.
So far, PPAI’s efforts are working and the
industry is growing and thriving. Not only
has PPAI established relationships on Capitol
Hill, it has built and nurtured an excellent
reputation with the commission and its staff.
These relationships are absolutely invaluable
to the industry.
What Does It All Mean?
Under PPAI’s leadership the industry
has emerged as a recognized player in
Washington, D.C., with a positive reputation
for the industry’s economic contributions
and a proactive problem-solving approach.
Don’t just cast your vote and walk away
in November.The conversation with
Washington, D.C., is critically important and
continues long after the next president is
sworn into office.
Your actions are as important as your
vote. Whatever you do in November, make
sure that your vote is the beginning—not
the end—of your engagement.
Neal Cohen, a product safety attorney, is a
former small business ombudsman for the
Consumer Product Safety Commission. He spoke
at the PPAI Product Responsibility Summit in
September and presented sessions previously at
Summit and also atThe PPAI Expo.
Cohen currently works withmanufacturers and
importers to guide them in all aspects of product
safety including import detentions, government
investigations, product recalls, mandatory
government reporting, product warnings and
instructions, and product risk assessments.
Prior to joining the CPSC, he was a courtroom
attorney inNewYork City and practiced
corporate law at King & Spalding LLC.
The industry is constantly changing, and our patented technology offers
easy and fully-customized soluuons to help our dynamic sales professionals
adapt. Pairing our creaave experts with unique technology, our clients
always receive branded merchandise that creates a lassng impression.
Don’t waste your time wishing you could do more for your clients.
Take that step, and make it happen with Boundless.
PPAI #267078
spark more Brand Love moments.
For more informaaon, visit
“either you’re going to be boundless
or be wishing you were.”
Sales Professional since 2014
be bold. #beboundless
While the new
president’s
selection of a new
chairman will
have a big effect,
that selection is
really only the
beginning of
how the CPSC
will continue to
influence your
business in the
years to come.
While your
vote matters,
your actions
matter more.
78 | OCTOBER 2016 |
THINK