PPB October 2017

throughout his career in the promotional product industry. Every committee, task force, board position and group has felt the passion Charles bring to the table. He asks the questions most people dare not to ask. Why? Because he is a truth seeker for the causes he champions. “Charles deserves this recognition for his years of service and support for the industry and for those who have been on the receiving end of his efforts, whether personal or on a wider scope,” adds Felber. “I can personally state that my life has been enriched just knowing Charles. I am sure I am not alone.” As a long-time industry volunteer, Lazarus has lent his talents to both PPAI and the regional association community. His volunteer service with PPAI has included leadership roles with the Conventions Advisory Council, the Distributors Advisory Council, the Education Advisory Council and the Distributors Advisory Council, as well as with the Association’s Distributors Committee, Leadership Committee, Conventions Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and the Chairman’s Committee of 100. He has also dedicated his time to the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) and the Gold Coast Promotional Products Association (GCPPA), holding leadership positions at both regional associations, most recently as GCPPA board president in 2009. Lazarus’ nominator, Joel Schaffer, MAS, says, “I have worked side by side with literally hundreds of volunteers in PPAI and regionals across America. I can easily say that no single person I have worked with personifies the volunteer spirit this industry has been built upon, and still needs, more than Bill Lazarus. In every way, Bill is the poster child for volunteer contributions … dedicated, enthusiastic, an affable ambassador of good will, a motivator inspiring others to join, an honest person leading by example, and a ‘roll up your sleeves’ participant in every aspect of an assignment. He is a leader’s leader and a worker’s worker. We, as an industry, need to have just a few more Bills, and the value added to association membership and benefits would be incalculable.” Duggan and Lazarus will be honored during the Chairman’s Leadership Dinner on January 15, 2018, during The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. Read more about them in PPB ’s January issue. William “Bill” Lazarus PLATINUM 98 | OCTOBER 2017 | CONNECT