PPB November 2017

PPAI’s Barnett Joins Regional Association Fall Events, Meets With College Students PPAI Diversity Development and Engagement Manager Seth Barnett was on the road in September, speaking at the fall showcases of the Tri- State Promotional Professional Association (TSPPA), the Virginia Promotional Product Association (VAPPA), the New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA) and the Promotional Products Association of theMidwest (PPAM), and connecting with college freshmen at Johnson &Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he was a guest lecturer for an introductorymarketing class. Speaking to regional association members, Barnett addressed the changing consumer market, the need for social media integration and the increasing presence of younger people in the promotional products industry. Barnett’s presentation at Johnson & Wales University showed students how the promotional products industry fits into the marketing mix and how buyers appreciate its cost-effective reach and recall. Proforma’s OAC provides leadership to the network and serves as a liaison between owners and Proforma’s executive team, offering input and guidance in the development of sales and business tools, resources and programs. Pictured are: (front row from left) Steven Flaughers; Andy Fornaro; Proforma Founder Greg Muzzillo; Proforma CEO Vera Muzzillo; Vivek Narola and Mike Shrader; (second row from left) Proforma CFO Rick Hileman; Susan Freiberg; Brenda Angelini; Rachel Zabala; Yvette Hymel; Proforma CMO Deanna Castello; and Proforma CTO Brian Carothers; and (third row, from left) John Keith; Proforma Director of Strategic Partner Development Michele Cardello; Proforma COO and General Council Doug Kordel; Jeff Rothchild; Brandon Kennedy; Tim Meffert and Proforma CSO Tom Rizzi. BIC Graphic Hosts Media Day On September 28, supplier BICGraphic welcomed editorial staff from several industry publications toMedia Day at its headquarters in Clearwater, Florida. Terry Ramsay, PPAI associate editor, attended the event, which included presentations from the sales, marketing andmanufacturing departments, and factory tours. Among the presenters was Emmanuel Bruno, president of BIC Graphic, who led a discussion about the company’s focus on creating a flexible, digital workflow that improves service for distributors, and, ultimately, end users. PPAI Associate Editor Terry Ramsay (center) and other members of the media were treated to guided tours of BIC’s two manufacturing facilities, including a look at its proprietary robot automation and flex machines. The tours were led by employees in their work sites, rather than management, so that those who perform each function were able to demonstrate their areas of expertise and pride in their craft. The tours also included a look at customer relations and training, with an in-depth view at how those areas support the company vision. Proforma’s Owner Advisory Council (OAC) held its annual planning meeting in September at the Polyconcept North America (PCNA) headquarters in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. The OAC, comprised of member owners elected each year to represent their geographical regions, meets annually with executive teammembers to set the goals and initiatives to drive the continued growth of the organization. Proforma Owner Advisory Council Holds Annual PlanningMeeting At PCNAHeadquarters Addressing the promotional products media, Emmanuel Bruno emphasized the supplier’s commitment to creatively collaborate with distributors. “Ultimately, everything we can do to help the distributor is where we are going to invest,” he said. 86 | NOVEMBER 2017 | CONNECT