PPB January 2018

FEATURE | PPAI 2018 Award Winners L ate one afternoon in June 1996, the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) board was preparing to host a cocktail party for VIPs at the opening of its signature trade show. As co-chair of the SAAGNY show, Bill Lazarus, MAS, was front and center, ready to greet guests and kick off the event. But right before the party started, Lazarus noticed that cigarette butts were littering the patio, so he immediately dropped to his knees and started picking them up. Joel Schaffer, MAS, chief executive officer at supplier Soundline and a SAAGNY volunteer leader at the time as well, says this image of Lazarus has stuck with him over the years. “It was not his job; he simply took it and filled a void. He did it with so much drive and dedication that the [event staff] realized they needed to follow his lead.” Lazarus, vice president of distributor Promotional Breezes (PPAI 256312), has a history of jumping in when he’s needed. As a long-time industry volunteer, he has lent his talents to both PPAI and the regional association community. Years ago, Lazarus was instrumental in building the SAAGNY Foundation, the first charitable foundation in the industry, raising more than $25,000 annually for nearly a decade. At the same time, Lazarus noticed a common problem at trade shows. Participants were encumbered by the number of giveaways that they were collecting and carrying, so he and Schaffer together pioneered the idea of trade show valet services, which offer participants the convenience of dropping their samples at kiosks located throughout the show. The items are then packaged for each individual and held until the end of the event. The Valet Express, as it was first known, was introduced at the SAAGNY show, and its legacy remains in shows across the country today. Schaffer, who nominated Lazarus for this year’s PPAI honor, says, “[Lazarus] alone took an idea, ran with it Leading By Example No task is too big or too small for Bill Lazarus, MAS, a 2018 PPAI Distinguished Service Award Winner by Terry Ramsay 2018 A WARD R ECIPIENT Distinguished Service Award ™ Named one of PPB ’s Best Bosses in 2010, Lazarus is pictured here with son Steven Lazarus, MAS, vice president; Linda Sandler, customer service representative; and Amanda Levine, sales support specialist. “It’s true that giving back to other organizations helps you grow your business, because the more contacts you have, the better off you will be in the long run.” 40 | JANUARY 2018 |