PPB February 2018

strategies integrate with broader end-to-end solutions for marketers. PPB: How will AMA members benefit from increased exposure to the promotional products industry and its professionals? Klein: The rate and volume of disruption in marketing, particularly driven by technology, has distracted marketers from time-honored strategies and tactics that are every bit as effective, if not more so, in 2018. I can’t think of a better example than the power of promotional products, which still play a key role in experience design and storytelling rolled into one. The AMA is devoted to balancing traditional techniques with innovative thinking to find the right solutions for a particular marketing challenge. PPAI Launches Associate Program PPAI has refined and expanded how industry practitioners can interact with the Association through the introduction of the PPAI Associate program. While not a full membership to the Association, the program opens the door to a select range of benefits and opportunities to industry companies. The PPAI Associate program is designed to improve and expand PPAI’s connections with industry businesses, and to help better serve their needs and meet their challenges. The Associate program is a positive first step in engaging with PPAI, and it serves as a stepping stone to becoming a full PPAI member. The PPAI Associate program is free, although identifying product responsibility and government relations contacts within the registering industry business is a pre- requisite. This requirement is in place in the event the Association puts out a call to action in either area, and to ensure that Associates are represented in PPAI’s member counts when advocating on behalf of the industry to Congress or other outside agencies or associations. PPAI Associates will be part of the PPAI Industry Directory, which will launch this year. Associates can create, maintain and upgrade their company listings in the directory, which will be available to everyone in the promotional products industry. The PPAI Associate program also includes admission to The PPAI Expo and Expo East, and access to the Association’s digital publications. To become a PPAI Associate, visit www.ppai.org . www.TheDistributorExchange.com • 844-251-8544 (toll free) All inquiries are strictly confidential. Do you want to sell your distributorship? We can help you sell your distributorship quickly and easily. “This type of business transaction was completely foreign to me so it was invaluable to have The Distributor Exchange take us through the process step by step. They went above and beyond in all regards. I couldn’t be happier with their efforts to make this a win win for all parties involved.” – Cindy Gibbs - Big Fish Branding | FEBRUARY 2018 | 75 CONNECT