PPB June 2018

supply chain and the value that committed suppliers bring to our distributors with product safety, social responsibility, etc. We also discussed the value of the distributor and the relationships and access the distributor sales force has with end-users and customers, and the value this brings suppliers versus trying to find customers on their own in the U.S. market.” While in Hong Kong, Bellantone, Denham and Tomasini attended a meeting of the World Advertising Gift Exchange (WAGE) to share the Association’s perspectives on the state of the promotional products industry. WAGE is a global network comprised of 20 international promotional products companies. Jo-an Lantz, MAS, executive vice president at Geiger and a past PPAI board chair, is president of the group. The PPAI leaders also joined a meeting of the Switzerland-based International Partnership for Premiums & Gifts (IPPAG), a consortium of companies specializing in promotional products. “What struck me during this trip is that the world is watching us,” says Tomasini. “We are the trusted leader and they truly look to us for our leadership and vision. I heard many times that other countries look to the U.S. for trends that will follow in their countries in the next two to three years.” Denham adds, “Attending WAGE and IPPAG meetings are extremely beneficial. We get the opportunity to hear detailed information about different markets that may help influence future directions for the U.S. market. At the same time, IPPAG and WAGE members are always keen to hear from PPAI about what is happening in the U.S. market. Several of the executives I spoke to at these meetings told me how important it is for them to hear from PPAI and how insightful it is. This helps put the “I” in PPAI, as we share our knowledge beyond North America for the good of everyone.” PPAI Names Rep. Fred Upton 2018 Legislator Of The Year PPAI has named Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) as the Association’s 2018 Legislator of the Year. Rep. Upton was presented with the award last month in Washington, D.C. during the PPAI Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.). The award is presented annually to a current member of Congress who has demonstrated a high level of interest in and support of the promotional products industry, its members and their businesses, and pending legislation which could affect the industry and its practitioners. “PPAI is honored to present the PPAI Legislator of the Year Award to Rep. Upton for his commitment to help grow and strengthen small businesses,” says Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI president and CEO. “The Representative’s work in support of issues important to our small business owners and our industry have been essential in helping us grow, protect and advocate for our industry.” Upton is the U.S. representative for Michigan’s 6th congressional district, having served since 1987. He will receive the award in recognition of a career in public service that has focused on uniting communities by supporting a stronger economy, good- paying jobs, affordable health care, a secure retirement and a fair chance At the Hong Kong Premium & Gifts Fair, Bellantone (left) and Denham presented an education session on the state of the U.S. marketplace and business opportunities. | JUNE 2018 | 89 CONNECT Fred Upton