PPB June 2018

Updated PPAI Certification ProgramComingThis Summer PPAI is updating its certification program to provide a better overall learning experience for industry professionals. The program redesign is based on feedback from members who have been through the program, including members of the PPAI Certification Committee. To ensure a smooth transition for all members in pursuit of certification or certification renewal, the Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS), Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) and Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) programs have been in a blackout period. The new versions of the TAS and CAS will be launched June 29, while the new MAS program will be rolled out August 31. For industry professionals who are currently working toward earning the TAS certificate or the CAS or MAS designation, the Professional Development department is prepared to assist them during the transition period. Industry practitioners who are close to sitting for the exam should reach out to the Professional Development team at certification@ppai.org. Staff can provide alternatives during the first several months of the transition to the new certification program. Individuals who are working to keep their certifications current will not be affected by the transition. The recertification requirements remain at 25 CAS or MAS credits every three years. Individuals still need to complete the application to have their transcript reviewed to ensure their certification is renewed, but the application process for recertification is now available online at https:// onlineeducation.ppai.org/applications. Jennifer Crowfoot, director of professional development, says there will no longer be one comprehensive test after completing all of the course credits. Instead, shorter quizzes are offered incrementally. “The changes will better reflect adult learning principles that allow learners to be measured throughout the program,” she says. Highlights of the new certification program include: • The TAS certificate will have a structured program with identified online offerings to complete. The courses have been identified specifically for individuals who are new to the industry to provide them a solid foundation to start their education in the promotional products industry. for everyone to succeed. Notably for the promotional products industry, he co-sponsored the Save Local Business Act (HR 3441), which provides clarification to the legal definition of a joint employer under the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act, and he has met with leaders of the Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) for the past three years. An advocate for small business, Upton has been given a 100 percent rating and named a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business, which is the largest small business association in the country. He also joined Google in a “Get Your Business Online” event aimed at helping small businesses develop an online presence as a tool for growth, and he has co-sponsored and supported legislation to alleviate the tax burden on small businesses and opposed regulations that would be burdensome. In Upton’s home state of Michigan, 97 percent of promotional products companies are small businesses that employ more than 8,000 people and generate revenues of more than $465 million. The PPAI Legislator of the Year Award is presented as part of L.E.A.D. when PPAI leadership and industry professionals visit Washington, D.C. Past recipients of the PPAI Legislator of the Year award are Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) in 2017, Reps. Steven Chabot (R-OH) and Greg Walden (R-OR) in 2016, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) in 2015, Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) in 2014, Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) in 2013 and Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA) in 2012. Capitol Update As this issue went to press, PPAI had just concluded its ninth Legislative Education And Action Day (L.E.A.D.) in Washington D.C. with 80 PPAI leaders, staff and industry professionals holding more than 300 meetings with senators, congressional representatives and their legislative staffs from all 50 states. Key areas of focus for those meetings, held May 16-17, included: • Protecting the promotional products industry that contributes more than $23.3 billion to the domestic economy and provides nearly 500,000 jobs • Protecting and preserving the interests of small businesses, and encouraging policies and tax climates that drive innovation and entrepreneurship • Supporting trade agreements and adapting the global supply chain to ensure ease of international operations • Product responsibility—balancing risk and reason Read more about who participated and what they accomplished, and see the photos, at http://pubs.ppai . org/ppb-newslink. W A S H I N G T O N , D . C . • M A Y 1 6 - 1 7 , 2 0 1 8 | JUNE 2018 | 91 CONNECT