PPB July 2018

The Promotional Products Industry Goes ToWashington Nearly 80 PPAI leaders, industry professionals and staff visited Capitol Hill in May to hold a record 306 meetings with legislators and their staffs, focused on protecting the promotional products industry and preserving the interests of small businesses. PPAI’s ninth annual Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.) began with an education session and lunch for all participants before heading to Capitol Hill for their first appointments. A luncheon presentation was made by former lobbyist and advocacy guru Stephanie Vance, a 25‑year veteran of the Washington, D.C., political scene and an author of five books, including the recently released The Influence Game . From her experiences as a legislative director and Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill, she provided an entertaining, informative lesson on how to conduct effective political advocacy. Among the key industry topics discussed this year were the value of promotional products, independent contractors, advertising expenditures and the global value chain. “I am always in awe of the number of volunteers who take time out of their busy lives and come together on The Hill to educate Washington about the promotional products industry,” says PPAI Chair-Elect Brittany David, CAS, vice president of sales at Salt Lake City, Utah-based supplier SnugZ USA. “I am hoping that our voices will be remembered when decisions are made about small businesses, independent contractors, advertising spend/deductions and our global supply chain. It is important that our industry is brought into the light and that the power of our $23.3 billion [in annual sales] and 500,000 jobs speaks loudly to those who represent us in D.C.” Returning participant Mary Dobsch, president of supplier The Chest in Washington, Missouri, believes L.E.A.D. truly helps elevate the industry and its issues. “Our visits make us real people with real concerns,” she says. “When we provide information professionally and with true stories, it becomes something they cannot push to the side of their desks. It is important that we remind our Congress about the concerns and issues that the 24,500 Missouri constituents that they represent are facing in today’s business environment. They can only represent us well if they are aware of the issues we are dealing with. I truly enjoy making these contacts The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) hosted a factory tour during PPW! Week in partnership with Chocolate Inn/Taylor & Grant/Lanco at the Hicksville, New York- based supplier’s facility. While L.E.A.D. drew nearly 80 industry professionals and PPAI staff to Washington, D.C., legislative outreach took place throughout the country during PPW! Week. David Hawes, MAS+, brand architect with Geiger, met with Minnesota state Sen. Melisa Franzen. During their meeting, Hawes presented her with a pen that was used to promote Career Day at Gordon Parks High School in St. Paul earlier this year. Hawes says, “Promotional Products Work! Week gave me a chance to show Sen. Franzen our industry in action. When I explained that the Illuminator pen she was holding was used to inspire kids to ‘Do What You Love’ when choosing their career, she responded emotionally. We’re the only advertising medium that appeals to all six senses, including the heart. Promotional Products Work! Week is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our industry with pride and passion.” PPAI’s staff took part in PPW! Week as well, making personal visits to industry companies in North Texas throughout the week to get to know them, their employees and to learn how they operate in the promotional products industry. The Association documented these visits in Facebook Live videos throughout PPW! Week. Visit PPAI’s Facebook page to learn more about what Association employees discovered during their visits. Team members at Quality Logo Products show off the #PowerOfPromo shirts the company created that highlight and explain the effectiveness of promotional products. This year’s Legislative Education and Action Day drew nearly 80 industry pros, PPAI leadership and staff to Washington D.C. 80 | JULY 2018 | CONNECT