PPB July 2018

and building a relationship with the individuals who represent us.” Among the 17 first-time attendees was Meghan Kory, territory manager for Tampa- based supplier Hit Promotional Products, who noted, “I think it is important to advocate for what we are passionate about.” Kara Keister, national account manager at City Apparel and also a first-time L.E.A.D. attendee, says, “L.E.A.D. was an awesome and eye-opening experience. As a first-time attendee, I was so impressed with the hustle and bustle in the halls and the attentiveness of the staffers. And I loved having the opportunity to explain the value, benefit and employment opportunities our industry offers to the U.S. economy.” L.E.A.D.’s second day began with the presentation of PPAI’s Legislator of the Year honor to Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI). For the past six years PPAI has honored 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 Board Chair Dale Denham, MAS+, made the presentation. Denham, CIO at Geiger, is a passionate believer in the value L.E.A.D. provides to legislators and to the promotional products industry. “Advocating on behalf of the industry is something that a lot of people talk about being important, but that very few make the effort to do,” he says. “It is easy to discount the value of the effort until you sit in the meetings and see the connections— especially during repeat visits where you learn your previous visits made a difference.” During L.E.A.D., Denham met with Jonathan Vecchi, an aide to Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) “Upon seeing me he said, ‘I remember you from last year—you gave me hand sanitizer!’ Needless to say, that made our job of telling him about the power of promotional products much easier. Jonathan remembered most of the topics we discussed last year and was very supportive of our efforts on behalf of the industry.” Loren Richardson, an Alabama-based territory manager for alphabroder, was glad to build upon past meetings he’s had with his legislators. “It’s nice to see consistency in meetings year after year and that the senators and representatives understand the value of promotional products. They also value the jobs that our industry creates as well as the revenue our industry drives. Having examples to show, as well as finding examples they use [in their work] makes it easy for them to relate to our industry.” Jeff Franklin, national accounts manager for Headwear USA, also had a busy day on Capitol Hill—and a few surprises as well. “It was refreshing to hear that a few people on the Hill have some close ties to our industry. One senior counsel grew up with all our swag because his mother worked for a large liquor company and was in charge of purchasing all of the great products we offer. Another legislator has an uncle in the embroidery business. Ultimately, our industry’s key points on preserving the Safe Harbor Rule for independent contractors, maintaining the current 100 percent deductible advertising expenditures, and educating them on our industry’s stance on the global supply chain were all well received, and their alliance on these issues was reassuring. It was also great to see firsthand the smiles on their faces when we handed them a few promotional products.” Bob Levitt, who handles California sales for Staples Promotional Products, says that explaining the concerns of small business to congressional staffers and the representatives and senators they work for is a great way to spend a day in D.C. “I was proud to be representing the nearly 6,000 promotional products companies in California,” he says. “With our state, in particular, where nearly 97 percent of employers are small businesses, our messages were critically important. One of the highlights of my day was having a Bill Petrie (left) and Meghan Kory reviewed key industry issues with Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN) during their scheduled visit. PPAI presented its Legislator of the Year award to Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), second from left, during L.E.A.D. in May. Doing the honors are PPAI Board Chair Dale Denham, MAS+; President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE; and Chair-Elect Brittany David, CAS. 82 | JULY 2018 | CONNECT