PPB December 2018

feed back Send feedback on articles in PPB or opinions on industry issues to JamesK@ppai.org . Promo Products Champion Nonprofits’ Missions In October, PPAI responded to Capital One’s #GoSWAGless initiative that encourages businesses to join the bank in donating some or all of their marketing budget spent on merchandise—promotional products— to support charities and nonprofits. The Association and PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, reached out to Capital One to offer a counterpoint that promotional products are invaluable tools for supporting the mission of charities and nonprofits. Thanks to PPAI for reaching out to Capital One regarding the #GoSWAGless initiative they’ve been pushing. Your argument was spot on—over half our revenue is generated through collaboration with nonprofits who find promotional products a unique, cost- effective and meaningful way to advance their missions. In terms of the return on these projects, our No. 1 customer is consistently upheld as the golden standard of both marketing and stewardship in nonprofit fundraising. Their work with us literally bolsters their efforts to eradicate terminal childhood illness. When we see our promotions in their constituents’ hands or read about their latest life-saving success, we feel like champions. Their partnership (and the partnership of many others) has accelerated our efforts to shuffle off the stigma of promotional products as disposable, as cheap or— perhaps worst of all—a waste of money. We will continue seeking to elevate the image of our industry and are thrilled with the way everyone at PPAI is doing the same. EVAN MANN Marketing Director Ideas Unlimited Memphis, Tennessee PPAI 105759 No Saturday Mail Could Relieve USPS Woes The October 30 issue of PPB Newslink shared news that the United States Postal Service (USPS) had announced new rates on certain mail services, scheduled to go into effect January 27, 2019. The new rates are being put in place to keep the agency competitive while providing it with needed revenue. These rates have increased over and over again. We never seem to reach out for any solutions, or, at least a partial solution of some kind. What can be done with the high cost of the U. S. post office? Here’s one: advocate for no Saturday mail delivery, other than special delivery. Most offices are closed and most residents don’t care. Divide the cost of labor, vehicle maintenance, etc. by six and that could be the savings, each week. MARGARET CUSTER FORD, MAS Founder MARCO Ideas Unlimited, Inc. Lake Oswego, Oregon PPAI 106680 The five-day mail service has been working fine in Canada for decades. Who receives such important mail on Saturday that can’t wait until Monday? If there are specific cases, move the mailing date back one day to ensure Friday delivery. Five-days-a-week mail would cut the budget back substantially. Unfortunately, this would also cost jobs but if we are truly looking for solutions, this is the way other countries (not just Canada) help control their costs and still serve the purpose of the mail service. GARY BENNETT South El Monte, California 8 | DECEMBER 2018 |