PPB December 2018

open about the good and bad within their organizations. Everyone was willing to share and no one was holding back. I felt everyone was trying to help the regional community as a whole, rather than just themselves.” Heather O’Neill, CAS, New England Promotional Professionals Association board member and repeat attendee to LDW, adds, “LDW is truly the best way for all the regionals to connect. We’re all doing fantastic things and we communicate that with each other throughout the year, but this is the time to make connections and new friends among your peers, to meet with the PPAI staff and discuss the challenges each organization is having. LDW is an opportunity to learn from each other and collaborate on issues. People leave LDW on a high. You feel like you’re having an impact when you attend it.” Mark Farrar, executive director for Sunbelt Promotional Products Association, Gold Coast Promotional Products Association and Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South, is an industry veteran and long-time LDW attendee, but this year brought something special to the table. He says, “Next year I’ll have been in the industry for 20 years and I’ve been to most of the LDWs. If this wasn’t the best I’ve been to, it was one of them. From the keynote speaker, who was one of the best I’ve ever heard, to the group activities, it was a great experience.” Burnett, Meyer And Bibb Recognized At LDWAwards Reception The regional community celebrated its best at this year’s Leadership Development Workshop. Roger Burnett, vice president of sales and marketing at Fort Collins, Colorado, supplier Branded Logistics, LLC, and Steven Meyer, MAS, vice president of sales at Dallas, Texas-based supplier RiteLine, were presented with the 2018 PPAI RAC Volunteer of the Year award during a dinner in their honor. Lisa Bibb, MAS, executive director for the Virginia Promotional Products Association (VAPPA) and the Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals (GAPPP), was also presented with the 2018 Donna Hall Memorial Grant. The PPAI RAC Volunteer of the Year award is presented annually to regional association members who have demonstrated an outstanding level of volunteerism and leadership, and who have made significant and measurable contributions to a regional association. Adding to the fun and sense of camaraderie at LDW, leaders from Northwest Promotional Marketing Association dressed up for the opening session. Roger Burnett was one of two recipients honored with the 2018 PPAI RAC Volunteer of the Year award. RAC President Lindsey Davis, MAS, welcomes attendees to the event in October. | DECEMBER 2018 | 93 CONNECT