PPB January 2019

Association leaders wear many different hats as Michele Jennrich demonstrates with longtime friend and fellow SAAGNY volunteer Joel Schaffer, MAS. “There are so many people in this industry who do so much. I am humbled to be recognized and honored to be selected.” Shining Through Service Michele Jennrich, MAS, stands out as a gem in the promotional products industry for her selfless service. by Audrey Sellers I f you see Michele Jennrich, MAS, supplier representative of Michigan- based Howard Miller Co., at The PPAI Expo this month, you’ll probably notice a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her face. She loves trade shows (even setting up and tearing down booths) and treasures the time she gets to enjoy with her peers and customers. This year, Jennrich has an extra reason to smile: she is the recipient of the 2019 PPAI Distinguished Service Award. PPAI presents this annual award to members who consistently go above and beyond to serve the Association and industry. For many in the industry, Jennrich rises as a deserving choice for the honor. Harvey Mackler, MAS, president of GEMPIRE/Floral Promotions and one of Jennrich’s many nominators, says he hasn’t encountered a more eager volunteer than the New Jersey native. “In all my many years of volunteerism, no one has done more voluntarily than Michele,” he says. “All her actions and activities have benefited many of us in the industry. She tirelessly works for others.” Jennrich has volunteered countless hours serving on PPAI advisory groups, councils and committees including the Suppliers Advisory Council, MAS/CAS Advisory Council, Awards Committee, Membership Services Committee, Leadership Advisory Committee, Education Committee, Government Relations Advisory Council, Multi-line Representatives Council and Regional Association Council (RAC), among many others. From 2008-2009, she volunteered her skills and expertise as president of the Promotional Professionals Mentoring Network. She also served as regional association legislative chair from 2009- 2010 and was named the RAC Volunteer of the Year in 2011. In 2016, Jennrich received PPAI Fellow recognition for her personal involvement in the industry. When there’s a need, Jennrich is happy to help the industry she adores. “This industry has been very good tome,” she says, “and I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Always up for traveling, Jennrich has been an active participant in PPAI’s Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.) since its inception in 2010. Each year, she joins dozens of industry colleagues in Washington, D.C. to educate legislators about the issues most pressing to the promotional products industry. Jennrich has also volunteered in numerous ways for the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY), including serving from 1992-1999 as a director, treasurer, secretary, vice president and president. In appreciation for her dedication and contributions, Jennrich was named to the SAAGNY Hall of Fame in 2003. Through Celebrating The Exceptional | FEATURE | JANUARY 2019 | 39