PPB April 2019

IN MEMORIAM: Mike Bowen Mike Bowen, CEO of distributor Champion Awards, Inc. (PPAI 103877) in Memphis, Tennessee, was involved in a car accident on February 7 while on vacation with his wife in Costa Rica. He passed away on February 9 at age 61. Bowen co-founded Custom Print Apparel in 1979, which merged with Champion Trophy and later became Champion Awards and Apparel. He had led the company since 2000. Bowen attended Lambuth University and was a 1979 graduate of then-Memphis State University where he studied marketing and management. Bowen was a lifetime member of the University of Memphis Alumni Association, a graduate of Leadership Memphis and was serving on the organization’s board of directors for the 2018-2019 class. He was also a member of the Tiger Scholarship Fund, Memphis Convention Bureau, Memphis Chamber of Commerce and the Beale Street Merchants Association. He was formerly involved in the Memphis Jaycees Foundation and served on the board of directors for Special Olympics. In 2017 and 2018, his company was named one of PPB’s 60 Greatest Companies To Work For. Bowen is survived by his wife of 29 years, Suzie, and two sons, Colby and Michael. His family has released this statement: “My father was a true trailblazer for recidivism reform and succeeded in changing the conversation on how we treat one another in our community. His wife and family give heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of support we have received at this very difficult time.” In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Kindred Place, 2180 Union Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38104. IN MEMORIAM: Karen Kravitz Karen Kravitz, an account executive for HALO Branded Solutions, passed away February 11 after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 60. A 35-year industry veteran, Kravitz founded Phoenix, Arizona-based distributor Commotion Promotions in 1984 with her husband, Ken Kravitz, a HALO regional vice president of sales. HALO acquired Commotion Promotions in 2014. Kravitz was an active volunteer to many charitable, civic and industry organizations throughout her career. “Karen bravely fought pancreatic cancer while maintaining a physical exercise regimen and enjoying sales success that few could approach,” says Marc Simon, HALO CEO. “She beat a different form of cancer several years ago and approached life with a remarkable level of vigor, empathy and passion. Karen established herself as one of our top-performing account executives as well as a giving and thoughtful leader within our community. We were privileged to have been witness to and beneficiary of the wonderful contributions she made to HALO.” Kravitz’s Rabbi described her as “a force of nature, filled with energy and positive thoughts, whose good deeds set an example for all.” One of her customers noted that Kravitz was “a wonderful, strong, classy, determined, understanding lady and I am so happy to have had her in my life.” Kravitz is survived by her husband Ken; twin daughters Jordan Kravitz and Aliza Cooper and her husband Chad; mother Alice Condulis and sister Dana Manross. Both Manross and Chad Cooper are also HALO account executives. 90 | APRIL 2019 | CONNECT