PPB August 2019

Dallas and a youth group leader. She also advised and counseled young women through the B’nai Brith Youth Organization where she was adored as Aunt Irene. Michael Kogutt, MAS, the youngest of her three sons (including Randy and Jeff), was present at the WLC presentation to accept the award. His remarks were laced with humor and emotion as he recalled a mother who focused on being the best at whatever she took on, whether as a businessowner, volunteer, mentor, wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother or friend. For example, when Dart Manufacturing decided to get involved in the promotional products industry in 1984 (Sam didn’t think it was a good idea, so Kogutt and Michael forged ahead without him), she immersed herself in industry education classes while at trade shows and through week-long education seminars, and required Michael do the same. At one point, she had earned the 10th highest number of continuing education units (CEUs) in the industry; she achieved her MAS designation in 1989. Armed with a solid foundation of knowledge and experience, Kogutt began to volunteer, first for the Dallas-area regional association, then called Specialty Advertising Association Metroplex, where she was program chair, membership chair, vice president and president. She then served on PPAI’s Conventions Committee as a member and as chair. In 1993, she was elected to the PPAI board where she served four years and was vice-chair marketing communications and vice-chair special events. In 1996, she joined the PPCEF board of trustees and was chair in 1998. It was in that role that she earned her reputation as an influential and beloved fundraiser for PPCEF. “It was in her service on the board of PPCEF where Irene got her nickname, ‘The Dragon Lady,’” Michael explained with a smile during the award acceptance speech. “She had to have been the most prolific cash fundraiser (or more accurately a pick pocket) in the organization’s history and probably still is to this day. She would work the entry corridors in the registration area at Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to the opening of The PPAI Expo collecting cash donations on behalf of PPCEF from anyone and everyone who crossed her path. Even I wasn’t immune. She would sternly approach me and say, ‘Get out your wallet!’” Kogutt was also an early advocate of educating legislators about the industry. While president of her regional association, she regularly visited Texas senators’ offices in Washington D.C. to discuss industry interests. When the family sold Dart in 2007, after 42 years in business, Kogutt refocused her energy and began to learn more about her faith. Having grown up in a small Illinois town, she did not have access to a strong Jewish community and was unable to earn her Bat Mitzvah as a young teen. But her dedication was fierce. She took her house Kosher, attended or held weekly study groups, learned to read the Torah and, after much work, received her Bat Mitzvah at age 70. “Irene had a heart of gold and a will of steel,” says her nominator Kathy Burke, MAS, owner of AIA/ Above & Beyond Incentives. “Her passion for many organizations and especially those that championed women is a very long list. Her commitment and integrity became the authentic culture of her company and the staff that worked with her. Her legacy could be seen long after her retirement as her focus shifted to her family, her congregation and her community. She was a humble woman whose quiet influence and wonderful friendship touched many.” In closing his remarks during the WLC presentation, Michael expressed how proud his mother would be to see how far women have come in the industry. He added, “I certainly hope that Irene’s driven personality and leadership within the industry have, in some small way, helped each of you achieve new heights in your careers by her example, and showing others that women can ‘get ’er done,’ as we like to say in Texas. I am very proud to see it because I was raised and schooled by a strong woman.” Tina Berres Filipski is editor of PPB . Irene Kogutt, MAS, and her son, Michael, saw an opportunity for their company in the promotional products industry and began exhibiting at industry shows in 1984. | AUGUST 2019 | 55 THINK