PPB August 2019

in community service projects in conjunction with the conference. This year 30 attendees volunteered for a three- hour pre-conference project at the Edible Schoolyard, a New Orleans organization that maintains a vegetable garden at a local school. Unfortunately, rain caused the group’s participation to be cancelled, but there were plenty of other options as small groups departed the hotel, umbrellas in hand, and headed to nearby shops and restaurants to enjoy a few free hours. The conference was officially underway on Monday evening with a networking reception followed by the Welcome Dinner and Woman of Achievement Presentation, held in the Royal Salon at the Omni Royal Orleans, the site of the conference. This year’s two honorees, Daryll Griffin, MAS, president of Accolades, Inc. in Norcross, Georgia, and the late Irene Kogutt, MAS, former owner of Dart Manufacturing Company in Dallas, Texas, were recognized for paving the way for women in the promotional products industry, as well as providing outstanding leadership and making significant personal contributions to the industry and their communities. Vera Muzzillo, CEO of Proforma, was glad she chose to attend this year. “Thank you PPAI for an outstanding Women’s Leadership Conference! The networking and educational opportunities were invaluable, and I would highly encourage all female promotional product leaders and innovators to attend in the future.” Longtime attendee and WLC Work Group member Kathy DiFrancesco, outside sales manager at SnugZ USA, explains the value she sees in the conference. “WLC is amazing! The value I get out of it is remarkable. It’s a well-curated event, where the content, breakout sessions, networking and speakers take you on a thoughtful journey from start to finish. Everything you do has purpose. I am able to apply the strategies and tips back to my everyday life.” Joelle Tedford, vice president of sales and marketing at Lion Circle, also calls the conference amazing. “Each year I look forward to collaborating with distributors, suppliers and service providers on the latest trends, issues and opportunities. For anyone who hasn’t been I highly recommend it.” Shari Garvalia, MAS, strategic account manager at Showdown Displays, was a five-time attendee. “WLC is a refreshing departure from one’s own daily work routines and an opportunity to expand one’s circle of influence. I always leave energized, a bit wiser and most definitely optimistic about the opportunities in our ever-evolving industry.” The 2020 Women’s Leadership Conference is scheduled for June 22-24 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Look for registration to open in December. Department Spotlight: Business Development This is the fourth installment in a year-long series of department profiles to help readers learn more about the PPAI staff members who serve them. PPAI’s Business Development department manages the Association’s business relationships with industry suppliers and business service companies. The department is responsible for PPAI’s non-dues revenue including sales of trade- show booths, sponsorships and advertising, publications advertising, live event sponsorships and other sponsorship revenue for the Association. Joel Baker Major Account Manager – East I threw six no-hitters over my high school baseball career. Connie Brazil Account Manager I like fast cars, dogs and wine. Not necessarily in that order. Brandon Dunaway Account Manager I am left-handed and right-handed. My pillow is cool on both sides. I am allowed to talk about Fight Club. I am not always featured in PPB magazine but maybe I should be. Carley Franks Sales Support Coordinator One of my goals in life is to visit all 50 states. I have visited 32 states so far and hope to visit the rest of them soon! Lameshia Haynes-Gilbert Account Manager For years I wanted to be a First Lady (preacher’s wife). Melissa Massey Major Account Manager – West For the past four years I’ve been taking aerial arts classes. It’s a great way to work out and I sometimes even perform at my studio showcases. Everyone should try it at least once! Jeff Rogers Account Manager I know how to pack my own parachute! (Thank you, Uncle Sam.) Ellen Tucker Director, Business Development I love soccer. Love to play, love to watch. Seven years ago, I met my husband through soccer and we’ve been on a team together ever since. Fabiola Vargas Business Development Coordinator I like to spend time with my family on the weekends. If the weather is pretty, we like to play baseball or go fishing or camping. Showing off PPAI’s custom-wrapped van are (from left) Joel Baker, Jeff Rogers, Ellen Tucker (in van), Connie Brazil, Melissa Massey, Lameshia Haynes-Gilbert, Fabiola Vargas, Carley Franks and Brandon Dunaway. | AUGUST 2019 | 73 CONNECT

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