PPB October 2019

PPAI Names Norm Hullinger To Fill Open Board Seat Norm Hullinger, CAS, CEO of supplier alphabroder, has been selected to serve on the PPAI Board of Directors to fulfill the unexpired term vacated by former board member Sharon Willochell, who has left the industry. Hullinger’s term began in early September and runs through the PPAI Expo 2021. He previously served a four-year board term that concluded following the Expo 2019. “As we strive for a balanced board, we talk a lot about skillsets and competencies when we look at the representation on the board, and Sharon’s absence left a void,” says PPAI Board Chair Brittany David, MAS. “I am happy that the board approved the appointment of Norm and that he graciously accepted to serve the remainder of this year and next, fulfilling the term that was left vacant. He is extremely forward-thinking, well-respected and a great leader in this industry. His perspective as we go into another strategic planning year will be insightful. I look forward to his contributions and appreciate the time he will set aside to volunteer.” In his role as CEO of Trevose, Pennsylvania- based alphabroder, Hullinger has led the firm through several significant milestones, including its late 2017 acquisition of supplier Prime Line. Before joining the promotional products industry, he served in executive roles for Fortune 500 retailers and dotcom enterprises. “I am unbelievably pleased to be back on the board. PPAI is an organization that has been great for the industry,” says Hullinger. “What’s nice about this for both the board and for me is that we can hit the ground running. I clearly understand the governance and the way the board is constructed, and I can be of benefit immediately. The board doesn’t have to put me through any training, and that’s a tremendous advantage for both parties there. I can jump right in and start contributing from day one.” This Year’s NALC Delivered Plenty For Everyone The PPAI North American Leadership Conference (NALC), held August 11-13 in Irving, Texas, packed a lot of value into two-and-a-half days. Included were 10 education sessions led by top speakers, the opening dinner on Sunday night with an improv show and presentation of the PPB Rising Stars , several networking breakfasts, lunches and breaks, an off-site evening dine-around and a spectacular closing event on Tuesday evening at AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington, which included a tour, photos on one of the world’s largest HD video screens and access to the field with its iconic blue star for pass, catch and kick games. “This year the NALC workgroup focused on building a robust schedule focused on leadership growth for attendees through a variety of speakers and sessions incorporating relevant industry topics and trends, both economic and marketing driven, as well as motivational influences and interactive breakout sessions,” says Lori Bauer, vice president/national accounts for BIC Graphic NA and NALC workgroup leader. “Most importantly, this event is centered around networking with industry peers and learning from one other, with our goal to provide many opportunities to connect.” More than 150 industry leaders from all levels and from companies of all sizes attended this year’s conference, which delivered education sessions examining some of the most relevant, top-of-mind business issues and ideas impacting the promotional products industry. First-time attendee Rhonda Reilly, MAS, director of sales/promotional products at Pilot Corporation of America, was impressed with the education. “I thought the speakers were very informative to my needs across a number of avenues, which I deal with every day managing Pilot’s NALC kicked off with an outdoor dinner reception allowing attendees to network, connect and get to know each other before going inside for the recognition of the PPB Rising Stars recipients. | OCTOBER 2019 | 101 CONNECT