PPB January 2020

Passion And Purpose Rick Brenner, MAS+, spotted a need at PPAI in 2008, knew he could add value and jumped in as a volunteer. What he helped accomplish has become the model for other organizations across the U.S. by Tina Berres Filipski Rick Brenner, MAS+, and his wife Lisa live in Mamaroneck, New York. “I have been fortunate to have enjoyed success in my career and enjoy sharing whatever I can that others may benefit from.” “O ver the past decade there is likely no single person in our industry who has personally given more time freely and generously to our Association and industry than Rick Brenner.” So began the nomination of Rick Brenner, MAS+, for the PPAI Distinguished Service Award. It was submitted by longtime volunteer colleague and friend Gene Geiger, MAS+, and seconded by six other dedicated industry leaders who have volunteered alongside Brenner in one way or another during his five years of PPAI board service and on various projects— most notably his profound leadership of PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit and related initiatives. “When it comes to the issue of industry product safety and compliance, no one is more committed, passionate, well- connected and knowledgeable. NO ONE,” continued Geiger. “And no one has done more to move our entire industry along on that crucial subject (and add key value) than Rick. With his leadership, we have gone from clueless to being the model the Consumer Product Safety Commission uses to tell others how it can be done.” Brenner’s volunteerism with PPAI began with a single phone call in 2008 to then-President and CEO Steve Slagle concerning PPAI’s guidance to members on the newly enacted Consumer Product Safety Information Act. Brenner volunteered to share his expertise on product responsibility and began teaching workshops at The PPAI Expo, Expo East and regional industry events. His work was instrumental in helping to form PPAI’s Product Responsibility Action Group, which led to the launch of the first PPAI Product Safety Summit (now Product Responsibility Summit) in Denver, Colorado, in 2011. He designed, presented or facilitated many sessions during those Summits and in subsequent webinars on best practices, quality processes, factory audits and related topics. He also led the charge to create the PPAI Product Safety Aware program, which requires a designated person in every member company to complete four hours of product safety education along with other qualifications, thus ensuring a basic understanding of the industry’s compliance obligations. His passion for educating and informing his industry colleagues expanded from the podium to the printed page with Brenner writing 10 feature stories for PPB magazine on topics such as product labeling and how the CPSC views the promotional products industry. Brenner has also provided vital leadership for PPAI’s legislative outreach on Capitol Hill by helping to launch the first PPAI Legislative Education and Action Day in 2010. Ten years later, in May FEATURE | PPAI’s Top Awards 42 | JANUARY 2020 |