PPB May 2020

AIA Hosts Second-Annual Supplier Summit AIA Corporation held its second annual Supplier Summit in Chicago in February. The Appleton, Wisconsin-based distributor brought 36 attendees from AIA’s PlatinumMVP and the top 12 supplier communities together with AIA leadership in a forum for engaging, educational and collaborative discussion. Paul Bellantone, CAE, president and CEO of PPAI (pictured on left, with AIA CEO Matt Gresge), was the guest speaker at the AIA Supplier Summit and shared PPAI’s latest research on the forces that will have the greatest impact on the industry, and sought input on what actions the Association should take. He says, “From tariffs and environmental issues to compliance and now viruses, today’s uncertain marketplace demands more and continued collaboration between supplier and distributor partners. These important channel relationships create the foundation of our industry and are critical to member success. I was happy to participate in an event that fosters partnership and focuses on opportunities and the AIA Supplier Summit met the mark. I truly appreciate the learning experience and opportunity to share the PPAI vision.” SAAC And PPAI Leaders Meet With State Legislators About AB 5 On March 11, leaders from the Specialty Advertising Association of California (SAAC) and PPAI met with legislators at the California State Capitol in Sacramento, California, for the local Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.). The non-partisan event provided a forum for these leaders to convey a powerful message about the value and importance of the promotional products industry in Southern California. Throughout the event, SAAC leaders made essential connections with lawmakers and their staffs who have the potential to influence and shape legislation that can positively affect the industry. A key message delivered by SAAC leaders focused on the impact that Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5) is having on the industry. Under this bill, a new standard has been established for independent contractors, requiring many to be reclassified as employees covered by minimum wage, overtime, workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance. AB 5’s intent was to protect workers primarily in the gig economy, such as Uber and Lyft drivers, but overlooked the fact that many salespeople willingly and intentionally chose the independent contractor status. Being an independent contractor provides distributors the ability to be their own boss, set their own hours and manage their own book of business without having the overhead and tax implications that come with being a business owner. | MAY 2020 | 75 CONNECT