PPB January 2021

needs in an attempt to deliver maximum value. A really good foundation has been created, and yet we realize there is still room for improvement.” TomCarpenter, MAS, the committee’s 2021 chair, adds, “We have focused the recognition associated with the awards to better represent how the recipients want to be recognized. We’ve streamlined the application process to better allow for nominations to show the true impact and accomplishments of those who will be recognized, and developed strategies to better prepare nominators in submitting candidates who deserve recognition.” Robson also shared some recent accomplishments on improving transparency and awards processes. He says, “Member feedback showed that there was a fair amount of confusion around the Pyramid Awards. Revamping the award categories, providing more feedback on the judging and offering more education has brought clarity. That, in addition to simplifying the application process, providing better guidance and utilizing better tools should result in increased participation. Finally, PPAI staff has worked hard to provide a marketing guide complete with assets to make it easy for recipients to promote their win. This effort enables companies of all sizes to realize all the benefits that come with being recognized as an award winner.” Looking ahead at challenges and opportunities for the committee, Carpenter says, “We face the challenge of making sure that we are recognizing achievements relevant to the promotional products industry in today’s world, and of constantly improving the application process to ensure that we are allowing for nominations that accurately represent the accomplishments of those being nominated. We will need tomake sure those recognized see the value of being recognized as a leader in our industry. We also need to continue to evaluate the judging process to be sure we are accurately recognizing the best of the best, and that those recognized represent the highest bar of achievement in our industry.” Robson adds, “Any time there is a material change to something, there are going to be people on both sides. This is no exception, and one challenge is making sure that, as a committee, we continue to hear the voices of the members and use them to guide changes going forward. It is such a diverse membership base in terms of size and sophistication that it is no easy task distilling feedback into improvements. While we have delivered an improved foundation, there is a real opportunity to provide more education and awareness around the awards program. It is clear that for many members, the awards program isn’t even on their radar. Another challenge is making sure that our awards are relevant. We need to be sunsetting awards that don’t make sense and recognize gaps that need to be filled. The Pentel GlideWrite™ Retractable with advanced formula TechniFLO™ super-low-viscosity ink ensures rich ink flow for smooth, easy writing that produces clean lines without skipping or smudging. The latex-free comfort grip ensures remarkable comfort and control. available as low as $1.69(C) Full-Color Printing Process BX910-AI - Black-Black Ink BX910-BI - Red - Red Ink BX910-CI - Blue - Blue Ink BX910-DI - Green - Green Ink BX910-PI - Pink - Pink Ink BX910-SI - Sky Blue - Lt. Blue Ink BX910-VI - Violet - Violet Ink TM I t’s IN K-c red i ble ! Not just another pen... it’s the Pentel GlideWrite ™ White barrel with 7 grip and trim colors, all with matching color ink NO SCREEN CHARGE ON FIRST IMPRINT COLOR! Star Energy Int’l Thru 6/30/21 Min. 500 pcs. Priced at just $1.49 (C) EQP | JANUARY 2021 | 81 CONNECT