PPB March 2021

revise and manage the certification program and provide advice and direction on relevant educational opportunities to advance the knowledge and professionalism of those in the promotional products industry. Lisa Parker, MAS, southeast sales manager for American Ad Bag, and Joy Smith, MAS, owner of AIA/Joy Of Advertising, are co-chairs. The combined committee is a trial run to evaluate the advantages of the two committees working together. If all goes well this year, the move will likely become permanent starting in 2022. Parker explains specifically how the committee addresses certification. “Its primary responsibilities include revising test items, writing new test items, working with PPAI staff in overseeing the administration of the program and developing ways to evaluate and improve the assessment process. The committee also recommends needed changes to the prerequisite, certification and recertification requirements,” she says. The PPAI Certification Program is an all-inclusive industry-wide program and does not require membership with PPAI. There are four certifications for all stages of a promo professional’s career: Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS) certificate, Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) certification, Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) certification and Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+) certification. Earning a certification demonstrates commitment Certification And Professional Development Committee Member Roster Joy Smith, MAS , AIA/Joy Of Marketing, Co-Chair Lisa Parker, MAS, American Ad Bag, Co-Chair Renee Jones, MAS+ , A Creative Touch, Board Liaison Rob Baumgardner, CAS , Goldstar Lisa Greyhill, MAS , Grey Hill & Associates Nancy L. Hoffman, MAS , Geiger Deborah Mann, MAS , DMannding Results, Inc. Kim Reinecker, MAS , Starline USA, Inc. Suzanne Simpson, MAS , Gemline Andy Church , Insight Quality Services Jeff Franklin, CAS , Headwear USA Erika Leary, MAS , Geiger Rhonda Reilly, MAS , Pilot Corporation of America Traci Simonis, CAS , Maple Ridge Farms, Inc. 84 | MARCH 2021 | CONNECT