PPB May 2021

What’s Happening Inside PPAI This Month P. 92 Two New PromoTalks Podcasts Focus On The PRO Act And Volunteerism P. 92 Top Markets, Sales Efforts, Brand Name Apparel And More Explored In Recent PromoPolls P. 93 PPAI Volunteer Spotlight: Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Task Force Compiled by James Khattak Free Digital Supplement Presents The Best Of PPAI Expo D2U Four days wasn’t enough for most distributors who attended PPAI’s first virtual trade show, PPAI Expo Direct-2-You ( expo.ppai. org), January 11-14, 2021. In March, PPAI introduced a free digital supplement, D2U Encore , that makes it easy for distributors to revisit the show with quick access to many exhibitors’ websites, videos, products and show specials, plus a sampling of education session summaries with links to all PPAI-sponsored, on-demand education programming from the show. The free, 44-page, interactive bonus guide is available for download at flipbook.ppai.org/supplements/d2u Renae Ward PPAIWelcomes NewAccountant RenaeWard In March, PPAI added a new member to its team, accountant Renae Ward. Ward joins the Association’s finance department with a bachelor’s degree in accounting fromMinnesota State University at Moorhead and an MBA from Texas A&M University. She has several years of experience in the accounting industry. In her last role, she served as accountant for Networking Results, Inc. from 2018 to 2020. PPB recently spoke with Ward to learn more about the Association’s newest staff member. PPB: Tell us about your career prior to joining the Association? Renae Ward: I truly enjoy accounting and have worked in all aspects of financial accounting. I have also spent many years in management and have served as a CFO as well as an executive vice president prior to moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. PPB: What attracted you to your new position at PPAI? Ward: My entire career was molded in the promotional products industry. I have spent more than 90 percent of my adult life—and some of my teenage years—working for our family’s manufacturing company, supplier Custom Printing in Belton, Texas. I have always known what a critical role PPAI plays in the industry, and I am so excited to be a part of the organization. PPB: What are your initial objectives for your new position? Ward: I plan to work with the finance team to provide the financial reports to support all of the Association’s departments’ needs as they continue to serve those in the promotional products industry. PPB: Outside of PPAI, what are your interests? Ward: I enjoy all things family— spending time with my husband, reading a good book and baking. Currently, the sandbox holds a great deal of my attention as that is where you can find my two grandsons. | MAY 2021 | 91 CONNECT