PPB May 2021

PPAI Volunteer Spotlight: Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Task Force Volunteers from the promotional products industry and their work with PPAI in its committees, work groups and other programs are an integral part of the Association’s success. This 12th installment of an ongoing PPB series introducing the volunteers, committees and initiatives that have helped make the Association what it is today, takes a closer look at the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force. The DEI Task Force partners with PPAI staff to expand diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the promotional products industry and its workforce by creating education and networking opportunities. It also works to increase the visibility of underrepresented groups within the industry’s workforce and inspire industry business leaders to embrace inclusive, unbiased business practices. Johanna Gottlieb, vice president of sales at distributor Axis Promotions and chair of the DEI Task Force, says, “The task force’s goal is to speak on various DEI topics in a safe place and let all members of PPAI know that we provide a safe place for them. We want to empower and educate PPAI members around the various topics connected to DEI.” The task force’s members work together to discuss and plan education around different topics, meeting monthly and communicating via forums and email to keep conversations going. Gottlieb says, “We are a group of diverse individuals who each bring something to the table. As we work together more we are all learning about one another and leaning into uncomfortable conversations. These conversations can only help us grow and learn so we can each be a better advocate.” The DEI task force has been busy. In March, it put together a panel discussion for Women’s History Month—the webinar, “DEI Series - Women’s History Month” is available at onlineeducation. ppai.org —and is focusing on getting the word out about its programs to PPAI members. Gottlieb says, “We want everyone to know that we will be providing content around DEI and that we are a safe place to turn to. It is our job to share the work that we are doing and to properly promote it.” The DEI Task Force members include: • Chair - Johanna Gottlieb, Axis Promotions • Board Liaison - Noah Lapine, Lapine Associates • Kathy Cheng, Redwood Classics • Ed Hamner, Howling Print & Promo • Nenette Gray, Lemonade Creative Marketing • Sean Radford, HALO Branded Solutions • Joel Schaffer, Soundline • Cindy Tsuji, Image Source • Monique Erving, BDA, Inc. asked, “What have you done so far in Q1 to boost sales?” Thirty-five percent said they had launched a newmarketing campaign, 12 percent introduced a new product category and six percent expanded their sales team, while 40 percent of respondents pursued two or more of these options. PromoPolls also looked at product trends in early 2021. In response to the question “Distributors, what category of products are you selling the most of so far this year?,” 29 percent said apparel, 24 percent said technology, 12 percent said writing instruments and 12 percent said drinkware. When PromoPolls asked “Distributors, how important are brand-name items when selling apparel?,” 56 percent said it depends on the type of apparel or client, 30 percent said it was usually important but not a deal breaker, 11 percent said very important and four percent said it wasn’t important at all. Another question asked, “Does your company have a showroomwhere potential customers can browse for products and ideas?,” 65 percent said yes, while six percent said they either had one in the works or were considering it. The question, “Would you be willing to give your employees an incentive to get the COVID-19 vaccine?” came as the pace of vaccine distribution accelerated in the U.S. in first quarter 2021. Thirty- six percent said they would give their employees a paid time-off incentive while 12 percent would provide a monetary incentive. Thirty percent said no to any incentive and 20 percent weren’t sure. To learn more about the polls’ findings, participate in the latest polls and see how industry peers have responded to other topical questions, visit pubs.ppai.org/polls. Suggest questions to be considered for future polls by emailing TinaF@ppai.org . | MAY 2021 | 93 CONNECT