PPB May 2021

virtual lifestyle and have accepted that this may be “the new normal.” Although we do hope to hold some in-person events in 2021, the virtual experience is not going anywhere. To recognize and celebrate those supplier, distributor and MLR companies who went above and beyond throughout 2020, the PPPC Awards were presented at TOPS+ Virtual in February 2021. These member-voted awards were also bestowed via livestream with hosts across the country. Though many viewers wished we could gather to celebrate the many winners together in person, we all agreed that the live- streamed award ceremony was a blast. COVID-19 And Membership Engagement Before the pandemic hit, PPPC hosted a variety of chapter and provincial events across Canada. From hockey in Quebec to curling in Manitoba, members were enjoying their Canadian heritage and gathering with their local promo communities without a care in the world. Following government-mandated closures in the early months of 2020, PPPC formed the Membership Engagement Task Force, a temporary group to manage, plan and promote our new virtual events. These virtual events continued throughout fiscal 2020 delivering cocktail evenings, trivia nights and much more to keep members engaged and interested in PPPC. Attendees always left with smiles on their faces, and the task force continues to do a great job today. PPPC also did not hesitate when it came to providing members with information, resources and education about the COVID-19 pandemic. The association did what it could to help our members by distributing communications for government assistance programs, providing regular webinars to keep members engaged and educated, and even by lobbying the Prime Minister to include our industry in government plans. The volunteer board of directors thanks them for their continued support and ideas. The 2020 Annual Report covers all of these areas as well as PPPC’s financial statements for fiscal 2020, an update about our partnership with PPAI and SAGE, membership statistics and much more. Check out the full report at pppc.ca/about-us/annual-reports. Jonathan Strauss is president and CEO of Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC). !"# $# !% $ &#' %( ) % Welcome customers back with your brand or promotion right in front of them! h h h !*# + !' ) !! ! " ! $ ,$#( "- $ % !. $# . $ &#' / !'0 "0 ( #/#$ #! # % $ " )$ & ! * #!$ #* &#' '" !) 1 $ /# " $ % $ #2#% 1)#/ | MAY 2021 | 95 CONNECT