PPB September 2021

feedback Send feedback on articles in PPB or opinions on industry issues to JamesK@ppai.org. New Bill Could Present Challenges To Importers In July, PPB Newslink reported on the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), which had recently passed the Senate via bipartisan vote and included provisions that may impact businesses that import in the promotional products industry. Among its provisions, it would require prominent labeling of country-of-origin and seller location for all products sold on the internet. Current law only requires country-of-origin information to be included on a product’s external packaging. At press time, the legislation was with the House of Representatives. Transparency in the supply chain is a good thing. The transparency will help end users and suppliers make informed decisions on the promotional products they purchase. The House Energy & Commerce subcommittees should be mindful that the label itself will have cost implications as well as aesthetic concerns of where labeling can be placed on products, sizing of labels, products that are too small to reasonably affix a label, and timeline of implementing such requirements. STEVEN REID Compliance and Graphic Manager Showdown Displays Brooklyn Center, Minnesota PPAI 354687, S11 The Value Of A Personal Brand The June issue of PPB shared an excerpt from the new book , Summit: Reaching The Peak Of Your Potential , by Paul A. Kiewiet, MAS+, former PPAI Board chair and 2015 inductee into the Association’s Hall of Fame, and current executive director of the Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA). The excerpt shared tips on building a personal brand. In this day of digital branding, where a brand is conceived in an agency, building your name with a sincere personal touch will build your business. But it takes work and perseverance. And it is worth it. BOB HAFERTEPEN Vice President, Sales and Marketing Skye Solutions For Business Cincinnati, Ohio PPAI 622754, D4 Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS+, Awarded 2021 PPAI Woman Of Achievement During the 2021 PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference Direct-2-You in June, Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS+, founder and CEO of distributor CE Competitive Edge, LLC, in Stevensville, Michigan, and a longtime industry and community volunteer and leader—including a term as PPAI Board Chair—was presented with PPAI’s 2021 Woman of Achievement award. Congratulations, I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving. You always have your hand up, willing to chip in, help and share your expertise. Well deserved! CLIFF QUICKSELL JR., MAS+ President Cliff Quicksell Associates Walkersville, Maryland i.m.alan / Shutterstock.com 8 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | INNOVATE