daily dose of inspiration delivered by email. Both are still being published, but Newslink has since doubled its frequency. Over the years, PPB continued to evolve with new sections and several redesigns. At one point, the page count was around 300. We added a website and that has continued to evolve, giving members easy access to stories and information. When I came onboard, the three-person editorial team was writing and designing PPB. I contracted with a design firm, which made a big difference in the look of PPB and freed up the editors to do what they did best—write. In 2016, we celebrated PPB’s 40th anniversary with a complete redesign and a new logo. One of the nice things about PPAI is that it’s OK to take some calculated risks. For example, in 2006 we added a second digest-size monthly print magazine specifically for distributors, Promotional Consultant; it was around for several years but couldn’t sustain enough advertising. We also introduced a custom tablet edition of PPB and a free app in 2013 that featured articles from PPAI publications and a real-time news feed, but it too was short-lived; I think it was ahead of its time because apps were so new then. An amazing fact is that, since 1995, the back cover has belonged to only two advertisers: World Wide Line and Evans Manufacturing. What are some of the proudest moments of your career at PPAI? I’m really lucky to have had some incredible opportunities and to work with people who helped me so much along the way. One highlight is when I was tapped by then-Board Chair Bob Davis to lead PPAI’s 100th anniversary celebration back in 2003. I worked with a committee of industry leaders and legends to produce a video, a coffee table book on PPAI’s history (with author Rick Ebel), a traveling vintage product exhibit, a product competition and two ballroom-sized parties at The PPAI Expo to welcome in the anniversary year in January 2003 and close it out in January 2004. Around that time, I was also asked to head up our buyer outreach initiatives and I planned PPAI’s first involvement with Advertising Week in New York, along with leading the Buyer Task Force and End Buyer Advisory Council. Those experiences gave me fresh insights and many new contacts. I’m also proud to have developed and run PPB’s five annual recognition programs that spotlight deserving individuals and companies: Best Multi-Line Reps, Greatest Companies To Work For, Rising Stars, Best Bosses and Service Superheroes. My favorite part of the Rising Stars program was introducing them at our North American Leadership Conference. I’ll never forget those shining faces as we photographed the groups for PPB’s covers. Another proud moment just happened last year when we won the Gold Circle Award from American Society of Association Executives for our digital supplement, The Playbook To Restart Businesses. Board member Kevin Walsh called me one day with an idea, and I jumped at the chance to create it. I was very happy with the result, and it was gratifying to add another trophy to our shelves. Finally, I can’t fully answer this question without adding that I had proud moments almost every day at PPAI. I was so honored to be part of that team. What have been the most impactful stories that re-shaped the industry during your time, and how did you approach them? Over the years we covered so many national and international issues, some At dinner with the Board of Directors in 2022 With Kelli Denes, Julie Kwan and Anne Stone. With colleagues at Rí Rá Irish Pub in Las Vegas, Tina's favorite for team dinners at The PPAI Expo FEATURE | Exit Interview 52 | MAY 2022 |
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