Bennie Giles, PPAI’s First Black Board Member, Passes Away Bennie F. Giles III, MAS, founder of Creative Advertising Techniques of New Rochelle, New York, and PPAI’s first African American board member, passed away on September 21 following an illness. Giles got his start in the promotional products industry serving as director of marketing and program development at his family’s company, EPC. In 1988, he leveraged his experience and background in the industry and founded Creative Advertising Techniques. The company’s clients included Fortune 1000 companies, national associations, educational institutions, unions and government agencies. Always seeking to improve his skills, Giles attended and graduated from the Dartmouth Amos Tuck Minority Executive Business Program. During his 30 years in the promotional products industry, Giles was an avid volunteer. He was a trustee of the Promotional Products Education Foundation in 1994-1997 and on the PPAI Board of Directors in 1994-1998. While on the board, he served on several committees, including terms as vice chair for the Marketing Information & Research Committee, the Awards & Recognition Committee and the Public Relations Committee. “Bennie and I traveled to the PPAI Expo together for 18 years,” says Roy Johnson, CAS, managing director of Newark distributor Royel Marketing. “We would share a hotel in Dallas. He was a people person and a great guy. And he was knowledgeable. I think he had a degree in marketing and knew how to manage finances. “The best that I can say is that Bennie was gifted with spirit. He had a love for people and was a great communicator.” As the first African American with a seat on the PPAI board and to serve in leadership positions in many of its committees, Giles was also a trailblazer. “Bennie became our representative,” says Johnson. “Whenever we came to Dallas, he would host a dinner and talk about the organization and about the advantages of participation in the organization. He did a lot to get more Black involvement. He was a very positive influence for all of us.” After his term on the PPAI board, Giles continued to volunteer with the Association. He served on the Leadership Advisory Committee in 2002-2005, the Public Relations Committee in 20002003 and the Technology, Terminology & Standards Advisory Council in 2002. He was also named a PPAI Distinguished Service Award recipient in 1998 and received PPAI Fellow recognition 2016. Following the announcement of his passing, many of those who knew Giles shared their memories of working with him in the industry and in the Association. “Bennie always greeted everyone with such a bright smile and joy,” says Lillian Headley, co-owner of distributor Bilmor With Advertising Specialties. “His uplifting spirit will always be remembered. He loved our industry and always took the time to make a call to check in and keep us informed of industry news or changes. Bennie was truly a trail blazer. Yes, a group of us from across the country met for dinner at every Dallas Show to rekindle our friendship and discuss positive business techniques which has kept most business going for over 37 years! May you rest in peace, our friend.” Pat Dugan, MAS, vice president of sales and marketing at BUDGETCARD, says, “He was one of my mentors, guiding 88 | NOVEMBER 2022 | CONNECT
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