Send feedback on articles in PPAI Magazine or opinions on industry issues to JamesK@ppai.org. Feedback 03.23 Celebrating Industry Icons During the Chair’s Leadership Dinner at The PPAI Expo 2023, the Association and industry honored industry icons whose unique entrepreneurial spirit and devotion to philanthropy have moved the industry and their communities forward. The event recognized Carol D. Aastad, MAS, and Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS, as the 2023 PPAI Hall of Fame inductees; Roger Burnett, CAS, as the PPAI Distinguished Service Award recipient, and Danny Rosin, CAS, as the PPAI H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award recipient. That is what I call a “who’s who” in our storied industry. Amazing grace how time flies. There is a special place in my heart for the forward-thinking and entrepreneurial spirit all four of these legends bring. Congratulations to each of you for welldeserved accolades. Jim Franklyn Vice President of Business Development Swag Promo Atlanta, Georgia PPAI 562712, D5 Changing Hands In December, supplier Galaxy Balloons announced that founder Terry Brizz, MAS, was retiring and handing the role of company president to longtime promo veteran Les Dorfman. My mom, both my brothers and myself have all worked for Galaxy Balloons. Growing up, my oldest brother would chase us around the warehouse as kids on the weekends, when it was shut down, while my dad was working in his office. Everything I have or ever will accomplish is due to my father leading by example, and I want to thank him, as well thank all the Galaxy associates throughout the years! Chris Brizz Marking Two Decades In Las Vegas 2023 is The PPAI Expo’s 20th year in Las Vegas and at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. InDecember, PPAI Magazine told the compelling story behind how the promo industry’s preeminent trade showmade themove fromDallas to its newhome. Thanks, Jonny, for capturing a memorable time in the Association’s history. Your article brought back many good memories of a really solid and strategic decision, with terrific board/staff collaboration and support, with exceptional staff execution, despite some legitimate doubts, and a remarkable result. If my memory serves me, we reported a 40% increase in distributor attendance that first year. Leading up to the 2003 Expo and waiting for the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to be complete, I had visions of exhibitors crammed into and under “tented structures” in a paved parking lot. MGM Resorts delivered, as promised, and here PPAI is 20 years later. There was a lot of hard work to make everything happen as hoped, and a great deal of luck along the way. Steve Slagle Past President and CEO (1996-2012) PPAI Seneca, South Carolina Recognizing The Winners In January, PPAI announced the recipients of the Association’s annual PPAI Pyramid Awards. The awards honor excellence in the promotional products industry and recognize dependable suppliers, outstanding promotions, creative campaigns and exceptional craftsmanship. I am a proud recipient [of a 2023 PPAI Pyramid Award]. These two awards mark my 41st and 42nd PPAI Pyramid Awards. Thank you, PPAI, for making this venue available to all industry practitioners. My friends, enter next year. When you win, market that success to gain valuable PR for your business. To all the other winners, a huge congratulations! Well done! Cliff Quicksell, MAS+ President and CEO Cliff Quicksell Associates Walkersville, Maryland PPAI 140922 8 • MARCH 2023 • PPAI
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