Send feedback on articles in PPAI Magazine or opinions on industry issues to JamesK@ppai.org. Feedback Inspiring / Shutterstock.com 04.23 Promo Pros Defend Industry In The Virginia Statehouse Following reports that the Virginia House of Delegates was considering a bill that would prohibit state agencies from purchasing promotional products, two members of the Virginia Promotional Products Association, Todd Mawyer, CAS, CEO of TK Promotions, and Jeanne Walls, MAS, president of JWalls Ink!, leveraged their connections at the statehouse to successfully lobby against the proposal. I am very proud to be associated with both Jeanne and Todd and their passion and ability to communicate the importance of the industry with such eloquence. Lisa Bibb, MAS Executive Director Virginia Promotional Products Association Well done, Jeanne and Todd! As we learned at all those L.E.A.D. meetings in D.C., a lot of legislators have no idea about the value promotional products bring to every organization that uses them. Unfortunately, many politicians see cutting promotional products as a “victimless” budget cut that won’t get a lot of blowback from the public. Fantastic job swooping into action to educate these folks. Thanks for defending our industry. Stay vigilant! Scott Schoenbauer General Manager Alumicolor Fort Collins, Colorado PPAI 111298, S3 The Noncompete Conundrum The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a new rule that would ban employers from imposing noncompete clauses on their workers. Whether or not the rule goes into effect, either as currently written or after following various revisions, the proposal has some industry members reflecting on their own experiences with such clauses. We have never required noncompetes and have a mutually respectful separation policy. Our agreement has three simple terms: No. 1, reps can take their personally won accounts with them, and No. 2, no one will call on them as long as, No. 3, they don’t call on any of their now-former sales colleagues’ accounts. I believe that it is up to me to create a compelling, attractive place to work, and if I don’t, that’s my bad. David Sears Founder and CEO PrintResource Westborough, Pennsylvania PPAI 699986, D3 This is a great idea, with some governance needed. I, for one, am currently under a highly restrictive noncompete. In my case, and in others like mine, I would agree to this lifting. However, how does a company protect its IP and other trade secrets? This is why I feel heavy scrutiny needs to take place. There must be some protections for employers as well. Employers who are abusers should be penalized heavily, but fairness on both sides is imperative. Cliff Quicksell, MAS+ President and CEO Cliff Quicksell Associates Walkersville, Maryland PPAI 140922 Excellent work, Jeanne and Todd! A huge thank you for acting on all our behalf to intercept this damaging piece of legislation in the nick of time. We owe you a debt of gratitude. Educating our legislators and their staff is so important in the prevention of such misguided decisions. Kevin Wilkins Co-owner Swag City Williamsburg, Virginia Great job! While I am a member of SAAGNY, I’m sure your situation will arise in other regions of the country. Your fortitude is to be congratulated. Irwin Kotcher Vice President Merri Moments. Lynbrook, New York 8 • APRIL 2023 • PPAI
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