Must Read | Anji Corley products or an event or just life and making everybody happy.” Why Does She Love Promo? Corley’s first job in radio was promotions director of a station in Pittsburgh. She says, “I used to adore when TV networks, new shows or a movie premiere would give us merch. I made no money, but I had 50,000 – and still do – T-shirts and pens. Some of my favorite items are a Martin TV show jacket, a Nickelodeon denim jacket and New York Undercover merch. These are now classics, and I’ve still kept them. I have some things that don’t even work anymore that I love. I was a lover of promotional products since college.” Today, she loves promo even more. “I still pick up things off the table or when they give away free items. It’s really evolved over the last decade. Now, I see products and I am like, ‘Wow, this is cool.’ I don’t know how distributors or suppliers come up with these ideas. They give me something I never knew I needed, then they brand it to the point where I never want to get rid of it.” Corley says promo is truly unique. “These products are items that other people don’t have access to, so I feel special.” As a promotions director, Corley ordered promo like T-shirts, mugs and reusable bags. She’d also do movie premieres, giving away sweatshirts or fanny packs. “I’ve seen all kinds of fun times,” she says. “From dice to coloring books, I had a desk, and I was surrounded by promotional boxes. That was my life.” Corley has quickly become entrenched in PPAI’s efforts to grow the promo marketplace and the value end-buyers feel toward branded products. For some buyers, she may already be the face of the industry. And with her contagious, life-of-the-party spirit igniting upcoming PPW Expo events, PPAI believes the virtual shows will only continue to grow. More PPW festivities are on tap in the fall. Client audiences can expect fresh content and inspiration to help plan for their holiday buying season. Corley says, “For any promo client taking in PPW content, I hope you know we are dedicated to informing you. We hope to open your eyes to the possibilities of promo. It’s my job to make you wonder. We also want to make you the industry insider and keep you informed about the direction of the industry. “We want to get you excited for what’s next.” Valdez is an associate editor at PPAI. For any promo client taking in PPW content, I hope you know we are dedicated to informing you. We hope to open your eyes to the possibilities of promo. – Anji Corley 58 • MAY 2023 • PPAI
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