Inside PPAI | Community the white alone population without Hispanic or Latino individuals was 59.3%. Employee demographics are just one aspect of promo’s journey in creating a more diverse industry, but promo is indeed on a journey in this regard. “I believe the diversity in the industry has improved over the 16 years we’ve been in business,” says Monica Scott, co-founder and president of Logotology, a Texas-based distributor staffed almost entirely by women. “Although most distributors are still individual contributors, the presence of the larger outfits has enabled a diverse pool of workers.” Dawn Carmichael, owner of Summit Embroidery Works, a Washington-based distributorship that has three employees, two of which identify as non-white according to PPAI’s survey, agrees with Scott’s sentiment. “Without a doubt, it has become more diverse, from customers to products to our environment in general,” Carmichael says. “If you want to stay in business, all blinders must be removed.” The survey’s findings suggest that many small companies include strong representation by women. According to Scott, maintaining that trend and eventually reflecting similarly proportionate numbers for non-white employees could mean showing openness to flexibility through pay structure or work arrangements. More interested applicants will usually mean a wider range of perspectives and backgrounds. Carmichael says that flexibility is something she can offer her employees, working with them when issues arise that are specific to her individual team members. PPAI will continue to make efforts to learn and educate members on this topic. Members can find DEI resources at PPAI.org, including the Association’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Playbook for download, and PPAI’s online education includes 39 webinars that fall under the category of “Diversity and Inclusion.” PPAI has also formed a volunteer DEI Task Force that is currently chaired by Cindy Tsuji, senior account executive at Image Source. PPAI Brings On New Promotional Products Work Initiative Manager PPAI RECENTLY WECOMED AJ T. Cole, CAS, to the team as the Association’s new Promotional Products Work initiative manager. In this role, Cole will be responsible for the development of the initiative’s global marketing strategy, which includes public relations, strategic regional communications and field marketing. She will aim to drive end-buyer demand and further PPAI’s vision that promotional products are universally valued and essential to every brand. “PPAI represents an industry that is full of rich history, creative vibrance and forward thinking,” Cole says. “I am excited to promote an initiative that is designed to inspire organizational gifting, which I consider to be the most intrinsic form of marketing. Gifting has been influencing business decisions for centuries, and now I get to tell that story.” Cole brings a wealth of expertise, having served in marketing leadership roles and with firsthand experience implementing successful promotional product strategies. She has also been a guest lecturer in marketing and business courses at the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Passionate about making a difference, she comes with experience leading initiatives, serving as the primary host of Houston’s Heroes Aim for Zero, a fundraiser and collaborative event highlighting the internationally recognized Vision Zero efforts within Texas. “I’ve owned and invested in several businesses throughout the years, and having the opportunity to thrive in an intrapreneurial environment has been an exciting change of pace,” Cole says. “I feel strongly about leading an initiative that promotes the value of promotional product strategies, particularly because I have been an end buyer for years and have experienced the success of strategic promo.” Outside of work, Cole and her husband have twins that are two and a half years old. Much of her free time is spent outdoors playing with the kids, gardening or tinkering in the garage. She enjoys refinishing furniture and repurposing old things to give them new life. She’s also written and self-published a few books, all business-related, and enjoys long-form content writing and poetry. PPAI • JUNE 2023 • 77
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