Send feedback on articles in PPAI Magazine or opinions on industry issues to JamesK@ppai.org. Feedback 11.23 Just Be Yourself In his article “Want A Competitive Advantage? Just Be Normal,” Joshua White, head of strategy and general counsel at distributor BAMKO – promo’s fourth leading distributor in this year’s PPAI 100 – and a member of the PPAI Board of Directors, says that authenticity and being yourself is more effective than any phony, “corporate” trick. Excellent piece. Authenticity wins the day every day – hand in hand with transparency. Joe Favre Promotional Division Sales Manager Vanguard Direct New York City PPAI 223977, D3 That’s great writing with a straight-to-the-heart message. Worthy of any business-minded publication. Arthur Battaglia Senior Account Executive Sonoma Promotional Solutions Sonoma, California PPAI 204856, S7 What The People Want PPAI Research’s 2023 Consumer Study identified that Americans increasingly crave, engage with and value promotional products. This study is great evidence of what we know to be true. Promo merch – “sensory media,” as we coined it – is the most human media. Well-crafted gifts and incentives keep the message of connection or appreciation in play like no other media can. Jae M. Rang, MAS Strategist, speaker and author JAE Associates Ltd. Oakville, Ontario PPAI 561178, D4 In Court In September, PPAI Media reported on three men working with Florida-based distributors who had been found not guilty in a case alleging that they had colluded to defraud the United States Army. It’s very unfortunate the case got that far. If the evidence was not there, we can only imagine what the potential consequences could be to all parties involved. I hope their respected businesses can get a bump in business now. Back in the day when technology (software) contracts were being awarded, we found ourselves sometimes bidding against a company that normally does not sell promotional products. The winning bids at times were very close to our actual cost. All these years later, no desire to go fishing there in that swamp, although it did make me wonder. Jim Franklyn Vice President of Business Development Swag Promo Atlanta PPAI 562712, D5 8 • NOVEMBER 2023 • PPAI
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