The State of Responsibility 2023 | Must Read TABLE 12. What percentage of your company’s workforce is under age 30? PPAI 100 Distributors 28% Distributors $250M+ 32% Distributors $50M-$250M 26% Distributors $5M-$50M 22% Distributors Under $5M 25% Although the promo industry traditionally skews older, there’s been a push in recent years to inject more youth on both the supplier and distributor side. In order to better understand young consumers’ interests and preferences, it’s wise for distributors in particular to recruit more millennials and Gen Zers who are more aligned with buyers. Of course, to ensure young people will enjoy lengthy, fruitful careers in promo, it’s up to companies to educate and train them on the inner workings of the industry. New Distributors Earning High Marks These firms didn’t make our original rankings, but each matched the average CSR score of PPAI 100 distributors. American Diversity Glenwood, Minnesota-based American Diversity employs a person or team dedicated to ensuring product responsibility (product safety and compliance such as California Prop 65, Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, etc.). Artcraft Promotional Concepts Moorestown, New Jersey-based Artcraft Promotional Concepts has invested in solar power or another form of reusable energy at its office. Barker Specialty Cheshire, Connecticut-based Barker Specialty is currently waiting for its sustainability audit from EcoVadis or a similar organization to begin. Bob Lilly Promotions Bob Lilly Promotions in Garland, Texas, has an established internal sustainability committee, “green team” or individual head of sustainability to lead advocacy for ecofriendly efforts. Boost Engagement Dayton, Ohio-based Boost Engagement has completed a sustainability audit from EcoVadis or a similar organization. Brand Fuel Raleigh, North Carolina-based Brand Fuel, which earned its B Corp certification in September 2022, has an established director of social impact and sustainability. City Apparel + Merch Findlay, Ohio-based City Apparel + Merch requires employees to participate in DEI training at least twice a year. Concord Marketing Solutions Concord Marketing Solutions in Glendale Heights, Illinois, has completed a sustainability audit from EcoVadis or a similar organization. Flywheel Brands Hixson, Tennessee-based Flywheel Brands has implemented a comprehensive office recycling program that includes monitoring and reporting. Grapevine Designs Lenexa, Kansas-based Grapevine Designs employs a person or team dedicated to ensuring product responsibility (product safety and compliance such as California Prop 65, Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, etc.). 20 23 Leaders Responsibility PPAI • NOVEMBER 2023 • 57
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