The Coolest Stuff In Promo | Must Read Coolest Symbol Of ESG Progress Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI’s director of sustainability and responsibility, says that B Corporation certification is appealing to promo firms for several reasons, such as its strong marketing credibility among a growing segment of consumers, the network and community that comes with being a B Corp and that it allows for-profit companies to contribute to a greater good. “Even the free B Impact Assessment is a great tool to get a sense of where your strengths are and where you have the greatest opportunity for improvement in the realm of ESG,” Wimbush says. Coolest Employee Perk (Non-Ping-Pong Category) Americans owe a collective $1.7 trillion in federal and private student loan debt, according to the Federal Reserve. The government hasn’t been much help since the Supreme Court blocked President Biden’s forgiveness plan, so many have turned to the private sector for relief. Fortunately, Cap America, Koozie Group, Proforma, American Solutions for Business and other promo firms offer tuition reimbursement. Plus, the Promotional Products Education Foundation has awarded more than $3 million in college scholarships to nearly 1,800 industry employees and their children over the past 35 years. Coolest Assembly That Would Make Nick Fury Proud As evident by regional associations in the Northeast and Midwest joining forces for trade show scheduling, regional collaboration has been a major initiative for the Regional Relations Committee. “Associations as a whole face many of the same challenges and can benefit from shared success, so it makes sense to work together to move the needle forward faster,” says Kara Keister, MAS, RRC delegate to the PPAI Board of Directors and owner of distributor Social Good Promotions. Coolest Way To Avoid A Boring Christmas Party A pandemic-era trend that’s here to stay is promo products that are DIY or interactive, such as baking kits, yard games and friendship bracelets (thanks, Taylor). Consumers crave the experience with their family and friends as much, if not more than, the gift itself. “Building memories is a regular occurrence in our lives, and promotional products have influence here,” says Nicki Staats, director of merchandising at iPROMOTEu. “Buyers are seeking items that will help their brand remain memorable.” Building memories is a regular occurrence in our lives, and promotional products have influence here. —Nicki Staats PPAI • MAY 2024 • 43
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