L.E.A.D. And The Promo Community Make Another Impactful Trip To Capitol Hill THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY traveled to Capitol Hill in May as part of PPAI’s annual Legislative Education and Action Day. Industry leaders educated legislators and their staff about the industry, forged connections and worked to steer the congressional agenda to benefit the branded merchandise community. L.E.A.D. drew industry professionals from across the country this year. Among them was a mix of experienced attendees and first-timers, all ready to share the promotional products industry’s scope, influence and needs with representatives and senators over the course of dozens of scheduled meetings. “Our L.E.A.D. attendee volunteers are the heartbeat of our industry, and their presence on Capitol Hill speaks volumes,” says Andrew Spellman, CAS, vice president at Therabody and PPAI board chair. “Their voices, impassioned and informed, are the threads that weave the fabric of change. Advocating for our industry isn’t just a duty – it’s a testament to their commitment to progress our industry forward. Together, we amplify our impact to ensure the promotional product industry’s voice is heard.” Last year was the first in-person L.E.A.D. since 2019, and while the industry met virtually with legislators during the interim, inperson connections are considerably more productive. “There’s something about being able to meet with lawmakers and their staff on Capitol Hill face-toface that takes the impact to the next level,” says Dana Porter, MAS, SAGE’s vice president of information services. “Every legislative office we are in is covered in promotional items, so being able to point them out and share our stories seems to always hit home.” “We’re the best $25 billion secret out there, and the work we’ve done over the years educating Capitol Hill and the public is working and something we need to continue.” Evie Sterner, brand manager at HALO, was one of this year’s first-timers. “Not knowing what to expect or how to be an advocate for PPAI, I was excited and nervous all at the same time. Thankfully, I was teamed with an expert who has participated in several L.E.A.D.s, as we both were representing the Rocky Mountain region – Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. “Out of the gate there was a little lump in my throat, but talking about our industry – which I have been a part of for over 20 years – and bringing real-life client situations in on the conversation became easier,” she adds. “As those conversations went on over the two days, I could see that what we do really does matter and bringing to light that we are not just ‘branded merch.’” The primary objective, as always, is to inform lawmakers about the Community | Inside PPAI 78 • JULY 2024 • PPAI
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