IN THIS ISSUE Gourmet Goodies p. 10 Apparel: Good, Better or Best? p. 16 The State of Responsibility p. 70 Selling To Seniors p. 86 MEDIA.PPAI.ORG 09.24 It’s a monumental increase from last year’s list, as more PPAI members are taking culture and support for their employees seriously. pg. 30
See all the details at Infinityforher.com That’s how many women’s caps we’ve sold since perfecting the baseball cap for women! We must be doing something right because 50 MILLION WOMEN CAN’T BE WRONG! @infinityheadwearforher @InfinityHer The Rosie The Gabby The Cassie The Daisy The Janet The Josie The Hattie The Tess The Charlie
PPAI 111408 | SAGE 50422
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4 From PPAI Better Together 7 Creative Calendar Essentials 10 Use Case Gourmet Goodies 16 In Style Good, Better Or Best? Voices 22 Your Business We’re All In This Together 24 Innovation Putting The ‘Proactive’ In PTO 26 Responsibility The Fab Four Must Read 86 Promotional Products Work Seize Golden Opportunities In The Silver Segment Community 92 Buzzworthy 94 PPPC Communiqué 96 Book Club 99 Inside PPAI 103 New Members 107 Datebook 112 Perfect Promo CONTENTS 09.24 VOLUME 48, ISSUE 07 70 Welcome On In Not every promo veteran started out in this industry. Find out how the market continues to evolve through welcoming professionals who started their careers elsewhere. 66 The 106 Greatest Companies to Work For It’s a monumental increase from last year’s list, as more PPAI members are taking culture and support for their employees seriously. 30 The State Of Responsibility 2024 PPPAI Research has examined benchmarking data on corporate social responsibility from distributors and suppliers of all sizes and awards High Marks for Responsibility to new firms. 70 30 66 PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 3
From PPAI Andrew Spellman, CAS Chair of the Board 09.24 PPAI thrives through the combined efforts of our board, staff, volunteers and members. Together, we will continue to achieve excellence and advance our shared mission. Better Together EVERY ONE OF US INVOLVED in the promotional products industry has a different perspective on PPAI. But I can confidently say, as your board chair, that no one at this time has a more holistic view than me. PPAI’s impact might be larger than many realize. My time on the board has revealed the full extent of the Association’s strength, which in turn reflects the resilience and potential of our entire industry. Our power lies in our combined efforts and ideas, each of us giving PPAI and the marketplace more depth than any one company, any single event, any initiative or person. PPAI is all of us and all of our work. It’s the collective effort and intention of thousands of people, every one striving for the same goals. To enhance our collective success, the board established these goals three years ago: • Drive member and community value. • Ensure economic sustainability and scalability. • Elevate corporate social responsibility in the industry. • Facilitate the industry’s digital transformation. • Be the voice of the industry. We pursue them together, not just as individual board members, volunteers, staff or business leaders, but together. The sum of this combined energy produces greater results than any of us possibly could on our own. Together we have reformed PPAI’s membership structure to better serve each individual company and its unique needs. Together we have rebounded from the pandemic to make the Association more financially stable than any time in its history. Thanks to PPAI’s efforts, we’re all more aware of our opportunities for growth on two vital fronts: responsibility and innovation. And no organization does more to spread our shared vision that promotional products are universally valued and essential to every brand. From my 30,000-foot view, I am here to tell you with full confidence that PPAI is stronger than ever. And I believe it will only get stronger in the coming months and years. As we navigate a leadership transition, we are fortunate to have Dawn Olds, MAS, serving as our interim president and CEO. Her extensive industry experience and alignment with PPAI’s goals are invaluable during this period. No one is better suited to support and guide our dedicated staff, keeping them fully engaged, driven by our member-focused mission and committed to long-term progress for the industry. Times change, and individuals come and go, but your Association and its work will endure. On behalf of you, our members, PPAI pursues excellence through its four defined values of growth, integrity, community and joy. These values inform all of PPAI’s decisions and guide how the Association conducts itself as your representative. PPAI thrives through the combined efforts of our board, staff, volunteers and members. Together, we will continue to achieve excellence and advance our shared mission. 4 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI
PPAI: 114165 | SAGE: 57654 | ASI: 68680 WE’RE TOGETHER! sweeter Sweeter Cards is now a Maple Ridge Farms company! Let's raise the bar for your clients this holiday season. (chocolate) Perfect Gifts For: Holiday gifts Company stores Trade show giveaways Prospecting An add-on to a basket or tower Client and employee appreciation we have news!
PPAI® PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Josh Ellis JoshE@ppai.org MANAGER, CONTENT & SPECIAL MEDIA PROJECTS James Khattak JamesK@ppai.org NEWS EDITORS Jonny Auping JonnyA@ppai.org John Corrigan JohnC@ppai.org MARKET ECONOMIST & SENIOR MANAGER, RESEARCH Alok Bhat AlokB@ppai.org PUBLIC AFFAIRS & RESEARCH EDITOR Rachel Zoch RachelZ@ppai.org RESEARCH COORDINATOR Shiella Aparis ShiellaA@ppai.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rowel Cristobal RowelC@ppai.org ART DIRECTION SPARK Publications SPARKpublications.com 704-844-6080 ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT MANAGERS Connie Brazil 972-258-3064 ConnieB@ppai.org Taylor Coward 972-258-3033 TaylorC@ppai.org Heather Mangold 972-258-3067 HeatherM@ppai.org ADVERTISING CONTACT Amy Weisman 972-258-3080 AmyW@ppai.org INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO Dawn Olds, MAS 888-I-AM-PPAI DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Lindsey Davis, MAS VICE PRESIDENT, REVENUE AND EXPOSITIONS Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Renae Ward CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Troy Naef DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY Elizabeth Wimbush DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CW Karstens BOARD OFFICERS CHAIR OF THE BOARD Andrew Spellman, CAS Therabody IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Kevin Walsh, CAS Showdown Displays CHAIR-ELECT OF THE BOARD Denise Taschereau Fairware VICE CHAIR, FINANCE SERVICES Chris Anderson HPG BOARD MEMBERS TERMS EXPIRING 2025 Karie Cowden, MAS Connect the Dots Promotions REGIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE DELEGATE TERM EXPIRING 2025 Kara Keister, MAS Social Good Promotions TERMS EXPIRING 2026 Chris Anderson HPG AT LARGE DIRECTOR Lori Bauer iPROMOTEu TERMS EXPIRING 2027 Dan Pantano alphabroder Danny Rosin, CAS Brand Fuel TERMS EXPIRING 2028 Zack Ottenstein The Image Group Erin Reilly Pop! Promos PPAI HEADQUARTERS 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038-3526 Phone: 888-IAM-PPAI (426-7724) www.ppai.org, pubs.ppai.org READER RESOURCES SUBSCRIBE TO PPAI MAGAZINE: Subscribe online at pubs.ppai.org or send your name, title, company name and mailing address, along with phone and fax, to PPB Subscriptions, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038. Or phone in your subscription to 972-258-3019. Include payment with your order. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted, along with checks. Additional member subscriptions are $58 for PPAI member companies (U.S.), $70 (Canada and Mexico) and $75 (international). Nonmember subscriptions are $72 (U.S.), $82 (Canada and Mexico) and $92 (international). Please allow four to six weeks for start of subscription. ADVERTISE IN PPAI MAGAZINE: Download a media kit with rates and specs for all PPAI print and digital publications at media.ppai.org, or call 972-258-3019 or email mediasales@ppai.org. WRITE FOR PPAI MAGAZINE: The magazine regularly accepts articles from both professional writers and industry experts – like yourself. Find out everything you need to know about submitting an article or an idea by reading PPAI’s Writer’s Guidelines available at media.ppai.org/submit-content. Promotional Products Association International 6 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI
If this calendar is helpful or if you have ideas for ways that we can better provide this information, email the editors at magazine@ppai.org OCTOBER 4 NATIONAL TACO DAY 9 NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY 31 WORLD SAVINGS DAY NOVEMBER 1 NATIONAL CINNAMON DAY 15 AMERICA RECYCLES DAY 25 NATIONAL BRAND DAY DECEMBER 1 NATIONAL PEPPERMINT BARK DAY 15 UGLY SWEATER DAY 28 CARD PLAYING DAY Exceptional Promotions SPECIAL OBSERVANCES CALL FOR SAFE TOYS & GIFTS MONTH Product idea: Get your clients’ brand in their customers’ hands with custom playing cards. This Eco Deck is made with sustainable forest papers, recyclable paper, coating and ink and comes in a kraft box with a window to showcase the custom card design. Playing Cards on Demand / PPAI 113998, Silver playingcardsondemand.com Use these special occasions to ignite your imagination for relevant – and distinct – client promotions. Compiled by Rachel Zoch DENTAL HYGIENE MONTH Product idea: Banks and other businesses can help kids start saving with a branded Wheat Straw Piggy Bank, with a top slot for saving and a plug on the bottom to remove the money. Available in blue, green, pink and natural. WOWLine / PPAI 112440, Standard-Plus wowline.com NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH Product idea: Get decadent with Cinnamon Churro Toffees, crafted in small batches from a blend of sweet creamery butter and pure cane sugar, then covered with white chocolate and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. The white or black gift boxes are tied with a pewter ribbon and foil-stamped on the front with your client’s logo in silver. Maple Ridge Farms / PPAI 114165, Gold mapleridge.com PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 7
Copyright © 2024 BoxUp.com. All Rights Reserved. 6 box styles. 28 box sizes. 200+ designs. www.boxup.com Shipping Box with Inside Printing NEW! Custom Packing Tape NEW! 12” x 10” x 4” Display Mailer with White Crinkle Paper BoxUp.com is your fast and reliable source for custom holiday gift boxes. Also, check out our new Custom Packing Tape! Festive Custom Boxes For Corporate Gifts
PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS TO BE UNIVERSALLY VALUED Essentials 09.24 USE CASE p. 10 GOOD, BETTER OR BEST? Give clients options with a selection of similar garments at different price points to better meet their goals and budgets. page 16 IN STYLE pedro alexandre teixeira / Shutterstock.com PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 9
Gourmet Goodies Distributors share their favorite foodie gifts in promo, from sweet treats to kitchen essentials and branded goods for wine enthusiasts. By Rachel Zoch TISHA SCOFFINS Sales Representative Team Sales Ltd. PPAI 273462, Standard-Base Burnaby, British Columbia Scoffins says the best foodie item she’s used is a custom s’mores gift set that she did as a self-promo given to her clients. “Everyone who received it absolutely loved it and still talks about it two years later,” she says. This S’mores By The Fire Camping Mug Set includes an on-trend 16-oz. enamel camping mug stuffed with a hot cocoa pack and a mini s'mores pack. Decorate the mug, available in black, blue, green or white, with stock art plus imprint – like Scoffins’ “Thanks, Tish” message – or customize completely with your own design. NC Custom / PPAI 111662, Silver nccustom.com Scoffins says her go-to is customized mint tins. “This is such an easy giveaway,” she says, “not only for transporting, but because who doesn’t love mints?” Put your client’s logo in recipients’ pockets with a durable and reusable Flip-Lid Mint Tin for long-lasting impact. Each compact metal container (choose silver or black) holds about four dozen mints, and the price includes the fourcolor process imprint. Complies with Prop 65. AZX Sport / PPAI 224494, Silver azxpromotions.com Netrun78 / Shutterstock.com 10 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI Essentials | Use Case
Scoffins wants to try bite-sized Fairytale Brownies. “I sampled them in Vegas, and they were amazing, especially the caramel,” she says. Fairytale Brownies are handcrafted in Phoenix, Arizona, in small batches with premium ingredients like Belgian dark chocolate. Each brownie is individually wrapped for freshness, and there are no minimums on custom logo gifts featuring your client’s imprint on labels, gift boxes, tins or towers. Drop-ship and fulfillment programs available with worldwide shipping. Kosher certificate available. Fairytale Brownies / PPAI 317978, Silver browniepromos.com TAMMY MINOT President VERA MINOT Creative Director Southwest Solutions PPAI 615323, Standard-Plus Tucson, Arizona The Minots say the best foodie gift they’ve done was an executive gift package that highlighted local treats, along with durable hard goods. “We needed to include branded materials we knew would last with the gift recipients, who were clients of a business attorney,” says Vera Minot. “We started first with the food and drinks, highlighting locally made/grown wine, pecans and popcorn. We then tailored the branded goodies around those to capture the full experience.” The Fabrizio Wine Accessories Set includes a wine stopper, 3-in-1 bottle opener, 2-in-1 wine pourer and wine drip ring to make opening wine easy. All come packed into an elegant round case for easy presentation and storage with your client’s logo elegantly debossed on top. Spector & Co. / PPAI 168328, Gold spectorandco.com “We learned long ago that presentation is key, so we wrapped it all up in a subtly branded but visually impactful, on-theme tote from Bag Makers that matched the custom-printed tape holding the boxes together,” says Vera. The non-woven PET Renoir Tote features white front and back panels ready for full-color sublimation, accented by black gussets, piping and handles. Bag Makers / PPAI 111408, Platinum bagmakersinc.com We learned long ago that presentation is key. PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 11 Use Case | Essentials
“For the first time in the firm’s holiday gifting history, they received gushing, written thank-you notes,” she adds. “The key is to find branded hard goods that perfectly complement the snacks and drinks so that the dopamine high of the perfect bite sticks around in the memory attached to that promotional product for much longer than it takes to digest the food.” The Minots’ go-to food promo gift is kitchen tools. “We love kitchen tools that can be combined with something edible for an experiential package,” says Vera. The Basecamp 6-Piece BBQ Grill Set features extra-long spring-loaded tongs and a long two-prong fork to help keep hands away from the heat, plus a carving knife, extra-large spatula and brass cleaning with brush – all packed into a carrying case with your client’s logo. Each sale supports the Wounded Warrior Project. SnugZ USA / PPAI 112982, Platinum snugzusa.com The Minots want to try a decanterand-glass set paired with a bottle of red wine for “an impression that lasts forever.” The Juliette Decanter captures elegance and sophistication, with your client’s logo deep etched by hand. This set also comes with two or four etched 10.5-oz. Cannes Stemless Wine Glasses perfect for aerating and swirling. Pair with a carefully selected bottle of wine for a memorable gift. St Regis Group / PPAI 230188, Platinum us.stregisgrp.com Stay handy with a set of La Cuisine Silicone Baking Utensils – two classic spatulas and a spoonula with your client’s name laser-engraved on the acacia handle. The silicone heads are heat-resistant (up to 400 degrees) and non-scratch. Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum gemline.com Pair those spatulas with a couple easy baking recipes and a package of Dessert Sprinkles in a reusable acrylic tube, customized with your client’s logo on the lid. Choose from 11 colors, shapes and flavors, including rainbow, stars, nut crunch and marshmallow. Le Tour de Spice / PPAI 762815, Standard-Plus letourdespice.com 12 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI Essentials | Use Case
the original chill® In 1979 the Koozie® idea was born. In 2024 we celebrate 45 yearsof the original chill® with more colorful ways to imprint brand messages. Look for new products made with recycled content and drinkware boasting larger capacities to keep the fun going longer! kooziegroup.com | | keep the good going® Visit kooziegroup.com for complete details including most-up-to-date pricing and production times. Koozie Group® products are rigorously tested to confirm compliance with CPSIA and other North American product safety laws and standards. All of Koozie Group’s product SKUs are Prop 65 compliant and a majority do not require a Prop 65 label when shipping to California. Koozie Group, the Koozie Group® logo, kooziegroup.com, Koozie® and all related trademarks, logos, and trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Koozie Group and/or its affiliates or licensors and may not be used without written permission. ©2024 Koozie Group, Clearwater, FL 33760. 45448 Koozie® britePix® Can Cooler Standard full-color imprint! 45023 Koozie® The Original Can Cooler
ABBY BURKE National Account Executive Walker-Clay Inc. PPAI 109398, Silver Hanson, Massachusetts Burke says her go-to foodie promo gift provides “a fun way to send a thank-you, distribute gift cards, share a message or offer event favors” – as well as satisfy chocoholics and sweet tooths. Adding a fully custom greeting card and gourmet chocolate bar all in one from Sweeter Cards to any promo program is a favorite recommendation for Burke. These delicious and ethically sourced sea salt caramel chocolate bars are made in St. Louis by adults with disabilities, using fair trade-certified chocolate and recyclable packaging. Sweeter Cards PPAI 810735, Standard-Base sweetercards.com/pages/promo Burke wants to try a potluck essential and a fun holiday gift set, both perfect foodie gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Burke says she wishes for this Hot and Cold Cooler with handles every time she brings a dish to a party. “The foil trays from the store are flimsy to carry, and transporting food cargo can be suspenseful,” she adds. The insulated casserole carrier, available in blue, red or charcoal, holds a 9-by-13-inch pan in its zippered main compartment that keeps dishes hot or cool – and contained – during transport. Koozie Group / PPAI 114187, Platinum kooziegroup.com “The best unboxing experience is one that is as impactful as the contents inside,” says Burke, and she is very impressed by the Jingle Bells & Whistles + Advent, Lights, Music Gift Box, which features colorful lights and festive music, as well as an advent calendar-style reveal of snacks and gifts. These include rocky road popcorn, cashew brittle, white chocolate-covered Christmas tree pretzels, a customizable ceramic mug with removable bamboo coaster and a festive wooden ornament. HPG / PPAI 110772, Platinum hpgbrands.com Zoch is Public Affairs & Research Editor editor at PPAI. The best unboxing experience is one that is as impactful as the contents inside. PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 15
pedro alexandre teixeira / Shutterstock.com Good, Better Or Best? Give clients options with a selection of similar garments at different price points to better meet their goals and budgets. By Rachel Zoch ALTHOUGH MANY DISTRIBUTORS are seeing continued demand for retail-branded products, and promo apparel suppliers are adding brand names left and right, not all clients want to pay the premium to add their imprint to a recognized retail brand. (And some retail brands, like Patagonia, restrict cobranding from certain sectors.) Still, between the “quiet luxury” trend and buyers’ increasing focus on quality over quantity, higher-end apparel – or at least the appearance of it – has become more popular. Many distributors have long adopted a good/ better/best approach when pitching apparel, and offering a variety or a name-brand product and a promo dupe of lower price but equal quality are smart strategies when working with cost-conscious clients. Oren John, author of branding advice website Product World, provides a handy definition of good/better/best and says that “having all 3. 2. 1. Essentials | In Style 16 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI
three options is proven to sell more across the board” and that “more people choose [the best] category than you’d think, especially in the social media era where ‘best’ brands are statements.” That’s certainly true in promo. “We are finding that our clients are often looking for apparel that offers enduring appeal rather than solely focusing on price,” says Deborah Gaspar, director of sales and marketing for Zagwear (PPAI 184202, Gold), the No. 45 distributor in the PPAI 100. “Buyers started choosing ‘better’ or ‘best’ options around 2019 when the fast fashion world was really getting heat,” she adds. “Environmental responsibility has been a priority for our company, and the brands that we work with are adhering to strict standards. It’s important that we share those messages.” Gaspar works with a diverse client base in the New York City area and uses what she calls a “hot bag” to show current trends. Here are a few examples of the good/better/best approach, starting with some of Gaspar’s go-to garments. “Streetwear is still very trendy right now, regardless of the summer heat,” says Gaspar. She likes to show this trio of heavyweight tees: Gaspar says this Tultex Heavyweight Jersey T-Shirt is popular in retail for surf and skate. Made of 100% ringspun USA cotton (ash and heathers are a cotton/poly blend), these tees are reactive-dyed for longer-lasting color and pre-washed to minimize shrinkage. Available in 29 colors and sizes XS-4X. The oversized Bella + Canvas 6-oz. Heavyweight Tee, made of 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (except heather) comes in 10 on-trend colors. These tees are made in a facility that is WRAP and bluesign certified. Available in sizes XS-3X. This name-brand American Apparel Garment-Dyed Heavyweight Cotton Tee comes in six trending earthy colors and sizes S-3X. Made of 100% cotton in a facility that is WRAP certified, it’s garment-dyed with OEKO-TEX certified low-impact dyes for a vintage, faded look and minimal shrinkage. S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum / ssactivewear.com In Style | Essentials PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 17
Matching fleece sets are hot no matter the season, and Gaspar likes to show capsules from a couple of different brands that offer distinct style and sustainability elements. For name-brand appeal, Gaspar likes American Apparel’s new ReFlex Fleece line, with tops that feature a retail look. Each piece is made of a blend of cotton and recycled polyester with a 100% combed ringspun cotton face for cotton-friendly decorating techniques. The Hoodie comes in 12 colors and sizes XS-4X. It features a drawcordfree, unlined hood and a front kangaroo pocket, plus rolled back and dropped shoulder seams and a back neck patch for added decoration. The Women’s Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt offers a modern feminine silhouette with a boxy, slightly cropped fit, dropped shoulders and balloon sleeves. Available in six neutral, earthy colors and sizes S-2X. Available in 10 colors and sizes XS-4X, the Crewneck Sweatshirt offers classic styling in updated colorways. The Sweatpants feature a differential rise for a better fit, plus side pockets, retro-inspired 1-inch covered elastic bands at the ankles and a covered elastic waistband with external, flat, dyed-to-match recycled polyester drawcords. The Hooded Sweatshirt, available in 10 colors and sizes S-3X, features a jersey-lined hood with naturalcolored flat drawcord and a rolled forward shoulder. The Sweat Shorts and Sweatpants also feature a natural-colored flat drawcord, plus jersey-lined side pockets and differential rise for a better fit. Both are available in six colors and sizes S-2X. These matching garment-dyed lightweight fleece pieces from Comfort Colors offer on-trend colors and styles to mix and match. Each garment is made of 100% cotton and dyed with OEKO-TEX certified low-impact dyes in a WRAP-certified facility. S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum / ssactivewear.com Essentials | In Style 18 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI
Zoch is Public Affairs & Research Editor editor at PPAI. Polo shirts are a promo staple. This trio provides a good example of the good/ better/best approach: The Core365 Men’s Origin Performance Piqué Polo, made of 100% polyester pique, provides a good option, with moisture wicking, antimicrobial properties and UV protection. Available in 16 colors and sizes XS-6X. Even better is the CORE365 Men’s Fusion ChromaSoft Pique Polo, made of spun polyester with a cotton hand feel. Performance features include moisture wicking, antimicrobial properties and UV protection. Available in 23 colors and sizes S-5X. The most sustainable option, this North End Men’s Express Tech Performance Polo offers a modern, retail-inspired fit. It’s made with 100% recycled polyester and Coolcore yarn technology that provides mechanical (not chemical) performance features that include moisture wicking, thermal regulating and UV protection. Available in five colors and sizes S-5X. alphabroder / PPAI 156993, Platinum / alphabroder.com In Style | Essentials Made in USA WarwickPublishing.com See All Stock Stlyes at Use our stock art as above or... Add your logo to our stock art or... Create your own full color art 5 Stock Holiday Designs in 4 Sizes! PPAI/114154 SAGE/57590 As low as $.99(C) We make the box, you add the Goodies! PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 19
IDEAS TO ADVANCE THE MARKETPLACE Voices 09.24 Alex Kalmbach / TrifonenkoIvan / Shutterstock.com RESPONSIBILITY THE FAB FOUR: ESG Ratings, Regulations, Standards And Guidelines Explained page 26 YOUR BUSINESS p. 22 INNOVATION p. 24 PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 21
Ed Yakivchenko / Summit Art / Shutterstock.com Voices | Your Business We’re All In This Together Building a culture driven by teamwork is difficult, but the rewards of leading with collaboration are immense. By Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE COLLABORATION, a leadership and organizational culture that I am deeply passionate about, often carries the deceptive perception of being simple to achieve. Let’s face it, fostering and achieving a truly collaborative culture within an organization is difficult. However, the rewards of leading with collaboration are immense. Through embracing and nurturing a collaborative environment, you as a leader enhance the overall performance and culture of your organization, empower your leaders and their teams and drive long-term, sustainable success. How To Build Collaboration The importance of incorporating diverse voices and perspectives should always be a part of the foundation of any collaborative culture. For organizations, teams and projects led by leaders who value varied viewpoints, the initial step of creating a space for these to be heard is increasingly happening cross-departmentally and includes people with different backgrounds and experiences. It’s the more challenging yet crucial next step of ensuring that these voices and perspectives have the ability and power to influence the decision that happens less often and less consistently. This step requires leaders to move beyond merely hearing different perspectives to genuinely incorporating them into the decisionmaking process. It means taking the time to detach from their instinctual biases and allowing decisions to be shaped by collective insights. 22 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI
Your Business | Voices Unlike the first step, which can be implemented by putting the right processes, resources and accountability measures in place, this step takes deliberate internal, individual effort on an ongoing basis. It’s also more difficult to hold those around us accountable. As I reflect on a few areas that help to drive collaboration, there are three areas that stand out: 1 Communication And Goal Setting Effective communication is a vital component of driving collaboration. As a leader, it’s important to continually emphasize how each department’s and each person’s work contributes to the overarching project, goal, mission and vision. By setting goals that communicate the importance of collaboration, you ensure that everyone is aligned and motivated toward common objectives, underlining the importance of teamwork and collective success. 2 Making Investments That Result In Collaboration A person can only do so much to drive collaboration without the right tools, resources and environment. Putting the right things in place, such as project management and communication tools, along with creating a collaborative workplace, can take a time or financial investment. For instance, at PPAI, we’re currently working to improve our workspace to provide our team with a more collaborative environment that will better support our team and, ultimately, allow us to better serve our members. 3 Motivate Continued Collaboration Acknowledging, recognizing, rewarding and celebrating collaborative efforts are all ways to motivate people and teams to continue working together effectively. Integrating collaboration into performance metrics and reviews, as well as offering bonuses related to collaboration, can reinforce the value placed on collaboration within the organization. Outcomes The realization of true collaboration can transform an organization from the inside out. Although it’s difficult to achieve, the outcomes make the effort well worth it for both leaders and organizations. A few of these are highlighted below: • Increased productivity: Teams that work well together streamline processes and reduce redundancies, leading to more efficient and effective use of resources. • Reduced silos: Encouraging knowledge sharing and transparency, cross-functional coordination and improved communications will lead to smoother operations, more cohesive strategies and earlier identification and mitigation of potential risks. • Enhanced innovation: Increased idea-sharing and brainstorming lead to creative problem-solving, giving companies a competitive edge. • Job joy: Employees feel valued when involved and given the opportunity to contribute. This drives the discretionary effort all leaders are after and reduces turnover. • Better customer outcomes: Collaboration ensures that customer needs and feedback are integrated across functions, driving satisfaction and loyalty. Leading By Example Leaders who foster collaboration build stronger, more effective teams, which results in the leaders themselves being stronger and more influential. Leading with collaboration improves the overall performance and cultural fabric of an organization, all of which drives sustainable success. While setting out to build collaboration in your organization can be an arduous journey, the rewards will certainly be worth it. Tucker is vice president of revenue and expositions at PPAI. Let’s face it, fostering and achieving a truly collaborative culture within an organization is difficult. However, the rewards of leading with collaboration are immense. PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 23
NatalyaV / Pla2na / Shutterstock.com 24 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI Voices | Innovation ANY GOOD WORK TEAM depends on each other to make everything run smoothly. But every member of that team needs to step away – whether you’re taking a well-deserved vacation, attending a conference or simply stepping away from work for personal reasons. It might be overstating it to say there’s an art to informing your colleagues, clients and stakeholders of your absence, but there are more effective processes than what I’ve often seen over the course of my career. One of technology’s most crucial uses is communication, but the more deliberately we use it, the better proof we’ll get that stepping away is not only necessary but nothing to fear. The Ghosting Approach Sadly, one of the most common ways to communicate absence is no communication at all. Too often I’m facing a tight deadline, and the person I need to gather critical information from is out of the office for the next week. Sometimes I find this out by looking at their calendar. The absolute worst-case scenario is when they no-show a meeting that was scheduled when they were still in the office. Another unproductive approach is when a colleague blocks out their entire team’s calendar, assuming their teammates are unable to make progress without them or afraid they won’t be able to catch up upon returning. Progress can happen without you. In fact, it must happen. A Proactive Process The good news is that the technology tailored to scheduling has been around for decades. The bad news is that there has never been much of a standardized way of utilizing Putting The ‘Proactive’ In PTO By CW Karstens
PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 25 Innovation | Voices that technology among industries or even within individual companies. As PPAI’s director of digital transformation, it is imperative to both the colleagues I report to and those who report to me that they are prepared for when I step away on some personal time. Below are best practices that ensure that continuity can excel without me and that I will not be interrupted during crucial time away to recharge. • I confirm the dates and ensure that my workload is manageable. • I find a delegate or delegates to carry out tasks that I might ordinarily handle. • I discuss the out-of-office dates with my supervisor and submit them in our company’s PTO request, tracking and approval tool. • I create a document with any meetings that need to be attended or hosted with the latest statuses on open and upcoming actions. • If I am going to be out for more than two days in a row, I update my email signature two weeks in advance with the dates that I will be out of the office. This gives people ample time to ask me questions before I am not available. • I create a personal Outlook appointment that has the “Show As” status of Out of Office. I have the start time and end time match my normal office hours. The appointment title has my name, OOO for Out of Office, and my delegate’s name. This blocks out my time so people know that I am not available at that time and whom to contact if needed. • I create a group Outlook meeting that has the “Show As” status as “Free.” It is very important to not block out everyone else’s time in their calendars. I make sure the “Don’t Host Online” is checked, I add the people who may be impacted by my absence, and I make sure the “All Day” option is checked. The meeting title has my name, “OOO” and my delegate’s name. This places a small banner at the top of each person’s calendar on the days that I am out. • About an hour before I leave for the out of office time, I set my Out of Office Responder to state the dates that I will be out of office and who my delegate is. I do usually include my cell number for emergency only if I will remain within cell service throughout my vacation or trip. The right steps mean you are communicating with your colleagues in a way that protects your personal time and the progress of your team’s projects. Using technology proactively before you step away will prove a lesson that everyone needs to learn at some point: The ship will continue course without any one person for a week or two. Karstens is the director of digital transformation at PPAI.
Voices | Responsibility The Fab Four: ESG Ratings, Regulations, Standards And Guidelines Explained I want to hold your hand through this Beatles-inspired lesson on sustainability. By Elizabeth Wimbush SUSTAINABILITY CAN Sometimes feel like a confusing alphabet soup of acronyms and jargon, especially when you get into regulations, ratings, standards and guidelines. To help make sense of it all, let’s take some inspiration from an iconic band – The Beatles. Yes, this absolutely means I will be taking every opportunity to work in a lyric or song. So, come together, right now, over sustainability! Ratings: The John Lennon Of Sustainability Just as John Lennon was the visionary and most outspoken band member, ratings are the bold and influential voice in sustainability. They assess your company’s performance on environmental, social and governance criteria, making sure your sustainability efforts are seen and heard. ESG ratings help both customers and end users understand how well you’re managing sustainability risks and opportunities. In the world of sustainability, ESG ratings are like Lennon’s famous anthem “Imagine” – they envision a better, more responsible world. Bonus Connection: Yoko Ono! Yoko Ono’s contributions to Lennon’s life and work brought a new depth and perspective, much like ESG ratings bring a meunierd / Shutterstock.com 26 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI
Responsibility | Voices comprehensive view of a company’s sustainability efforts. Just as Ono’s influence helped Lennon explore new artistic and social realms, ESG ratings guide companies to broaden their focus beyond financial performance, emphasizing the importance of environmental and social responsibility. Some examples of prominent rating agencies that you may have heard about include: • MSCI ESG Ratings, which assesses companies based on their exposure to industry-specific ESG risks and their ability to manage those risks. • EcoVadis, which provides holistic sustainability ratings, evaluating companies on environmental, social, ethics and supply chain criteria. It’s like a full-body scan for your company’s sustainability practices. • CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), which scores companies based on their environmental transparency and performance. Regulations: The Paul McCartney Of Sustainability Paul McCartney was known for his discipline and ability to craft the band’s most structured and enduring hits. Similarly, regulations are the essential frameworks that ensure everyone is playing by similar rules. These are mandatory requirements set by governments and regulatory bodies to protect the environment and society. Think of regulations as the “Let It Be” of your sustainability journey, providing wisdom and guidance through structured practices. Key regulations include: • PFAS Regulations: Laws and guidelines aimed at limiting the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in products due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. • FTC Green Guides: U.S. regulations to prevent greenwashing by ensuring that environmental marketing claims are truthful and substantiated. • The Modern Slavery Act: A law requiring companies to disclose efforts to prevent slavery and human trafficking in their supply chains, ensuring ethical treatment of workers. Reporting Standards And Frameworks: The George Harrison Of Sustainability George Harrison brought depth and spiritual insight to The Beatles, much like reporting standards and frameworks bring depth and clarity to sustainability reporting. These standards provide a structured approach to disclosing your sustainability performance, ensuring transparency and credibility. Think of reporting standards as the “Here Comes the Sun” moment for your sustainability efforts, shedding light on your progress and achievements. Some examples of prominent sustainability standards: • GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), which provides a comprehensive set of standards for reporting on a range of sustainability topics. • SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board), which develops industry-specific standards to guide businesses in disclosing important sustainability information that stakeholders need for decision making, including investing. • ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board), which provides global standards for sustainability disclosures, helping companies provide consistent and comparable sustainability information. Guidelines: The Ringo Starr Of Sustainability Ringo Starr (my favorite of the Fab Four), with his steady drumming and easygoing nature, provided the foundation and rhythm for The Beatles. Similarly, guidelines offer best practices and recommendations that help companies enhance their sustainability efforts. While not mandatory, they provide valuable insights and strategies for improving sustainability performance, much like Ringo’s reliable beats. Guidelines are like the “With a Little Help from My Friends” of sustainability, offering support and advice to keep your efforts harmonious and effective. Notable guidelines include: • The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 interconnected global goals aimed at addressing critical challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. • The Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the definitive standard for carbon accounting. It offers comprehensive guidance for companies to accurately measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions. • Science Based Targets, which offers methodologies and targets for companies to set science-based emissions reduction goals, ensuring they are in line with the latest climate science. All You Need Is Love Hopefully, you’ve got a couple solid tunes stuck in your head and you’re feeling a bit better about which means what. Remember, sustainability is a continuous journey. It’s about making ongoing improvements, celebrating small wins and staying committed to your goals. Don’t feel overwhelmed–you’ve got the support of many in the industry (including yours truly), cheering you on. Wimbush is the director of sustainability and responsibility at PPAI. PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 27
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STORIES TO KEEP AND USE Must Read 09.24 ARGraphicss/ jackishit / Shutterstock.com NEW TO PROMO page 66 WELCOME ON IN Not every promo veteran started out in this industry. Find out how the market continues to evolve through welcoming professionals who started their careers elsewhere. THE 106 GREATEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR p. 30 THE STATE OF RESPONSIBILITY 2024 p. 70 PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS WORK! p. 86 PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 29
Must Read | Greatest Companies To Work For PPAI 2024 ODE.Studio / Shutterstock.com 30 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI
Greatest Companies To Work For | Must Read THE 106 GREATEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR It’s a monumental increase from last year’s list, as more PPAI members are taking culture and support for their employees seriously. By Audrey Sellers The Great Resignation is over, but that doesn’t mean promotional products companies are resting on their laurels. Recruiting and retaining top talent remains a priority of distributors, suppliers and business service providers. In many cases, keeping good employees happy is more desirable than facing the labor market. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of distributors and 46% of suppliers reported a shortage of skilled candidates as their top hiring challenge, according to a survey of PPAI 100 firms conducted earlier this year. Of course, the recruitment and onboarding process takes significant time, money and effort. To avoid that costly hassle, companies are offering their employees more than ever before, including unprecedented flexibility, higher pay, personal growth opportunities and a welcoming company culture. The companies that have best met workers’ needs made PPAI’s 2024 Greatest Companies To Work For list. These 106 companies were praised by staff for their commitment to nurturing work environments that are affirming and supportive. “I’m thrilled to see the size of this list continuing to grow,” says Josh Ellis, PPAI Media publisher and editor-in-chief. “It’s evidence of just how many of our member companies are taking their cultures and support for their employees seriously. Participating allows each company to receive vital anonymized data on how employees feel about their company, and inclusion on the Greatest Companies to Work For list is also part of the scoring makeup for PPAI 100’s Employee Happiness category. There could not be more reasons to want to be part of this list. My congratulations to all of the leaders whose companies earned a spot.” This year, 106 companies earned the honors, a jaw-dropping jump from 67 in 2023. Of last year’s winners, 41 repeated the feat in 2024. The winning companies range in size from as few as five employees to more than 1,200. PPAI congratulates this year’s Greatest Companies To Work For. See why employees crowned their companies with the highest praise. How This Survey Is Conducted The competition, which began in March, is open to all PPAI member companies in the U.S. and Canada with at least five full-time employees. Firms must be nominated by an employee to compete. They then submit a roster of employees, who receive a questionnaire asking them to rate their employer on a range of topics, from “I am confident about my future at this company,” to “I have a good benefits package compared to other companies,” and “This company operates by strong values and ethics.” A survey participation rate was established for each company based on its size, and companies were required to achieve that rate to be eligible. The survey results were then tabulated to the same standards as in years past. Taken on average, the employees from winning companies either agreed or strongly agreed with the positive sentiments about their workplaces in the survey. PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 31
THE GREATEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR (In alphabetical order by size) Top Micro Companies (4-9 employees) Aclymate Hufferman PromoCorner Rise Promotions Ltd. Top Small Companies (10-25 employees) 1338Tryon BreakAwayPromo Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple, Inc. CE Competitive Edge LLC City Apparel + Merch CKlass Concepts & Associates, Inc. Creative Promotional Marketing Agency eXtendTech Fill It Forward Fossa Apparel, Inc. Gator Garb Promotions Headwear USA Identify Yourself IDProductsource Imagen Inc. INM Marketing Group Juice Marketing Magellan Promotions, LLC RUPT Scrub Authority Southwest Solutions Spark Branded Solutions Specialized Specialty Incentives Stowebridge Promotional Group Walker-Clay, Inc. You Name It Specialties, Inc. Zinc DBA Prominate Inc Top Midsize Companies (26-75 employees) AIA Corporation Akran Marketing Ball Pro Promotional Group BEL Promo Blink Marketing, Inc. BMP Partners, Inc. Brand Fuel, Inc. Chipply Commonsku Cooley Group Inc Corporategift.com Dei Rossi Marketing Dynamic Brands Fey Promo Gorilla Marketing Ideation Promotions & Apparel IDLine Image Masters Imprint Plus J.Charles JH Specialty Loyalty Source Maple Ridge Farms, Inc. Mercury Promotions & Fulfillment MyBrandPromo Inc Peerless Umbrella Co. Picnic Time Family of Brands Pop! Promos PowerStick.com Pro Towels PromoCentric, Inc. Promotional Source S.C.G. & Associates, Inc. Score Promotions Seville Gear Show Your Logo, Inc. Signet, Inc. Sky High Marketing SOCK101 Storm Creek The Chest TPS Promotions & Incentives Zagwear Inc. Top Large Companies (More than 75 employees) American Solutions for Business BAMKO Barker Specialty Company Boundless Brandability, Inc. Bryant Park Consulting, Inc. Cap America, Inc. Concord Marketing Solutions Corporate Imaging Concepts, LLC. Crystal D Edwards Garment Company EPromos Promotional Products Facilisgroup Gemline GO2 Partners Goldstar HPG Icostore Indoff, Inc. IPROMOTEu Nadel Outdoor Cap Overture Promotions Inc. Pinnacle Promotions Inc. Proforma PromoShop, Inc SnugZ USA Staples Promotional Products The MRL Group Vantage Apparel NOTE: Company sizes reflect the number of full-time employees as of Spring 2024, when rosters were submitted to PPAI. Must Read | Greatest Companies To Work For 32 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI
TOP MICRO COMPANIES (5-9 employees) Aclymate Hufferman PromoCorner Aclymate (PPAI 833794, Standard-Base) Category: Business Services Headquarters: Denver, Colorado Top Executive: Mike Smith, CEO and Founder Employees: 7 Website: aclymate.com Employees’ Favorite Things: Work/life balance, appreciation by management, good communication, recognition and praise, confidence in leadership, high NPS score, efficiency and excellence, open to new ideas, growth experience, motivation to succeed, strong values and ethics What Employees Say: Aclymate is a team of passionate and hard-working people that care about their colleagues, their work and the planet. We’re trusted to do what’s best and to make independent decisions. Hufferman (PPAI 827052, Standard-Base) Category: Supplier Headquarters: Queen Creek, Arizona Top Executive: Brian Holmason Employees: 6 Website: hufferman.com Employees’ Favorite Things: Personal confidence in the future, work/life balance, fair pay, high NPS score, strong values and ethics What Employees Say: One of the best companies I have ever worked for – second to none! Hufferman is a company that listens to our concerns and is always there to make our work and personal life more balanced. PromoCorner (PPAI 110698, Standard-Base) Category: Business Services Headquarters: Middleboro, Massachusetts Top Executive: Joel Moore Employees: 5 Website: promocorner.com Employees’ Favorite Things: Personal confidence in the future, work/ life balance, fair pay, appreciation by management, good communication, recognition and praise, confidence in leadership, high NPS score, proper training and tools, open to new ideas, growth experience, motivation to succeed, strong values and ethics What Employees Say: I feel like a part of the team and not just another employee. Everyone gets along, and you don’t have to be afraid to speak up. We’re all here to better the company, our customers and each other. Greatest Companies To Work For | Must Read PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2024 • 33
Must Read | Greatest Companies To Work For Rise Promotions (PPAI 657478, Standard-Plus) Category: Distributor Headquarters: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Top Executive: Lindsay Jones Employees: 4 Website: risepromotions.ca Employees’ Favorite Things: Personal confidence in the future, work/ life balance, fair pay, appreciation by management, good communication, recognition and praise, confidence in leadership, high NPS score, proper training and tools, open to new ideas, growth experience, motivation to succeed, strong values and ethics What Employees Say: Working at Rise has been one of the best professional experiences of my life. Rise fosters a workplace that is fun and fair and encourages growth and improvement. Rise Promotions 1338Tryon BreakAwayPromo TOP SMALL COMPANIES (10 to 25 employees) 1338Tryon (PPAI 649357, Professional-Silver) Category: Distributor Headquarters: Portland, Oregon Top Executive: Heather Comerford Employees: 9 Website: 1338tryon.com Employees’ Favorite Things: Personal confidence in the future, work/ life balance, fair pay, appreciation by management, good communication, recognition and praise, good benefits, confidence in leadership, high NPS score, proper training and tools, efficiency and excellence, open to new ideas, growth experience, motivation to succeed, strong values and ethics What Employees Say: Working at 1338Tryon has been an incredible experience. They genuinely value my growth and opinions, which has made a huge difference in my professional life. From the start, I have been provided with opportunities to learn and develop new skills. BreakAwayPromo (PPAI 811202, Standard-Base) Category: Distributor Headquarters: Temecula, California Top Executive: Kimberly Bennetts Employees: 12 Website: breakawaypromo.com Employees’ Favorite Things: Personal confidence in the future, work/ life balance, fair pay, appreciation by management, good communication, recognition and praise, good benefits, confidence in leadership, high NPS score, proper training and tools, efficiency and excellence, open to new ideas, growth experience, motivation to succeed, strong values and ethics What Employees Say: Working for BreakAwayPromo has been a breath of fresh air for me. I feel genuinely valued and appreciated, and the fair compensation reflects the company’s commitment to its employees. The support system is strong, and I’m grateful to work alongside positive, like-minded women. 34 • SEPTEMBER 2024 • PPAI
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