Inside PPAI | Community PPAI Announces 2025 Icon Award Recipients PPAI HAS ANNOUNCED the recipients of its 2025 Icon Awards, which celebrate the accomplishments of those who have gone above and beyond in service to the promotional products industry, the Association and their communities. This year’s honors are being bestowed on: PPAI Hall of Fame Jonathan Isaacson, MAS PPAI Hall of Fame Mark Jenkins, MAS+ PPAI Distinguished Service Award Danny Sirmon, MAS PPAI Distinguished Service Award D’Anna Zimmer, CAS H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award Joy Smith, MAS The PPAI Hall of Fame Celebrating individuals who have demonstrated monumental and selfless efforts and devotion to the promo industry, induction into the PPAI Hall of Fame gives permanent recognition to those whose creative spark and tireless dedication have helped the Association and industry prosper. Isaacson has served as the CEO and chairman of the Gem Group, which goes to market under the name Gemline, since 1988. That nearly four-decade run has seen the Massachusetts-based company become the No. 11 supplier in PPAI 100. As the industry has seen changes, and obstacles have become standard procedures, Isaacson has navigated Gemline through shifting trends and led the industry by example. He has also volunteered with PPAI through participation in the Strategic Planning Committee Strategic Foresight Committee, Strategic Foresight Committee and PPAI Product Responsibility Action Group. Also being inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame is Mark Jenkins, regional vice president at Geiger and a 37-year veteran of the promo industry. Prior to joining the PPAI 100’s No. 5 distributor in 2022, Jenkins spent two decades prior at Pioneer Balloon Company before Geiger recruited him for his experience and industry contacts. In 2015, Jenkins served as chair of the PPAI Board of Directors. Since 2006, he has been actively volunteering for various PPAI groups, including the Hall of Fame Advisory Group, the Government Relations Advisory Council and through participation in Legislative Education Action Day. The PPAI Distinguished Service Award The annual PPAI Distinguished Service Award is presented to Association members who consistently contribute their skills and expertise toward the betterment of the organization. Through volunteer service or by offering their leadership to PPAI, these are members who have generously given the gift of their energy, time and enthusiasm. A nearly 40-year promo veteran, Danny Sirmon, president of Mobile, Alabama-based distributor Zebra Marketing, has been a longtime advocate for the industry. Currently a member of the Sunbelt Promotional Products Association’s board of directors, Sirmon has volunteered with many PPAI committees and groups over the years, including the Technology Committee and Regional Association Council. In 2005- Danny Sirmon, MAS Mark Jenkins, MAS+ Jonathan Isaacson, MAS PPAI • DECEMBER 2024 • 77
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