LEAD 2025: Tariffs And Trade Topped The List Of Concerns Every year, PPAI hosts promo pros in Washington for a day on Capitol Hill to inform legislators and their staffers about the promotional products industry. PPAI’s annual Legislative Education and Action Day gives industry leaders the opportunity to build relationships and advocate for the interests of the branded merchandise community. Tariffs and trade topped the list of concerns, as well as opposition to the SWAG Act and support for the Modern Worker Empowerment Act. “Over the past few days at LEAD, we came together with unmatched passion, purpose and professionalism. With 100 appointments and 100% participation from congressional offices, we made our voices heard,” said PPAI President & CEO Drew Holmgreen. “Most importantly, we left with confidence that our elected officials understand and support the need for balanced strategies that protect fair trade without compromising our industry’s incredible ability to spread joy around the world.” LEAD 2025 drew more than 70 industry professionals from across the country on April 7 and 8 to the nation’s capital to address issues of particular importance to promo. Whether experienced attendees or first-timers, all were eager to share the promotional products industry’s scope, influence and needs with representatives, senators and their staffers. “We met with a lot of staffers – and I actually prefer that, because they’re the ones who keep the calendars. I love talking to staffers,” said Dana Steffens, deputy general counsel for SanMar and a firsttime LEAD attendee. At the top of the LEAD legislative agenda, attendees expressed opposition to the SWAG Act. This bill would prohibit government agencies from using federal funds on promotional products, which are often used to help educate citizens about public safety programs and health initiatives. A PPAI team met directly with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) to discuss the potential harm the bill could cause, not only to the PPAI • JUNE 2025 • 91 Inside PPAI | Community
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