46 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI In 2020, Neaman served as Chair of the PPAI Board of Directors, overseeing the direction of the Association – and to a large extent, the overall industry – amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He presided over weekly virtual board meetings regarding ever-changing government regulations and medical guidance, widespread business disruption and the decision to cancel The PPAI Expo 2021. It was an unenviable position to be in, but by all accounts, Neaman rose to the occasion with aplomb. Former PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone even told him he was the “right Chair at the right time.” “I grew up with parents who lived during The Great Depression, so you understand budgets and what you can and can’t do,” says Neaman, whose next-door neighbor during the pandemic just so happened to be a senior-level immunologist. “In an industry with a lot of Pollyannas, I’m a realist. I’ve never been a ‘the sky is falling’ person. There was no question there would be some cure or solution – it was just a matter of timing,” he adds. “It was challenging because it was a different set of variables, but ultimately, it was just another day. After previous financial downturns, you know the drill and to move quick and decisive, but not reckless.” Although volunteering isn’t mandated at Vantage, the spirit of giving back and encouraging industry involvement has always been part of the company culture. As technology has become increasingly important to how the industry operates, Vantage has been especially supportive of efforts focused on digital transformation, standards and collaboration among suppliers, distributors and service providers. “We believe that contributing to these conversations ultimately strengthens the entire industry ecosystem,” says Chris Alfano, Vantage’s chief information and digital officer. As a member of the PPAI Technology Committee since 2024, Alfano has welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded technologists while also helping less tech-savvy industry members better understand and adopt new systems and equipment. Being part of the committee has also provided a platform for him to share expertise more broadly through speaking engagements, webinars and working groups that help shape industry education and training programs. “Being able to contribute to those conversations, support peers and help move the industry forward is incredibly fulfilling and one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional involvement,” Alfano says. “Whether it’s discussing integrations, automation, security or e-commerce, there’s a real need to help organizations adapt their businesses, modernize their operations and stay secure in an increasingly digital environment.” In addition to encouraging participation in PPAI efforts, Vantage also supports employees contributing to their regional associations. There have been years when up to four employees have served as regional association presidents at the same time, Neaman says, amplifying the company’s presence around the country. “Vantage believes by strengthening regional communities, we strengthen the industry,” says Ryan Finnegan, national account manager at Vantage and a board member of the Philadelphia Area Promotional Products Association. “Volunteering allows me to stay closely connected to my local community while bringing fresh ideas and new opportunities. It gives me the opportunity to connect with distributors to share insights about decorations, apparel, technology and innovation.” In addition to scoring for Pyramid Awards participation and wins, the 2026 PPAI 100 also supports industry leadership by introducing points when firms’ employees volunteer for their regional associations, PPAI committees, working groups and the Board of Directors. Matt Castillo, regional territory manager at Vantage and a board member of the Promotional Products Association of Florida, says volunteering has resulted in many benefits, such as building new Must Read | Suppliers Chris Alfano Hamza Ahmed, director of apparel decoration & production “Being able to contribute to those conversations, support peers and help move the industry forward is incredibly fulfilling and one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional involvement.” – CHRIS ALFANO
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