Register TODAY to attend NEXT WEEK'S Fall Holiday Showcase!!
PPAMidwest is proud to bring you and your clients multiple opportunities to attend trade shows throughout our region. The Fall Holiday Showcase is a great opportunity to connect with vendors and discuss projects. Also, PPAMidwest Distributor members are encouraged to invite clients to attend as exclusive guests.
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October 12, 2021 Tuesday Learing Lab:
“Market YOUR Identity with PromoPulse"
PromoPlus from PromoCorner is a comprehensive collection of distributor tools designed to help you run your business at a fraction of the time and cost of doing it yourself. We will go through the details of how each of these tools work. As well as point out the way you can take the marketing results and turn them into Sales!
Attendees will learn:
- Overview of the tools inside PromoPlus
- How to build and create your own email marketing campaign
- Automating your email marketing campaign - Set it and forget it
- Creating your own Digital Catalog from the pages of supplier catalogs
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October 27, 2021 Wild Wednesday Webinar:
"For Better Answers, Ask Better Questions: Develop Strong, Loyal and Profitable Relationships"
To build a successful promotional products practice, we must hone our skills as problem solvers to become part of our clients’ teams. We develop strong, loyal and profitable relationships by developing a better understanding of who we are and who are clients are — and how to make them more successful. If your business is only about products, it is easily commoditized and becomes a race to the bottom. Customers who buy from you on price will leave you over price. Customer loyalty and love comes from making yourself an indispensable part of their team. You achieve this through asking the right questions — of yourself and of your clients.
Attendees will learn:
- The 8 Questions You Need to Ask Every Client
- 5 Questions to Ask Yourself and Answer
- Ask “Why” Three Times
- What Problems Do You Solve?
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American Solutions for Business Raises Funds for Local Kindergarten Classes
Glenwood, MN – American Solutions for Business raised $500 for local kindergarten classes in Glenwood, MN. Every September, ASB’s internal Stewardship Committee holds raffles for the school and distribute to the areas with the greatest need. This year, the school counselor indicated that each kindergarten family is asked to pay $30 to help cover snacks for the year. This is a struggle for some families. The funds raised and donated by ASB will help cover the costs and alleviate some of the financial burden local families are facing.
The Stewardship Committee at American promotes the American culture and fosters fellowship among employees while coordinating events, activities, and fundraisers to benefit the communities in which they live and the causes to which they are dedicated. The group focuses on six to eight charitable causes each year but as needs arise, the team may sponsor other benefits.
Throughout the year, the Stewardship Committee also donate to Pope County Hospice, Pope County Food Shelf, Pope County Humane Society and Rainbow Rider to help the local Head Start children get a ride to school.
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MARKË ONE JOINS FORCES WITH JP PROMOTIONS TO EXPAND INTO MID-MISSOURI
Lenexa, KS – Markë One is expanding its reach into the Columbia and Jefferson City, Missouri, markets. The marketing supply chain company is excited to announce JP Promotions is joining Markë One to provide customizable marketing supply chain solutions to new and existing customers in mid-Missouri.
“This is the first step in Markë One’s expansion,” says President Todd Rasmussen. “Our goal is to offer marketing supply chain technology to mid-size clients in the Midwest, and expanding to serve clients in Columbia and Jefferson City is a logical first step.”
With the expansion, JP Promotions customers will gain access to Markë One’s marketing supply chain software, an option not currently available to businesses in the area. The combined procurement power of the two companies will also benefit customers.
The addition of JP Promotions gives Markë One a presence in St. Louis, Kansas City, and the Columbia and Jefferson City area. It also brings Rasmussen back to his roots.
Joanie Payne-Farr, president of JP Promotions, gave Rasmussen his first job.
“We’re excited to get back to Jeff City where we have family,” Rasmussen says. “For me, personally, it’s a full circle. It’s also a great first step in a larger acquisition plan as we grow in the next three to five years.”
Payne-Farr will stay on with the company and will continue to handle sales in the mid-Missouri area.
“I’m super excited to work with the team at Markë One, which will provide JP Promotions clients with software and support to further their promotion needs.”
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Did you know PPAMidwest members can automatically see Free Setup coupons and more at 150+ supplier websites with PromoHunt? |
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That's right -- just install the free PromoHunt browser extension, and then PPAMidwest coupons, supplier phone numbers, and other helpful details will appear automatically at the bottom of supplier website pages.
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Brandon Kennedy and BrandCo Marketing Join American Solutions for Business
Glenwood, MN – American Solutions for Business announced that Brandon Kennedy and BrandCo Marketing team has joined the company.
Joining the promo industry in 2004, Kennedy has built a loyal customer base and team of 12 dynamic team members to include four sales professionals in Tennessee, Ohio, Newport Beach, CA and BrandCo’s main office and warehouse in Bakersfield, CA.
“I joined ASB because of the structure and support and really am pleased with the partnership of the ASB team,” said Kennedy. “My vision is growth, and I can see the roadmap to get where we want to go with the help of the ASB resources and structure. Also, joining an ESOP made sense for me to provide to my staff and is a huge bonus for retaining staff and attracting more talent…the future looks bright!”
“Brandon and his team are a perfect culture and strategic fit here and we couldn’t be happier to have them on board,” expressed Justin Zavadil, ASB President. “I can’t wait to see them grow their business and level of service to their customers here at ASB.”
Kennedy adds, “I am excited to meet more like-minded professional peers and learn from their experiences and help them by sharing some of my experiences with them as well. The staff at ASB has been nothing short of amazing. Working with those who share my vision and are looking to help is refreshing. I am a total team guy and love to be part of something bigger. With the support of ASB, my staff can feel more supported and less stressed out.”
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Sam Lenger joins Big River Marketing ~ Enter the Next Generation!
Washington, MO – Big River Marketing is very excited to announce that Sam Lenger, son of co-founder Doug Lenger has joined Big River Marketing. Sam comes to Big River from Enterprise Leasing where he spent the last two years in their management training program. Sam is a graduate of Westminster College in Fulton Missouri where he majored in Marketing. Sam has spent his entire life around the promotional products industry, ironically his baby shower was held in the cafeteria of then Top 40 Supplier Hazel. He actually participated in his first distributor sales call at around the age of 7. He made many summer trips with Dad around the Midwestern territory making sales calls and attending industry events up until his life became too busy for dear ol' Dad.
Sam will be representing Big River Marketing in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Western Missouri. This is the territory previously managed by co-founder Gordon Blake.
Founders, Doug Lenger and Gordon Blake have spent over 30 years working together in the Promotional Products Industry and have left an indelible mark. Unfortunately, for family health reasons Gordon will be retiring. He will stay with us in limited capacity to aid in the training and orientation of Sam. Gordon has always been referred to as an Uncle to Sam and will provide valuable guidance to him. Gordon recently turned 69 and has worked within the Promotional Products Industry for over 38 years. We wish him well and trust that he will not be a stranger.
Doug commented, "This is all bittersweet, kind of an end of an era. Gordon and I have been together through thick and thin. It just won't be the same without him. I am incredibly excited to have my son join the company and bring a little youth to the mix. But at the same time, I will worry about and dearly miss my lifetime friend. We will however, move forward and continue to provide the highest level of representation and professionalism to our valued supplier and distributor partners!"
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American Solutions for Business Raises $3,100 for United Way
Glenwood, MN – American Solutions for Business raised over $3,000 through their virtual fundraiser for the United Way of Douglas and Pope County. This virtual fundraiser was held through their proprietary eCommerce platform, called ACES, in August, trading dollars for votes for one of their Senior Leadership Team members to be pied in the face.
The fundraiser wrapped up on August 10, 2021 as the results showed that VP of Sales Support, Miriah Cassidy, and VP of Technology, Mike Pfeiffer were the winners, and were going to be pied by Founder and CEO of American, Larry Zavadil.
From the fundraiser, $1,532 was raised, but with the matched donation of $1,568 from Larry Zavadil, the fundraiser raised $3,100 for the United Way to purchase school supplies for students in the Douglas and Pope county.
On Wednesday September 15, 2021, the pies were delivered to the building parking lot as spectators gathered to witness the event. As many other people wanted to join in on the fun as well, the event was live streamed on Facebook for others to join virtually.
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Simply click on the above image for more information
on this program and how to have your points
credited so that you can join in on the fun.
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PPAI 2022 Icon Award Recipients |
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PPB Newslink - Hall of Fame, Distinguished Service, Humanitarian And Promotional Product Pioneers |
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PPAI Names Its 2022 Award Recipients For Hall of Fame,
Distinguished Service, Humanitarian And Promotional Product Pioneers
PPAI announced the recipients of its most prestigious awards for 2022, including PPAI Hall of Fame, PPAI Distinguished Service Award and PPAI H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award, and the Promotional Product Pioneers.
The PPAI Hall of Fame gives permanent recognition to those whose selfless efforts and devotion to the industry are monumental. The 2022 inductees are Sherri C. Lennarson, MAS (left), the retired senior vice president of business development at Bankers Advertising Company, and Cliff Quicksell, Jr., MAS+ (second from left), president of Cliff Quicksell Associates.
The PPAI Distinguished Service Award celebrates members who consistently contribute their skills and expertise toward the betterment of the Association, through volunteer service or by offering their leadership skills to PPAI. In 2022, the recipients are Brandon Mackay, MAS (center), president and CEO of Snugz USA, and David Regan, MAS (second from right), vice president of sales and marketing at The Vernon Company.
Named after the late H. Ted Olson, MAS, PPAI president emeritus, the PPAI H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award represents what Olson stood for—volunteerism inside and outside of the promotional products industry. The award is presented to PPAI members who have shown longstanding empathy, devotion and commitment to improving quality of life and facilitating change for the betterment of a community. In 2022, PPAI honors Peter Hirsch, MAS, president of Hirsch Gift, with this award.
In 2022, PPAI is also adding three new names to its roster of Promotional Product Pioneers. The Pioneers program recognizes PPAI’s rich history and serves as an opportunity to honor the vision and innovation that’s responsible for the industry’s growth. The newest Promotional Product Pioneers are Tom Constantino of Noteworthy Co., for his breakthrough product development; Ronald L. Cook of Glass Graphics for his service as an industry champion; and Edward Halperin of Perin Product Corp. for industry innovation.
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PPAI Promotional Products Work! Day |
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PPAI Announces Promotional Products Work! Day On October 20, 2021
PPAI has designated October 20, 2021, as Promotional Products Work! Day. The celebration will reflect the original program’s concept of celebrating the power of promotional products but on a single day instead of over a full week. Throughout the day, PPAI, together with its members and other industry professionals, will actively recognize and promote the value, impact and effectiveness of promotional products — the most memorable form of advertising.
This transition will allow the entire industry to focus its efforts on the one-day event and make a more significant impact. Each opportunity is intended to thank customers; spread awareness of the important role promotional products professionals play in all aspects of advertising, marketing, and business; and promote the power of promotional products.
Different organizations will celebrate in different ways, but the priority is for all industry businesses to engage with their customers and local community.
Here are some simple ideas to start planning:
channels and in print.
2. Stage an in-person or virtual open house, a meet-and-greet, company tour or
lunch-and-learn.
3. Host a Customer Appreciation Day. Bonus: share it online.
4. Personalize products as thank-you gifts.
5. Thank customers on social media.
6. Conduct a live stream on Facebook or Instagram and give a tour of your facility.
Make sure to thank customers.
7. Partner with other industry professionals and lead a discussion on Twitter spaces.
8. Show support for a local charity — donate time, products or both.
To learn more and download the toolkit, visit ppai.org/ppwd. Additional resources and information will be posted as we get closer to PPW! Day 2021.
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7 Terrific Tips to Improve Time Managements
Kelly Hyman • Entrepreneur Leadership Network Contributor • TV legal analyst and Attorney
Ever wish there were more time in a day? If you use your hours effectively, it'll start to feel like there actually is.
As Warren Buffet has said, “Time is money.” Time is a commodity we all want more of yet never manage to get enough of. However, with a few helpful tips, you can easily improve your time management. Taking account of how you spend the hours of your day helps maximize productivity and gives you more time for rest and relaxation.
Though we all work within the same 24 hours, there are simple ways to make each day feel more fulfilling. It involves getting rid of the things that waste our time and focusing on the things that make the most of it. Unsure where to start or need a fresh boost of motivation? Here are seven tips to get you moving in the right direction. Read More
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PPAI DEI Webinar Series
PPAI is excited to announce the launch of an upcoming PPAI DEI webinar series. PPAI’s webinar series provides industry professionals with the best tools, practices and actionable ideas that they can use to build up their businesses and expand their skill set. Among its upcoming webinars, through the rest of 2021, PPAI is hosting an ongoing a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) series that includes discussion opportunities as informative sessions on building a DEI framework, diversity management and more. PPAI’s webinars are free to Association members and $15 for PPAI Associates. Each session includes CAS or MAS credits which go towards the participant’s industry certifications.
Upcoming webinars include:
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The PPAI Expo 2022 Returns In Person To Las Vegas; Registration Now Open
PPAI’s Registration is now open for the highly anticipated The PPAI Expo 2022 in Las Vegas. The industry is ready to fully get back to business, and the The PPAI Expo will be ready to make it happen. The promotional products industry’s largest and longest-running trade show is returning to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on January 10-13, 2022, and it’s bringing opportunities for attendees to reconnect with suppliers, grow their business, take advantage of extensive education options, and expand their professional communities through social and networking events.
The PPAI Expo 2022 begins on Monday, January 10 with The PPAI Expo Conference. The one-day education event will feature a curated line-up of impressive and knowledgeable speakers who will expand attendees’ minds and professional toolkits. The trade-show floor, including its popular product pavilions, opens Tuesday morning and runs through Thursday afternoon and will feature nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies from across the promotional products landscape.
“Registration is open!” says PPAI Director of Business Development and Expositions Ellen Tucker, CAE. “Those three words mean a little more this year, and they are bringing a greater level of excitement with them. They mean the countdown has started, the show is a go, that we are committed to bringing the industry together, in person, to kick-off 2022 with The PPAI Expo. With our Healthpitality plan in place, we are eager to safely bring the community together to engage in impactful networking, best-in-industry professional development and a place to do business.”
Healthpitality is the Association’s commitment to ensure the health and safety of show attendees and is an important part of the planning processes for every in-person PPAI event. The show rules are based upon local and federal laws, as well as any Mandalay Bay rules and regulations, and they will remain fluid. Find the most up-to-date event status regarding Healthpitality safeguards here.
Register early for discounts on select hotel accommodations. For more information on Expo 2022, visit expo.ppai.org. And to register, click here.
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