View this email in your browser| Spring 2024 Edition

Exhibitor Sign-up

EXPO 2024

Time is running out to sign-up. Grab one of the remaining spots to grow in the Southern California Market!!

August 15-16TH, 2024

ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

President's Message

Dear Members of the SAAC Community,

I am thrilled to share with you a groundbreaking advancement at our organization—the launch of our new Supplier Resources platform, available now on the SAAC website. This initiative represents a significant milestone for SAAC, as it is the first time we have consolidated such a wealth of information and expertise for Suppliers in one accessible location.

We are also excited to announce the launch of our Supplier Spotlight, a new feature that will bring the latest updates from our suppliers directly to our distributor members. This platform is designed to foster stronger connections between suppliers and distributors, ensuring you receive the most current and relevant information straight from the source. Each spotlight may highlight key developments, innovative products, and/or strategic insights, helping you stay ahead in this dynamic market. We believe that this direct line of communication will enhance transparency and collaboration across our network, creating more opportunities for all our members.

Our goal has always been to empower all our members with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel. To that end, we have developed a comprehensive suite of resources that includes detailed guides, industry insights, and direct access to seasoned experts. Whether you are looking to refine your sales or marketing strategy, explore new markets, or simply gain a deeper understanding of our industry’s best practices, these resources are designed to support your journey. Learn more on the SAAC website under the Resources tab.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the April 30^th Factory Tour, hosted by Vantage in their new West facility in Santa Ana and learn more about their embroidery process and their new direct to film transfer capabilities. The SAAC Cares program is partnering with the Crescent Food Bank at this event- please bring your donation of canned goods and/or household staples and help local families in need.

These initiatives are more than just tools—they are a part of our commitment to your professional growth and success. We encourage you to explore the new resources, make full use of the expert access, and continue to engage with us on how we can better support your needs.

Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm. Together, we are setting new standards and achieving greater heights than ever before!

Warm regards,

Amy Williams

President, 2024

SAAC

Upcoming Events | SAAC Events Where #RelationshipsMatter

APR. 30

10AM | 1PM

SOLD OUT EVENT

Factory Tour @ Vantage Apparel

We are taking sign ups for each session (20 people per session).

Session# 1: 10AM -11AM

Session# 2: 1PM - 2PM

JUN. 20

5PM - 7:30PM

Sizzling 1st Day of Summer SAAC Event

We will be feasting off of gorgeous charcuterie board appetizers & drinks. For SAAC members the price of admission is socks for the homeless for our SAAC Care's foundation. Does this get any more special?

JUL. 18

5PM - 7PM

An Evening with Special Olympics Athletes

Play ping pong & cornhole as you mingle and hear stories from Southern California Special Olympic Athletes. Donations accepted to help fund Special Olympics.

Full Calendar

Upcoming Webinar Events | SAAC Member Education

MAY 14

9:30AM - 10:30AM

Tuesday Learning Lab

"The Endless Power of AI - Revolutionizing the Promo Industry"

featuring

Cliff Quicksell Jr, President & CEO Cliff Quicksell Associates & QUicksellSpeaks

MAY 16

3PM - 4PM

Supplier Series with Lively Root

Spread happiness among your clients by offering the delightful choice of live plants for their employees, clients, event attendees, and more.

MAY 29

9:30AM - 10:30AM

Wild Wednesday Webinar

"The Business Case for Purpose"

featuring

Denise Taschereau, CEO & Co-Founder, Fairware

Full Calendar

Now Accepting 2024 Scholarship Applications!

The SAAC Foundation is now accepting 2024 Scholarship Applications! The scholarship is open to children of any individuals in the promotional products industry who are members of SAAC. Learn more about this wonderful opportunity at https://saacfoundation.square.site/scholarship.

Let me introduce to you Kimberly Horton, an industry veteran and the "NEWLY" appointed Custom Sales Executive for Denik.

Why did you join SAAC and continue to support it?

SAAC has been a part of my life since I joined the industry almost two decades ago and I love giving back! It's one of the largest Regional Associations in our industry. SAAC is not just a tradeshow, happy hour, factory tour… SAAC really does support all of us in the Specialty Advertising industry in Southern California and I am proud to call it my home. Together we are stronger!

What is your favorite thing about our industry?

I have been able to have the BEST relationships with some pretty incredible distributors and suppliers in our industry. I am always learning something from them. Our business is a feel-good kind of industry and we are notorious for bringing concepts to life and leaving our clients happy! Knowing that I have been able to help in some small way, just makes me feel good and helps me to make a difference with SAAC.

What do you love about the SAAC Expo?

SAAC was my first official show as a supplier… The energy was and still is infectious! I knew instantly that this industry was and continues to be my passion! I am excited to experience the 2024 Expo! The future is so bright and the best is yet to come!

Have you checked out one of the key updates to the website?

Hello there! Have you had a chance to explore the SAAC MerchBot® yet? It's been almost two months since we unveiled our new website, and the SAAC MerchBot® is truly a game-changer! Packed with an array of fantastic content covering a wide range of topics crucial for your business growth, this tool is a must-have for anyone in the promotional products industry. Make sure to dive into the new content and discover the invaluable benefits waiting for you on the website. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your professional growth and stay ahead of industry trends. Explore, learn, and thrive with SAAC!

Member Benefits | SAAC Memberships Have Value

Have you taken advantage of some of the many SAAC Membership benefits that are available?

Hey, SAAC members! Did you know you have exclusive access to amazing discounts, including special deals on Constant Contact? By leveraging your SAAC membership, you can snag discounted membership with Constant Contact and dive into a treasure trove of top-notch marketing tools! Don't miss out on this incredible offer - act fast and elevate your marketing game with SAAC! Take advantage of your benefits today by going to https://go.constantcontact.com/signup.jsp?pn=saac

Industry News | SAAC Keeping A Pulse on the Industry

FTC Issues Ban On Employers Issuing Non-compete Contracts

Legal challenges are likely to follow, but a 3-2 vote has deemed it illegal to forbid an employee from leaving a job to join their employer’s rival.

Non-compete clauses are a contractual term between an employer and a worker that blocks the worker from working for a competing employer or starting a competing business, typically within a certain geographic area and period of time after the worker’s employment ends. (Provided by PPAI Media) - READ MORE

In Memoriam: Brian Haner, Founder & CEO Of Image Source

Brian Haner, founder and CEO of Image Source – ranked as the No. 48 distributor on PPAI 100’s inaugural ranking in 2023 – passed away last week following an accident that was the result of an unexpected medical emergency. Haner was a 30-year veteran of the promotional products industry, respected by his peers and co-workers for his dedication and leadership. (Provided by PPAI Media) - READ MORE

Companies Owe More Than $1M for Wrongly Classifying Employees as Independent Contractors

A company in Texas and another in Virginia owe more than $1 million combined for violations that include misclassifying workers as independent contractors (IC) when they should have been designated as employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), according to the U.S. Department of Labor. (Provided by ASI Central) - READ MORE

Get ready, Distributors! We're thrilled to unveil an addition to our membership benefits:

Introducing "Supplier Spotlight," a digital publication designed to deepen collaboration between distributors and suppliers. Gain insights into our supplier members like never before, fostering stronger partnerships and unlocking new opportunities. Watch your inbox for the official launch! #SupplierSpotlight #relationshipsmatter

Distributor Members

Cindi Murillo - Proforma Graphic Printsource

Business Service Member

AWS
NG Labs - Boxercraft, Headsweats, Recover

Supplier Members

Curto Toy MFG Co LTD
AZX Sports
Tekweld
Greater Pacific
Apollo Group
Outdoor Cap

Meet Mary Skeen | Director

How long have you been in the industry? And, in what roles have you served?

I have been in the industry for 5-years. I was the National Sales Manger for A+ Wine Designs and am now the National Accounts and Business Development Manager with AIM.

What does a typical workday look like?

A typical day is filled with phone calls and online meetings. I love talking with distributors and helping them grow their businesses.

What do you do in your down-time?

I enjoy spending time at the beach or on a hike. I believe anytime I spend in nature is time well spent. I also enjoy reading and have a booth in a vintage antique store.

What attracted you to volunteering with SAAC? Joining the SAAC Board?

I enjoy the community that SAAC provides and want to ensure that others have the same opportunity to experience it.

Fun Facts:

I have lived in five states.
I love a road trip, and if the largest ball of twine or a bar covered in pennies is included even better.

Meet Barbie Deloa | Director

How long have you been in the industry? And, in what roles have you served?

I have been in the industry for 24 years. As the Sales Manager and Tradeshow Coordinator for KEY-BAK, I have experience with many industries. Safety/Construction, Hardware, Outdoor/Sporting Goods, HR Events, Locksmiths, Access Control and more.

What does a typical workday look like?

My days start by driving down our beautiful mountains and then typical work stuff. Making sure our tradeshow tasks are completed. I love working with my customers and thinking of new ways to challenge myself. I try to keep a full plate while having fun with whatever I do.

What do you do in your down-time?

I love the outdoors and spending time with my loved ones.

What attracted you to volunteering with SAAC? Joining the SAAC Board?

My first tradeshow was at SAAC in Long Beach in 2001 (I think). It is still close to my heart and I want to make a difference in our area.

Fun Facts:

I live in Southern California and was buried in my home under snow for 12 days.
I love to paddleboard with my dog, Pork Chop.

Specialty Advertising Association of California (SAAC)

6442 Platt Ave #2001, West Hills, CA 91307

p: 818-600-1340 e: executivedirector@saac.net