PPACHICAGO’S WINDY AWARDS RECOGNIZE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

In an effort to recognize its members who provide excellent customer service, PPAChicago’s Board of Directors established the Windy Awards in 2005. As part of the winner selection process, distributors and suppliers are asked to nominate each other for a variety of award categories.

Nominators provide a short description of how the nominated individuals have impressed them. The descriptions are then compiled without the respective company or individual names, and then the Board votes for the winner based on the descriptions alone.

The 2006 Supplier Individual winner was Damon DeDario of Vantage Custom Classics, Niles, Ill. His nominator wrote: “He taught me everything I needed to know about contract decorating. He’s stayed late at the office on his own time waiting for one of my messengers to show up, has offered to hand deliver goods that are on a tight timeline, and is always a pleasure to work with.”

The 2006 Distributor Individuals winners were Mitch and Scott Silver of Printable Promotions, Evanston, Ill. They were nominated for excellence in training the company’s sales staff and their ability to increase business. The nominator wrote: “This progressive distributorship provides an expertly trained sales force. A sophisticated multi-level training model is executed to ensure all employees with any client contact convey a knowledgeable and professional approach to service. This level of professionalism bodes well for securing sales and maintaining a loyal client base. It also represents our industry as one that takes pride in being an integral part of the integrated marketing process.”

Founded in 1957 to serve the needs of local promotional products companies by promoting the welfare among distributor and supplier members, PPAChicago provides a trade show, educational opportunities, social events and other trade association activities in and around the Chicago area.

For more information, call (630) 983-7722 or visit www.ppachicago.org.