PPAI Honors Lantz, Sandford with 2014 Woman of Achievement Awards

Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), Irving, Texas, announced this year's recipients for its Woman of Achievement awards. Jo-an Lantz, MAS, of Geiger, Lewiston, Maine, and Maribeth Sandford, CAS, of Bag Makers, Union, Ill., will be recognized for their achievements during the opening ceremony at PPAI's Women's Leadership Conference (WLC) in Denver July 28. The pair are the seventh and eight recipients of the award.

Lantz began her industry career with Geiger in 1978, working her way up to executive vice president. Under her leadership, Geiger has become a top industry distributor. She has earned many other honors, including being inducted in the PPAI Hall of Fame and winning the PPAI Distinguished Service Award, in addition to having served on various industry boards.

“I am so honored and privileged to receive this distinction though it truly belongs to all the woman who have had a tremendous influence upon my life, and who work and volunteer quietly, and are not recognized for their efforts,” Lantz said. “I look forward to sharing this with my Geiger sisters who will be attending the WLC in July as the many, strong women leaders who have had such an impact upon me.”

Sandford, CEO of Bag Makers, has positioned her supplier at the forefront of the industry with her commitment to quality, service and safety since its 1982 inception. She has helped to lead Bag Makers to earn many industry awards, and to encourage the staff to perform countless hours of community service through the Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America and various Illinois food pantries. She also has served on PPAI's and the Promotional Products Education Foundation's boards as well as the MAS/CAS Certification Committee.

“To receive this honor from an organization that I respect so much is truly exciting and humbling,” Sandford said. “I am extremely honored to be named a PPAI Woman of Achievement, especially alongside the other talented and accomplished recipients who have made so many important contributions to this industry. I was fortunate to have wonderful women mentor me in my early days as a business owner and to have family members that encouraged me. It means so much to be recognized in an industry that has played a big role in my career and in the growth of Bag Makers.”

For more information visit www.ppai.org.