PPAI L.E.A.D. 2012 Engages Congress With Social Media, Virtual Fly-In And One-On-One Meetings On Capitol Hill

The Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the not-for-profit association for more than 10,000 member companies, continued its ongoing work to educate federal agencies through its Legislative, Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.), March 7 and 8, 2012 in Washington, D.C. PPAI L.E.A.D. will engage with Congress at its doorstep and the digital desktop. The 2012 L.E.A.D. initiative activates the promotional products industry like never before with more than 200 one-on-one meetings conducted by 60 industry leaders, a virtual fly-in and social media engagement.

"For the first time, the PPAI Legislative, Education and Action Day will feature unprecedented interaction with Congress by way of one-on-one visits, a virtual fly-in and social media engagement," said Anne Lardner-Stone, PPAI director of public affairs. "This year, PPAI L.E.A.D. participants will continue to focus on educating legislators on the size and scope of the promotional products industry while targeting the key issues of independent contractors, tax rates and the 21st Century Postal Service Act of 2011. Our voice and presence, in person, online or via social channels, on Capitol Hill is an essential part of the success of the industry and how its businesses go to market."

For the first time, representatives of the promotional products industry will come together with one voice to ask Congress to consider the unique needs, challenges and interests of the industry.

To help members of Congress and their staff learn more about the effectiveness of promotional products as both an advertising channel and useful tools for home, work and recreation, PPAI has produced a Legislative Agenda. The Agenda looks at the key areas of focus for the promotional products industry in 2012. These include ensuring that the promotional products industry remains vibrant and dynamic, and protecting and preserving the interests of small businesses and encourage policies that drive innovation and entrepreneurship. PPAI is also seeking to help foster a tax climate that rewards small business and entrepreneurs for driving the economy, and make certain the benefits of any regulations justify their costs and are based on reason and risk.