PPAI Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.) 2013 Begins Wednesday

Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the promotional product industry's not-for-profit association, will hold its fourth annual Legislation Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.) this Wednesday and Thursday, April 10 and 11.

PPAI L.E.A.D. is a two-day event held in Washington, D.C. each year. More than 60 suppliers, distributors and PPAI staff head to the nation's capital to meet with members of congress, making the case for the promotional products community. Industry members speak directly to senators and representatives about the issues affecting suppliers and distributors, including upcoming legislation, product safety and small business issues.

"PPAI L.E.A.D. 2013 occurs as many issues with the potential to affect the promotional products industry's bottom lines take center stage on Capitol Hill," said Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI president and CEO. "That's why it is critical that we take this opportunity to unite with one voice and communicate our support for keeping the industry vibrant and dynamic, preserving the interests of small businesses, creating a tax climate that rewards while reducing the deficit, and ensuring the benefits of regulations justify the costs and are reason- and risk-based."

Last year, PPAI facilitated more than 200 meetings with members of Congress and their staffs. Highlights include meeting with the FTC, members of the Ways and Means Committee, and Speaker of the House John Boehner.

"The past few years have brought increased scrutiny of promotional products through taxation, special interest groups and product safety advocates," said Anne Lardner-Stone, PPAI director of public affairs. "L.E.A.D. exists because it is our collective responsibility to work to ensure that lawmakers understand the value, benefits and employment opportunities offered by this creative and vibrant industry. Members of Congress are continually surprised to learn that the promotional products industry is composed of more than 32,000 businesses, 97 percent of which are small businesses, and employs over 432,000 professionals. Please join us in telling this story by adding your voice to ours by writing to Congress now."

Updates on PPAI L.E.A.D. will be posted throughout the week on Twitter, on the PPAI LAW account as well as using the hashtag #ppailead. Industry members are encouraged to contact their local representatives this week as well using PPAI's pre-written letter here.

For more information, visit PPAI LAW's website or go to Promotional Products Work for details on the legislation being discussed in Washington this year.