PPAI

The Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) has named Paul A. Kiewiet, MAS the new executive director for the association effective immediately. The association serves the professionals in the promotional products industry in Michigan.

This Rant is about being prepared which affects both our business lives as well as personal. Fire, earthquakes, floods and technology failures can disrupt our business. But so can the loss of spouses, co-workers, business partners, and friends. How prepared are you? How prepared can you be?

AIA Corporation's 2012 national sales summit, "Connecting in a New World," was held earlier this month in St. Charles, Ill., and included an awards presentation to top Most-Valued Partner (MVP) suppliers.

Paula Shulman, CAS, vice president of sales, celebrated her 30th anniversary with Prime Line at the company's annual summer picnic on August 10.

Today at the North American Leadership Conference in New Orleans, PPAI announced the creation of "Promotional Products Work! Week," to take place February 25 through March 1, 2013.

Promotional Products Association International has recognized Mary Ann Farmer, MAS, as the 2012 PPAI Woman of Achievement award recipient during the opening ceremony at PPAI's Women's Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Halls & Company, the Minnesota-based manufacturer of ID Line, Goodkind Pens and Prism Line, has adopted the PPAI Code of Conduct. By formally and publicly committing to ethical and responsible conduct, Halls & Company pledges that it not only has adopted standards for the safety, quality and integrity of its products and processes but it has also committed to respecting the rights of individuals and protecting the environment.

Leaving Chicago after last week's show, I couldn't help but think about the least well-kept secret in the industry: the last day of any trade show is dead.

The Incentive Marketing Association will produce a new annual event to be held simultaneously with the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. The Motivation Show Las Vegas will feature an exhibit hall and conference program open to all buyers and resellers of incentive and recognition products and services featuring a showcase of the leading brand name merchandise, gift card, and experiential reward suppliers.

PPAI has announced its 2013 board officers and four candidates seeking election to the PPAI board of directors, class of 2017. Running September 4 to October 4, 2012, this is the first PPAI board election to reflect bylaws revisions that will restructure and reduce the size of the association's board of directors.