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 PPAI Member Alert: Action Needed Now
Exclusive Member Benefits From PPAI Business Partners
Quote Of The Month
Sales Estimate Reveals First Decline In Seven Years
Just Released: First Quarter Supplier Index
PPAI Launches Member Advantage Program
New "Best Of Expo" Webinar Series Begins This Month
Update Profile Before Supplier Star Award Voting Begins
PPAI Publications Offer Integrated Promotional Opportunities:
• What A Great Ad!
• Plugged In—e-Commerce Advertising Solutions:
• Bite Into A Food Promotion
• Wanted: Wovens For All
Women's Leadership Conference Just Weeks Away
New Name, New Approach For PPAI Presidents' Forum
PPAI Keeps An Eye On Washington:
• House Committee Member Introduces Bill To Fix CPSIA
• PPAI Shares Thoughts On CPSIA With D.C. Commission
• Learn About Flammability, More In New Webinar
• Voice Opposition On Iowa S 389
• Take Action In Florida
• Association Notifies Members Of Legislation In Connecticut, Maine
• Stay Up To Date On COBRA Changes
• U.S. House Passes Sweeping Tobacco Marketing Legislation
PPB Introduces Woman's Achievement Award
PPAI & People's Health Express Launch New Programs
PPEF And PPMN Award Professional Development Grants Volunteering: "It's A Win/Win"
PPAI Exclusive: TradeAlert
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| Quote Of The Month |
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"Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change—this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress."
—Bruce Barton, Author, Advertising Executive, Politician; 1886-1967
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| Sales Estimate Reveals First Decline In Seven Years |
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Last spring, many distributors were still projecting a good sales year for 2008. But the 2008 Estimate of Distributor Sales has revealed a less optimistic reality.
For the first time since 2002, distributor sales of promotional products fell to $18,101,298,808 in 2008, a 6.89 percent loss over 2007 sales. Last year's study reported 2007 sales at $19,440,837,547, which set a new industry sales record for the third consecutive year.
The largest firms reported the greatest losses; Mike Hohenwald notes that while his firm, Oakdale, Minnesota-based distributor Spartan Promotional Products (UPIC: SPAR0001), managed to break even last year, he heard worse estimates from other large company owners.
Visit PPB online to read more.
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| Just Released: First Quarter Supplier Index |
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Each quarter, a cross section of 25 leading industry suppliers are asked to report their sales increases or decreases compared to the same quarter of the previous year. The latest figure for the first quarter in 2009 shows a decrease in sales by 21% when compared to the same quarter sales in 2008.
The PPAI supplier committee is the driving force behind the supplier index initiative.
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| PPAI Launches Member Advantage Program |
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The PPAI Member Advantage Program, which begins this month, is the newest member benefit for the Association’s nearly 8,000 members. Each month, PPAI or one of its business partners, will provide a unique educational, informational or cost-cutting tool to help members thrive in these tough economic conditions. These offerings will be available exclusively for PPAI members and only for a limited time.
Expect to see: free professional development opportunities, free or highly-discounted goods and services from our Business Partners and exclusive downloads from the PPAI Bookstore and more.
Just watch your inbox for the PPAI Member Advantage email each month and follow the link to the latest offering from the PPAI Member Advantage Program. It’s that easy.
To learn more about the PPAI Member Advantage Program, or to provide any comments suggestions or requests, contact Blake Blozeman at BlakeB@ppai.org. |
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| New "Best Of Expo" Webinar Series Begins This Month |
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There were more than 90 amazing professional development sessions held during this year’s PPAI Expo, but there were some easily called “best of the best.” And now we’re bringing them back, giving you and your colleagues a second chance to catch what you may have missed.
Featuring the programs and presenters that garnered the largest audiences and the highest ratings during The PPAI Expo 2009, the first installment of this five-part webinar series, is the perfect way to learn from industry leaders at budget-friendly prices—just $20 per webinar for PPAI members or $80 for all five (a 20% savings).
Affordable and easy to access from your home or office computer, mark your calendar and sign up now. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis!
Click here to register. |
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| Update Profile Before Supplier Star Award Voting Begins! |
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Update your PPAI member profile by May 31, 2009, and you'll be in the running for a Supplier Star Award! By reporting your 2008 promotional products sales volume, you can be assured your company will be evaluated against similar sized companies.
PPAI distributor members will soon be voting for their favorite suppliers in each sales volume category based on the following criteria:
• Excellent customer service and communication
• Top-quality products and sales aids
• On-time delivery
To be eligible, a company must be a PPAI supplier member in good standing for a minimum of three years. All eligible PPAI supplier members are listed in the online ballot and separated into 10 sales volume categories. Three supplier firms in each sales volume category will be recognized with one winning the Star Awards during the Awards Presentation at The PPAI Expo 2010 in Las Vegas.
For additional details on how to update your promotional products sales volume contact PPAI at (888) 426-7724. Press 1 for membership.
If you have already updated your 2008 sales volume, we thank you!
For more information on PPAI Awards contact Melissa Peterson, 972-258-3042, MelissaP@ppai.org. |
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| PPAI Publications Offer Integrated Promotional Opportunities |
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What A Great Ad!
Has anyone ever told you that? Or, saw your offer in the latest issue of PPB and PC magazines? Have they told you they really like your branding, product offerings, customer service, rush delivery options and the fact that you are doing what our industry tells end buyers to do—keep advertising even when times are tough?
No? Well, maybe you haven’t advertised in the right places or have put a hold on your media plans? Yes? That’s great, you know how to market well.
We want you to gather an audience and be top of mind. Show them what a great ad you have and showcase your company and products in our suite of business media products. Here’s what we’ve got: 
August PPB
Bonus Distribution: SAAC, MAPPS, HPPA, ISS Schaumburg, CAPPA, PPAF, PPAMS
Readership: More than 25,000
Eye On Apparel: Wovens—Short- or long-sleeve oxford, broadcloth or other woven fabric shirts
Editor’s Picks: Food Gifts—Barbecue sauces, candy, cookies, popcorn, nuts, chocolate, crackers, cheese and other food-based gift baskets or sets
Ad Close: June 5
Art Due: June 16
Plugged In—e-Commerce Advertising Solutions:
June/July Promotional Consultant—Digital Magazine
e-Advertisers have new and exciting options to engage distributor audience
Readership: More than 70,000 e-readers!
Gear: Pens, pencils, highlighters, stationary and notepads, writing accessories
Ad Close: May 26
Art Due: June 10
PPB Newslink—Place your banner ad in the official e-newsletter of PPAI and reach more than 20,000 subscribers. Weekly ad closings.
PPB Online—A rotating banner ad is the perfect complement to your overall marketing strategy. Daily ad closings.
Bonus! Looking for a fun way to learn about our pubs? Tell us your favorite board game or video arcade and we’ll send you a real version of our very own PPAI Publications Pub-Opoly game.
For advertising rates, contact Mike McClintic, 469-645-2441, mmcclintic@prismmediagroup.com; David Schwartz, 469-645-2433, davids@prismmediagroup.com; Jennifer Sarkisian, 469-645-2417,
jsarkisian@prismmediagroup.com.
For more information on all that PPAI Publications have to offer check out www.ppbmag.com --Tap Into The Knowledge!
Editorial Opportunities
Bite Into A Food Promotion
The August issue of PPB offers up a plentiful spread of all things edible including barbecue sauces, candy, cookies, popcorn, nuts, chocolate, crackers, cheese and other food-based gift baskets or sets. Want to see your food in this issue? Send descriptions and high-resolution images.
Wanted: Wovens For All
PPB wants to see what’s new in the world of wovens, so show us your short- or long-sleeve oxford, broadcloth or other woven fabric shirts. Send apparel details and high-resolution images for possible inclusion in the August issue of PPB magazine.
Send all submissions to Audrey Sellers, AudreyS@ppai.org, by this Friday, May 15 for possible inclusion. |
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| Women's Leadership Conference Just Weeks Away |
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5th Annual PPAI Women's Leadership Conference
July 7-10, 2009
Savannah, Georgia
 PPAI's Fifth Annual Women's Leadership Conference, "LEAD—Leveraging Your Skills For Success," celebrates the achievements of female business professionals. With inspirational and motivational speakers discussing your inner leader, business strategies and challenges and discovering how to negotiate, persuade and influence, this event is an absolute MUST ATTEND for women in the promotional products industry who want to be more successful.
Click here for events itinerary.
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| New Name, New Approach For PPAI Presidents' Forum |
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PPAI Presidents' Forum
August 23-25, 2009
Chicago, Illinios
The “next generation” of the PPAI Presidents’ Forum has arrived. The always highly anticipated annual event has evolved, taking on a new name–North American Leadership Conference –as well as a fresh approach to addressing the most relevant, top-of-mind business issues currently impacting our industry.
Co-hosted by PPAI and PPPC, this exciting conference has been designed as a learning, networking and growth opportunity for all North American top executives and up-and-coming leaders within the promotional products business. This conference serves as a powerful opportunity to learn from the best in our industry—successful innovators who’ve excelled in meeting challenges and in producing positive results for their companies in our changing business world. Additionally, internationally recognized authorities will be on hand to share their insight on how best to lead business and thrive amidst new challenges.
For the complete itinerary and additional details on a strategic educational track for emerging leaders, click here. |
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| PPAI Keeps An Eye On Washington |
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 House Committee Member Introduces Bill To Fix CPSIA
Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to mitigate the impact of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) on businesses throughout the country.
Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Joe Barton, R-Texas, introduced H.R. 1815, the Consumer Product Safety Solutions Act of 2009, to fix flaws in the CPSIA that are blamed for imposing economic hardships on many small businesses and potentially forcing them into bankruptcy.
Congress signed the CPSIA into law last August. This act makes significant changes to consumer product safety laws and gives the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) significant new responsibilities for ensuring the safety of consumer products.
Members are encouraged to contact their U.S. representatives in support of the legislation.
For more information on H.R. 1815 and to craft a letter, click here.
PPAI Shares Thoughts On CPSIA With D.C. Commission
In response to a request for comments and information regarding tracking labels for children's products, PPAI executives and members who met with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) late last month drafted a letter, signed by PPAI President and CEO Steve Slagle, CAE. The letter highlights concerns held by many Association members regarding Section 301, which addresses the labeling and tracking of products intended for children.
Customization is at the heart of the issue for the promotional products industry, and it is the central issue in the ease and practicality of labeling products as intended for children.
"Our first concern relates primarily to the phrase to the extent practicable, the placement of permanent, distinguishing marks on children's products.' We believe the CPSC should provide some bright line tests or safe-harbors for the phrase "to the extent practicable," the letter says.
"...there is only a finite amount of space on a promotional product for labeling. The CPSC knows the amount of space necessary to convey a message that it deems adequate in size to be read. We would submit that if that minimum label size determined by the CPSC exceeds more than 10 percent of the available space for decoration on a promotional product, it is not practicable to require it."
To read the letter in its entirety, click here.
Learn About Flammability, More In New Webinar
Last month’s PPAI product safety webinar, which focused on the impact of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) on apparel manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, is now available as an archived presentation.
You can listen to PPAI's product safety liaison Susan DeRagon, associate director for toys and premiums with Specialized Technology Resources (STR), discuss the implications of the law as well as review a Q&A session by clicking here to log in or register.
Voice Opposition On Iowa S 389
Iowa state Senator Jack Hatch introduced a bill that would prohibit pharmaceutical and medical device firms that participate in state health programs from offering any gifts to healthcare practitioners. Now called Iowa S 389, this bill has passed in both the Iowa Senate and the House of Representatives. This bill is now before the governor. It is critical that all Iowa members contact their Governor and voice there opposition to this bill.
Contact the governor here. Click here for a letter to mail, fax and e-mail to your Governor.
Take Action In Florida
Florida state Senator, Don Gaetz R-Florida, has introduced a bill that would prohibit home health agencies in Florida from receiving “compensation” or “remuneration.” This prohibition would eliminate the distribution of promotional products to staff members and third-party vendors associated with these home health agencies.This affects the promotional products industry. It is critical that you contact your representatives and let them know that you oppose this bill.
Florida members are urged to communicate with their state legislators immediately by visiting www.flsenate.gov.
Click here for a letter to mail, fax and e-mail to your legislators.
Association Notifies Members Of Legislation In Connecticut, Maine
PPAI continues to follow legislation introduced in Connecticut and Maine, which are among several states whose bills affect the distribution of promotional products.
Last month, state Sen. Edith G. Prague, a Democrat who represents Connecticut's District 19, introduced a bill that would prohibit pharmaceutical and medical device firms from offering tangible items of any value to healthcare providers. While there have been discussions on banning pharmaceutical gifts that are not relevant to patient treatment or office operations, this legislation calls for an outright ban of anything of any value.
Connecticut members who have not yet shared their thoughts with legislators are encouraged to do so. Access a list of the state’s lawmakers by visiting www.cga.ct.gov/maps/townlist.asp, and send this letter.
In Maine, state Rep. Sharon Treat, D-Hallowell, has introduced H. 881, which will require pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to report all marketing costs for prescription drugs in the state.
This annual report must include all expenses associated with gifts and advertising received in a calendar year that are valued in the aggregate at more than $25. This bill is one of the first to note a low annual aggregate limit.
Members in Maine are urged to voice their opinions regarding this bill with their respective legislators. Access a list of lawmakers by visiting www.maine.gov/legis/house/townlist.htm, and send this letter.
Stay Up To Date On COBRA Changes
Among the provisions of the stimulus bill that was signed by President Obama and made law on February 17 is a change to regulations regarding the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
COBRA allows workers and their families to continue the group health coverage that was provided by their employer's group healthcare plan for a limited period of time. The coverage extends to workers who have been involuntarily terminated, taken a cut in hours, are between jobs, or experienced life events such as death and divorce.
Under the new law, employees who have been involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009, will only pay 35 percent of the premium for up to nine months.
The employer must cover the remaining amount, then take a payroll tax credit for that amount. The same health coverage that was available at the time of employment must be offered, but the employer may also offer less expensive options.
Employers must provide notices on the updated COBRA election information by April 18. Click here for links to these notices.
U.S. House Passes Sweeping Tobacco Marketing Legislation
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 1256, which provides for comprehensive regulation of tobacco products, by a 298-112 vote. The Senate must now consider passage of the House bill or develop a bill of its own.
The significant issue for the promotional products industry is that the bill gives the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sweeping authority to regulate the advertising and promotion of tobacco products. In 1996, the FDA put forth regulations regarding tobacco products, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2000 that the FDA did not have the authority to do so unless specifically directed by law.
While H.R. 1256 does not include the specific language of the 1996 regulations, it is widely anticipated that if it were passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, most of the 1996 regulations would be proposed again by the FDA.
Read more about H.R. 1256 and the 1996 tobacco regulations here. |
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| PPB Introduces Woman's Achievement Award |
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Once a man’s world, today the promotional products industry is teeming with bright and active women who have a major role in the industry’s success. In celebration of women’s progress, PPB is sponsoring a new award, the PPB Woman of Achievement Award.
The award will recognize an individual who has led the way in the advancement of women in the industry, exhibited outstanding leadership abilities and made significant contributions to the industry and her community.
The winner will be announced on July 8 during the fifth annual PPAI Women's Leadership Conference Savannah, Georgia. |
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| PPAI & People's Health Express Launch New Programs |
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 In partnership with People’s Health Express, PPAI is excited to announce the launch of two new, members-only programs that will help you save more on the things you need most, including 24-hour, on-call physician consultations, roadside assistance and more.
Health Package includes:
• Aetna Dental Access®
• Hearing Aids & Hearing Products
• New Benefits Retail & Mail Order Pharmacy
• TelaDoc™
• Vitamins and Diabetic Supplies
• Coast to Coast Vision
Road Package includes:
• National Safe Drivers Roadside Assistance
• Travel Assistance
• TelaDoc™
• New Benefits Retail & Mail Order Pharmacy
Both options are also available in one, all-inclusive package for only $15 per month for the entire family.
This is not insurance. For a full list of disclosures, click here. |
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| PPEF And PPMN Award Professional Development Grants |
 PPEF and PPMN have announced the recipients of the 2009 professional development grants. A total of $4,000 in grants was awarded this year.
The professional development grants provide financial assistance to industry professionals wanting to attend industry-related continuing education courses. The recipients were chosen based on essays about career goals, the role of education, future plans and justification for why they should be selected. A volunteer committee comprised of PPEF and PPMN board members judged the essays without knowing the identities of the applicants.
The grant may be used for tuition, housing and round-trip travel to the event. Additionally, recipients are given up to 24 months to use the grant.
This year’s recipients are:
• Sharie Bridge, MAS, Bridge Promotional Advertising, PC Academy and Learning Lab or Women’s Leadership Conference
• Lara Davenport, Command Promotions, PC Academy and Learning Lab
• Ilene Marshall, CAS, Proforma Star Incentives, Women’s Leadership Conference
• Julianne Weiner, Sonic Promos, Women’s Leadership Conference
For more information about PPEF or for scholarship applications and guidelines, please visit www.ppef.us or contact Sara Besly at SaraB@ppai.org. |
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| Volunteering: "It's A Win/Win" |
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 Build valuable professional relationships. Gain visibility. Expand your knowledge. By giving of your time and talents as a volunteer PPAI board member or committee representative you have the opportunity to not only enhance your own business, but to also create change, set policies and effectively shape our industry from the inside out.
“Let PPAI know you want to help take the industry to the next level by volunteering your time,” advises Charley Johnson, CAS, SnugZ/USA. “You can help bring a fresh new look to situations, put a different set of eyes on the state of our industry and help us move forward in the right direction.
“Volunteering also increases your exposure to industry executives; it gives credibility to your name and the company you represent, it is a HUGE win/win situation.”
Volunteer applications are now being accepted. To get involved, contact Lisa Beck, LisaB@ppai.org, 972-258-3069. |
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| PPAI Exclusive: TradeAlert |
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TradeAlert is a bimonthly communication prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce exclusively for associations. Due to its breadth, depth and scope of critical information regarding the export industry, PPAI is making the content available to you—our valuable members. Click on the links below for the latest TradeAlert notifications and archives.
• TradeAlert May 11, 2009
• TradeAlert April 27, 2009
• TradeAlert April 13, 2009 |
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*This Is PPAI |
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PPAI Continues To Fight The Physicians Payments Sunshine Act
There’s some alarming news coming out of Washington that could have sweeping implications for our industry. The Physician Payments Sunshine Act, S. 301, is a bill currently before the U.S. Senate that, if passed as written, could effectively ban the distribution of promotional products to healthcare professionals.
In a nutshell, this bill requires that all manufacturers of covered drugs, devices or medical supplies disclose payments (or any other “transfer of value”) made to a physician, a physician medical practice or a physician group practice. Promotional products are included under this definition.
If every item must be reported, the reality is simple: Many companies will opt to give nothing of value, rather than report each item. Regardless of your client base, if this bill is passed in its current form, it could have a staggering economic impact on our industry, on the small business owner, on you.
We cannot allow this to happen.
To voice your opinion on S. 301, use this form letter to send to your U.S. senators.
For information on other pending legislation, visit the "PPAI Keeps An Eye on Washington" section at lower left and for state-by-state news, click here.
For questions, comments or concerns, contact Anne Lardner, PPAI senior manager, public affairs, at AnneL@ppai.org or 972-258-3041. |
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| View exclusive benefits from the PPAI Business Partners here. |
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Member Resources |
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Membership Benefits
Click 'N Go Dues Payment
PPB Magazine
New Distributor Members
Reinstated Distributor Members
Suspended Distributor Members
PPAI Supplier Committee
RAC District 4 Membership Page
PPAI Membership
e-Directory
The UPIC Directory |
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Contact Membership |
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e-mail membership@ppai.org
phone
888-I-AM-PPAI |
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