On Sunday at Expo, PPAI hosted a Volunteer Leadership Luncheon recognizing volunteers who have committed their time and resources for the betterment of the promotional products industry and PPAI. Members of the PPAI Board of Directors, committees and advisory groups, the Regional Association Council board, the Promotional Products Education Foundation board and new inductees to PPAI’s Fellows program were honored for their volunteer contributions.
PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, opened the luncheon with a brief Association update. Committee chairs then gave an overview of the groups’ accomplishments in 2017.
Outgoing PPAI Board Chair Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS+, ceremonially passed the gavel to incoming Board Chair Dale Denham, MAS+. Denham will lead the Association’s board through The PPAI Expo 2019, and Tomasini will serve as immediate past chair of the board for the coming year.
Tomasini and Bellantone acknowledged retiring board members Tom Goos, MAS, Larry Cohen, CAS, and Lee Strom, CAS. Incoming board members Lori Kates, Jim Hagan and Todd Pottebaum, MAS+, will begin their terms immediately following Expo.
Bellantone spoke about PPAI’s strategic plan and the Association’s commitment to building a culture of strategic foresight. He presented specifics about how the organization plans to help members and the industry at large to identify and capitalize on market changes, and to “get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
He challenged the 2018 volunteers to align their guidance of the Association with the objectives laid out in the strategic plan, with the goal of producing results that are relevant and meaningful in a changing business climate.
After the luncheon, individual committees met to discuss goals and tactical responsibilities for 2018. The day ended with a private reception where incoming and outgoing volunteers socialized and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
