D’Anna Zimmer, CAS, is being honored for the example she has set, consistently contributing her skills and expertise toward the betterment of the Association and the industry. Whether through volunteer service or by offering their leadership to PPAI, Distinguished Service Award recipients are members who have generously given the gift of their energy, time and enthusiasm.

Zimmer half-jokes that her initial reaction to finding out she had won the award was, “Wow, I’m not old enough to receive this.”

“In my mind, I am still in my 20s and have not served enough to be recognized by the industry,” she says.

Despite the fact that her next thought was that there are so many more deserving candidates, Zimmer’s credentials speak for themselves.

A 2016 PPAI Fellow and current business development manager at BAG MAKERS – the No. 29 supplier in the PPAI 100 – Zimmer has done more than just check boxes with her volunteer efforts. She keeps her eye on the intended purpose of that time spent volunteering and sees it through until progress is made.

A recent example – among countless others – is her involvement with the Promotional Products Education Fund board of trustees. She officially became vice chair of the workgroup in 2023. Kathlene Brethowr, PPEF’s executive director, was out on maternity leave for a portion of 2023 while the foundation was organizing its premier fundraising event, the PPEF Golf Tournament.

“She took on major responsibilities as I was out for maternity leave during the prime months in planning for the golf tournament and was able to put together one of the most successful golf tournaments in the Foundation’s history,” Brethowr says.

Her dedication shows how much she truly cares about the Promotional Products Education Fund mission.”

Kathlene Brethowr

Executive Director, PPEF

“D’Anna was paramount in the success of the 2024 PPEF Golf Tournament, raising over $54,000 profit for the Foundation,” she adds. “To put that in perspective, that is equivalent to 43 of the 170 scholarships that will be given in 2024. Her dedication shows how much she truly cares about the PPEF mission – to fund college scholarships for promotional products industry employees and their children.”

That is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Zimmer. She’s been heavily involved with the Regional Association Council, even serving as RAC delegate to the PPAI Board from 2017-2019. She’s also been a Legislative Education and Action Day participant on Capitol Hill and a two-time president of the Promotional Products Association Southwest board.

For Zimmer, the act of serving is its own reward, and in her case, it comes from a higher calling.

Receiving an accolade has never been the reason that I have volunteered.”

D’Anna Zimmer

Business Development Manager, BAG MAKERS

“I am grateful and blessed to be recognized,” Zimmer says. “However, receiving an accolade has never been the reason that I have volunteered. Serving and volunteering has allowed me to know others and learn more along the way. The Bible tells us that we have each received gifts and to use those to serve one another as good stewards of God’s grace. Using what God has given me is always my goal. If given service, then serve.”