Allen Bates, MAS, founder of distributer Second Step Advertising in Wyandotte, Michigan, and Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) Hall of Fame inductee, passed away on November 23. He was 67.
Bates founded Second Step Advertising in 1975 and was an active member of MiPPA. He served on all of the regional association’s committees at one time or another, and on its board as a director, vice president and president. He accumulated 11 years of service on the board of directors and had nearly perfect attendance and participation in every MiPPA event. In 2013, Bates was inducted into the MiPPA Hall of Fame. He received his CAS designation in 1991, his MAS in 1996 and was awarded Lifetime Certification in 2012.
In his nomination for the MiPPA Hall of Fame, past president Ruth Kramer wrote, “We could always count on Al, regardless of the distance or time.”
In presenting his Hall of Fame honor, MiPPA Executive Director Paul Kiewiet, MAS+, said, “Al never misses a meeting or event. He is always willing to share advice and best practices with others. He raises the standard and is an example of what it means to be a professional in this business.”
Bates’ lifetime of service extended to his community as well. He served as president of the Allen Park Jaycees, a Senator for the Michigan Jaycees, served on the board of the Southern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and as an officer for the Wyandotte Business Association.
He is survived by his children Alexa and Debbie, and sisters Claudette and Maureen. The celebration of life for Bates will be held at Martenson Funeral Home, 10915 Allen Road in Allen Park, Michigan 4810. The viewing will be held on November 30, 3 – 8 pm, with the service the following day, December 1 at noon. Lunch following the service will be held at Crystal Park in Allen Park. Memorial contributions to honor Bates’s life may be made as the donor chooses.
