PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, recently joined the Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) volunteer luncheon to deliver a town hall-style presentation on the state of the industry and the key issues and opportunities in play, the Association and its member companies.
“Even though most of our members deal commonly with local businesses it’s a gift to hear from the CEO of PPAI about a larger picture,” says Steven Meyer, MAS, PPAS board president. “The trends across the industry, what end buyers are telling PPAI and how PPAI plans to equip members with this information is of great interest to our members and will help them both plan and execute a more successful 2019 business plan.”
Bellantone’s presentation explored the challenges facing the promotional products industry and member business growth, and the importance of creating value and differentiation in a crowded and commoditized marketplace. He also introduced PPAI’s end-buyer-focused research projects and Industry Branding Initiative, and shared research and trends regarding the size and scope of the promotional products industry and the power of promotional products relative to other advertising media.
PPAS members also raised funds for the Homeless Veterans Service of Dallas at the luncheon. The regional association raised $200 through the sale of Antiqua jackets provided by Larry Krause, MAS and custom embroidered by Rodney and Georgina Bogart of All About Bikers.
Meyer adds, “A large part of the luncheon’s focus was understandably on veterans. Both PPAS tradition and the times make it a very important to our membership to recognize and thank those who have served our country.”
