Tim Hennessey Jr., president of Concepts & Associates (PPAI 134402, D7), and Taylor Borst, senior director of marketing & vendor relations at American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, D12) – the No. 9 leading distributor in the 2023 PPAI 100 – have been named recipients of the PPAI Regional Volunteer Award.

Given out annually to regional association members who demonstrate an outstanding level of volunteerism, leadership or have made other significant and measurable contributions to one or more regional associations, the award has been given to past recipients who have helped associations thrive through hours of dedication and hard work as volunteers. With both Hennessy Jr. and Borst boasting impressive nominations, PPAI decided the most appropriate course would be to honor two recipients with the award in 2023. 

The 2023 PPAI Regional Volunteer award winners will be recognized during the upcoming 2023 PPAI Leadership Development Workshop in Grapevine, Texas.

Taylor Borst: UMAPP President

Outside of her role as senior director of marketing & vendor relations with ASB, Borst – a former PPAI Rising Star and a frequent #Online18 honoree – has played a crucial role in the evolution of the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals (UMAPP).

  • 2019-2021: Borst served as UMAPP distributor director.
  • 2022: Borst was elected UMAPP VP and treasurer.
  • 2023: Borst took over as UMAPP president.

In her role as president, Borst – along with VP Chris Babiash – reworked the yearly UMAPP dues to reflect more realistic pricing that factored in inflation. This decision helped increase the membership income from $34,000 in 2022 to $59,000 in 2023. This level of financial stability is key to the longevity of any regional including UMAPP.

“Taylor is someone who is both early in their career and someone who has accomplished a lot,” says Dana Zezzo, VP of vendor relations, marketing and events at ASB, who nominated Borst for the award. “I see her continuing to elevate what she can bring to PPAI and the industry as we move forward. She brings energy, open-mindedness and a future-focused mindsets to the table – all things this industry needs moving forward.”

Tim Hennessy Jr.: SPPA Veteran

Along with his role as president at Concepts & Associates, Hennessy Jr. has been active in Sunbelt Promotional Products Association (SPPA) since 2014. He has won nine PPAI Pyramid Awards and was named a PPAI Rising Star in 2016.

  • 2014: Hennessy Jr. joined the SPPA Board.
  • 2016: Hennesy Jr. served as treasurer of SPPA.
  • 2017: Hennessy Jr. served as vice president of SPPA.
  • 2018: Hennessy Jr. became president of SPPA.

Hennessy Jr. has been an active advocate for SPPA. He has written for the association’s magazine, newsletter and blog. In 2018 and 2019 he traveled to Washington D.C and met with senators and congressmen to advocate on behalf of SPPA and the promo industry at large as part of PPAI’s L.E.A.D.

Over the past decade, SPPA increased the interested in its trade shows through the leadership of Hennessy Jr. and others, who urged the board and helped organize them into social events with guest speakers.

“Tim Hennessy Jr. has distinguished himself among our vast industry through exceptional dedication, considerable professional achievement and top industry honors,” says Sara Amthor of Concepts & Associates, who nominated Hennessy Jr. for the award. “His record is proven.”