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What a way to wrap up our 2026 show season! This month, we’re looking back at Promo Safari Portland, celebrating our award recipients, sharing the impact of Promo Safari Gives, and looking ahead to our 2027 Board, upcoming shows, education, and more.
As always, thank you for showing up and being a part of the NWPMA community. Your continued support means so much to us.
| | Thank You for Joining Us in Portland! | | |
Promo Safari made its final stop of the year in Portland, bringing everyone together for networking, education, recognition, and product discovery.
From a lively networking party and a bustling show floor to an engaging education session, well-deserved recognition, and an incredible show of support for Project 48, it was an event to remember.
Congratulations to our Promo Safari prize winners, Becky, Jamie, and Jane! Watch the video below to see the winning passports drawn.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped bring the Promo Safari adventure to life. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone again in 2027!
| | A Great Night of Networking in Portland | | |
Our NWPMA community came together for an evening of great conversations, familiar faces, new connections, and plenty of laughs.
Whether talking shop, swapping stories or simply enjoying the evening, everyone came ready to connect and have fun.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the networking party such a fun part of Promo Safari Portland!
| | Promo Safari Gives: 1,411 Items Received | | |
All 1,411 donated items have now been received by Project 48 and are ready to support young people entering foster care.
Together, we delivered:
- 375 pairs of socks
- 372 tote bags
- 205 backpacks and duffels
- 75 T-shirts
- 17 sweatshirts
- 367 comfort items and extras
From bags and apparel to toiletries and everyday essentials, these donations will help provide comfort, dignity, and practical support during times of transition.
| | | Project 48 packs approximately 50 essential bags every month for foster youth ages 7 to 23 across four counties. They purchase roughly 85% of what goes into those bags. | | | | |
Every item our industry donates reduces what Project 48 must purchase, freeing more resources for the programs that support these young people.
A huge thank you to the companies that made this incredible contribution possible:
AAkron, AIM Smarter, Bag Makers, Color Graphics, ETS Express, Greater Pacific Industries, Hit Promo, HPG, Kaplan Sales & Marketing, Proper Print Source, Rach Incorporated, S&S Activewear, SanMar, and Sock101
Thank you for putting your products to purpose and showing what our industry can accomplish when we come together.
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Let's Stock the Year
The show is over. The need is not.
CURRENT 30-DAY PRIORITY:
SWEATSHIRTS + JOGGERS
Our current targets are:
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100 sweatshirts—NWPMA target
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100 joggers—confirmed by P48
Current progress:
- 17 sweatshirts
- 0 joggers
New and unused overstock, samples, discontinued styles, and other appropriate inventory are welcome and subject to Project 48 acceptance.
| | | Emily, 14, at Project 48’s packing room. Shared with Project 48’s permission. | | |
How to Donate
Ready to help stock Project 48’s current priority?
Pledge your donation at nwpma.org/promosafari or ship new and unused sweatshirts and joggers directly to:
Project 48 c/o Brandy McDonald
2505 SE 11th Ave., Suite 122
Portland, OR 97202
Please include your company name so your donation can be tracked and recognized.
Questions or Donation Coordination:
Connect with P48 or call 971-275-7416
| | Celebrating Our 2026 NWPMA Award Recipients | | |
Our Annual Awards brought us together to recognize the individuals whose talent, leadership, service, and personality make NWPMA and our industry stronger.
This year’s awards celebrated excellence in sales and representation, years of dedicated service, volunteerism, leadership, creativity, and the people who bring energy and connection to our community. Each honor reflected a different way our recipients have made an impact throughout the Northwest and across the industry.
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It was a privilege to share their stories and celebrate their accomplishments together. Congratulations again to all of our 2026 NWPMA Annual Award recipients!
Special thanks to SRG for sponsoring this year’s awards and helping us recognize each recipient.
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We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage Apparel. Known throughout the industry for his warmth, kindness, and genuine spirit, Rob made a lasting impression on colleagues and friends throughout our community.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Rob’s family, friends, Vantage teammates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact and memory will not be forgotten.
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A celebration of Rob’s life will be held Monday, August 31, from 3–8 p.m. at Walter Johnson Funeral Home, 803 Raritan Road, Clark, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rob’s name to Clean Ocean Action at cleanoceanaction.org.
| | Missed the Live Session? Catch Up with JQ | | |
Couldn’t join us in Portland? We’ve got you covered!
JQ shared the intentional habits that build presence, strengthen credibility, and create lasting opportunities.
From commanding the first 30 seconds of a conversation to communicating with clarity, building a recognizable personal brand, and maintaining the relationships that matter, this session is packed with practical strategies you can put to work right away.
Get ready to take an honest look at how you show up, strengthen the reputation that enters the room before you do, and raise your standard in sales, leadership, and life.
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At our Annual Meeting in Portland, members approved the final 2027 Board slate, including Bryan Bender of Pacwest Sports & Marketing as a new director beginning in November.
We are grateful to all of our Board members for volunteering their time and leadership in support of NWPMA.
| | | Save the dates for our first two 2027 showcases: | | Upcoming Events & Webinars | | |
The Hidden Profit Formula
September 8, 2026 | 9:30 AM PT
Discover the system Disney Business Consultant Vance Morris used at Walt Disney World—and now applies across his own businesses—to turn ordinary clients into loyal fans who stay longer, spend more, and enthusiastically refer others.
Learn how your team’s experience shapes the client experience, why “good service” is no longer enough, and where hidden systems breakdowns may be draining profits. Walk away with practical strategies to strengthen operations, create memorable interactions, and generate more retention, referrals, and growth.
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Vance Morris
Deliver Service Now Institute
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Cliff Quicksell
Quicksell & Associates
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Win the Year Before it Begins. Strategic Planning that Turns Intentions into Results
September 30, 2026 | 9:30 AM PT
Most professionals wait until January to plan the new year. Cliff Quicksell will show attendees how starting earlier creates a competitive advantage and makes it possible to enter 2027 with clarity and momentum.
Learn how to evaluate the previous year, turn annual goals into measurable monthly and weekly actions, and build a strategic plan that is ready to put into motion before January arrives.
| | Industry News & Resources | | |
PPAI Names the 2026 Greatest Companies To Work For
PPAI has announced its 2026 Greatest Companies To Work For, recognizing 138 companies across the branded merchandise industry for workplace culture, employee experience, and work-life balance.
This year’s list spans suppliers, distributors, and business service firms of all sizes, with honorees selected based on feedback from their own employees. Explore the 2026 Greatest Companies To Work For
What the 2026 State of the Industry Reveals About Promo
ASI’s Counselor team takes a closer look at the 2026 State of the Industry report, highlighting key trends affecting suppliers and distributors across the promotional products industry.
From shifting markets and sales performance to the continued impact of tariffs, the discussion offers a broader look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today. Explore the 2026 State of the Industry
Supporting Washington Communities Impacted by Wildfires
Wildfires across Washington have destroyed homes, displaced residents, and affected communities throughout the state. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted, including members of our NWPMA community. Learn More & Support Wildfire Relief
| | Sunnie Lane creates unique gifts and customizable keepsakes featuring real pressed flowers, including bookmarks, magnets, frames, candles, and keychains. The company began in 1990 with Grandma Sunnie’s pressed-flower bookmark idea and continues to build on that creativity with distinctive products designed to make a lasting impression. | | | Flywheel NW supplies automotive dealerships with service products, custom printing, promotional products, forms, decals, key systems, and more. Its industry-focused catalog supports dealership service, parts, office, sales, and body shop departments through one convenient source. | | | Original Grain creates handcrafted watches that combine natural wood with stainless steel. Founded in 2013 by Pacific Northwest brothers Ryan and Andrew Beltran, the company uses distinctive reclaimed and sustainably sourced materials, offers personalized engraving and group ordering, and plants one tree for every watch sold. | | | |
Have you renewed your membership?
Your NWPMA membership keeps you connected to the regional promo community and gives you access to valuable benefits, including member savings and SAGE discounts.
Renew today to continue accessing scholarships, education, networking, volunteer opportunities, advocacy, and resources that support your business.
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Looking for ways to help your brand stay visible? With flexible advertising opportunities available, NWPMA makes it easy to build recognition, connect with members in meaningful ways, and keep your company top-of-mind throughout the year.
Interested in learning more? Contact shay@nwpma.org
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