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This month, we’re celebrating the people, programs, and momentum that keep our community moving forward. Inside, you’ll find highlights from this year’s LEAD trip to Washington, D.C., industry updates, upcoming education, member news, and a spotlight on our Board Director Brian Gregory.
Promo Safari Boise is this week on May 21, and we’d love to see you there! Be sure to register today and take a look at what's coming up next.
Thanks for being part of the NWPMA community — we’re glad you’re here and excited for what’s ahead.
| Promo Safari Boise Is May 21 | | |
Get ready for a day of hands-on product discovery, networking, and high-impact learning all in one place.
Kick things off the evening before at the networking party on May 20 from 5–7 PM on the Sandstone Terrace at The Riverside Hotel, and reconnect with industry friends before the show.
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On May 21, start your day with “The First 90 Days — What I Learned Jumping into a Sales Leadership Role,” presented by Ashley Colautti, VP of Sales at Spector & Co from 9–10 AM.
Ashley will share practical takeaways on stepping into leadership, building strong systems, and navigating new roles with clarity.
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Then explore the show floor from 10 AM – 2 PM at The Riverside Hotel in Boise. Take part in the Promo Safari Passport Game for a chance to win prizes while you discover what’s trending, check out new products, and visit our onsite activation provided by D&S Specialties.
Attendance is free, clients are welcome, and complimentary parking is available onsite.
| | | Board Director Spotlight: Brian Gregory | | |
We’re proud to spotlight Board Director Brian Gregory, owner of D&S Specialties. D&S has been part of the industry since 1980, earning a long-standing reputation as a respected family business known for high-quality apparel decoration, innovative solutions, and a willingness to take on challenging projects.
Brian joined the company in 1995 and became owner in 2025. Under his steady leadership, D&S has expanded its capabilities across sublimation, screen printing, embroidery, laser-engraved leather patches, DTF printing, plastisol transfers, and more while building on its strong reputation for quality decoration and trusted service.
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| | | | Brian has served on the NWPMA Board since November 2024 and remains a valued leader in membership efforts. As past committee Chair and current Membership Committee advocate, he helps strengthen member connections and support NWPMA’s continued growth. | |
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Outside of work, Brian and his wife, Heather, enjoy spending time outdoors and making memories with their five children and three grandchildren.
Family is clearly at the heart of Brian’s life, and that same steady, people-first approach carries through in the way he serves his company, his customers, and NWPMA.
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| | LEADing the Way: Advocacy in Action | | Representatives from our region joined promotional products professionals from across the country in Washington, D.C. for PPAI LEAD 2026, an annual advocacy event that brings our industry directly to Capitol Hill. Jen Gangwish, Mark Shinn, Brenda Speirs, and Dani Smith proudly represented NWPMA and the Northwest in conversations with lawmakers and congressional staff. | | | | | |
For first-time attendee Brenda Speirs, LEAD offered a firsthand look at how important it is for small business owners and industry professionals to be part of these conversations.
Issues like tariffs, trade, and supply chains are not abstract policy topics — they have real impacts on our businesses, our clients, and the many jobs our industry supports.
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For longtime industry advocate Mark Shinn, the experience once again reinforced the power of showing up, sharing our stories, and building relationships that help lawmakers better understand the branded merchandise industry.
Congressional offices listened, remembered prior conversations, and recognized how action or inaction in Washington can affect business planning, hiring, pricing, and long-term growth.
| | | | | Returning for her second year, Jen Gangwish came away with an even stronger appreciation for the size and impact of our industry, especially here in the Northwest. One of her biggest takeaways was the amount of economic activity, job support, and small business strength that exists across our region — and why legislators need to hear those stories directly from the businesses experiencing them. | | |
For Dani Smith, who has been attending LEAD for nearly 10 years, advocacy has always been about building relationships that continue beyond Capitol Hill.
Since returning from Washington, D.C., she has already connected with field representatives, hosted an office tour, and plans to keep those conversations going locally.
| | | We are grateful to Jen, Mark, Brenda, and Dani for representing our region and helping ensure Northwest voices are part of the national conversation. Together, their experiences point to one clear message: advocacy does not end when the meetings in Washington, D.C. are over. | | | | |
Want to learn more?
Join us on May 28 for a LEAD recap panel featuring firsthand takeaways from this year’s Capitol Hill meetings, key issues impacting our industry, and simple ways members can stay informed, support advocacy efforts, and help keep the promotional products industry’s voice strong.
| | Upcoming Events & Webinars | | |
Rep's Idea Showcase - WA
May 19, 2026 | 10 AM - 2 PM
DoubleTree Spokane City Center
Spokane, WA
Free to Attend • Free to Bring Clients
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"From Invisible to Influential: How to Build a Personal Brand That Attracts Opportunity"
May 27, 2026, at 9:30 AM PT
In today’s competitive promotional products industry, being great at what you do is only part of the equation — people also need to know, trust, and remember you.
Join Kirby Hasseman for a practical session on personal branding and visibility, where he’ll share simple strategies to help you reach the right audience, grow your credibility, create consistent content, and turn customers into enthusiastic brand ambassadors.
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Kirby Hasseman
Hasseman Marketing & Comm.
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Sandra Kelley
Prestige Promotions, LLC
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"From Orders to Loyalty: Turning Promo Buyers into Lifetime Customers"
June 9, 2026, at 9:30 AM PT
Winning new customers takes work, but lasting growth often comes from keeping the customers you already have. This practical session will help promotional products distributors build stronger relationships, create more memorable customer experiences, and increase repeat business. Attendees will learn simple retention strategies they can use right away to turn one-time or transactional buyers into loyal, long-term clients who help strengthen the foundation of their business.
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NWPMA Promo Safari - OR
August 19, 2026 | 10 AM - 2 PM
DoubleTree Downtown Portland, OR
JQ's Field Guide to High Performance Habits, Top Suppliers, Annual Meeting & Awards
Free to Attend • Free to Bring Clients
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Top 5 Ways To Unstick Your Deals
PPAI shares practical sales strategies for helping prospects move through the “messy middle” of the buying process and get closer to a confident yes. Read More
Distributors Still Awaiting World Cup Promo Boom
ASI looks at why many distributors have not yet seen major World Cup-related promo demand, even as rising soccer interest, host-city activations and last-minute buyer behavior point to potential opportunities as the 2026 tournament approaches. Read More
IEEPA Tariff Refunds In Progress As Courts Weigh Section 122 Duties
A challenge to Trump’s 10% global tariffs sees success, then a stay, in federal courts as importers begin to receive refunds for the duties deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court in February. Read More
| | Welcome New Business Services Member: The Promo Gap | | |
Taking time away should not mean checking emails from vacation or worrying about what is happening back at your desk. That is why Tracy Swan, MAS, created The Promo Gap, offering trusted short-term, client-facing coverage for promo professionals who need someone experienced to step in while they are away or stretched thin.
Tracy helps with emails, sourcing, presentations, supplier communication, and timelines so nothing gets missed. With years of promo experience, a background in branding, design, and product creation, plus strong supplier relationships, she keeps the work moving with care and professionalism. Built on trust and confidentiality, The Promo Gap keeps everything under your name so your client relationships stay protected.
NWPMA members receive preferred introductory pricing, priority scheduling, and an extra hour of coverage on their first booking.
Visit The Promo Gap | ASI Feature on The Promo Gap
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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 stay connected to scholarships, education, networking, volunteer opportunities, advocacy, and the 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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