Association Memberships are like gym memberships. You have to use them to get stronger. Are you using yours?

Ask yourself........

• Distributors, are you using the member only coupon book?
• Distributors, are you attending the webinars and sessions the Suppliers are presenting?
• Suppliers, are you hosting a virtual presentation for our Distributor members? Email tiffany@cppa.biz to schedule your session
• All members, are you using the online member database or Job Board?
• Check out the member benefits page here

August 26, 2026 Wild Wednesday Webinar: “The Industry Outlook: Insights, Trends and What's Next" 

From emerging market signals to broader industry developments, join us for a candid conversation about where the industry stands today, what deserves attention now and how the future of branded merchandise is being shaped. Through observations gathered from across the marketplace, we will share perspectives on the opportunities, challenges, and shifts influencing businesses throughout the industry.

This session will also provide an update on the direction of PPAI and the initiatives underway to strengthen, elevate, and advance the branded merchandise community. Hear about the broader forces shaping the industry's future and the role the association is playing in helping members navigate what comes next.



Learning Outcomes:

• Gain insight into the current state of the branded merchandise industry and the trends influencing growth and market performance.
• Leave with a clearer view of what's next and insights to help navigate the rest of 2026 and the industry's future.
• Receive an update on PPAI's strategic priorities and key initiatives for strengthening and advancing branded merchandise



Read more and register

September 8, 2026 Tuesday Learning Lab: “The Hidden Profit Formula"

Most business owners are bleeding money they'll never see disappear. Not because of bad service or high prices. Because nobody ever showed them the hidden formula that separates businesses clients stay loyal to from businesses clients quietly abandon.

In this free training, Disney Business Consultant Vance Morris reveals the exact system he used inside Walt Disney World, and now uses across his own home service businesses, to turn ordinary clients into fiercely loyal fans who stay longer, pay more, and can't stop referring their friends.

Learner Outcomes:

• Know exactly why your team's experience is silently sabotaging your client experience, and the shockingly simple fix most business owners never think to make.
• Discover the ruthless truth about why "good service" is quietly killing your referrals, and the specific shift that transforms forgettable transactions into unforgettable, talked-about experiences.
• Uncover the hidden systems breakdown draining your profits behind the scenes, and how to bulletproof your operations so your business runs flawlessly whether you're in the building or not.
• Master the one marketing secret almost every business owner gets backwards, and walk away with a proven formula for turning the clients you already have into your most powerful, most profitable growth engine.



Read more and register

Bowling & Business....Not Your Father's Bowling League!

September 21st

Main Event

10300 Little Patuxent Parkway

Columbia, MD 21044

Join us for an evening of fun, friendly competition, and networking at our Pre-Show Bowling Tournament! Whether you're a seasoned bowler or just in it for the snacks and laughs, this is the perfect event to mix business with pleasure.

Pre-registration is required so that we will have an approximate head count. No experience required for this fun event as we will be using bumpers on all lanes to even the playing field.

• 6:30 - 7 pm: On Site Tournament Registration where brackets will be developed. No need to find a "team" as we will place you with your teammates on site.
• 7 - 9 pm: Bowling tournament with prizes awarded
• $50 per person which includes bowling, appetizers, 1 drink ticket and entry for a chance to win a prize during the event! 

Bring your co-workers, family and clients - the more the merrier! Spots are limited, so reserve yours soon and get ready to roll into a great time!

Read more and register

Mark your calendars and register to attend our upcoming Fall Promo Expo ~ Home of the 2026 Preakness!

CPPA is proud to bring you and your clients multiple opportunities to attend trade shows and events throughout our region. The Fall Promo EXPO is a great opportunity to connect with vendors and discuss current and upcoming projects. CPPA Distributor members are encouraged to invite clients to attend as exclusive guests. 

• 9 am - 10 am: Education Session: Details Coming Soon! 
• 10 am - 1:30 pm: Exhibits Open 

For event details and registration links, click here

September 30, 2026 Wild Wednesday Webinar: “Win the Year Before it Begins. Strategic Planning that Turns Intentions into Results" 

Most professionals wait until January, if at all, to start planning the new year, and by then, they’ve already lost momentum. In this powerful session, Cliff Quicksell reveals why strategic planning before the year begins creates a competitive advantage. Learn how reflection, clear metrics, and intentional discipline position you to lead, not react.

Learning Outcomes:

• Reflect Strategically on the Previous Year: Learn how to analyze what worked, what failed, and what opportunities were missed so you can build a smarter and more intentional plan for the year ahead.
• Build a Clear, Measurable Strategic Plan: Understand how to translate goals into actionable metrics by reverse-engineering annual targets into monthly, weekly, and daily activities.
• Create Momentum Before the New Year Begins: Discover why planning in advance provides a competitive edge, allowing you to enter the new year with clarity, confidence, and forward momentum while others are still trying to figure things out.



Read more and register

Obituary: Rob Watson, Vantage Apparel

Avenel, NJ - Rob Watson, CEO of Vantage Apparel passed away suddenly at his home in New Jersey on Friday, Aug. 21. He was 48 years old.

Born and raised in Virginia, Watson attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, and graduated with a degree in Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communications. Following stints in the commercial cruise industry, Watson entered the industry where he’d find a home for the next 20 years – promotional products.

Watson’s career started at MediaTree, followed by positions at several industry firms, including ASI, Zing, Axis Promotions and finally, Vantage Apparel, a company with nearly $65 million in annual sales. Watson was instrumental in the company’s 16.5% growth from 2024 to 2025, and a key driver of the company’s launch of Swagee, its print-on-demand platform for the promo industry and its decorators.

“Rob was beloved by the Vantage family, as well as his extended family of the entire promo industry,” said Ira Neaman, president & executive chairman of Vantage and a member of Counselor’s Power 50, along with Watson. “Rob had this wonderful quality of making everyone he met feel special and that was something genuine and authentic in him. He cared, he was curious about people and he listened. He had that rare skill set of being extremely intelligent, with wisdom beyond his years. We at Vantage, and the promo and print folks Rob knew throughout the industry, will miss him and his warmth, humor and friendship so very much.”

Read more here

BAMKO Names EVP of Marketing

Los Angeles, CA - BAMKO has appointed David Harney as executive vice president of marketing.

This newly created role marks a significant strategic investment in BAMKO’s brand and marketing leadership, to accelerate the company’s sustained growth trajectory and expand its market presence, BAMKO says.



Harney joins BAMKO following a four-year tenure as senior vice president of B2B strategy at Monks.



“Creating this role represents a direct investment in the leadership required to take BAMKO to the next level,” says Jake Himelstein, president of BAMKO. “David brings the exact strategic vision and enterprise experience needed to amplify our brand and build on our business momentum.”

coming month traveling with Reinecker to meet customers and support a smooth transition.

Starline Announces Retirement of Longtime Southwest Rep, Hiring of Successor

Grand Island, NY - Starline USA recently announced the retirement of Kim Reinecker, who has represented the company in the Southwest territory for the past 16 years and will retire at the end of September. Reinecker is concluding a 40-year career as a supplier representative in the branded merch industry. Reflecting on her career, she said, “The success I enjoyed throughout my career was only possible because of the trust of my customers, the support of my colleagues and the friendships I developed along the way. I am truly blessed to have spent the last 16 years representing Starline and could not think of a better company to end my industry career with.”

The company has named Clay Bridges as Reinecker’s successor in Texas. Bridges brings nearly 25 years of industry experience, most recently on the distributor side, and has recently relocated to Texas. He will assume responsibility for the territory following Reinecker’s retirement.



Brian DeBottis, Starline’s chief revenue officer, thanked Reinecker for her contributions and wished her well in retirement. He also welcomed Bridges to the organization, noting his longstanding commitment to customer service and industry expertise. Bridges will spend the coming month traveling with Reinecker to meet customers and support a smooth transition.

Proforma's CRO Recognized AS '40 Under 40' By 'Tampa Bay Business Journal'

Cleveland, OH - Proforma recently announced that Chief Revenue Officer Brian Roney has been named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40 class, which recognizes professionals under age 40 for their contributions to business growth and community impact. Roney said he was honored by the recognition, noting, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a talented and inspiring community.”

As CRO, Roney oversees financial initiatives aimed at supporting Proforma’s distributor network. The company credited him with helping advance ProStores, its e-commerce platform, which surpassed 2 million transactions earlier this year. He also contributed to the financial modeling behind Proforma’s acquisition of Safeguard from Deluxe, a publicly traded company.

Beyond his business responsibilities, Roney has led community-focused initiatives, including the creation of Proforma’s annual Proform-A-Service Day, which gives employees paid time to volunteer with charitable organizations. He is also active in local civic groups and youth sports. The Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40 honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Oct. 22 and in the publication’s print and online editions.

WATCH: 2026 PPAI Member Town Hall Officers

PPAI leadership met with members Thursday for a town hall focused on the Association’s progress in 2025 – a crucial year for long-term planning – its position today and the priorities shaping what comes next for the branded merchandise industry’s largest and longest-running not-for-profit trade association.

The discussion coincided with the release of PPAI’s 2025 Annual Report, which details a year the Association says was centered on strengthening member value while building a clearer roadmap for the future. That work included development of a new five-year strategic plan, organizational investments and a renewed focus on three strategic pillars: strengthening community, elevating the industry and supporting member success.

The town hall was led by Danny Rosin, CAS, Board Chair and co-president of Brand Fuel, and included commentary from President and CEO Drew Holmgreen, CAS, Chief Revenue and Experience Officer Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE, and Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Ralston, CAS.

relationship-building will position the Association to shape its future.”


Click here to watch the PPAI Member Town Hall

Should You Go All-in on AI Now or Wait for the Dust to Settle? Here Are the Risks and Rewards of Each Path

Vuk Stajic * Entrepreneur Leadership Network Contributor * Founder of MVRK Inc. & Coach as the SSB

Now is the time to decide if your team will leverage emerging technology or wait for the winners of the race to become clearer. Both options present risks and rewards for your business.

If you’re a business leader, you have an important decision awaiting you today. Will your company invest in emerging AI technology before the dust settles in the race for AI supremacy? Or will you maintain the status quo, dabble a bit in AI and save most of your chips for when the cards are clear?

Whatever you decide, it will impact your business. But the only wrong decision today is not having a clear strategy for how you will invest in AI. This article will help you crystallize your decision.

Before we dive into the pros and cons of each direction, let’s understand the ecosystem players. The race is being contested across three categories.


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Steven Lazarus, MAS, Honored With PPAI Regional Volunteer Award

Steven Lazarus, MAS, vice president of sales and marketing at Florida-based distributor Promotional Breezes has been named the recipient of the 2026 PPAI Regional Volunteer Award.

The honor is 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.

Recognition for the 2026 PPAI Regional Volunteer Award winner will be held during the PPAI Leadership Development Conference from Oct. 27-29 at the Sheraton Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas.

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