A Message from our CPPA President......
Good July my friends.
The Connection Between Sports and Business is Uncanny
As incredible student athletes, both my children asked me before heading to college, what advice would I give them to be successful in school. I told them to be in the game you need to really be three things: be eligible, be coachable and be present. Let me explain what I mean.
Be Eligible ~ being an amazing athlete or salesperson is great but what do you do to advance? Things are not handed to you, you must earn it! I told my son, ‘…classes first, athletics second’ and that he did. You are no good to the team (no matter how groovy you think you are) if you cannot play. If your grades stink then you are not eligible therefore you hurt the team. You must do everything you can to be the best for yourself, and CONTINUE to do the things that help the team be the best that they can be. What have you done lately to up your game? What have you done to continue to educate yourself to help lift the team (even if your team is a team of one)? Being eligible equates to being dependable. Can your team, your clients or your family rely on you to do the things you need to do to be the best for them? Only you know.
Be Coachable ~ there are no natural born athletes just like there are no natural born salespeople. Behind every successful person be it athletics or business is a mentor. Stop for a moment to think about those folks that influenced you during your life and that gave you life-lessons, guidance, encouragement, a slap on the head, a swift kick in the butt, a pat on the back or a reward. Friends, the main thing about being coachable, no matter how good you are or think you are, is to be open to constructive criticism, and have the willingness to make changes to become better. In short, ‘…be open to ALL possibilities….’
Lastly…Be Present ~ I remember back when my daughter started playing lacrosse. She was a walk on in high school and many of the girls she was playing with had many, many years of experience. One day she came to me and said ‘Dad, the coach isn’t playing me. I’m just thinking of quitting.’ I said, “Cait, during the games are you present?” ‘What does that mean?’ she recounted. “I mean during the games when you’re not playing, you’re ‘sitting’ on the bench, not involved, not engaged, not participating. I suggest that during the next game and throughout the rest of your lacrosse career, you stand on the side-lines, cheer for your team, encourage them BUT you do it two steps to the side and one step back from the coach. He moves, you move. When he turns to look for someone to go in there, you’ll be there and will have heard him and be seen. You will have been present.” Ensuing games Cait’s playing time increased dramatically. After a couple of games, she was a starting line defense and played the balance of her four years in high school and then into college as a starter on the varsity squad. Whether you own your own business or work for someone, are you consistently present? When you answer the phone or when you are in a meeting, are you prepared, focused, present…’in the game’?
My friends, you are amazing! I encourage you to reflect on these words and to pay heed. Do your utmost to be eligible, to be a part of the process, be coachable to learn, change and create. Find a solid coach or mentor that can help you navigate the waters and lastly, ALWAYS be in the moment. Be present and solidly focusing on the task at hand. Be a part of the CPPA Team, volunteer for the board, a committee, etc. We need your talent! Being involved will enrich you both personally and professionally.
Never Forget - We’ve got this! Together we can accomplish everything!
Cliff Quicksell, MAS+
President, CPPA
301-717-0615
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July 9, 2022 Tuesday Learning Lab:
"Fulfillment Programs: Potential and Pitfalls"
Doing a fulfillment program can be very rewarding if the right questions are asked up front and designed properly. It can also be a nightmare if the client does not understand what you need or why you need it! “Wait, there is international shipping involved also…to how many different countries????” We will review the proper set up of a program, important questions to ask and review SOME of the challenges to shipping internationally.
Learning Outcomes:
- The RIGHT questions to ask a client before setting up a Fulfillment Program
- Domestic & International Shipping requirements
- Proper set up of a Fulfillment Program
- Challenges to look out for when developing a Fulfillment Program
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July 27, 2022 Wild Wednesday Webinar: "Data-Driven Blueprint for Success"
In this special webinar, ASI’s Michele Bell and Nate Kucsma will share key highlights from Counselor’s just-released State of the Industry report. The overview of results from ASI’s annual industry surveys will include a recap of key issues that matter most to the promo industry along with hot product and market trends, while arming suppliers and distributors with resources, data, and strategies for moving forward.
Learning Outcomes:
- Hottest markets
- Top product categories
- Distributor sales results
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Supplier delivery trends
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August 18, 2022
Manor Hill Brewing
Ellicott City, MD
4 - 7 pm
Join us for an afternoon of fast-moving Supplier presentations
and networking at Manor Hill Brewing
- CPPA Membership recommended but not required
- Event includes 2 drink tickets, light fare and a great time
- Pre-registration is requested
- $20/pp for CPPA members; $30/pp for non-members
- Supplier presentations (15 min each) begin at 4 pm
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Mark your calendars and register to attend our upcoming Fall Promo EXPO!
CPPA is proud to bring you and your clients multiple opportunities to attend trade shows throughout our region. The Fall Promo EXPO is a great opportunity to connect with vendors and discuss projects. Also, CPPA Distributor members are encouraged to invite clients to attend as exclusive guests. Register to exhibit or attend today!
For event details and registration links, click here
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Educate, Connect and Explore at the all-NEW Promotions East
CPPA is proud to be aligned with SAAGNY and to be partnering with them on this flagship event that is sure to impress! It is with great anticipation that we welcome this show back to the East Coast!
The refreshed and reenergized Promotions East promises to deliver value to ALL participants with new experiential elements to immerse distributors and suppliers into a connected, fun, and long- awaited industry reunion complete with education on hot topics, an exhibit hall with new products and new ways to explore those products, as well as plenty of time for making meaningful connections during golf, yoga, the pool party, and more.
**CPPA Distributor members, use code CPPA22 when prompted to receive a discounted rate!
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Mark YOUR Calendar for 2023 Show Dates
With YOUR Regional Association
Details coming soon!
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American Solutions for Business Partners with Otterbox and Gold Bond to Donate to Local School
Glenwood, MN – American Solutions for Business, together with Patriot-level partners, OtterBox and Gold Bond, donated drink wear to students of Glacial Hills Elementary in Starbuck, Minnesota. After receiving a donation request from Glacial Hills for sufficient water bottles for children, ASB began the search for a durable and long-lasting solution.
ASB’s partner, OtterBox, graciously stepped up to donate the product as part of the company’s mission “We Grow to Give.” This mission is largely supported through the OtterCares Foundation, founded 2009 to support innovative education and empower youth to create lasting change through philanthropy and entrepreneurship.
“Our company and employees are dedicated to giving back in meaningful ways to support our communities,” said David Baldwin, Business Development Manager for OtterBox. “We appreciate American Solutions’ leadership and Gold Bond’s partnership in making this donation possible.”
These bottles not only provide a solution for children who may not have the means, but provides them with something they feel proud to carry with school spirit. The Glacial Ridge logo, along with the American logo, is prominently laser-engraved onto the tumbler thanks to our partner, Gold Bond, who waived fees on decoration.
“Gold Bond is honored to partner with American Solutions and their continued efforts and support of the local community in Glenwood,” explained Kim Newell, VP of National Accounts for Gold Bond. “To be just a small part of a project that helps children and families we are incredibly thankful for the opportunity and our hope is that this small donation will bring joy to the children that receive the items.”
“They are absolutely fantastic!” expressed Jodee Lund, Director at Glacial Hills Elementary. “We are going to put the kids’ names on the water bottles and hand them out. We are so thankful for the support!”
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Briana Larson Of Koozie Group Brings Home Gold At Special Olympics
Clearwater, FL – Briana Larson of Plum City, Wisconsin, realized a dream when she competed in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games track and field events held June 15-22 in Orlando. Larson works at Koozie Group’s site in Red Wing, Minnesota.
The Competition: Larson had competed in Special Olympics events for 13 years before being chosen this year to compete in the National Games. She was one of 65 athletes and unified partners chosen to represent Wisconsin in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. The good news was revealed to her during a surprise pizza party held in her honor during Larson’s Special Olympics bowling team’s practice.
“I was so darned excited that I screamed and yelled a lot,” Larsons says. “I was happy and excited to be able to compete for a gold medal.”
The Wisconsin native won gold medals in the 100-meter run and the 4X100-meter relay, an amazing validation of her years of training and competing.
Koozie Group’s Support: Beyond athletic abilities, being selected to compete in the USA Games requires criteria to be met in social interaction and team building. There’s also the matter of the $500 cost of attending that must be raised. When Koozie Group found out about this requirement the company donated $1,500 in support of Larson.
With this donation, Larson was a top fundraiser, and thus was given the honor of representing Wisconsin as the state’s flag bearer in the pre-event ceremony.
“Once we found out that Briana was raising funds to compete in the Special Olympics USA Games, we knew we wanted to support her journey and help make her dream come true,” says Koozie Group Employee Experience and Communications Specialist Trisha Joyces. “We’re so proud of Briana for being selected to compete and happy that we could financially contribute to her success.”
Koozie Group presented Larson’s family with products to take to the USA Games and a good-luck banner signed by her co-workers. The company also printed a water bottle for each member of the Wisconsin Special Olympics team.
“It felt pretty darn good and exciting,” Larson says of the whole experience. “And I got to be on TV a lot. I loved it and I am going to try out again in four years. It’s a big deal.”
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PPEF 2022 - 2023 Industry Scholarships |
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PPEF Awards $299,000 In Scholarships, Passes $3 Million Mark
Promotional Products Education Foundation, a nonprofit founded to recognize and encourage scholastic excellence and academic performance among promotional products industry employees and their college-aged children, today announced 162 recipients of $299,000 in college scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year, bringing the total amount awarded since PPEF’s founding to more than $3 million.
“With this year’s recipients receiving the most money we’ve ever awarded, $299,000, that takes us over the $3 million mark for total scholarship awards since the inception of PPEF,” said Matt Bertram, chair of the PPEF Board of Trustees. “Continuing to help the next generation is possible due to the generous support of companies and individuals within the industry. Thank you to all of the donors who believe in the power of education and generously support PPEF’s mission.”
This year, PPEF is awarding 130 new and 32 renewal scholarships to selected recipients who have displayed remarkable academic achievement, extracurricular participation and community service. Each will receive between $1,000 and $9,000 to support their college education.
Funded by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) and generous donations from companies and individuals within the promotional products industry, the scholarship program enables youth and professionals to continue their education at the collegiate level. The Association and industry patrons have a long-standing commitment of service to the promotional products industry, and this fund supports those who demonstrate the same commitment.
PPEF Scholarships
To learn more about applying for the 2023 scholarships, applicants are invited to visit www.ppef.us and click on the Scholarships tab. The application deadline for next year is March 15, 2023. Please direct questions to Sara Besly at SaraB@ppai.org. Donations can be made online at www.ppef.us or mailed to PPEF, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038.
PPEF is an industry-based non-profit organization that raises money to help students achieve their higher education goals. PPEF was founded to recognize and encourage scholastic ability and academic performance among promotional products industry employees and their children. Since its inception in 1989, PPEF has awarded over $3.02 million in financial assistance to 1,618 recipients.
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4 Expert-Backed Strategies for Improving Your Communication Skills
Aytekin Tank * Entrepreneur Leadership Network VIP * Founder and CEO, Jotform
Here are three communication skills every entrepreneur must have to foster a successful business.
It happens to the best of us. We're out at a trendy new restaurant with a friend or colleague we haven't seen in ages when suddenly, we're asked a question twice and realize we've been glued to our phone for most of the conversation.
It's not a pleasant feeling knowing you've unwittingly been ignoring your companion during important quality time. As entrepreneurs, we often think of communication as the things we say. But our body language also speaks volumes.
So what's the antidote for improving bad habits like the scenario above? According to CNBC contributors Kathy and Ross Petras, it all comes down to this one simple behavioral change: being present. "Engage the speaker — make eye contact, nod and be ready to respond," they write. "In other words, let them see that you're paying attention."
But just like we can unknowingly fail to communicate with our body language, our speech can also pose significant barriers when it comes to our interactions with others. Below are some subtle yet impactful ways to create more rapport and come across more positively to those around you. As self-development author Brian Tracy puts it, "Communication is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding a bicycle or typing," he explains. "If you're willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life." Read More
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PPB Unveils Promo's Rising Stars of 2022
After sifting through nominations from all across the industry, a PPB magazine judging panel has selected the Rising Stars of 2022.
These 12 emerging leaders join a group of just over 160 professionals who have claimed the honor since the program began in 2010. The annual recognition spotlights some of the industry’s most promising up-and-coming figures based on their accomplishments, demonstrated leadership and involvement in the marketplace and their communities.
Industry professionals submitted nearly 100 nominations this year, explaining each candidate’s merits, which were independently scored to select the 2022 honorees.
This year’s Rising Stars earn unique networking and career growth opportunities, as well as a special invitation to PPAI’s North American Leadership Conference in August.
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