JUNE 2022
A Message from our CPPA President......

Good June my friends.

Halfway there...can you believe it is June, the year is half over!

The older I get the faster life seems to fly by. I am now six months away from completing my two-year commitment as your president at CPPA, but the job’s not over, there is still plenty to do.

The board is now working on plans for 2023 with the goal of having the dates set for shows, networking events, our 2023 philanthropy, education, plus other activities to bring more value to our members, and to attract new members. By having this in place, it will make our association run smoother, more efficiently, and help you our member, plan better.

At our recent highly attended Orioles game, we had 90 people register to attend which was exciting and fun was had by all. The game went into extra innings but unfortunately the O’s fell to the pressure but still WE had fun.

What about your plans? What are you doing to ensure the balance of your year is fruitful and positive? May I offer a suggestion? I would highly encourage you, if you’re comfortable, to attend the following:

  • CPPA’s Fall Promo Expo at Laurel Park, in Laurel Maryland on September 15th, 2022. Our Events Committee has done a spectacular job in preparing for this year’s event. Mark your calendars and register to attend today at www.cppa.biz/Fall-Promo-Expo-2022

  • 2022 Promotions East Show in Atlantic City this coming October 17-19. The event is being held at the newly remodeled Harrah’s Resort and will be all under one roof - tradeshow, education, networking events, etc. The board at SAAGNY has painstakingly worked at ensuring this will be a stellar event. For details and to register, visit https://promotionseast.com. If you are a CPPA Distributor member, use the code CPPA22 when prompted to receive a discounted rate.

Before these events, take the time to reach out to your clients, ask questions about their year-end plans, let them know you are going to an event that will have new ideas and products for their year-end gifting as well as new opportunities for 2023. Let them know they can be the first to market with some of these ideas. My friends, this is a great time to get a leg up on the competition and to be a huge contribution to your clients.

As always, we can use your help whether it’s volunteering, board service, or simply any ideas or suggestions on ways, you feel, we can better serve our membership community – anything.

Thanking you in advance for your support. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events.

Never Forget - We’ve got this! Together we can accomplish everything!

Cliff Quicksell, MAS+
President, CPPA
301-717-0615
June 14, 2022 Tuesday Learning Lab:
"New Business That Sticks!" 
 
Labels and stickers are everywhere! They are used to educate, advertise, address, identify, warn, highlight, remind, and so much more. Learn about the profitability of selling labels. 
 
Learning Outcomes:
  • Product definitions
  • How to uncover opportunities
  • What are the hot vertical markets
  • New Products and Trends
  • What sales tools and resources are available
  • What questions to ask your clients

June 29, 2022 Wild Wednesday Webinar: "NO MORE BRANDFILL" 
 
"Leveraging the power of purpose to increase the value of the merch you sell” 
 
Statistics show that businesses focused on an objective beyond mere profit report market-leading sales performance, have a loyal and tenured staff who love working for their company, and experience a flood of referrals from their raving fans of clients. In this presentation, 2x MiPPA President Roger Burnett, CAS provides a look at the strategies behind this purpose-forward approach, and provides attendees with industry-specific examples of this strategy in action all in an attempt to keep branded merchandise out of the waste stream and improving the perception of merch by our buyers.
 
Learning Outcomes:
·    Successful Supplier/Distributor purpose-focused collaborations
·    The PromoCares Pillars – a framework for your business
·    Quick Start opportunities – ways to get started TODAY! 
 
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

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
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!
Mark YOUR Calendar for 2023 Show Dates
With YOUR Regional Association


Details coming soon!
CPPA News
Mack Pac Branding Joins American Solutions for Business
 
Glenwood, MN – American Solutions for Business proudly announces that San Marcos, California-based distributor, Mack Pac Branding, has joined the ASB family.
 
Formerly affiliated with Proforma, Mack Pac owner and president, Kevin MacKinnon, made this strategic decision to position the company for maximum growth, eCommerce capabilities and operational efficiency.
 
“The growth and success of a company is contributed by your team and a sound support system in place,” said MacKinnon. “This provides a strong foundation and confidence to be successful. I am grateful for my team and the new support that has been provided for us. Thank you American!”
 
The company was founded in 1996 and has since grown to a team of over 15 people specializing in sales and consulting, customer relations, marketing and production. Mack Pac serves a diverse portfolio of customers to accommodate their print, apparel, and promotional product needs.
 
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have the Mack Pac team on board at ASB,” expressed Larry Zavadil, ASB’s Founder & CEO. “They are a strong group who keeps their customers at the center of all they do. We can’t wait to see their growth and success ahead.” 
American Solutions for Business Raises $3,500 for Reading4Research
 
Glenwood, MN – American Solutions for Business raised $3,500 for non-profit, Reading4Research, at their inaugural Accelerate event in Minneapolis, MN. ASB’s supplier partner, The Book Company, also donated 50 children’s books in conjunction to the monetary donation.

“We’re proud to uphold the culture of giving within ASB,” expressed Dana Zezzo, ASB’s VP of Marketing, Vendor Relations & Events. “We have established philanthropy as a foundational element of our organization and are committed to incorporating this spirit into all ASB events as well. Thank you to all suppliers and attendees who helped make this a success.”
 
The donation process included a raffle in which attendees purchased tickets to enter to win their desired prizes. These prizes were donated by supporting suppliers of American Solutions for Business. These suppliers included A+ Wine Designs, BEL Promo, Compass, Elemental Bottles, Gemline, Hit Promo, HPG Brands, Idol Memory, J Charles, Links Unlimited, Refresh Glass, Rustico and S&S Activewear.
 
“We are beyond grateful that American Solution for Business generously supports our mission to change the narrative for pediatric cancer patients by funding groundbreaking research at the University of Minnesota” founder of Reading4Research, Andrea Wagner stated. “Your partnership is truly exceptional, and we are so grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” 
 
About Reading4Research
Reading4Research is a non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Minnesota and is dedicated to making a difference for pediatric cancer research. They are funding innovative and promising research that offer less toxic treatment options and ideally, a cure for pediatric cancer. Learn more at https://reading4research.org/
Industry News
PPAI 2022 Woman of Achievement
PPB Newslink
PromoShop’s Kim Bakalyar Is The 2022 PPAI Woman Of Achievement
 
Promotional Products Association International, the not-for-profit association representing the $22 billion promotional products industry, today announced its 2022 Woman of Achievement recipient is Kim Bakalyar, Chief Compliance Officer and Director Vendor Relations of PromoShop, Inc., in San Diego, California.
 
The PPAI Woman of Achievement award recognizes an individual who has led the way in the advancement of women in the industry, exhibited outstanding leadership, and made significant contributions to the industry and her community.
 
This PPAI Woman of Achievement constantly strives to develop strong and meaningful relationships with vendors. She demonstrates to all those around her what an industry leader looks like. She’s an inspiration to others, a role model, and a mentor. She not only trains new employees but is also willing to jump into and help when needed.
 
“Her commitment to strong vendor relationships led to a growth of the supplier network by 10% per year for seven straight years; today we know our vendors as part of the PromoShop family, largely because of Kim's impact and ability to create great relationships wherever she goes,” said Kate Alavez, COO of PromoShop, Inc.
 
Bakalyar, whose company became a member of PPAI in 2004, has been actively serving the Association since 2008. She has served on numerous committees and working groups including the PPAI Product Responsibility Advisory Group, Distributors Committee, Promotional Apparel Advisory Council, and Leadership Advisory Committee. In 2008, Bakalyar was elected to the SAAC Board of Directors, serving as Secretary/Treasurer in 2009 and President in 2010.
 
“Kim has given tirelessly to her company, PromoShop, her regional association, SAAC and has served on numerous PPAI workgroups, committees, and councils,” said Roni Wright, MAS, of The Book Company. “I’ve known Kim since 2004 and she is generous and kind and always willing to step in to provide guidance and support.”
 
Bakalyar has not only served this industry, though. She has also given back to her community through organizations such as Girl Scouts of America, Rancho Bernardo Girls Softball League, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She has led and inspired women of all ages by showing them what a Woman of Achievement can look like.
 
“Kim’s work has touched so many circles in our industry and her community – from product safety to women’s leadership, from the social events to the nonprofit fundraisers. She deserves to be recognized for her years of service and celebrated for the career she has shared with all of us,” said Alavez.

Bakalyar will be officially recognized on Sunday, June 26 at 6 PM during the Woman of Achievement celebration as part of the PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference being held June 26-28 in Charlotte, NC.
Why You Should Embrace Coffee Culture in the Workplace
Adrian Nita * Entrepreneur Network Contributor Founder of The Mind Blown
 
From improved creativity and communication to increased motivation and morale, coffee culture can have a positive impact on your business. Here's how.
 
For It's no secret that caffeine is a popular pick-me-up among workers. A cup of coffee in the morning can help jumpstart your day, and many people rely on coffee to help them get through long hours at the office.
 
While some may view coffee as a simple way to stay awake and productive, there's actually more to this popular beverage than meets the eye.
 
In recent years, coffee culture has become a preferred way for people to interact with their coworkers and build relationships that go beyond business. At its core, coffee culture refers to the social aspects of drinking coffee with your coworkers. This can include everything from grabbing a cup of joe in the break room before work, to enjoying a latte on your walk to the office.
 
Coffee culture can also involve more formal coffee breaks, where employees have the opportunity to sit down and chat with their colleagues in a relaxed setting. These types of coffee breaks can help establish trust and understanding among coworkers, which can be helpful during times of conflict. Read More
PPAI Women's Leadership Conference
June 26 - 28, 2022 Charlotte, North Carolina
2022 Women's Leadership Conference
 
The industry’s foremost conference for professional women who share a common vision to achieve success. A knowledge community of the industry’s best and brightest women. WLC is an opportunity to network with other women in the promotional products industry. This 3-day event includes live education to learn from industry experts while earning credits toward certification.
 
The vision of the PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference is to create an engaging, collaborative community that enables diverse women in the promotional products industry to be authentic, learn together and from each other, and build relationships that’ll grow throughout the year.

Click here to see the full agenda and to register to attend