OCTOBER 2024

Each year, Chesapeake Promotional Products Association proudly presents the Peake Awards to honor excellence and creativity in our association and industry.


Please help us recognize CPPA members that are 'Peake' performers in our industry by submitting your nominations. You also have the opportunity to submit an "Excellence in Promotions" Campaign so that we may recognize your creativity and promotional campaigns. 


All CPPA members are eligible to make a candidate nomination or submission. Awards are given in the following categories: 

  • PEAKE Distributor of the Year
  • PEAKE Supplier of the Year 
  • PEAKE Distributor Sales Representative of the Year 
  • PEAKE Supplier Factory Representative of the Year 
  • The John Bennis Memorial Multi-Line Representative of the Year
  • PEAKE Distributor Support Representative of the Year
  • PEAKE Supplier Support Representative of the Year
  • CPPA Rising Star
  • The PEAKE Award
  • CPPA Excellence in Promotions Campaigns (awarded in the following categories):
  • Client Programs: Business-to-Business Programs, Consumer Programs, Promotional Programs Developed as a Result of a Distributor/Supplier Collaboration, Employee Incentive Programs, Internal Communication Programs
  • Marketing Programs: Educational Programs, Sales Incentive Programs, Tradeshow/Exhibit Traffic Programs, Health/Wellness Programs, Goodwill Programs
  • Technology Programs: Applications/Website/Online tools, Social Media presence/content, Virtual meeting content/Best in class
  • Diversity, Environmental and Social Compliance: Diversity and Social Responsibility Programs, Activism/Political/Legislative Programs, Recycling/Green Programs, Not-For-Profit Programs, International Program


Submit a Peake Award Nomination

Submit an "Excellence In Promotions" Campaign

About the Peake Awards


Deadline for Peake Awards Nominations and "Excellence in Promotion"

Campaign entries is November 1, 2024

This event is currently sold out!

Please contact tiffany@cppa.biz if you would like

to be placed on a waiting list for cancellations.


Come Sail Away with CPPA and your peers while enjoying an exceptional networking experience!


Over the course of this 2-hour sunset sail aboard a beautiful, wooden 74-foot schooner, you will get the opportunity to network with other members while taking in the breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay. All participants will also receive a goody bag with items to enjoy on the sail and take home.


October 18, 2024 - Schooner Woodwind 80 Compromise St, Annapolis, MD 21401

October 22, 2024 Tuesday Learning Lab: “Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers: How to Give People What They Really Want” 

 

Your boss emails and asks for a report showing who in the company is not registered for an event? Or maybe your customer emails and asks to order 1000 blue pens with their logo. In either case, you have two choices: Do what you’re told or ask questions. In a world full of calendars and never-ending to-do lists it’s easy to become an order taking task master. In this session we’re going to talk about why asking questions can change your game completely, build loyalty, add value and lead to increased sales. 

 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Learn what questions to ask
  • Learn what to do with the answers that you uncover
  • How asking more questions can build loyalty, add value and lead to increased sales


Read more and register

October 30, 2024 Wild Wednesday Webinar: “Understanding the Importance of Incorporating CLV in Your Sales & Marketing Arsenal” 

 

Join us for an insightful seminar where you'll learn how to leverage Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) to enhance your sales and marketing strategy and drive business growth. This seminar covers the fundamentals of CLV, strategies to maximize its impact, and practical tools for implementation. You'll gain valuable insights into how to identify high-value customers, improve retention, and optimize resource allocation. Through real-world, you'll leave equipped with actionable strategies to enhance your sales performance. Are you ready to transform your approach to customer relationships and boost your profitability?

 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand the components and significance of Customer Lifetime Value
  • Learn strategies to enhance CLV through customer engagement and loyalty programs
  • Discover tools and metrics for tracking and measuring CLV effectively
  • Gain insight from case studies on successful CLV implementation


Read more and register

Please join CPPA for a fun evening out with industry friends

as we mingle, network and celebrate the Holiday season as well

as honor our Peake Awards Recipients!


Date:

December, 12, 2024


Time:

6:00 to 9:00 pm


Location:

Merriweather Lake House

10209 Wincopin Cir

Columbia, MD 21404


Cost:

Members & Guests: $50 pp which includes a delicious buffet meal

and one complimentary drink ticket

Cash bar available


Dress Code:

Cocktail Attire


Sponsorship opportunities available:

Bar Sponsor: $500 - 1 available

Spots are limited and on a first come, first served basis

Details are on the registration form


Product sponsorship opportunities available:

Please contact Tiffany if you would like to donate door prizes,

party giveaways, decorations, etc. The more the merrier!

In the spirit of the holiday season, CPPA will be collecting donations at the party

for Toys for Tots which delivers hope to children during the holiday season and beyond.

Please consider bringing a new unwrapped toy to spread love and cheer this holiday season!


We hope you will join us for an evening of fun as we toast to

a successful 2024 and a prosperous 2025!


Reserve your tickets today!

CPPA's 2025 Winter Expo is part of The Power of District 1 Tour

January 27 - 30, 2025

Maine to Chesapeake and Long Island to Pennsylvania...

We have you covered!



The Chesapeake Promotional Products Association (CPPA), New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA), Philadelphia Area Promotional Products Association (PAPPA), and Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY), are proud to once again bring you the Power of “1” tour during the week of January 27 - 30, 2025. Each day of the week a different regional show and not to be missed educational component will be included in the Power of “1” Tour.

Mark your calendars to attend our upcoming Winter Expo 

on 1/30/25 at BWI Airport Marriott in Linthicum Heights, MD


Education Session: 9 - 10 am

Show Hours: 10 am - 1:30 pm

Registration opening soon!

CPPA News

Gemline Becomes B Corporation Certified



Lawrence, MA Gemline has announced that it has earned Certified B Corporation status, arguably the gold standard in corporate social responsibility.


This certification, which is largely considered the most difficult to attain, underscores the company’s commitment to balancing profit with purpose and driving meaningful social and environmental impact through its business operations.


 “Becoming a B Corp highlights Gemline’s commitment to setting a higher standard for corporate responsibility,” says Frank Carpenito, president and CEO of Gemline. “We’re proud to be the first and only major promotional products supplier to earn this certification, proving that industry leadership and responsible business practices can go hand in hand.



“As Gen Z and Millennials continue to raise the bar for companies and brands, they desire to do business with, Gemline is now better positioned than ever to be the CSR/ESG destination of choice for our distributor partners.”

 Read More Here

Vantage Apparel Welcomes Shira Hudson as Director of Customer Experience



Avenel, NJ Vantage Apparel recently announced the appointment of Shira Hudson as the new Director of Customer Experience. With over a decade of experience, her infectious energy, passion for people, and a history of transforming customer service teams into powerhouse performers, Shira joins Vantage to take customer experience to the next level!


Shira comes to Vantage from Safilo, as Senior Customer Service & Training Manager, overseeing a large contact center, rolling out innovative training programs, and keeping customer satisfaction sky-high. And at Altice USA, she built a customer care team that thrived under her leadership, making sure everyone from staff to customers felt supported and valued.


"We are thrilled to welcome Shira to Vantage. Her leadership and deep expertise in building customer-centric service teams will help us deliver the exceptional service our clients need, expect and require," said Fred Durand, Chief Operating Officer of Vantage Apparel. "We are confident that Shira’s strategic mindset and ability to inspire her team will deliver new standards of satisfaction for our industry."



At Vantage, Shira will be leading a team of service pros, from our Customer Service Reps to the pre-production Art Designers. Her forward-thinking approach will help introduce fresh automation strategies to speed up responses and a new vibe focused on creating a fun, performance-driven environment that keeps our customers excited to partner with Vantage.

 

“I’m all about creating an amazing experience, both for our customers and our team,” says Shira. “I can't wait to roll up my sleeves, work alongside this incredible group of people, and make sure every interaction with Vantage is smooth, efficient, and memorable.

CPPA Members.....Are you taking advantage of your

membership benefits like our Member Only Coupon Book?

Visit our Members Only Section for this and other Member Only Benefits!

Industry News

2025 PPAI Board Officers and Directors

PPAI Newslink

PPAI Names Its 2025 Board Officers and Directors

 

PPAI has announced new officers and directors for the Association's 2025 Board.

 

Danny Rosin, CAS, has been named incoming chair while Zack Ottenstein will serve as vice chair, financial services.

In the positions previously known, Denise Taschereau, the Association's 2024 chair-elect, will assume the role of chair in 2025 and current Board Chair Andrew Spellman, CAS, will serve as immediate past chair. Kara Keister, MAS, will also continue in her role as Regional Relations Committee delegate.

 

Additionally, Kate Alavez, president of PromoShop and Mark Gammon, CEO of Cap America are set to become the newest members of the PPAI Board of Directors after being elected in a week-long voting process.

Read More Here

6 Tips To Beat the Social Media Algorithm

Brendan Menapace Print+Promo Marketing Magazine Writer/Editor/Content Director


These days, creating a social media marketing plan that’s visible and effective among the endless scroll of content is, to put it truthfully, difficult.


In the age of the algorithm, feeds are catered exactly to users’ interests – and most of the time, this doesn’t include marketing posts.

 

Though it might seem pointless to create a post just for it to get lost in a sea of more noticeable content, the algorithm can be a useful tool for businesses to navigate the ever-changing social media landscape. Here are six social media marketing tips to get the algorithm to work for your promotional products business rather than against it.


Read More

PPAI Expo 2025

January 13 - 16, 2025 ~ Las Vegas, NV

Registration Officially Open For The PPAI Expo 2025


It’s finally time to register for The PPAI Expo 2025 in Las Vegas. PPAI will kick off 2025 with the promotional products industry’s largest and longest-running trade show at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The PPAI Expo 2025 will take place Monday, January 13, through Thursday, January 16.


“It’s everyone’s favorite time of year: The PPAI Expo’s registration is open,” says Ashley Van Der Stuyf, show manager at PPAI. “Every year, we aim to enhance The PPAI Expo, and this year is no exception. Your favorite show standouts, such as The Pitch and Promo & Pints, are back, along with some fresh, new experiences.”


Registered attendees can begin their PPAI Expo experience on Monday, January 13, with The PPAI Expo Conference. Prior to the trade show, The PPAI Expo Conference is a one-day educational event with a curated slate of experts from both within and outside the industry to enlighten promo professionals and spark conversation throughout the rest of the event.


The PPAI Expo Conference is full of professional development covering different topics that are important to members, says Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, CAS, professional development lead at PPAI.


“This content can include anything from how to sell, how to run your business, trends in merchandising, trends in sustainability and so much more,” Gibbons-Rauch says. “We want to meet every member, wherever they are on their career journey, with applicable content to enhance their development.” 


On Tuesday, January 14, The PPAI Expo trade floor – roughly 1 million square feet in scope – will open with product pavilions, new exhibitors and exciting surprises. The trade show will run through Thursday afternoon and will feature nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies from across the promotional products landscape in more than 2,500 booths.


For more information on The PPAI Expo 2025, visit expo.PPAI.org