August 2020
Distributors are invited to join us for
two upcoming Virtual Lunch and Learn sessions!
HPG Brands/MW Reps
August 18th at 11 am
presented by Campbell Davis,
Jen Kruger and Bryan Mercer

Please join Campbell Davis of HPG Brands and Jen Kruger and Bryan Mercer of MW Reps to learn all about Batch and Bodega. Batch and Bodega is a new small batch food line from HPG Brands. This new supplier is changing the way food gifts are being sold in promo with 1 piece minimums and no setup charges. Learn about all the new batches, yummy food, and customization options with Batch and Bodega with Campbell, Jen, and Bryan.


Towel Specialties
August 25th at 11 am
presented by Shawn Kanak


Please join Shawn Kanak, VP of Sales with Towel Specialties, to learn how promotional marketers can navigate the ‘perfect storm’ of Corporate America working remotely and find a selling niche that you might be missing out on. The most subtle changes to the way you work can result in mountains of opportunity when presented correctly.

Challenge the ordinary!

Make Sure to Visit the PPAMidwest Website Regularly for Upcoming Events!
  
PPAMidwest News
American Solutions for Business Announces
Department Changes to Cash Disbursements Team
  
GLENWOOD, MN - American Solutions for Business is excited to announce the promotion of Stephanie Thooft to Cash Disbursements Supervisor and the addition of new team member, Arianna Maras, as Cash Disbursement Specialist.

These changes are in place after the recent retirement of finance team members, Mary Wildman, who has been with ASB for 30 years and Ruth Kessler, who has been with ASB for 23 years.
Stephanie will oversee the cash disbursements team by directing the accurate, timely and efficient processing of invoices and payments. 

“I am so excited to use the knowledge I obtained in my previous role to make an impact on the Cash Disbursements area of ASB,” explains Thooft, who has been with ASB for 2 ½ years as a Commissions Analyst. “I’m looking forward to working with new people that I haven’t had the opportunity to work with in the past.”
Arianna Maras is the newest member to this Cash Disbursement Team and has expressed her eagerness to learn more about accounts payable and the opportunities ahead. Maras brings experience from Clifton Larson Allen and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

“Mary and Ruth will be dearly missed by our entire team and company,” expresses Bill Finley, VP of Finance. “Stephanie is an intelligent, collaborative leader who will guide our team into the next chapter and Ari is a wonderful addition to our team – both bring valuable energy and insight. I’m looking forward to the goals we’ll accomplish together.” 
Don't miss the industry update session hosted by PPAI President and CEO, Paul Bellantone and SAGE President, David Natinsky, MAS!
Join Paul Bellantone, CAE, president and CEO of PPAI and David Natinsky, MAS, president of SAGE, for an industry update where they will cover current events, the impact of COVID-19 within our industry, and the opportunities for promotional products professionals to move forward as we close out 2020. At the end of the presentation be sure to stick around as there will also be a live Q&A portion where Paul and David will answer your questions in real-time.

Also, make sure to stop by the PPAMidwest Regional Networking Lounge during the show!

PPAMidwest Members......Are you taking advantage of your Member Benefits?
  
Make sure you maximize your membership with us by utilizing member only benefits like these listed below:
PPAMidwest Member Job Board

If you have a position that you need to be filled with someone with industry experience, tell us about it and we will post the job on our Job Board on the PPAMidwest Website under the Members Only Section.
Save $$ with Member Only Coupons
PPAMidwest Members can Save 20 - 25% on Constant Contact Accounts
PPAMidwest Members Save 10% on SAGE Products
Check out the member benefits page here
Do you have news or information that you would like to share with the PPAMidwest Community?

Would you like to have a profile published? Got an amusing or interesting industry story to share? Do you have a proven success story with a particular product that you would like to share with our members?
Send it to: [email protected]
Wild Wednesday Webinars - Lunch and Learn at your desk!
 
“Technology Tools to Increase Efficiency in 2020”
Wed, August 19, 2020 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST

With all we have to accomplish in our business and personal lives, it is imperative we use technology effectively. It starts with simple technology to remove time-wasters from your day. By leveraging tools and methods strategically, you’ll gain time to play more, or work more. This session will cover the top 12 technologies anyone can use to make their day more efficient.

Learning Outcomes:
  • You will gain access to numerous tools to improve productivity
  • You will learn processes to improve productivity
  • You will learn things to stop doing that waste your time

 1 CAS Credit when you submit your PPAI Pin Number with your survey.
Industry News
PPB Service Superheroes
Nomination Deadline - August 27, 2020
Now Accepting Nominations 
Customers expect businesses to provide the best service experience possible. Many of the most successful industry companies understand the value of exceptional customer service and invest in the finest talent to achieve their goals. By delivering top-notch service, these service superheroes create the personalized experiences customers crave. If you know a Service Superhero-in your company or a vendor company-who proves excellent service does still exist, PPB magazine wants to hear about them.  
 
Nominate your Service Superhero by August 27. If your nominee is selected, he or she will be included in a feature story in PPB' s November issue.

Why Creativity Is Key For The Post-Crisis Rebuilds
Matt Cooper  Entrepreneur Leadership Network Writer CEO of Skillshare

Leaders need to discover and make use of creativity across their existing workforce to thrive in the next chapter. Here's where to start.

Today's business leaders face an extremely uncertain road ahead. As businesses, including my own, chart a new path forward, they are going to need to deploy creative thinking at every turn - from rethinking business models, to re-examining customer experiences, to developing new products.
In fact, we already know that companies that cultivate creativity are reaping significant benefits, from revenue growth, to greater market share, to stronger leadership. During recessions and economic downturns, 14 percent of companies outperform both historically and competitively because they invest in skills that allow room for ideas and innovation.    Read More
PPAI Update: Adding Value To Your Business Today and Tomorrow
From PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAS

An Update from 
PPAI President & CEO 
Paul Bellantone, CAS


For the second update in a row, I'm using an interview format to talk with a few of the folks who are working tirelessly to keep the Association on track and make sure we continue adding value to your business today and tomorrow.  

Joining me on this call were PPAI's Ellen Tucker, director of business development and expositions and Bob McLean, executive vice president, and Maura Mitchell, founder and managing partner at Brandology. We discussed the latest data from PPAI's quarterly research, how we continue to plan and develop backup plans for The PPAI Expo, the financial state of the Association and planning strategies for your business-the 12-month rapid replan. 
Within the sales research referenced throughout the conversation, we also asked that you evaluate PPAI. While the large majority of you seem pleased with how we have been performing and communicating during this time, we'd like it to be 100 percent. So, as always, we serve you best when we know and understand your needs. Contact us if there is anything we can do to make PPAI more valuable to you and your business.      Interview Video