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A Message From Our PPAMidwest President.....
Halfway There, But Still So Much to Do!
Can someone please explain how it’s already July? Between trade shows, summer vacations, chasing every bit of sunshine, and preparing to send my firstborn off to college (cue the tears!), this year is moving fast. But here’s the good news—we’re only halfway through 2025. That means there’s still time to refocus, realign, and reignite those goals. So, real talk: if the year ended today, how would your clients rate the legacy you’re building?
Speaking of legacies - Pints & Promos in Kansas City was a total hit! Thank you to everyone who showed up, networked, and made it such a success. We’re already brewing ideas for more. Got a city or date in mind? Let us know—we’d love your input as we plan future events for this year and beyond.
And now for the fun stuff...
🎾 Pickleball is coming in hot!
No experience? No problem! Just bring your competitive spirit and a sporty vibe.
🗓️ August 5 – STL
🗓️ August 7 – KC
⏰ 5–6pm: On-site registration + bracket building
⏰ 6–8pm: Tournament, mini games, and prizes
💵 $15 Members / $25 Non-Members (includes 2 drinks, appetizers & entry to win prizes)
🎓 Bonus: On-site donations accepted for our PPAMidwest Scholarship Fund!
And if that’s not enough action for you, the Fall Showcase will be here before you know it and registration is officially OPEN!
📍We’ll be in St. Louis and Kansas City, with the Golf Tournament teeing off in between on October 15.
This is your chance to connect with industry peers and clients in a relaxed setting. So grab your clubs (or borrow some!), and bring your coworkers, clients, and friends along for a day on the course that’s equal parts business and pleasure. ⛳️
See you on the court, the course, and at the showcases!
Amelia Madl
2025 PPAMidwest President & Proud Pickleball Enthusiast (in spirit, if not in skill) 🏓
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July 30, 2025 Wild Wednesday Webinar: “Are You Being Asked to the Table? How to Become a Valued Voice, Not an Afterthought, in the Sales & Marketing Process”
Are you tired of being brought in too late—after decisions are made and budgets set? In this engaging and eye-opening webinar, industry expert Cliff Quicksell reveals how to position yourself as an indispensable part of your client’s strategy, not just another product pusher. You’ll learn how to elevate your role, lead with insight, and become the trusted voice clients rely on. If you're ready to stop reacting and start influencing, this session is your blueprint for becoming the partner they can't imagine meeting without.
Key Takeaways:
- Shift from Vendor to Valued Advisor - Stop being seen as a supplier and start being regarded as a trusted resource.
- Lead with Strategy, Not Product - Position yourself as a problem-solver, not a catalog.
- Ask Powerful, Goal-Driven Questions -Go beyond “What do you need?” and start asking “What are you trying to achieve?” & MORE!
Read more and register
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Join your fellow PPAMidwest friends for Pickleball with PPAMidwest!
Choose your city, mark your calendars and join us for a great time with some friendly competition. Pickleball isn't your thing? No worries....come on out for a little networking and a great time!
Pre-registration is required so that we will have an approximate head count in each city. No experience required for this fun event but make sure to come sporty as we will be playing various games with prizes awarded in each city.
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5 - 6pm: On Site Tournament Registration where brackets will be developed and instruction provided. No need to find a "team" as we will place you with a teammate on site.
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6-8pm: Pickleball tournament with prizes awarded
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$15 for PPAMidwest Members/$25 for Non-members which includes appetizers, 2 drink tickets and entry for a chance to win a prize during the event!
- Monetary contributions welcome on site for our PPAMidwest Scholarship Fund which is awarded annually to family members of PPAMidwest.
Register to Attend Here
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August 12, 2025 Tuesday Learning Lab: “2025 State of the Industry from ASI”
This presentation on the 2025 State of the Industry report from ASI Research will provide a comprehensive overview of the U.S. and Canadian promo industries, including top end-buyer markets and products, ongoing supply chain and tariff concerns, trends in the labor market, and a Q4 sales outlook.
Learning Outcomes:
- Issues impacting promo in the U.S. and Canada
- Recent sales, product and market trends
- Predictions for Q4 and beyond
Read more and register
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August 27, 2025 Wild Wednesday Webinar: “A Tactical Toolkit for the Modern Marketer”
Marketing has risen to replace sales as the single biggest driver of revenue in our companies. We’ve reached a point where promotional products salespeople need to think, act and deliver like world-class marketers in order to remain competitive.
In this session, you’ll learn how to combine digital literacy with data driven insights and a client-centric approach to connect with your target audience in ways that are far more personal and much more impactful than a simple sales call.
We’ll go over the difference between traditional and modern marketing, and discover the five modern marketing concepts you need to master to succeed in 2025 and beyond. Then we’ll how to utilize essential tactical tools to drive profit and revenue while creating “sticky” clients at the same time.
Read more and register
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2 Great Cities/2 Great Shows...& A Golf Tournament, too!
Mark your calendars and register to attend our
upcoming Fall Holiday Showcase!
Don't miss this year's Fall Holiday Showcase which will be held in both St. Louis and Kansas City. Our annual end user friendly tabletop show format will be at two fun and unique locations that you and your customers are sure to love!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025
The Foundry Arts Centre
520 North Main Center
St. Charles, MO 63301
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025
The Fiorella's
9000 West 137th Street
Overland Park, KS 66221
Education: 9 am - 10 am
Exhibits Open: 10 am - 1pm
Register to exhibit or attend today!
For event details and registration links, click here
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NEW THIS YEAR!
We will be hosting our annual Golf Tournament between the Fall shows on 10/15/25 in Kansas City so start getting your teams together now!
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Get ready to swing into action!
It's time to tee off and have some fun on the fairways with PPAMidwest, your co-workers, family and friends!
10/15/2025
Fred Arbanas Golf Course
11100 View High Dr
Kansas City, MO 64134
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, this event promises a fantastic opportunity to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with colleagues, family, and friends in a relaxed and beautiful setting with top-notch amenities.
Tournament Details:
- Registration/Check in - 8 am
- Shotgun Start - 9 am
- Golfer Entry Fee - $150 per person/$600 per team which includes:
- 18 holes of Championship Golf
- Electric Cart
- Buffet Lunch
- Golfer's Goodie Bag
- Bragging rights and prizes in various categories, including 1st and 2nd place teams, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Putt.
- Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Snack Sponsor - $250 (Limit: 1)
- Lunch Sponsor - $500 (Limit: 3)
- Beverage Cart Sponsor - $500 (Limit: 1)
- Hole Sponsor with sign only - $50
- Hole Sponsor with exhibit space and sign - $200 (must bring all items needed for your exhibit space including table, tent, etc.)
All Sponsorships include prominent signage at the course, online promotion including company logo on pre-event marketing and the opportunity to include product in Golfer Goodie Bags or donate prizes.
Register Today!
(Fall Holiday Showcase exhibitors may also registerfor the golf tournament on their show registration form)
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American Solutions for Business Promotes Alyssa Sullivan to Human Resources Director
Glenwood, MN - American Solutions for Business is proud to announce the promotion of Alyssa Sullivan to Human Resources Director. In this new role, Alyssa will take on expanded responsibilities, including oversight of HR functions for both ASB and Dubow.
Alyssa Joined ASB in 2016 and has since played a key role in enhancing the company’s HR operations, driving employee engagement initiatives, and supporting a culture rooted in collaboration and care.
"Since being hired in 2016, Alyssa has continued to expand her scope of HR responsibilities.” Shared Sarah Louden, Vice President of Human Resource. “I am thrilled to recognize her contributions with this well-deserved promotion to Director as she continuously demonstrates her commitment to our people-first culture."
Alyssa shared, “Over the past nine years, the opportunity to work at American has been an incredible learning experience. It has helped me grow my vision and develop the skills that have brought me to where I am today. I’m excited to continue that growth as I begin this next chapter. I have a deep passion for learning from others, listening, and serving the people in our organization.”
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Boundless Strengthens Leadership Team
Austin, TX – Boundless recently announced three strategic leadership appointments. Mike Kelleher has joined as vice president of program solutions. With nearly two decades of experience in the recognition, incentives and promotions industry, Kelleher brings expertise from both large organizations and a family-owned distributorship.
By bringing in Kelleher to partner with its brand consultants, Boundless aims to expand its awards and recognition programs, Presidents Club incentives and enterprise-level solutions.
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Andrea Stoll has been named chief marketing officer. In 2020, Stoll joined Touchstone, now a Boundless company, as brand engagement director, bringing a background in product strategy, brand marketing and customer engagement.
With leadership experience at Reebok, American Express, Vans and Converse, Stoll has played a pivotal role in shaping brand narratives, launching innovative product lines and driving marketing strategies with measurable impact.
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Longtime sales leader Jeff Michaelson has been appointed to director of global services. A top-performing sales partner with a proven track record of serving clients with international needs, Michaelson will be working closely with the Boundless EU and UK offices to support these initiatives with existing and new clientele.
“These strategic appointments reflect Boundless’s commitment to providing best-in-class solutions for both its clients and Brand Consultants,” says Aaron Hamer, CEO of Boundless.
“Mike’s deep expertise in program solutions and Andrea’s leadership in marketing innovation position Boundless to further strengthen our ability to deliver customized, high-impact branding strategies while empowering our clients with cutting-edge solutions. Jeff’s new role builds on the trust and leadership he’s demonstrated over the years, and we’re thrilled to see him take our global services to the next level.”
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Proforma Founder Greg Muzzillo Retiring After Nearly Five Decades in Promo
Cleveland, OH – After 47 years involved in the industry, Proforma founder Greg Muzzillo recently announced his retirement. Proforma began in 1978, when Muzzillo – then fresh out of accounting school – decided to leave behind his brief stint at the accounting firm that would become Deloitte to go into business for himself. As he expressed in the Friday memo, the business was started “with nothing more than a dining room table, an answering machine and some stationary.”
Over the next five decades, he grew Proforma into a $662 million network of hundred of distributor franchise owners across North America.
In a memo to employees and franchisees, Muzzillo wrote: “After nearly 50 years of pursuing my Proforma dreams and also after entering my 70’s, I have decided it is time for me to step aside, retire, move on to the next phase of my life and let the many great leaders of Proforma step up their leadership to continue making Proforma and our Proforma Family the best of the best.
Read More Here
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HPG Launches Distributor Influencer Initiative
Braintree, MA – HPG is rolling out a new campaign to turn distributors into influencers of one of its product lines.
The Massachusetts-based company has invited “creative, outgoing people” in the promo industry to apply to be an “Origaudio Original,” which means they’ll receive customized products in exchange for sharing their experiences via some form of content, such as a blog post, social media post, video, etc.
Daniel Baker, integrated marketing director at HPG, served as the prototype. In April, he traveled to Antarctica to cheer on his wife, Jenny, who was completing her 15-year odyssey of running marathons on all seven continents. Baker documented the adventure in a blog post and an Instagram video, highlighting his trusty Tenfour Power Bank and the personalized Signature Collection Luxe Flask that Jenny received after achieving her goal.
“We created Origaudio Originals to connect with people who truly live the lifestyle our brand represents – curious, creative and always chasing their version of original,” says Kristen Nijem, brand manager for Origaudio. “It’s about building real relationships with people who inspire us and others through the way they explore the world.
“Our hope is to grow a community that shares stories, sparks ideas and helps bring the Origaudio brand to life in the wild.”
Read More Here
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Want to earn points and join in on the fun?
Simply complete the easy request form to have your points credited
for the activities you participate in. For live events and activities, your attendance will automatically be recorded and points assigned, provided you are an active member of PPAMidwest. For recorded webinars, referrals and completion of PPAI Certifications or renewals, simply complete the easy request form to have your points credited.
It is that simple! (click on above image for more information).
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Celebrate The Leaders of Tomorrow - Today
You work alongside them every day – driven, creative professionals who are making a real impact. Now it’s time to give them the spotlight.
PPAI Rising Stars honors professionals under 40 making a real impact on the promotional products industry, and we need your help in finding them.
Nominate a colleague, team member or industry peer by Monday, July 28 and help us celebrate the future of promo
| | Nominees must be affiliated with a PPAI member company. | | |
Networking Is The Most Underrated Business Skill. Here's How to Get It Right.
Adam Povlitz • Entrepreneur Leadership Network Contributor • President & CEO of Anago Cleaning Systems
Technical skills matter, but relationships are what move the needle. Here's how to build a network that actually works.
In business, as in life, it's often not just what you know, but who you know. I've seen this play out repeatedly in my career, particularly in the commercial cleaning and disinfection services sector. While technical know-how and operational excellence are essential, many of our company's most significant opportunities and best franchise partnerships began with a conversation, a coffee meeting, or a handshake at an industry event.
Networking isn't just about swapping business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn. It's about building a web of genuine, trust-based relationships that can support you throughout your professional journey. And yes, it requires effort, but the return on that investment is exponential.
Here's what I've learned about building meaningful business connections — and a cautionary tale about what not to do.
Read More
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Join PPAI Media LIVE: 2025 Mid-Year Trends & Predictions
At the halfway mark of a transformative year for the promotional products industry, PPAI Media is bringing together a panel of industry insiders to help businesses understand and respond to the forces shaping their path forward.
Set for July 29, PPAI Media LIVE: 2025 Mid-Year Trends & Predictions will be a fast-paced, insight-rich session exploring how current market pressures are compelling firms across the industry to adapt with greater precision and strategic intent.
The conversation will be moderated by newly minted PPAI Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Ralston, and feature expert insights from:
- Alok Bhat, Research & Public Affairs Lead, PPAI
- Jodie Schillinger, Executive Vice President, Maple Ridge Farms
- Jeffrey Wurtzel, Senior Vice President of Marketing, HALO
Together, they’ll provide a data-driven look at the mid-year reality for suppliers and distributors, diving into topics that include the impact of stalled industry growth versus prior expectations, ongoing and evolving tariff challenges and persistent supply chain friction amid heightened buyer expectations.
Click Here to Read More and Add the Event to Your Calendar
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