June 2022
Wishing all of the PPAMidwest Fathers
a wonderful, relaxing holiday!
LAST CALL to Join your fellow Distributors, Suppliers,
Multi-line reps and Guests for PPAMidwest's Annual Golf Outing

Enoy the ultimate golf-networking experience!

When: 6/8/21, 8:00 am CDT

Where: Drumm Farm, 15400 E 34th St S., Independence, MO 64055  Driving Directions 

Each Registration Includes:
  • 18 holes of Championship Golf
  • Electric Cart
  • Golfer's Goodie Bag
  • Lunch
  • 2 drink tickets 

See you on the course!
The PPEF concert series is coming right to you!

6Are you a lover of giving? Of listening? Are you passionate about this amazing industry and of all things good?

PPEF (Promotional Products Education Foundation) is full of humans who know the true happiness that comes with the power of giving to others and this is why we present to you, the PPEF Concert Series.

The first virtual concert series is taking place on June 8, 2022 at 3:45 Central with some industry known, and hidden musicians. We have talent, and more talent, coming direct to you and virtually! You will not want to miss our industry star lineup!

Sign up today and tell your friends. No cost to attend but donations are strongly encouraged to support PPEF which provides college scholarships to our industry's employees and their children.
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! 

PPAMidwest 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/
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).
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