November/December 2025 Issue | | |
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President's Column Misty Friedrichs
Gratitude + Growth + AI in Action!
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As we head into the final months of the year, I’m filled with gratitude for our incredible UMAPP community — for the energy, creativity, and connection that each of you brings. Every event and conversation reminds me how much stronger we are when we learn and grow together.
That spirit of curiosity was on full display at our “AI for Promotional Products Professionals” event on September 30. Our panelists shared powerful, practical ways AI is transforming how we work:
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Caleb Gilbertson (Imprint Engine) reminded us that AI isn’t magic — it’s a thought partner that helps us see blind spots, generate ideas, and work smarter, while keeping data security front and center.
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Rachael Stassen (Insight Branding) showed how AI can act as an admin assistant, handling repetitive tasks so we can focus on the human side of our jobs.
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Alisa Nickel (3M Promotional Markets) demonstrated AI design tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and Midjourney that make creating visuals and presentations easier than ever.
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Nick Lateur (Merch.ai) explored AI for marketing copy, showing how tools like Jasper.ai and Copy.ai can help us brainstorm, write, and refine creative ideas faster.
And here’s a little twist — I used AI to help write this column! It organized notes, refined tone, and made the process smoother. A great example of what these tools can do when used thoughtfully. Remember, it’s all about the prompts!!
As we close out the year, I encourage you to stay engaged with UMAPP. Being a member is one thing — but being active is where the real value lives. Attend events, connect with peers, volunteer, share your voice. Together, we’re not just advancing our businesses; we’re building a stronger, more connected community. In that spirit I’d like to share a little reminder of just how important it is to be part of something bigger (see photo below). Thank you, Rachael Stassen and Hillary Feder, for allowing me to share your example, even if it influences just one person, it’s worth sharing!
I want to thank each of you for being part of this community – I have enjoyed leading the UMAPP team this year and will forever impacted by my time here. It’s led to some amazing opportunities that I will always be grateful for.
Misty Friedrichs
2025 UMAPP President
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Jog Marketing
Mary Beth Aamot
1953 Commonwealth Boulevard, Unit 5
Chanhassen, MN 55317
aamot@jogmarketing.com
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How to Handle Awkward Silences
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Reprinted with permission from PPAI Media
Silence in conversations happens all the time. It shows up in team meetings and in clients’ hesitation before responding. It appears in coaching discussions and in the pause while prospects consider their options. Silence can sometimes feel awkward.
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. . . A blood thinner may save cobra-bite victims? Current anti-venom does not prevent necrosis, tissue loss that can lead to amputation or loss of limb function. But heparin, a common, and inexpensive blood thinner, reaches infected tissue and could reduce tissue damage by 50% or more. Study by researchers at University of Sydney, Austrailia, published in Journal of Science Translational Medicine.
. . . Italy is changing its naturalization laws. Until recently, the country offered citizenship to people of any nationality who could prove their great-grandparents had been Italian citizens. Now, the law includes only people with parents or grandparents of Italian birth. CNN.com
. . . Experimental contact lens allows wearers see in the dark. Nanoparticles that absorb and convert infrared light to wavelengths visible to mammalian eyes allow wearers to see infrared and visible light at the same time . . . with even clearer infrared vision when their eyes are closed. Study by researchers at University of Science and Technology of China, published in Cell.
"You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream" Connie Francis, American singer, actress, winner of a special Golden Globe Award (1937-2025).
Reprinted from The Bottom Line Personal Subscription Publication
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Maple Ridge Farms, Unita Design, PCNA, and NC Custom have news!
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Six Leadership Skills that Can Boost Anyone at Any Level
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Reprinted with permission from PPAI Media
Are you new to the promo industry? Or maybe you’re a recent college grad? You can make a difference in your company, even if you don’t hold a leadership title. Leadership shows up in everyday actions, from taking initiative on a project to sharing your ideas in meetings. These small, consistent efforts help you build influence over time and become a go-to person on your team.
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You are receiving this email because you have participated in our events, joined our mailing list, and/or are a UMAPP member. The Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals (UMAPP) is a promotional professionals regional association for companies and staff in the states of Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Iowa, and Western Wisconsin.
One company membership in UMAPP covers all staff. Visit UMAPP.org for more information.
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Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals admin@umapp.org
UMAPP.org | 651-734-9767 (landline)
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