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President's Column Misty Friedrichs
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As I feel spring quickly approaching, I can’t help but feel we’re not just in a new season around us, but that we’re also stepping into a new season of opportunity within our industry.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the resilience and dedication of each of you, our members. These are times of change, and while uncertainty can be unsettling, it also presents new possibilities for innovation, growth, and strengthening our community.
The promotional products industry has always thrived on relationships, adaptability, and creativity. Now, more than ever, those qualities will help us navigate whatever challenges lie ahead.
Your participation in regional events, trade shows, and networking opportunities fuels our collective success, and I sincerely appreciate your continued engagement. Whether you’re a distributor looking for fresh ideas or a supplier bringing the best products to the market, your involvement makes all the difference.
As we gather at upcoming shows and events, I encourage everyone to make the most of these opportunities. Take the time to connect, learn, and grow your network. When we work together, we ensure a thriving marketplace for all. Here are a few chances to get out there and engage with our community:
April 30: Connects Event – watch for more details coming soon.
May 1: UMAPP Room Show and Annual Awards Celebration & Annual Meeting of Members. Distributors don’t forget to sign up for the Room Show by April 22.
June 4: Pro Dev Event - we’ll have a panel of experts sharing insights – you won’t want to miss this! Date + details coming soon, so watch your emails & social media.
September: Pro Dev panel discussion followed by a Connects networking event at a local pub! More details to follow.
Thank you for your commitment to our industry and to each other. Let’s continue to build a strong, supportive, and forward-thinking community—one that can weather any storm and emerge even stronger.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
With gratitude and best wishes,
Misty Friedrichs
President of the Board, UMAPP
National Sales Manager – 3M Promotional Markets
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Webinar: March 26 @ 11:30 am Central
"Setting the Stage for Success"
New Products, Best Sellers, Unique Services
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"Unlocking Generational CODES® " In person event
Tuesday, April 15 - 8:30 - 11:30, Hopkins, Minnesota
The impact of generational diversity in the workplace is greater than ever. From seasoned Baby Boomers with years of experience to hyper-connected Gen Zs, the workforce is increasingly diverse in terms of age, expectations, and demands.
UMAPP is partnering with the Business Leaders Breakfast Forum in Hopkins, Minnesota, to bring our members a discount to the program.
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Awards Nominations - due by April 10
Register to attend the Awards Celebration & Annual Meeting of Members on May 1 held at the Room Show Luncheon. Note: If you are attending the Room Show, do not register for the luncheon as that is included in your attendance fee to the show.
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The Famous UMAPP Room Show - Distributors register by April 22
Thursday, May 1, 2025
9:00 - 3:30
Crowne Plaza, Plymouth, Minnesota
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June 4 - Professional Development Panel Discussion Webinar
More information to follow
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Summer Golf Tournament - Register early. Limited to 80 golfers.
Monday, August 11, 2025
12:00 Noon Shotgun
Oak Marsh Golf Course
Oakdale, Minnesota
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Brand Connection Expo
End Buyer Show
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Inwood Oaks Event Center
Oakdale, Minnesota
Exhibitor registration is open
Distributor and client registration is opening soon
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Insight Branding
Distributor
Rachael Stassen
50A Cook Road
Covington, GA 30014
rachaels@insight-branding.com
MOQ1
Business Services
Drew Coffey
1300 Rosa Parks Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48216
dcoffey@moq1.com
Brand-Driven Tech, LLC
Business Services
Matt Gonzales
920 Industrial Drive
West Salem, WI 54669
matt@branddriventech.com
StickerYou
Supplier
Rich Corvalan
670 Caledonia Rd., Suite 101
Toronto, ON Canada M6E 4V9
rcorvalan@stickeryou.com
Tim Griep & Associates
Multiline Rep Company
656 C rimson Leaf Trail
Eagan, MN 55123
tim.griep58@gmail.com
BRBGroup, Inc.
Multiline Rep Company
1918 Lynn Circle
Libertyville, IL 60048
deb@brbgroup1.com
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UMAPP's Industry Awards
Ready to Nominate a Special Person?
Deadline to nominate is April 10.
Nominating someone for an industry award is like giving them a turbo boost in their career. It's a confidence high-five and a VIP pass to new opportunities. Winning or just being nominated creates a buzz, puts a shiny gold star on their journey, and shouts to the world, "We've got stellar talent here!"
In short, awards are the industry's way of throwing a party, celebrating success, and inspiring everyone to reach for the stars. So why not nominate someone? It's the ultimate thumbs-up in the business world!
The Lifetime Achievement, Hall of Fame, Volunteer, and Super Star Awards will be announced on May 1, 2025, during the Annual Meeting of Members.
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Five Ways to Deal with Difficult Personalities
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Reprinted with permission from PPAI Media
Some people are easier to work with than others. Maybe you have a co-worker or client who can be blunt, unafraid to say what they mean. Or perhaps they’re highly vocal, often interrupting others to get their point across. Interacting with people who come across as inconsiderate or disrespectful can be stressful to say the least - especially if you tend to be on the quiet side yourself.
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. . . Speech patterns may point to Alzheimer's. After analyzing the speech of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an artificial intelligence-trained algorithm was able to predict with 78.5% accuracy who would progress to Alzheimer's disease within six years. Study of 166 people with MCI by researchers at Boston University, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia.
. . . Cigarette use in the US is at an 80-year low. Only 11% of American adults now smoke cigarettes, a 50% reduction in the last decade. Only 6% of people under 30 report smoking cigarettes in the past week, 18% of whom say they vape. If trends continue, vape soon will eclipse cigarettes. Gallup, global analytics and advisory firm, Washington, DC. Gallup.com
. . . Manual-transmission cars are not going away. Most recent data from 2023 show that 1.7% of cars sold in the US had manual transmissions . . . up from less than 1% in 2021. Many automakers are expanding their manual transmission offerings. Manufacturers include Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Honda and Hyundai. Motor1.com.
"The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices." President Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (1924-2024).
Reprinted from The Bottom Line Personal Subscription Publication
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Read all the latest industry news from Crystal D, Storm Creek, and American Solutions for Business
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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
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