TRASA December 2025 Newsletter

 

 

President’s Message

 

Thank You for Your Membership


Celebrating Our Valued Members and Looking Ahead to 2026


Dear Members,


On behalf of the TRASA Board, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and involvement throughout this past year. You are the cornerstone of our organization, and your commitment and passion greatly contribute to our collective strength and success.


As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to share that we are planning new and innovative experiences designed to engage and inspire our membership. Your participation ensures that our association remains vibrant, relevant, and impactful, and we truly value the unique perspectives and energy you bring.


We encourage you to renew your membership for the upcoming year!


Together, we can continue to build a stronger community, create meaningful opportunities, and experiences. Thank you once again for being such a valuable part of our association.


We look forward to sharing all that 2026 has in store with you!


Warm regards,


Maria Johnston

TRASA President



Member Appreciation Party

Distributor and Supplier Most Active Member Awards


At the Member Appreciation Party held on November 20 at the North Shore Tavern, two members were awarded with the Most Active Member Award for their support of TRASA this past year!


In addition to attending TRASA shows, distributor Erika McCullough, DG3, attended 10 webinars and in person breakfast meetings.


The most active member supplier was Jenn Edwards, Moderne Glass. Jenn attended 12 webinars in addition to supporting the TRASA shows.


Eddie Grimes, Good Advertising, also received an award for his long-standing membership and service to TRASA. We wish him the best in his retirement.


Outgoing board members Sue Caruso, Aspire Creations, and Jenn Edwards were recognized for their outstanding board service.

 


Going to the 2026 PPAI Expo in Vegas? 



TRASA distributor members - who are not PPAI members - can register with a discount code to save 50% off their registration. 

Log into the TRASA website with your email and password and click on the Members Only tab for details.


 
 

Let’s talk about this!

written by Cally Neal, TRASA Vice President


As TRASA Continues to evolve, so does our commitment to the promotional products community we serve.


Over the past year, our board has welcomed new leadership; pairing fresh younger voices with the deep industry knowledge, and long-standing experience of our veteran members.


This powerful blend of perspectives has inspired us to rethink how we show up for our region.


Our new brand reflects that growth. While Pittsburgh remains the heart of our identity, our updated look and direction bring in our focus to better serve all corners of our region, including Erie, Altoona, and key areas throughout West Virginia. These communities deserve the same access engagement, and visibility, and our rebrand reinforces our promise to champion them.


Beyond our traditional Tradeshows, we are building new networking experiences, outreach programs, and collaborative opportunities designed to strengthen relationships across the supplier, decorator, distributor, and and user landscape.


Our new logo embodies this mission. Sleek, modern and united, it’s three converging elements, symbolize the pillars of our industry: supplier/decorator, distributor, and end user, working together to build powerful and meaningful connections.


TRASA’s rebrand is more than just a new look. It’s a renewed commitment to inclusivity, inspiration and regional growth. We are here to expand that network, elevate our members, and build the next chapter of our community together. 


We would love to hear what you think and welcome your suggestions on how to put our vision and mission in action.

 

 

 

TRASA Power Hours & Virtual Library member benefit


Miss a webinar or want to revisit one? Click and learn at your leisure.


You can access the webinars on the TRASA website under the Professional Development tab. To access this member benefit remember to log in first then click on the Professional Development tab.



Click here for the TRASA Website

 

2026 Shows & Events


January 20 - NEW SHOW IN NEW CASTLE, PA

TRASA TOM Distributor Show @ The New Englander Banquet Center, New Castle, PA - this show is part of the TOM show week in collaboration with OPPA (Ohio Promo Products Association) and MIPPA (Michigan Promo Products Association)


Exhibitors click here to register


Distributors click here to register

FREE ADMISSION for distributors


March 4

TRASA Spring Expo & Client Show @ The Loft, Canonsburg, PA

Exhibitors click here to register


March 5

TRASA Altoona Client Expo @ The Blair County Convention Center, Altoona, PA

Exhibitors click here to register


September 15

TRASA Golf Outing @ Cranberry Highlands Golf Course, Cranberry Township, PA


September 16

TRASA Fall Showcase & Client Expo @ The Pittsburgh Event Center, Harmony, PA


September 17

TRASA Erie Client Experience, Erie, PA



Reminder - TRASA members log into the website first then register for the shows & events to avoid non-member rates

Blue button with chrome frame over white background. Register now
 

Join TRASA Today!

3d render of person placing join cubes. 3d illustration of human people character.

Why join?

  • Networking
  • Professional Development
  • 5 Annual Trade Shows - Pittsburgh, Altoona, Erie, North Pittsburgh, Central PA
  • Distributor Coupon Book with 100+ supplier coupons
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Factory Tours
  • Monthly webinars
  • Breakfast Meetings hosted by suppliers


Click here to join or renew www.trasa.net


Questions? Call Patti Ward, TRASA Executive Director, 412-860-0699

 
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Seeking Volunteers


Would you like to get more involved with TRASA? Would you like to serve on the board some day? The first step is to volunteer.


  • Membership Committee
  • Show Committee
  • Social Events


Why get involved?

Help create great experiences, build attendance, and increase member value.


What is involved?

Meet once or twice a month (virtual meetings)

Volunteer at events


For more information contact Tom Clouser, TRASA Membership Chair, Tom@Stormcreek.com