February 2018

Thanks to all who came out for the Mardi Gras networking socials!!🎉 Lots of new faces and we had people come from near and FAR like Chicago and Dodge City. Hope we see you all again soon at our March education sessions.
Details coming soon!
PPAMidwest News
IMAGEN Brands was a proud sponsor of the 2018 Regional TOM Shows.

As a sponsor, our regional sales managers presented during an educational session on “ How to Create a Brand Experience .” The sponsorship also included a product donation from the Crown line, the 20oz. Brilliant Tumbler (#CDKW019) .  Read more on IMAGEN Brands
DistributorCentral Wins Two PPAI Pyramid Awards for video content and marketing.

Gardner, Kansas —DistributorCentral was awarded two prestigious Promotional Product Association International (PPAI) Pyramid Awards during an awards ceremony in conjunction with the 2018 PPAI Expo in January 2018.

PRO TOWELS PROMOTES ALLAN BENSON TO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – February 1, 2018 – The Pro Towels Family of Brands, including Pro Towels, Kanata Blanket Co., Neet Feet and Superior, is excited to announce the promotion of Allan Benson to Chief Operating Officer.   Read more Allan Benson
PRO TOWELS WELCOMES NEIL FRIEDMAN AS DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – February 23, 2018 – The Pro Towels Family of Brands, including Pro Towels, Kanata Blanket Co., Neet Feet and Superior, announced today that Neil Friedman has joined the company as Director of Business Development and the FOTO Vision™ line.   Read more Neil Friedman
PRO TOWELS PROMOTES KATHY BENSON TO KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – February 12, 2018 – The Pro Towels Family of Brands, including Pro Towels, Kanata Blanket Co., Neet Feet and Superior, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kathy Benson into the new role as Key Account Manager.   Read more Kathy Benson
Beacon Promotions Hire Mark Whitner as New Regional Sales Manager

New Ulm, MN, February 2018 – Beacon Promotions, Inc. has hired Mark Whitner, as the new Regional Sales Manager covering New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. “We’re very excited to add Mark to the Beacon sales team. With his industry knowledge and experience we are confident that he will quickly become a go-to resource for our distributor clients” states Lisa Pelzel, Beacon VP of Key Accounts.   Read more Mark Whitner
Wild Wednesday Webinars - Lunch and Learn at your desk!
 
Packaging, Fulfillment and Creative Distribution presented by Cliff Quicksell MAS+
Wed, Feb 28, 2018 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST

Like clients we should be looking at ways to constantly differentiate ourselves from the competition. Packaging, fulfillment and creative methods of distributing our products is one such way to do that. Learn some very valuable techniques that can aid you in achieving greater profits with your clients. Profit margins of 700% will be discussed through real life case histories. This is an excellent, must attend program.
Industry News
Submit Your Application Today

Did you know that your employees and their children are eligible to apply for college scholarships through the Promotional Products Education Foundation?
Since 1989, PPEF has awarded more than $1.7 million to students with a parent in the promotional products industry. Employees of promotional products companies are also eligible to apply. This year PPEF will give away 131 scholarships totaling more than $200,000.
Visit  www.ppef.us  to learn more and apply.
 
Deadline is March 15, 2018.
5 Marketing Strategies From Major Brands: What You Can Learn From Their Mistakes and Successes

Marketing is a spectator sport. We can all learn from each other by observing what brands do in the marketplace, even if we don't have big budgets.
Specifically, we're finding more and more brands making a buzz in the court of social media, and there's something to be learned from every one of them: the good and the, shall we say, not-so-good. Read More
There Is Still Time To Submit A Nomination

T here are women throughout the promotional products industry whose hard work and actions have made a world of difference by supporting the advancement of women in the workplace. Today, these women serve as inspiration for the next generation of leaders.

PPAI is seeking nominations for the PPAI Woman of Achievement Award. Recipients of this prestigious award are chosen based on their long-term contributions to the industry as well as their invaluable leadership style and commitment to mentoring others. Take time to nominate the inspiring woman you think has made a significant contribution to your organization and the industry.

Submit your nomination today!  Nomination period ends on March 9, 2018
 
 
Questions? Contact PPAI Awards & Recognition at  awards@ppai.org  or 972-258-3070