March 2020
Board Member Spotlight:

This month's Board Member Spotlight is on Amy Brockelmeyer. Brockelmeyer joined the board at the beginning of 2020. Brockelmeyer is employed by Perfect Promotions and has shared the following fun facts:

Q: What is your favorite cereal?
A: I love Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Q: What was your childhood nickname?
A: My maiden last name was Muehrer. No one could say it, so they called me Mooher.

Q: Do you have any strange phobias?
A: I have some food phobias. I know it’s ridiculous, but I can’t help it. I can’t eat anything off of a bone. I feel like a scavenger! I also can’t do any crustaceans. It grosses me out to “break” their legs to be able to eat.

Q: Which way does your toilet paper hang on the wall – over or under?
A: Definitely over!

Q: What are three things still left on your bucket list?
A: Swim with the dolphins, ride in a hot air balloon, whale watching

Q: If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose? 
A: Predict the future. It would have helped me in my past to avoid some of the rocky roads I’ve been on in my career. 
**POSTPONED**
Due to recent developments with the COVID-19 / Coronavirus as well as bans on large gatherings in Kansas and Missouri, the decision has been made to postpone the 2020 Spring Product Premiere. We are currently working on securing new dates and details which will be announced very soon.
We greatly appreciate and thank you all for your continued support.
PPAMidwest News
PPAMidwest Member Update
  
Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we've created a temporary page on our website to help educate & update our community. This is a public forum for our local promotional products community ( both PPAMidwest members & non-members alike ) to post about their company's current operational status. We will be updating all respective statuses as the responses are received. 

Please visit the  CDC Coronavirus web page  for up-to-date information about risks, symptoms, common questions, situational updates, risk assessment, and much more. Click HERE for the COVID-19 CDC recommended actions report.

PPAI has a wealth of information about the virus and how it is affecting our industy. Click HERE to find webinars, videos, publications, situation reports, travel advisories and links to a ton of resources to keep you informed.
#stopthespread with these handy tips.
  
The impact of the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, is being felt all over the world.  Follow these tips from the World Health Organization to keep yourself safe and help contain the spread of the virus. 
1. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
2. Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, and nose. 
3. Avoid contact with people who are vulnerable. And if you can't, wear a mask.
4. Cover your cough with the bend of your elbow.
5. Disinfect surfaces you regularly use. 
6. If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your healthcare provider. 
7. Only share information from trusted sources.
PPAMidwest Members.....
Are you taking advantage of your membership benefits?

With our coupon book and affiliate programs, PPAMidwest Members easily save the amount of their dues several times over each year. Make sure to maximize your membership by taking advantage of your member only discounts!

Do you have news you would like to share with the PPAMidwest Community? Would you like to have a profile published? Got an amusing or interesting industry story to share? Send it to: admin@ppam.org

Wild Wednesday Webinars - Lunch and Learn at your desk!
 
“Managing the Y & Z Market"
Wed, March 25, 2020 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST

Generation Y, known as the Millennials, and Generation Z make up more than 1/3 of the global consumer market collectively. With that number continuing to grow these generations are changing the way we operate our businesses. Community and corporate leaders must be proactive in integrating young talent into the workforce to foster cohesion between generations. They must also address the changing economics of these groups as a means of better preparing for the company’s future. Based on Seth Barnett’s best-selling book, this session looks at the variety of younger groups now in the workforce and the functionality of their buying markets. As these groups continue to challenge our businesses, it is important to look at technology, social media, selling adaptations and hiring strategies in order to stay ahead of the competition by drawing and retaining new clients and new buyers.

Attendees will learn:
  1. The variety of younger groups in the workforce and the functionality of their buying markets.
  2. Technology, social media, selling adaptations and hiring strategies to stay ahead of the competition.
  3. Drawing and retaining new clients and new buyers.

 1 CAS Credit when you submit your PPAI Pin Number with your survey.
Did You Know that PPAI Online Education
offers live webinars throughout the year?
Click the image below to find out more!
Industry News
PPAI Awards & Recognition
Deadline is TOMORROW, March 20, 2020
Take A Moment To Submit A Nomination

The promotional products industry is fortunate to be led by talented and passionate individuals who give so much of their time and efforts to build and grow their communities, organizations, and the industry.
These prestigious awards identify leaders for their professional achievements and commitment to their communities. PPAI depends on members like you to help us recognize these outstanding individuals.
10 Tips From CEOs on Working From Home Effectively and Happily
Eilsette Carlson  Guest Writer Founder of SMACK! Media

Far beyond getting out of your pajamas, these tips encourage wellness when you are working from home.

According to Paul Statham, CEO at Condeco Software, "Coronavirus is accelerating working from home, a trend that was already happening in many businesses and organizations. According to our  Modern Workplace 2019 report , 41 percent of employers now offer some form of remote working, and we expect that figure to be even higher in our next report due to be released in April." 

Statham continues, "New technology has enabled companies to offer employees this flexibility and that means that even in the midst of a global crisis, businesses can carry on productively with limited impact in a secure and collaborative way. Threats to business come from many areas but those companies that are using technology to maximize their productivity already, including the ability to meet in a virtual meeting online or book desks, workspace or meeting spaces from a remote location, will find it easier to ride out disruption."     Read More
PPAI Promo Connect
Details Below
Ask Questions. Get Answers On PPAI's Promo Connect. 
Whether you want to share your industry expertise, get your trickiest sourcing questions answered, help others with their challenges or collaborate with like-minded professionals on industry-specific initiatives,  Promo Connect  is the place for you.

This online knowledge-community platform offers industry-specific content to promotional products professionals through a channel for ongoing conversation and the exchange of information, ideas and solutions. Join the Promo Connect community today and join the conversation.