Above photo: At this year's ICPHSO annual symposium, PPAI's Anne Stone, CAE (second from right) joined a panel discussion on voluntary standards. Among the topics explored by the panel were the shortcomings of the term "voluntary standards" as it implies the standards are optional, and how a phrase like "consensus-based" would be a better choice.

In February, PPAI Public Affairs Director Anne Stone, CAE and Public Affairs Manager Maurice Norris attended the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization’s (ICPHSO) annual meeting and training symposium in Orlando, Florida. ICPHSO is an international, neutral forum for product safety stakeholders to learn, network and share information.

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Distributor American Solutions for Business hosted a State of the Industry panel with leaders from top industry organizations at its national sales conference in February in Fort Worth, Texas. The panel was part of a general session for hundreds of sales associates and team members of Glenwood, Minnesota-based ASB.


Photo above: The panel discussion covered a wide range of topics such as sustainability, technology, cross-generational connection, tariffs, and more. ASB's Wayne Martin says, "This panel allowed key industry stakeholders to share their thoughts about the major influencers and disruptors that will impact our future. It also provided a forum that demonstrated their shared passion and commitment to the industry and ASB."


Photo above: Participants in ASB's panel discussion were, from left, Andy Cohen, ASI Vice President of editorial and marketing services; David Natinsky, MAS, president of SAGE; moderator Wayne Martin, ASB's Vice President of sales - West Coast; Matt Bruno, executive Vice President of the Print Services & Distribution Association; and Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI president and CEO.

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The Arizona Promotional Products Association (AzPPA) held its first Past Presidents’ Luncheon on February 18. The annual event was established with the goal of encouraging former leaders of the association to continue contributing their experience.

Damon Subasa, MAS, director of technology for New Jersey-based promotional products supplier Peerless Umbrella and the 2020 AzPPA president, adds, “We truly want to encourage this ongoing feedback and interchange. Our association must learn from its past if we are to thrive in the future.”


Above photos: Luncheon attendees included (back row from left) Ken Brown, president 1996-97; Jim Gordan, MAS, president 2019; Karlie Cowden, MAS, president 2002; Bruce Perryman, MAS+, president 2001 and 2011; Marc Hawkins, 2020 president-elect; Damon Sabusa, MAS, president 2020; (front row from left) Betsy Andrade, MAS, co-president 2013; Janna Mundis, president 2008-09; Bill Wright, president 1999; Nancy Gosewisch, MAS, president 2017; and Bert Williams, MAS, president 1986-87 and a founding member of the association.

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American Solutions for Business has established its inaugural vendor advisory board. The board consists of an exclusive group of trusted partners who provide feedback and guidance regarding decisions that affect the prosperity of ASB sales associates, customers and partners.


Above photo: The diverse group of 12 members has expertise in varying product and service categories, and members commit to a one-year term. Vendor board members include: Steve Osterloh (Ennis), Rich Lippman (Lippman Printing), Mark Mallory (ID Images), Adam McNeil (CE Printing), Phil Sperling (PrintCo), Rob Newell (SanMar), Scott Leonard (Hit Promo), Charles Duggan (Goldstar), Megan Zezzo (S&S Activewear), Miles Wadsworth (Logo Mats), Mike D'Ottoviano (ASI) and Stewart McLeland (Phenix Direct). 

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James Khattak is news editor of PPB.