Volunteer-Of-The-MonthThis month, PPAI recognizes Leeton Lee, vice president of ETS Express in Oxnard, California, as September’s PPB Volunteer of the Month.

The Association’s PPB Volunteer of the Month recognition highlights individuals who have dedicated their time to the progress of and fulfilling the charge of a committee, advisory group, work group or task force on which they serve. Lee serves on the Product Responsibility Action Group (PRAG) and was nominated by Tim Brown, MAS, PPAI product responsibility manager and PRAG staff liaison.

“Leeton has a passion for compliance and the promotional products industry,” says Brown. “This passion and energy is evident in his demeanor, voice, body language and willingness to always help an industry member make sense of the various compliance regulations. When he is involved, the results speak for themselves. Leeton has helped lead this industry through the product responsibility forest. You cannot place a value on his vast knowledge and expertise in the compliance field.”

PRAG leads the industry’s transformation through its leadership, advice and feedback regarding product safety and responsible sourcing, including assisting PPAI in providing member education regarding existing and pending government regulations.

Brown adds, “Leeton regularly steps up for PRAG work groups and willingly provides guidance to industry members (both suppliers and distributors as well as competitors) in an effort to protect the entire industry. He has consistently demonstrated the willingness to roll up his sleeves and do whatever is needed to assist PPAI with projects, programs and anything related to his expertise. Leeton was chair of the PRAG work group tasked with creating both compliance manuals for members: 1) Sourcing & Compliance Manual for the Promotional Products Industry (2014) and 2) Social Compliance Manual for the Promotional Products Industry (2015). The success of PRAG and the Product Responsibility Summit are due in part to Leeton’s input.”

The 2015 PPAI Product Responsibility Summit is under way this week in Bethesda, Maryland. The summit brings together business and compliance leaders from across the industry to discuss product safety issues and the business implications and challenges they face. Attendees receive two days of education featuring distinguished speakers, industry thought leaders and representatives from product safety labs and product certification groups as well as the opportunity for an up-close look at the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s testing labs.

PPAI is looking for the next PPB Volunteer of the month who meets these qualifications.

  • Current member of a committee, task force or advisory group

  • Demonstrates an exemplary level of volunteer contribution

  • Is a positive examples to others

  • Contributes in a constructive and positive way to volunteer activities

  • Collaborates well with others

  • Demonstrates knowledge of the topics and work

  • Presents a positive influence in interaction with the group.

Nominations may be submitted by current members of a committee, advisory group, work group or task force, as well as by PPAI board members or PPAI current staff. The nominations will be forwarded to PPB magazine. Those selected for inclusion as PPB Volunteer of the Month will be announced and featured in a PPB Newslink as well as the quarterly Volunteer Newsletter.

Nominations open the first of each month and close on the 15th. To nominate a current volunteer, complete the nomination form here.