(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of news releases and updates submitted from organizations around the industry. PPAI Media edits these only for length and will consider newsworthy entries from any member organization.)

March 22, 2022

Orbus’s Kara Barker Named PPAF Board Vice President For 2022

Woodridge, IL – March 1, 2022—Orbus Exhibit & Display Group®, North America’s leading wholesale supplier and manufacturer of display, exhibit, graphic and event solutions is excited to announce Kara Barker, Field Sales Representative, has been named Promotional Products Association of Florida (PPAF) Vice President of the Board of Directors for 2022. Kara has been serving on the PPAF Board of Directors as Treasurer since January 2020.

PPAF is a non-profit trade association dedicated to the advancement of the promotional products industry by advocating for suppliers and distributor and implementing programs to expand the use of promotional products. As a regional associate of Promotional Products International Association (PPIA), PPAF is committed to helping companies and communities in the Southeast and Florida.

Board Members are industry professionals who have donated their time to ensure PPAF achieves their mission and is fulfilling member’s needs. Board Members can not only grow individually through knowledge and education from PPAF, but they can provide benefits to their own company by becoming a stronger leader, enhancing visibility, and being tuned into the future of the industry.

“I am so proud to see Kara advance to this important leadership position at PPAF,” said Gary Keefer, CEO of Orbus. “At Orbus, we encourage our employees to be involved in the industries we serve.”

Fully Promoted Takes Center Stage with Stellar Line-Up of Industry Leaders at 2022 Convention

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (March 22, 2022) – Fully Promoted®, the world's largest franchise brand known for its branded apparel and promotional products and part of the United Franchise Group™ (UFG) affiliated family of award-winning brands, hosted its annual convention in Ft. Worth, Texas for 2022. The three-day event, themed "Branding We Grow" featured networking events, presentations, vendor roundtables, an award ceremony, and educational opportunities.

"It was a fantastic way to discuss new marketing campaigns, sales growth and how to increase profitability in person once again," said Mike Brugger, president of Fully Promoted. "This year, it really felt like a family reunion—I'm so thankful to the over 100 owners and staff members who were able to attend and learn new ways to grow their businesses."

The convention featured three packed days of nonstop learning and fun, including a welcome reception, the goals and bright future of Fully Promoted, an owner town hall moderated by Advertising Specialty Institute, (ASI) CEO Tim Andrews, a keynote presentation by UFG President A.J. Titus, and the awards gala.

The annual awards gala celebrated the accomplishments of franchise owners, with top accolades given to:

• Hall of Fame—Jeff Mitchell and Dan Dubell, Bel Air, Md. and George Zacieracha, Morristown, NJ
• MVP—Garrick Jacobi, Boise, Idaho
• President's Award —Jeff and Dina Slain, Fishers, IN.
• Humanitarian of the Year—Michelle Bottino, St. Charles, IL
• Rookie of The Year—Robert Steffek and Michelle Monhollen, Centerville, OH
• Mentor of the Year—Janet Domec, Houston (Cypress), TX
• Most Improved Sales Performance—Rick Troncin, Altoona, Iowa, and Cierra Haffner, Sioux Falls, SD
• Team Player—Todd Martinez, Albuquerque, NM and Jeff Mitchell, Bel Air, MD