The Specialty Advertising Association of California (SAAC), serving the promotional products industry in Southern California for more than 30 years, has announced the recipients of its 2019 SAAC Member Awards—Rick Greene, MAS, HALO Branded Solutions, Honorary Life Member; Beverly Walter, Brown & Bigelow, Volunteer of the Year; Robert Collins, CAS, Collins and Associates, Representative of the Year; and Paula Cortes, PromoShop, Customer Service Award recipient. The award winners will be honored at the SAAC Awards Reception during the 2019 SAAC Expo in San Diego, California, on August 7.

SAAC’s Honorary Life Member Award is presented to a long-standing, dedicated member with over 10 years of service to the regional association. The award recognizes members who exemplify eagerness to assist in SAAC matters, demonstrate a creative spark and dedication to the association, and are selfless in time and effort in SAAC matters and business.

“Rick always has SAAC top of mind and has a desire to see the association grow and thrive, and advocate for the association and our industry,” says his nominator. “He is consistently positive and will support SAAC no matter the situation.”

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding association volunteer whose unselfish and dedicated service to programs and events has made a significant difference, and mirrors the commitment to success in our professional ranks.

“Serving as a chairperson for the Foundation for SAAC, Beverly has been instrumental in re-energizing the board and executing some of the most successful fundraisers for our members,” says Walter’s nominator. “Her involvement with the Jim Buesher Golf Tournament has made it one of SAACs best-attended and most positive events.”

The Representative of the Year Award is presented to an inside or outside sales representative from a member company who exemplifies integrity and professionalism for their company and the industry, while also elevating the industry and its members by exhibiting excellence through best practices.

Collins’s nominator says, “Bob has served in the promotional products industry for almost 45 years and as the SAAC president in 1984-1985. His knowledge, integrity and great character help to better our association.”

The Customer Service Award Recognizes a member who exemplifies superior customer service, reliability and integrity consistently in their daily professional life. It is awarded to members who serve as an example of integrity and professionalism for their company while making contributions to elevate the industry.

“Paula is a pillar of integrity and professionalism in the workplace,” says Cortes’s nominator. “She is consistently kind and committed, getting the job done at 110 percent every time. Every vendor, account team and internal staff member expresses joy at working with Paula, as she operates in a way that allows people to do their best work in every setting.”