This week at PPAI’s headquarters in Irving, Texas, the Association was host to a meeting of the Promotional Products Education Foundation’s (PPEF) 2022 Executive Committee for a 2023 planning session.

The Meeting

PPAI welcomed members of PPEF’s 2022 Executive Committee and incoming members of the committee at its offices. The meeting focused on the Foundation’s plans for 2023, including the budget and how much to award in scholarships, when it would open scholarship applications for next year, and PPEF’s strategic priorities as it continues its growth to help even more industry families by providing college scholarships.

“At the Executive Committee meeting, we focused on continuing what we’ve achieved and continue to grow the Foundation,” says Matt Bertram, PPEF Chair. “But grow it in such a way that is beneficial for the kids. We’re discussing fundraising, marketing, the application process and more.

“Last year, we gave out $299,000 worth of scholarships and we’re developing a plan to figure out how much we’re giving out in 2023.”

The PPEF Executive Committee consists of the officers of the Foundation’s 18-member board of trustees. Recommendations developed at the meeting will go on to the PPEF board for approval.

PPEF executive committee members include:

Matt Bertram, PPEF Chair
Carrie Pitre, MAS, Immediate Past Chair
Janet McMaster, PPEF Chair Elect
Bruce Barnet
Becki Heinen
Stephen McFadden, CAS
Roni Wright, MAS
D'Anna Zimmer, CAS

Also participating in the meeting from PPAI were PPAI President and CEO Dale Denham, MAS+, who serves as PPEF’s secretary and treasurer; PPAI Board Chair Dawn Olds, MAS; Director of Member Engagement Anne Stone, CAE, MAS; and Member Engagement Manager Kathlene Brethowr.

The Foundation

Supported by industry member companies and individuals, PPEF has recognizing and encouraged scholastic excellence and academic performance among promotional products industry employees and their college-aged children for more than 30 years. Since 1989, the organization has awarded $3,026,500 to 1,618 students. This year’s $299,000 went to 130 new recipients and 32 renewal recipients.

“Look at what this does for families and for kids trying to get a secondary education,” says Bertram. “We’re helping the people and families within our industry. If I’m an owner of a distributor or a supplier, it’s a benefit to our employee base to have these scholarships available. And lot of these students may eventually come back and work in our industry.”