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WHAT AN EVENT!
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 I just returned from the PPAI North American Leadership Conference in St. Louis.
In one word...WOW!
In four words...MY HEAD IS SPINNING.
I am energized with fresh ideas from a variety presenters and panelists as well as intriguing conversation with distributors and suppliers from Canada, Mexico and the United States. This is my fourth Leadership Conference and each one has brought significant value to my personal and professional life.
While beneficial educational content is always presented, most important to me are the relationships that develop. Through the years, I have nurtured relationships with some amazing people.
In this FreePromoTips issue, we spotlight video responses to some of the sessions. While we obviously can not reveal ALL the insight gained from the conference, my hope is that through these videos, you will realize the value of this event. Perhaps we will see you at next years Leadership Conference?
In our next issue, we will present in full a 90 minute session that FreePromoTips we streamed LIVE from the event. This presentation was brought to you by PPAI Professional Development, Free PromoTips TV LIVE! and AIA. Special thanks to Rod Brown from MadeToOrder, who assisted us in editing this video.
Rod is running for the PPAI Board of Directors and one of the people I have developed a close relationship with through the years. We were able to spend more quality time together at the conference. The PPAI Board of Directors ballots are out...and I would encourage those who are eligible to vote, to vote. These are the people who will guide our industry through these "interesting" times. See below for more on the election.
We will also invite you to benefit from PPAI's "Social Media Launchpad which was a hot button issue in the North American Leadership Conference. Enjoy!
Jeff Solomon, MAS
FreePromoTips.com
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LOVE IT OR HATE IT?
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 At the PPAI North American Leadership Conference, there was quite a bit of talk about Social Networking. Tweeting was going on around the country from the sessions about this dialog. Some think too much time was being dedicated to the topic. Others just don't get "it."
There are those like Dana Zezzo from Pro Towels and Bryrony Zasman from ZOOMcatalog who have embraced Social Networking and are reaping benefits from it. How do you feel about Social Networking? Click here to comment!
One thing is undeniable...Social Media is the biggest buzz phrase to hit the business world since website. But, the sudden swell of online networking channels has left many wondering how it all works, which is why PPAI created PPAI Social Media Launchpad!, a social networking certificate program.
PPAI Social Media Launchpad! 101 is five-part webinar series. Social Media Launchpad! 101 covers the ins, outs and how-tos of the web's most popular and influential social media platforms. Led by Carrie Kerpen, from Likeable Media, a leading word of mouth marketing firm, PPAI Social Media Launchpad! 101 enables participants to harness the power of social media through comprehensive instruction and real-world application with an enrichment certificate awarded at the conclusion of the program. Click here to learn more!
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IT'S YOUR TRADE ASSOCIATION!
|  You have the opportunity to choose you will be directing your industry's tradegroup...PPAI. I encourage you to vote for who you feel will serve you best. We've contacted all of the candidates, giving them an opportunity to share their thoughts with our readers. Here is information from those who responded:DISTRIBUTORS: Rod Brown, MadeToOrder
rod@madetoorder.com Rod began his career at an early age in Southern California selling avocados, pomegranates and lemons out of his Radio Flyer. His entrepreneurial nature motivated him to plan and finance his own business venture. In 1989 he realizes his vision: with simple values of stellar response, honesty and hard work he attracted talented partners to rapidly multiply growth from $800,000 to $13 million. Rod has been involved for ten years in sports outreach in his local community, is a Trustee of Piedmont Community Church and sits on the Piedmont Council of the Boy Scouts. He has been an active volunteer of PPAI for many years. Click here for a video from Rod Brown!Dave DeGreeff, MAS, Flagship Promotional ddegreeff@flagshippromo.com Chuck Fandos, GatewayCDI chuck.fandos@gatewaycdi.com Steve Levschuk, MAS, Talbot Marketing slevschuk@talbot-promo.com My name is Steve Levschuk, MAS and I am running for PPAI's Board of Directors. I have had the unique opportunity of being both a supplier and distributor during my 27-year career in the Promotional Products Industry. I spent over 10 years as Director of Sales for a calendar manufacturer. After that I joined a large national distributorship as General Manager. Three years ago I purchased the distributorship. I believe my rounded experience in the industry coupled with my PPPC Board experience along with my involvement in PPAI make me a very good candidate for PPAI's Board of Directors. I will work hard to better our industry for all Distributors and Supplier. I would appreciate your vote in support in the upcoming elections. Thank you. SUPPLIERS: Cheryl Becker, MAS, Gill Studios, Inc. cbecker@gill-line.com Mark Jenkins, MAS, Pioneer Balloon Company mark@pioneerballoon.com Michael Moore, Bay State Specialty Co. mikemoore@baystateline.com Bob Stoltz, Gemlinebobs@gemline.com |
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