PPAI has announced the recipients of its 2026 Icon Awards, which celebrate the accomplishments of those who have gone above and beyond in service to the promotional products industry, the Association and their communities.

This year’s honors are being bestowed on:

  • PPAI Hall of Fame: Steven Meyer, MAS
  • PPAI Distinguished Service Award: Todd Pottebaum, MAS+
  • H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award: Renée Jones, MAS


The PPAI Hall of Fame

Celebrating individuals who have demonstrated monumental and selfless efforts and devotion to the promo industry, induction into the PPAI Hall of Fame gives permanent recognition to those whose creative spark and tireless dedication have helped the Association and industry prosper.

A 27-year industry veteran, Steven Meyer, MAS, was most recently national sales manager at Arch Promo Group, PPAI 100’s No. 28 supplier, before retiring on October 1. During his tenure, he managed the sales and integration of Arch’s five latest acquisitions, according to Steve Ehlert, national general manager at Arch.

“Steven’s dedication to the growth and integrity of our industry is both exemplary and inspiring,” says Ehlert, who nominated Meyer. “His contributions aren’t limited to the success of the supplier he was at. He has consistently elevated the standards of the industry through active involvement in regional trade organizations, advocacy for the industry and thoughtful leadership.”

Meyer – the 2018 recipient of the PPAI Regional Volunteer Award – has given back to the industry for decades. He served as PPAI Board Chair from 2012-2013, president of the Promotional Products Association Southwest from 2018-2019 and president of the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals from 2009-2010.

  • A 2016 PPAI Fellow, he has participated in dozens of PPAI committees and advisory groups.


“What sets Steven apart is not just the breadth of his professional experience but the depth of his generosity in sharing it,” Ehlert says. “Countless individuals, myself included, have benefited from his mentorship. He was a guiding light in my decision to join this industry after witnessing firsthand his love of selling promotional products.

Steve Ehlert
What sets Steven apart is not just the breadth of his professional experience but the depth of his generosity in sharing it.”

Steve Ehlert

National GM, Arch Promo Group

“Whether offering guidance to young professionals entering the field or simply lending a listening ear, he has made it his mission to support, uplift and empower others.”

The PPAI Distinguished Service Award

The annual PPAI Distinguished Service Award is presented to Association members who consistently contribute their skills and expertise toward the betterment of the organization. Through volunteer service or by offering their leadership to PPAI, these are members who have generously given the gift of their energy, time and enthusiasm.

A 25-year industry veteran, Todd Pottebaum, MAS+, president of Quality Resource Group, PPAI 100’s No. 53 distributor, has been a long-time advocate for the industry.

In addition to serving as PPAI Board Chair in 2021, Pottebaum was chair of the Government Relations Action Council and the PPAI Marketing Information and Research Committee.

  • Additionally, he’s an executive committee member of Reciprocity Road and previously served as president of the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals.
  • He has also spoken at regional education events and served as a panelist at a national industry conference.


Outside the industry, Pottebaum served on Meeting Professionals International’s marketing and membership committees and has been named an MPI Volunteer of the Year for the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter. When his son was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder linked to the IQSEC2 gene, Pottebaum co-founded the IQSEC2 Research & Advocacy Foundation, raising awareness and funding for a condition that affects children worldwide.

“Todd Pottebaum stands as a model of service-driven leadership, with a wide-reaching and deeply personal impact on the promotional products industry,” says nominator Perry Wehrle, MAS, executive director of Reciprocity Road, who is retiring at the end of 2025.

Todd Pottebaum stands as a model of service-driven leadership.”

Perry Wehrle, MAS

Executive Director, Reciprocity Road

“A frequent speaker, mentor and advocate for well-being and ethical leadership, Todd embodies the very ethos of PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award. His career has been marked by professional excellence and a selfless devotion to strengthening our industry, supporting its people and giving voice to those often unheard.”

The H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award

Named after the late PPAI president emeritus, the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award is presented to members who have shown long-standing empathy, devotion and commitment to improving quality of life and bringing about change for the betterment of a community.

Peers 24-year industry veteran Renée Jones, MAS, founder and CEO of North Carolina-based distributor A Creative Touch, have attested that she’s deserving of the honor.

Named a PPAI Fellow in 2019, Jones has served on the PPAI Board of Directors as well as numerous committees and advisory councils, including the Promotional Products Education Foundation’s board of directors.

Beyond the promo industry, she volunteers with the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, among other civic organizations throughout the United States.

  • In 2022, she received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Service Award from President Joe Biden.


From serving as the youngest national commander of the DAV Auxiliary to her tireless efforts with Honor Flight, Rotary and countless local projects, Jones embodies the spirit of gratitude in action, according to nominator Danny Rosin, CAS, president and co-owner of Brand Fuel, PPAI 100’s No. 29 distributor, and incoming chair of the PPAI Board of Directors.

Few people live the values of service and humanity as completely as Renée Jones.”

Danny Rosin, CAS

President/Co-Owner, Brand Fuel

“Whether she’s leading thousands of heartfelt letters for veterans or founding support networks like LIPP Café to uplift industry peers, Renée proves that small actions, multiplied over time, create lasting ripples of change,” Rosin says.

“Her life is a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose, and her example invites all of us to show up, give back and lead with heart. Few people live the values of service and humanity as completely as Renée Jones, and no one could be more deserving of this honor.”