A crucial part of the annual Legislative Education and Action Day, better known as LEAD, is explaining who we are as the branded merchandise industry and conveying our economic impact. This year was no different, as LEAD attendees helped lawmakers understand that although most branded products are imported, the value is largely created in the U.S. – by American workers – through design, decoration, customization and more.

But advocacy is not a once-a-year effort – it’s an ongoing conversation. And while LEAD brings a few dozen members to Washington, anyone can reach out year-round to help amplify the industry’s message. Members of Congress traditionally spend this August recess back home meeting with constituents, and it’s a great time to advocate for the industry in your own backyard.

ICYMI: LEAD 2026: Taking Our Message To Capitol Hill

Find Your Federal Representatives

Whether you reach out to your senators and representative on your own or through group efforts organized by your regional association, now is the time to build on the connections made during LEAD by focusing on local congressional offices.

You can look up contact information for any member of Congress using the congressional directories:


Click on the member’s name to load their website and look for a “Contact” tab or button at the top or bottom of the page. Formats vary, but these pages should provide addresses and phone numbers for all of their offices – including local district locations – as well as contact forms, and sometimes even an online scheduling request.

Join Us To Support The Industry In Washington: Register Your Interest In Attending LEAD 2027

Tell Your Story To Illustrate Impact

Advocacy conversations are simpler than you might think – and anyone with sales savvy has a headstart. Keep in mind this three-pronged approach:

1. Briefly introduce yourself and your business, including a little bit about the customers you serve.

2. Share the scope and economic impact of the branded merchandise industry in your state – how many jobs, how many small businesses, how much revenue, etc. the industry contributes to your state’s economy. (This information can be found on PPAI’s By The Numbers page, which will be updated with new estimates after PPAI launches its first-ever global economic impact study next month.)

3. Tell your story. The most successful advocacy efforts center on a clear narrative or message that includes a specific request for action. To address a specific issue or bill, be sure you are prepared to share:

  • Specifics on how the issue is affecting the industry/your business.
  • Potential adverse effects if the issue is not addressed/the bill passes and is signed into law.
  • The name and number of the bill (if applicable).


“Policy decisions aren’t abstract. They directly impact how we plan, price and grow,” says Brenda Speirs, founder & CEO of Buzztag, based in Oregon.

You can also give a self-promo or sample product – but it’s important to be aware of and comply with congressional ethics rules, which apply to staff as well as elected officials. A good rule of thumb is that any gifts must fall under $20 perceived retail value (including decoration).

Tariffs And Trade Top The List Of Issues

The biggest challenges in the past year for the branded merchandise industry have been tariffs and constant changes in policies and rates, as well as the resulting pricing and supply chain volatility. Share with lawmakers how these issues have affected your business. PPAI Research surveys have consistently found that more than half of PPAI 100 distributors and suppliers experienced cost increases due to tariffs.

LEAD conversations in April also focused on asking for clear, deliberative and predictable trade policy, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that is now subject to annual review after the U.S. declined to renew by last month’s deadline. Tariff relief under USMCA for goods from Canada and Mexico provided important pricing stability for many American businesses in 2025.

Members also expressed support for the African Growth & Opportunity Act, which expired Sept. 30, 2025, but was renewed retroactively on Feb. 3 through the end of this year. Renewal of AGOA was an important win for PPAI, and we continue to ask for a longer-term renewal, which would provide important stability and predictability for American businesses with ties to the continent.

What’s Happening At The State Level?

While the August recess is a great opportunity to get face time with your members of Congress, it’s also important that regional associations and individual members keep an eye out for legislation and regulation at the state level.

PPAI focuses its efforts at the national level, but the Association also provides key resources to help regional associations organize outreach activities at a state level. Download our State-Level Advocacy Guidance for Federal Outreach or the guide to LEAD Regional Best Practices (formerly known as the “LEAD Local Playbook”). PPAI is also actively gathering input from regional associations on state-level regulatory challenges to develop a state policy awareness and intelligence program to better inform and empower members.

PPAI Advocacy Survey: Share Your Top State-Level Challenges

Look to PPAI Media for timely updates throughout the year, as well as opportunities to raise your voice in support of industry priorities. Subscribe to Newslink to stay up to date with industry news and advocacy opportunities:

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Please contact Rachel Zoch, CAS, PPAI’s public affairs manager, at rachelz@ppai.org if you have any questions about regulatory issues or government affairs.