Steven Lazarus, MAS, vice president of sales and marketing at Florida-based distributor Promotional Breezes (PPAI 256312, Standard-Plus), has been named the recipient of the 2026 PPAI Regional Volunteer Award.
The honor is given out annually to regional association members who demonstrate an outstanding level of volunteerism, leadership or have made other significant and measurable contributions to one or more regional associations.
Recognition for the 2026 PPAI Regional Volunteer Award winner will be held during the PPAI Leadership Development Conference from Oct. 27-29 at the Sheraton Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas.
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In 2023, PPAI invited regional associations to officially join PPAI as business service members. Since then, every regional association has come on board and become members of the Association.
Regional Association History
Outside of his role at Promotional Breezes, Lazarus has been heavily involved in the Gold Coast Promotional Products Association for nearly 20 years, including serving as president from 2018-2019.
During his years of service with GCPPA, Lazarus helped establish initiatives such as the Presidents Council and Future Leadership Council, both designed to cultivate leadership development, encourage engagement and ensure continuity within the association.
- His leadership also played a critical role in the hiring of GCPPA’s current management company in 2018, a decision that continues to positively benefit the organization today.
Shelley Bednarski, MAS
Immediate Past President, GCPPA
“Steven Lazarus is a respected leader, mentor, innovator and advocate whose contributions have left a meaningful and lasting impact on countless individuals and organizations,” wrote Shelley Bednarski, MAS, immediate past president of GCPPA and territory manager at Crystal D, PPAI 100’s No. 100 supplier, in a letter of recommendation for Lazarus.
“Steven has willingly accepted numerous leadership responsibilities… and in every role, he brought professionalism, integrity, vision and a genuine desire to strengthen the organization for future generations of leaders.”
Giving Back
Additionally, Lazarus is the immediate past chair of PPAI’s Regional Relations Committee. While serving on the committee, he became a strong advocate for collaboration and communication among regional associations nationwide.
- His efforts encouraging regionals to join PPAI as business service members helped strengthen alignment across the industry and create greater value for all involved.
Perhaps most impressive is his continued willingness to serve even after completing his formal leadership commitments, Bednarski adds.
“He has remained actively engaged with the RRC, introduced collaborative workgroup concepts to improve volunteer effectiveness and engagement and most recently volunteered on the Regional Scholarship Selection Committee,” Bednarski wrote. “His continued dedication speaks volumes about his character and his passion for giving back to the industry.”
