The Michigan Promotional Professionals Association held its own Legislative Education and Action Day at the state’s capital in Lansing on May 8, spearheaded by promo professionals and attended by Michigan politicians who can help bring action to the voices of the promo industry.

  • Thirty local legislators as well as 25 MiPPA members representing different promo firms attended the event.


The aim of MiPPA’s LEAD Day was to educate the law makers on the importance of the promotional products industry to the Michigan economy through a presentation that highlighted not only promo’s broad range and economic impact, but also the role it played in each of their campaigns. The presentation took place over breakfast.

“Before and after this brief presentation, our members networked and spoke with legislators on their businesses, the work they do and why it’s important,” says Sydney Dych, executive director of MiPPA.

Of Local And National Importance

During what has become a tumultuous and unpredictable year of political and economic significance, it is paramount that people in positions to make legislative decisions understand the scope, impact, benefits and concerns of the promotional products industry.

RELATED: LEAD Brought Promo’s Voice To Congress: Now It’s Your Turn

Last month, the promo world converged on the nation’s capital for LEAD to advocate to legislators on behalf of the industry and discuss a wide range of topics. Tariff and trade topped the lists of concerns that LEAD volunteers brought to what was deemed a successful event.

“We left with confidence that our elected officials understand and support the need for balanced strategies that protect fair trade without compromising our industry’s incredible ability to spread joy around the world,” said Drew Holmgreen, PPAI’s president and CEO. “Thank you for showing up, speaking up and lifting our community.”

Tony Shereda, MAS, MiPPA’s past present and current treasurer and VP of sales for distributor QMI Group, attended PPAI’s LEAD in Washington D.C., which made him well-equipped to be the primary presenter at MiPPA’s LEAD Day in Lansing.

We had the right meetings with the right people at the right time, and we are building a community that has value in teaching others in the industry.”

Tony Shereda

Treasurer, MiPPA & VP of Sales, QMI Group

“We had the right meetings with the right people at the right time, and we are building a community that has value in teaching others in the industry,” says Shereda.

Reach out and get involved with your regional association to find out if it holds a LEAD Day or other process by which to get promo an audience with local legislators.