Roughly 60 members, along with key PPAI staff, from across the country gathered in Washington this week for PPAI’s annual Legislative Education and Action Day, and they had a packed agenda.
Whether experienced attendees or first-timers, all were eager to share the branded merchandise industry’s scope, influence and needs with representatives, senators and their staffers. [Check out this message from PPAI President and CEO Drew Holmgreen, CAS, live from Capitol Hill.]
Thanks to the Association’s partnership with Thorn Run Partners, a top 10 Washington lobbying firm, LEAD participants had Capitol insiders guiding the way as they visited congressional offices.
“LEAD is consistently one of my favorite events of the year. Many of us volunteer to network, gain or hone skills, and truly make a difference,” says Kara Keister, MAS, head of GOOD for Social Good Promotions and PPAI Regional Relations Committee board liaison. “The annual LEAD event checks every one of those boxes. Not only is it a growth opportunity for attendees, but it’s imperative to the industry and our future.”
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PPAI has long supported free trade. Serving members of all political stripes, the Association recognizes the need for policies that strengthen the U.S. economy and support domestic manufacturing. However, any measures – including tariffs – must be implemented strategically to minimize short-term economic disruption while setting the stage for long-term growth.
Tariffs and trade top the list of issues PPAI members will be addressing in their meetings on Capitol Hill. LEAD conversations will focus on asking for clear, deliberative and predictable trade policy, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement that’s up for review this year. Members will be encouraged to share how tariffs and the uncertainty caused by rapid changes have affected their businesses, from pricing challenges and reduced revenue from absorbing increased costs to import delays and deferred hiring.
Educating members of Congress and their staffers on the industry’s scope and economic impact is also a key message. Branded merch and promotional products support more than a million jobs in our industry alone – not to mention the revenue they drive for client businesses – and LEAD attendees will help lawmakers understand that although most promo products are imported, the value is largely created in the U.S. with design, decoration, customization and more.
LEAD demonstrates PPAI’s strategic commitment to elevating branded merch and ensuring its value is understood at every level, especially on Capitol Hill, Holmgreen says.
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“Advocacy is essential to that elevation. It creates opportunity, fuels growth and protects our community’s ability to thrive,” he adds. “Branded merch powers lasting connections, and our presence in Washington ensures that impact is recognized.”
All PPAI members are welcome and encouraged to support the Association’s advocacy efforts. Follow PPAI Media and our Newslink emails for opportunities to participate in ongoing lobbying initiatives focused on tariff relief and other issues of importance to the promotional products industry.
For questions or suggestions on regulatory or government affairs issues, please contact Rachel Zoch at RachelZ@ppai.org.
