L.E.A.D. Delegates Get The Industry’s Message Across In Washington, D.C.

Editor’s Note: For PPAI’s Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.), held on March 7-8, more than 60 industry members travelled to Washington, D.C. They participated in more than 200 meetings with key members of Congress and their staffs, sharing the promotional products industry’s concerns and challenges with the country’s elected officials.

UMAPP (Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals) representatives attended 16 meetings during L.E.A.D. in Washington, D.C. During each meeting they focused on emphasizing the value of promotional products, protecting the status of our independent contractors and influencing a favorable tax rate for our small-business owners.

The most productive and rewarding meetings were with the staff of Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-MN) and with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

Bill Benolken, chairman of the UMAPP Government Relations Council, PPAI Board chair Steven Meyer, MAS, and I met with Noah Jacobson, Congressman Paulsen’s legislative counsel. Congressman Paulsen was the first recipient of the UMAPP Legislator of the Year award, which was prominently displayed in his office. The moment we say down, Noah, who was holding the personalized pen we had given him last year, said: “This year I’m way ahead of you. Erik has drafted legislation to protect your industry’s independent contractors. We would like you to review it before we take the next step.”

During our meeting with Senator Klobuchar, I handed her a letter. It was my personal appeal requesting her support for our independent contractors. She graciously agreed to read it. We then met with Paul Zygmunt, her legislative assistant responsible for small-business issues. He was confident that Senator Klobuchar will support Congressman Paulsen’s independent contractor legislation.

David Hawes, MAS
Brand Architect
Geiger
Minnetonka, Minnesota
UPIC: geiger

Thank you all for putting together such a professional event to make us all successful in our efforts this week. The team was amazing, even more so than last year, and I was completely impressed. We appreciate them and what they continue to do to make our industry better every day. It was a privilege to represent our industry in the way we did, so thank you all.

Steve Parker, MAS
Halo Branded Solutions/ Go logo Promotional Products
Van Nuys, California
UPIC: HBS

What a worthwhile event.  I am so glad to have been a part of it. I will follow up with those I met ASAP, and I am already planning for next year.

Peter Zeiger, MAS
Director Of Recruiting And Sales Partner Development
Geiger
Cumberland, Rhode Island
UPIC: geiger

Thanks to all of you for an incredible experience. I was very proud to be part of L.E.A.D. and of our industry this week.

Doug Terry
Vice President Of Sales
TerryTorry Marketing
Gainesville, Georgia
UPIC: KENTERRY