The Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) held its Legislative Education Action Day June 7 at the State Capitol in Lansing. The regional association rented the Speaker’s Library, in the Capitol between the House and Senate floors, and encouraged its members to invite their lawmakers to a hosted breakfast meeting.

MiPPA-Kiewiet-Presentation

Paul Kiewiet, MAS+, executive director of MiPPA, shared an overview of the industry.

MiPPA Executive Director Paul Kiewiet, MAS+, opened the meeting with welcome remarks and provided the audience of legislators an overview of the industry. The speaker lineup also included MiPPA Treasurer Jane Mitchell, who spoke about the Michigan-based suppliers that donated products for the event; MiPPA Past President Dave DeWitt, who discussed the needs of small business members—access to a skilled workforce, protection of employer rights, transportation and future energy needs, and a business-friendly tax climate. MiPPA President John Bates closed the meeting, thanking the attendees on behalf of the association.

MiPPA-Mitchell-Presentation

Jane Mitchell, CAS, owner of Jungle Jane Promotions and MiPPA treasurer spoke to the audience.

The association shared products from Michigan-based suppliers with state representatives and senators at the capitol. These included a sponge scrubby from Amerifoam; bags from TargetLine; a Slip Clip from the Slip Clip Company and a custom wine stopper from Wine-O by Kitchen Happy. AmeriFoam, Onara Enterprises, Headfirst Printing and multi-line reps RK Marketing and JMI Michigan provided additional support to sponsor the event. Julie Wasco, president of The Slip Clip Company, and Patrick Kelleher, president of Headfirst Printing, also attended and hosted the event in addition to their sponsorships.

MiPPA-John-Bates-State-Rep-Peter-Lucido

John Bates (left), regional manager for Polyconcept NA and MiPPA president with Michigan State Rep. Peter Lucido.

In recognition of his office’s help in putting the event together, Speaker Pro Tem Tom Leonard (District 93) was presented a clock donated by the Howard Miller Company.

Following the breakfast meeting, members of the MiPPA delegation visited offices of several representatives and senators, delivering bags of Michigan promotional products and information about the industry and its issues of concern.