AUG16_VOM-400[1]This month, PPAI recognizes Larry Whitney, director, global compliance for the Polyconcept family of suppliers—Leed’s, Bullet, Journalbooks/Timeplanner Calendars and Trimark Sportswear Group, headquartered in New Kensington, Pennsylvania—as August’s PPB Volunteer of the Month. Whitney serves on PPAI’s Product Responsibility Action Group (PRAG) and is currently president of the board of directors for Quality Certification Alliance (QCA), and serves on QCA’s Compliance Committee. He was nominated by Tim Brown, MAS, former PPAI product responsibility manager and staff liaison to PRAG.

The Association began recognizing PPB Volunteers of the Month in 2014. These individuals have dedicated their time to the progress and fulfilling the charge of a committee, advisory group, work group or task force on which they serve.

“Larry is one of the most respected compliance professionals in the industry,” says Brown. “He willingly shares his knowledge in the hope of protecting and growing the industry through improved compliance processes across the board. This knowledge comes from Larry having a certificate in product safety management from the John Cook School of Business at St. Louis University as well as being a Certified Supply Chain Professional through American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS).”

Brown adds, “Larry’s commitment to compliance and to protecting the industry has been instrumental in the success of the PPAI Product Responsibility Summit and the PPAI Responsible Sourcing and Compliance Manuals. He provides excellent insights, valuable input and sound direction for PRAG initiatives, and his involvement in the development of the manuals has been stellar. Larry is always one of the first to provide feedback regarding content and direction for our manual each year. And it’s more than just general feedback. Larry consistently provides well thought out detailed information and guidance supported by sound judgement.”

PRAG offers advice and feedback to PPAI regarding “product safety and responsibility,” including state and federal regulations and member education.

PPAI is looking for the next PPB Volunteer of the month. The Association is looking for someone who:

  • Is a current member of a committee, task force or advisory group

  • Demonstrates an exemplary level of volunteer contribution

  • Is a positive example to others

  • Contributes in a constructive and positive way to volunteer activities

  • Collaborates well with others

  • Demonstrates knowledge of the topics and work

  • Presents a positive influence during interaction with a group

Nominations may be submitted by current members of a committee, advisory group, work group or task force, as well as by PPAI board members or PPAI current staff. Those selected for inclusion as PPB Volunteer of the Month will be announced and featured in a PPAI publication as well as the quarterly Volunteer Newsletter.

Nominations open the first of each month and close on the 15th. To nominate a current volunteer, complete the nomination form here.