PPAI Board Chair Tom Goos, MAS (left) and PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE (right), met with Zagwear CEO Toby Zacks during their time in New York.

PPAI Board Chair Tom Goos, MAS (left), and PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE (right), met with Zagwear CEO Toby Zacks during their time in New York.

Prior to arriving in Atlantic City, New Jersey, for Expo East, PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, and the Association’s Board Chair Tom Goos, MAS, president of distributor Image Source, Inc., met with industry companies in New York earlier this week. The visits were opportunities to touch base with members and learn more about their perspectives on business, the market and what’s in store for the industry.

Axis Promotions President Larry Cohen hosted Bellantone and Goos during their visit to the distributor's headquarters in New York City.

Axis Promotions President Larry Cohen hosted Bellantone and Goos during their visit to the distributor's headquarters in New York City.

In May, the PPAI Board will meet in Washington, D.C., a few days in advance of the 2016 Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.) for the Association’s annual strategic planning meeting. The meeting brings PPAI’s leadership together to review and update the Association’s strategic plan. In New York, Bellantone and Goos met with Toby Zacks, CEO of Orangeburg-based supplier Zagwear; and Larry Cohen, president of New York City City-based Axis Promotions and PPAI board member at-large; among others, to gather their feedback and impressions ahead of the May meeting.

While in New York, Goos and Bellantone paid joined Image Source Senior Account Executive Greta Mantell during a visit with client David McPhedran.

While in New York, Goos and Bellantone joined Image Source Senior Account Executive Greta Mantell during a visit with client David McPhedran.

“The strategic planning meetings are invaluable for the leadership as we steer this Association,” says Goos. “PPAI’s strategic plan is kept on-track and up-to-date, and we remain responsive to the needs of our membership and the industry. Opportunities to connect and meet face-to-face with our members, and learn about their needs, challenges and observations ensures their viewpoints are represented during the planning sessions.”