June16_VOM-400This month, PPAI recognizes five members of the PPAI Leadership Advisory Committee (LAC) as the June PPB Volunteers of the Month. The Association’s PPB Volunteer of the Month recognition celebrates individuals who have dedicated their time to fulfilling the charge of a committee, advisory group, work group or task force on which they serve.

Mary Dobsch, president of supplier The Chest in Washington, Missouri; Karie Cowden, president of distributor Connect The Dots Promotions LLC in Phoenix, Arizona; Ira Neaman, president of supplier Vantage Apparel in Avenel, New Jersey; Bill Smith, president of distributor Brown & Bigelow, Inc. in St. Paul, Minnesota; and Nikki Stella, president of Promo Marketing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were nominated by Bucky Holcomb, MAS, owner and president of Pine State Marketing, Inc. and LAC chair.

“The Leadership Advisory Committee has been fortunate this year to have leadership from Mary Dobsch, says Holcomb. “She has worked tirelessly to lead the Leadership Advisory Committee through the revised board nomination process. Because of Dobsch’s leadership, the LAC has been successful in recruiting and vetting individuals interested in being considered as a board candidate.

“Karie Cowden, Ira Neaman, Bill Smith and Nikki Stella also served in a leadership capacity to lead LAC members through a rigorous process of interviewing candidates and providing the Elected Directors Nominating Committee with a slate of candidates that have proven success within their own organizations and bring a unique background and skill set for the PPAI Board of Directors. This is an arduous annual task and I’m extremely pleased with the results.”

LAC is responsible for seeking, vetting and developing qualified industry professionals to serve and perform in a leadership role on the PPAI Board. The Leadership Advisory Committee submits recommended board candidates to the Elected Directors Nominating Committee. Through the board nomination process and interviews conducted, the LAC annually submits a slate of four to six distributor and four to six supplier member representatives as recommended board candidates to the Elected Directors Nominating Committee.

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. The nominations will be forwarded to PPB magazine. Those selected  as a 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.