In March 2014, PPAI began recognizing a PPB Volunteer of the Month. These are individuals who 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.

Phil-Martin-PPB-VolunteerPPAI recognizes Phil Martin, MAS, national sales manager at Warwick Publishing Company in St. Charles, Illinois, as November’s PPB Volunteer of the Month. The recipients of this recognition are individuals who 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. Martin serves as chair of the Awards & Recognition Committee and was nominated by Carol Gauger, PPAI director of member engagement & regional relations and staff liaison to the Awards & Recognition Committee.

“Phil is an absolute pleasure to collaborate with,” says Gauger. “He always makes time to discuss agenda items, outcomes and next steps in preparation for calls. He is always on time for calls and runs a really effective meeting, ensuring that the agenda items are managed, all members are able to participate and be heard and that appropriate procedures are followed. He brings a level of humor at appropriate times and has been successful in creating a productive and genial relationship with a very diverse group of people.”

In addition to chairing the PPAI Awards & Recognition Committee, Martin leads nomination panels through a slate selection of proposed award recipients such as the Woman of Achievement Award. During the PPAI Expo, Martin also participates in the live PPAI Awards Presentation and Reception at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Gauger adds, “When Phil attended the Leadership Day Training for committee chairs this year, he was a very engaged participant and lent a hand to staff as well. He jumped in with both feet to be an active participant in the case study exercises. Someone with Phil’s years of experience may not have been so open to this activity but Phil champions the PPAI volunteer cause!”

PPAI’s Awards & Recognition Committee reviews all recognition categories to determine relevance in the changing marketplace, makes recommendations for revisions, updates and additions to PPAI award categories, content, eligibility and judging criteria on an annual basis. New awards and recognition concepts recommended by other committees, advisory groups, task forces or members are reviewed on a collaborative basis. The Association’s Awards and Recognition Program celebrates creative excellence throughout the promotional products industry. With awards recognizing everything from Distinguished Service and Hall of Fame careers to great websites, outstanding customer service and everything in between, PPAI Awards winners embody excellence.

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

• Current members of a committee, task force or advisory group.

• Someone who demonstrates an exemplary level of volunteer contribution.

• Someone who provides positive examples to others.

• A volunteer who contributes in a constructive and positive way to volunteer activities.

• An individual who collaborates well with others.

• Someone who demonstrates knowledge of the topics and work.

• A volunteer who presents themselves as a positive influence in their interaction with the 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 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.