The New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA) named Hanson, Massachusetts-based Walker-Clay (PPAI 109398) its Distributor of the Year at the regional association’s annual Beacon Awards ceremony on March 11. This is the third time the firm was chosen for this honor. Lycia Nadolny, a three-year executive sales assistant with the company, was also honored as NEPPA’s Rising Star of the Year as an up-and-coming promotional professional who brings new ideas, dedication and enthusiasm to her company and the industry. The Beacon Awards, which are voted on by the membership, recognize the outstanding achievements of NEPPA members throughout the year.

“We are extremely excited,” says Amanda Clay, MAS, Walker-Clay’s vice president of sales, “for being chosen for not one, but two awards. This recognition shows what strong partnerships we have developed with our supplier partners and what an incredible team we have. Our entire sales team is now certified with an industry designation. All that extra effort to provide an expert level of service—and having the training and knowledge that certification adds—shows we are on the right track as a model promotional agency.”

Lycia Nadolny was nominated by her peers and selected by NEPPA member supplier partners. Nadolny says, “I am shocked but also thrilled to receive the first Rising Star Award given by NEPPA. I genuinely love helping clients promote and grow their brands. The creativity and collaboration are off the charts here at Walker-Clay and I am so grateful to be a part of such an inspiring and supportive team.”