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L.E.A.D. 2024

This year at PPAI’s L.E.A.D. (Legislative Education and Action Day), the Pacific Northwest was proudly represented by NWPMA Past President Dani Smith from Third Day Creative, Heather Comerford from 1338 Tryon, along with Mark Shinn, a dedicated member of the PPAI Government Relations Committee, and Thomas Dalis from Timbuk2, NWPMA President-Elect. The team visited several U.S. Senators and Representatives from the Pacific Northwest, engaging in vital discussions about our industry and the impact of government policies on our sector.

Dani Smith reflected on the experience, stating, "It is always an honor to serve as a representative at L.E.A.D. in Washington, DC. We had a great team, and our discussions underscored the significant economic impact of our industry and the need for supportive policies. PPAI does a fantastic job organizing this event, providing us with a wonderful opportunity to represent our industry on Capitol Hill."

Dani highlighted the substantial economic footprint of the promotional products industry, which is valued at $26 billion. Oregon contributes over $99 million, while Washington represents over $1.8 billion, combining both distributors and suppliers. Remarkably, small businesses dominate the industry, making up 97% of companies in Washington and 99% in Oregon. "We asked them to consider those numbers when making policies," she added.

Key issues addressed during the meetings included renewing the GSP retroactively, clarifying the independent contractor status and advocating for increased competition in credit card payment options to help reduce fees.

Mark Shinn stressed the importance of these discussions, saying, "Having been a part of this for over 12 years, I can assure you, our voices have made a difference in our visits. The discussions involve educating legislators about the enduring power of promotional products and how various government policies affect the promo industry."

Our ongoing participation highlights the significant impact we can make through these visits. If you're interested in joining our annual advocacy efforts and making your voice heard, please contact shay@nwpma.org