“Being chosen to represent the promotional products industry in DC was an honor,” states Brian Porter, Vice President of Sales. “As a first time lobbyist, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the Congressmen down to the staffers, they were open, engaged and truly interested in the industry and our concerns. I feel it gives us a voice that not so many years ago, wasn’t there. To see our great republic in action and to be a part of it, even if for only a few days, was amazing. Now, the most important part of any meeting starts….the follow up!”
The sixth annual PPAI Legislation Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.) came to a successful conclusion last week, as 78 industry professionals from 30 states met with senators, congressional representatives and legislative staff to discuss relevant legislation, issues and opportunities.
L.E.A.D. participants held 260 meetings on Capitol Hill on May 20 and 21, sharing the value of promotional products. Conversations focused on important national and local issues, including tax reform and the industry’s place within potential tax reform. L.E.A.D. pressed for the advertising deduction to remain unchanged and delivered independent contractor language that amends the tax code to add promotional consultants to the category of direct sellers.
(Pictured from left: Brad Ashford (Nebraska Representative), Rachel Valdez, CAS (Sales Executive at The Creative J), Brian Porter (Vice President of sales at Pro Towels) and Tiffany Tarr, CAS (Vice President of sales at DistributorCentral)
