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Forum Study Promotes Constituent-Based Leadership
A new study from the Forum for People Performance Management and Measurement affirms the idea that business success is highly dependent on business leaders fostering a "people-led approach" within their organizations.

The study, Leadership and the Performance of People in Organizations: Enriching Employees and Connecting People, notes that declining trust in management and an increase in the use of technology to make personal connections are factors to consider when determining how to lead.

Click here to read more.

Leed's Redirects Website Traffic After Internet Attack
New Kensington, Pennsylvania-based supplier Leed's (UPIC: LEEDS) has redirected its primary website address to an alternate URL after a Denial of Service attack on the Leed's website.

"These types of website attacks are difficult to defend against," says Tom Vogl, Leed's vice president of information services.  "We are doing everything we can to keep our site operational and available for customer use."

In a denial-of-service (DoS) attack, an attacker attempts to prevent legitimate users from accessing information or services, according to the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team. The most common type of DoS attack occurs when an attacker overloads a network with information.

Leed's websites my.leedsworld.com, www.somuchmore09.com and www.leedsworld.ca are fully operational, although they may run more slowly than normal.

Proforma Launches ‘Thankful' Promotion
Cleveland, Ohio-based distributor Proforma (UPIC: PROFORMA) is helping industry members see the brighter side of life through its "What Are You Thankful For?" promotion.

The promotion asks participants to submit photos depicting what they are most thankful for. The concept behind it is to get people to focus on the important things in life instead of the negativity that has dominated the news this past year, says Greg Muzillo, Proforma founder.

Muzillo says the feedback he's received from the industry has been positive, with people saying they "appreciate the transparency of the promotion."

Click here to read more.

SAGE Partners With Staples For Member Benefits Program
Carrollton, Texas-based business services provider SAGE (UPIC: SAGE) and office supply giant Staples have partnered to provide SAGE customers with access to the Staples Advantage program.

Through the Staples Advantage program, SAGE customers receive discounts and savings, free next-day service for minimum orders and a dedicated account manager, among other benefits.

"We're thrilled to be working with Staples and to be able to offer this great benefit to our customers," says David Natinsky, SAGE president.

Promotional Products Are Top Pick Among End Buyers
PPAI's most recent end buyer study confirms that they prefer promotional products for their advertising needs over traditional media such as television spots, newspapers and internet ads.

Promotional products outranked other media in five categories including "audience-friendly" and "ability to achieve long-term memorability at the cost of paying only for a single exposure."

The study surveyed more than 1,000 buyers and was conducted by researchers at Louisiana State University and Glenrich Business Studies exclusively for PPAI. Click here to read more.

PPAI Announces Latest MAS/CAS Designees
PPAI congratulates the latest group of promotional products professionals to achieve the Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) and Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) designations. Click here to see the list of designees.

MAS/CAS Certification designations are the industry benchmarks, demonstrating designees' commitment to promotional products business and improving career opportunities and advancement.

The next MAS/CAS certification exam will be given at The PPAI Expo 2010 in Las Vegas in January. To sit for this exam, candidates must submit their registration form no later than Wednesday, December 23.

Score A Chance To Upgrade Your Room At The Expo
PPAI is offering members a chance to make their stay even sweeter with a drawing for a free suite upgrade at The Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas during The PPAI Expo in January.

All PPAI members who book a room at the Mandalay Bay in the PPAI block are eligible; two drawings have already been held, and two more will be held at 5 pm this Friday, November 27, and again next Friday, December 4.

Members who have already registered are automatically entered for each weekly giveaway; to book a room now, call PPAI's official housing company, Ambassadors, at 800-648-0007 or register online.

Don't Miss The Next Government Relations Webinar
A free PPAI webinar focusing on "Physician Payments Sunshine Act," presented by Anne Lardner, PPAI senior manager of public affairs, will be held Monday, November 30, at 1 pm CST. Attendees will learn about the potential impact of this legislation and how they can reach out to their legislators. Click here to register.

Plan Ahead With An Expo PlanIT Webinar
Want to make the most out of your time at The Expo? Attend the free PPAI webinar "Expo PlanIT – Know Before You Go!" on Wednesday, December 2, from 10 - 11 am CST.

Expo PlanIT is an online, interactive tool to search exhibitors and help plan a successful Expo experience. With so many exhibitors to see, events to attend and places to be, developing a plan of action is the best way to maximize your experience at The PPAI Expo 2010. Click here to register for this webinar.

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Senate Moves Closer to Healthcare Bill Vote
Senate Democrats moved their version of the healthcare reform bill closer to a vote on Saturday with their 60-member approval to send it into open debate on the Senate floor. The Senate is expected to begin debate on the bill after Thanksgiving.

Members are encouraged to voice their concerns about the healthcare bill, which includes provisions that mirror those of the Physician Payments Sunshine Act. Learn more about the legislation and its potential impact on the promotional products industry, and find information on contacting senators, at www.ppailaw.org.

PPAI Lobbyist To Attend
Wellness And Prevention Forum

PPAI lobbyist Robbert Drummer will attend "The Case for Wellness Programs: From Evidence to Practice" on December 3 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, is scheduled to speak at the forum, which is presented by the Chamber Foundation, along with a representative from pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline and a panel of health and wellness experts.

Forum participants will address the need for and benefits of preventative approaches to healthcare, such as the implementation of workplace wellness programs.

Be Sure To Visit PPAI Action Central
At The Expo
Take advantage of PPAI Action Central in Booth 6103 during The PPAI Expo 2010 to get up to speed on product safety and government relations work. The booth's kiosks allow visitors to contact elected officials and engage in one-on-one sessions with product safety experts.

For more information on PPAI Action Central or to set an appointment with Susan DeRagon, associate director for toys and premiums with Specialized Technology Resources (STR), contact Anne Lardner, PPAI senior manager of public affairs.

Cedar Crest Hires Three Sales Reps
Cedar Rapids-based supplier Cedar Crest Manufacturing (UPIC: CCM) has hired Laura Paulding, Chris Young and Lanette Young as sales reps for Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma.

R.S. Owens Names Goebelt Regional Sales Manager
Chicago, Illinois-based supplier R.S. Owens & Co. (UPIC: RSOWENS) has hired Carol Goebelt, MAS, as midwest regional sales manager. Goebelt has more than 20 years' experience working for promotional product suppliers. 

Showdown Displays Hires Ferguson For New Sales Post
Ramsey, Minnesota-based supplier Showdown Displays (UPIC: SHOWDOWN) has named Tayler Ferguson to the newly created position of inside sales rep. Ferguson works with distributors and also helps build an expanded tradeshow presence for Showdown within the industry.

Vernon Hires Eastern Region Reps
Newton, Iowa-based distributor The Vernon Company (UPIC: Vernon) has hired Elizabeth and Kent Mills as account executives in its eastern region.

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Las Vegas After Hours
What's your favorite thing to do or see in Las Vegas? Let us know in 50 words or less and your submission may be published in a feature in the PPAI Daily during the PPAI Expo 2010. Send your answer to Tina Filipski by November 30.

Take A Swing At Golf Products
If you're planning a golf tournament, golf-themed campaign or just need some great gifts for golfers, don't miss the February issue of PPB. It's packed with tees, clubs, putters, bags, divot tools, towels, umbrellas and lots of golf-themed accessories. For consideration, get your product descriptions and high-resolution images to Audrey Sellers by December 4.

Got Golfwear?
We're looking for the newest golf apparel to feature in the February issue of PPB. If you have caps, jackets, sport shirts, vests and windshirts that are great for the greens, send apparel descriptions and high-resolution images to Audrey Sellers for possible inclusion. December 4 is the submission deadline. 

Calling All Camera Mavens!
What great photos do you have from a recent company event, meeting or outing? PPB is on the search for industry pictures of all kinds. Send high-resolution photos and a description of what's taking place and who's pictured to Snapshots@ppai.org by December 4.

Become A Star At The PPAI Expo 2010
Have you ever wanted to be a star? Here's your chance! PPAI is collecting video testimonials. Tell us why you're a member of PPAI and your video may be featured at The PPAI Expo 2010. Send the original video tape or clip on disc to PPAI – I Want To Be A Star! Attention: Keith Vincent, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038

PPAI Needs Your Olympic Products
The PPAI public relations department is developing a collection of products that promote The Olympic Games. Please send your products or high-res photographs to Erica Edwards, PPAI communications coordinator, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038.

Putting Product Virtue Ahead Of Price
Changes are inevitable for suppliers, distributors and clients. The economy is forcing all of us to work smarter with greater efficiency. Does that mean lowering prices? Going direct?

Twitter For Businesses
Gina Barreca started Twitter as a personal venture, but realized that because some of her personal goals were career-oriented, her profile would eventually be linked with her company and her work persona.

Combat Distraction
Working from home is convenient, until all of those conveniences add up to a day full of distractions and little productivity.

 

what would you do?

A distributor asks: "A client recently found an item online at a lower price than I could quote it. It's not exactly the same item but it's close enough that he's willing to buy it online instead of from me. What can I do to keep his business and how can I avoid this problem in the future?"

What's your answer? E-mail answers along with your name, title and company name to Question@ppai.org by November 30 for possible inclusion in the January issue of PPB magazine.

Answers to this month's question are in. Click here to read advice on setting up guidelines for warehousing imprinted products on behalf of clients.

3125 Skyway Circle North
Irving, Texas 75038
Phone: 888-I-AM-PPAI
Fax: 972-258-3012