PPAI has been named one of the Best Places to Work in 2019 by Outside magazine. PPAI checked in at No. 35 on the magazine’s annual list of the nation’s 50 top employers.

“We are honored to be named to this list of exceptional companies with warm and welcoming environments prioritizing work-life balance,” says PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE. “This recognition acknowledges our past efforts and helps set goals for the future as a best-in-class employer. There is a sense of accomplishment and community that comes from working at PPAI that I personally believe is hard to find elsewhere.”

Outside magazine has compiled a “Best Places to Work” list since 2008. Working in collaboration with the Best Companies Group, an independent research firm specializing in identifying and recognizing great places to work, it makes its determinations based on an analysis of employer benefits and policies, and an employee engagement and satisfaction survey.

“Working at PPAI encompasses purposeful and rewarding work as we advocate for and advance the promotional products industry, while promoting a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere,” says PPAI Human Resources Manager Doris Sweely. “For PPAI to be recognized as one of The 50 Best Places to Work in 2019 is a proud moment both professionally and personally. It reinforces that we have a true family culture where work-life balance is modeled and encouraged.”

In recognizing the Association, Outside highlighted its numerous staff engagement events throughout the year, including an annual animal-themed obstacle race to raise money for animal rescue, as well as the fun-filled, team-building fitness challenges PPAI organizes, such as marshmallow archery, black-light dodgeball, ax throwing and escape rooms. Staff committees also organize an annual cornhole tournament and two annual staff outings as well as quarterly birthday celebrations, a Halloween costume contest, chili cook-offs, onsite massages and food truck treats.

This is PPAI’s first time being honored by Outside and was one of just two organizations in Texas to be honored; C1S Group in Dallas landed at No. 48.

Outside is America’s leading active lifestyle magazine, with more than two million monthly readers. For more than 30 years, the magazine has covered travel, sports, adventure, health and fitness, as well as the personalities, environment and style and culture of the world “outside.” Along with receiving many other accolades, Outside is the only magazine to win three consecutive National Magazine Awards for General Excellence.

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James Khattak is news editor of PPB.