Extended Deadline For L.E.A.D Is February 2

John Corrigan - December 13, 2023

Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) reviews PPAI materials during a meeting during the 2023 L.E.A.D. with Andrea Kramer and Michael Steeb of Findlay, Ohio, distributor City Apparel.

Registration for the 2024 PPAI Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.) closes February 2.

On May 13 and 14, 2024, PPAI members and staff will meet with members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill to discuss pending legislation and issues relevant to the promotional products industry.

As L.E.A.D.’s name suggests, the first objective is always to inform senators and representatives about the size and importance of the promo industry, which represents a $25 billion sales market in the United States and employs roughly half a million Americans. Of the industry’s 38,000 companies in the U.S., some 98% are considered small businesses.

This past June, during the first in-person L.E.A.D. since 2019, more than 60 promotional products professionals held more than 80 meetings designed to make connections and educate lawmakers on the branded merchandise industry and four key points important to it today.

‘Always An Honor’

L.E.A.D. draws its participants from across the promo industry, and all understand the importance of supporting their field.

“L.E.A.D. is one of the greatest things that PPAI does,” says Bill Petrie, founder and creative director of brandivate and recipient of PPAI’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award. “It’s so vitally important that we advocate for small business owners, how they conduct their business and how they hire new employees, especially salespeople.”

“It’s always an honor to go to Capitol Hill,” Petrie adds. “You see the same people over and over again, and they remember you brought something with a logo last time. It shows the power of our medium and then we can have a really serious discussion about whatever legislation is on the table and how it will impact small businesses.”