On Dec. 18, 2013, Promotional Products Association International, Irving, Texas, the world’s largest and oldest international not-for-profit promotional products association, has announced that Norma Jean Knollenberg, CIP, CPIM, president of Oshkosh, Wis., supplier Top Brands Inc., has joined the PPAI Board of Directors, effective immediately. Knollenberg’s appointment fills a vacant seat on the Board of Directors that ends at The PPAI Expo 2016.
“Norma Jean brings a wealth of board experience for trade associations as well as the perspectives of the premium and incentive niche within our extended industry,” said Marc Simon, PPAI board chair. “For both reasons, Norma Jean will add considerable value to our discussion.”
Knollenberg entered the industry as premium sales manager for Omaha Steaks International and in 1982 joined Top Brands Inc. She became owner of Top Brands in 1993. Top Brands has been in operation for 53 years, a PPAI member since 1991, and is a Certified Woman-owned business.
“I have been very impressed with the growth and professionalism of the PPAI organization under the leadership of qualified and professional board members,” Knollenberg said. “As the marketplace changes and branches out into other channels, as evidenced by the brand. pavilion at the various PPAI trade shows, I am hopeful that I can bring to the board insights and perspectives from that segment of the overall promotional industry.”
Knollenberg has been an active industry volunteer for many years serving on the Board of National Premium Sales Executives (NPSE) and as president in 1990. She also served on the board of Incentive Manufacturers and Representatives Association (IMRA) and was president in 1999-2000. In addition, she was on the Steering Committee to develop the Incentive Marketing Association (IMA), served on the board and was president in 2009.
For more information, visit www.ppai.org.
