Many communities and businesses in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and neighboring states have been devastated by recent summer storms and flooding. As flood waters recede in some towns, and continue to rise in others along the Mississippi, additional communities are expected to struggle with transportation, flood damage and communication challenges.
The Irving, Texas-based Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), announced it is reaching out to member companies affected by these floods in the form of the Promotional Products Business Recovery Plan. The purpose of the recovery plan is to take care of immediate needs by determining which companies have been affected and what they need in order to begin the process of collecting and distributing critical resources to help owners and employees re-establish businesses. This plan was first used in 2005 to help those industry members who were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
“In some areas, the damage is simply catastrophic,” said Sherri Lennarson, MAS, president of Iowa City, Iowa-based Bankers Advertising and PPAI chair-elect. “Times like this call for us to come together as a community and support one another. I’m proud of our Association in taking the lead in delivering help that’s dearly needed in the affected areas,” added Lennarson. “But, we Midwesterners are a hearty lot and I’m confident that we’ll rise above these flood waters,” she concluded.
To address the immediate needs, PPAI asks for the industry’s help in identification of those affected and their needs. In addition, financial contributions, goods, materials and services that are essential to operating and managing a distributor sales office or supplier manufacturing facility are needed. Those wishing to help or make a goods donation are encouraged to e-mail your proposed donation to Anne Lardner, PPAI senior manager of communications at [email protected].
Financial contributions can be directed to the Promotional Products Business Recovery Fund, care of PPAI, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038. This fund is a 501c3 organization and all contributions will be tax deductible. A receipt noting your tax-deductible contribution will be sent to you. These funds will be dispersed directly to those member companies most severely affected by this natural disaster.
For more information about PPAI, visit www.ppai.org or call (972) 258-3041.
