Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), Irving, Texas, announced Mary Dobsch, MAS, owner and president of Washington, Missouri-based supplier The Chest Inc., as the 2016 PPAI Woman of Achievement. The presentation of the PPAI Woman of Achievement award will take place during the 2016 PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference welcome dinner and award presentation on June 27 in Atlanta.
“Her ability to gain the customer’s trust, even when there was bad news, is remarkable,” one of Dobsch’s nominators said. “I believe, on reflection, that Mary’s greatest gift is to be able to show empathy, fairness and kindness to everyone, no matter if they are friends, family, customers or colleagues. If you take a look at her accomplishments in both the industry and in her personal life, you find a person who is willing [to] give back to the community with her time, money and skills. Mary sets the bar very high and is an example of living life with honor and dignity.”
A 39-year veteran of the promotional products industry, Dobsch previously served on the PPAI Board of Directors from 2008 to 2012 and was tapped to fill a vacated seat in September 2013, serving until January 2014. She has served on numerous PPAI committees and currently is serving on the PPAI Leadership Advisory Committee through 2018.
She worked as sales coordinator for Magnet Inc., and, prior to that, in customer service at Hazel Inc. Her career took her to The Chest Inc. as the vice president of sales and marketing. In 2005, Dobsch purchased the company.
In addition, Dobsch is active in her community. She is a past president of the Washington Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Rotary Club. She has served on committees with Washington United Way, the Washington Area YMCA and the Emmaus Homes.
The 2016 PPAI Woman of Achievement award recognizes an individual who has led the way in the advancement of women in the industry, exhibited outstanding leadership, and made significant contributions to the industry and her community. The PPAI Woman of Achievement constantly strives to go above and beyond. She leads the way by setting the standard of excellence in the industry. She’s an inspiration to others, a role model and mentor.
For more information on PPAI, visit www.ppai.org.
