Promotional Products Association International (PPAI; www.ppai.org), the world’s largest and oldest international not-for-profit promotional products association, recently announced that Kevin Flynn, MAS, director of sales for TBK Promotions Inc., based in Chicago, and Larry D. Krause, MAS, president of LDK Marketing Services Inc., headquartered in Dallas, as the 2013 PPAI RAC Volunteer of the Year award recipients. Flynn and Krause will be formally honored at the 2013 RAC Leadership Development Workshop opening night reception on September 25, 2013 in Grapevine, Texas.
The PPAI RAC Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to regional association members who have demonstrated an outstanding level of volunteerism, leadership and made other significant and measurable contributions to a regional association. Flynn and Krause exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and inspire those around them with their perseverance, passion and dedication to the promotional products industry at every level.
Since 2002, Kevin Flynn, MAS, has contributed volunteer service to the industry as a board member and president of Promotional Professionals Association of Chicago (PPAChicago) as well as numerous volunteer positions on committees and councils. His strategic leadership style has been instrumental in strengthening and repositioning the PPAChicago organization.
“Kevin Flynn has played a vital role in transforming PPAChicago into what it is today, a strong regional association which focuses on the needs of its members and is recognized throughout the industry as a professional and strong association,” said Jenny Ott, Concord Promotions sales manager. “Kevin’s work has been invaluable to the industry,” said Lisa Shayne, Hit Promotional Products Illinois territory manager.
When asked about his most important contributions as a regional volunteer, Flynn stated, “I am honored to be considered for such an award and thankful to the PPAChicago Board for the nomination, though I didn’t volunteer for recognition. I did it to learn from my involvement, grow personally and give back to the membership to create a more successful environment for everyone involved.”
Larry D. Krause, MAS, has a 30-year legacy of industry service for Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPASW), Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA) and Rocky Mountain Region Promotional Products Association (RMRPPA) as a regional volunteer, RAC delegate, board member and board president. He has served on numerous PPAI committees and event councils, and has contributed greatly as a highly regarded speaker and advisor.
“Larry is an honest, reliable and dependable individual who, when giving his word, follows through,” said Christine Leard, owner of Proforma Creative Promotions. “He has a great sense of humor and is an extremely valuable volunteer,” said Walter Kurt, owner of Three K Consultants Inc. “I consider Larry Krause a mentor and an example of the kind of leadership we need to all strive for in our industry!” said Linda Campbell, MAS, owner of Creative Image Advertising.
When asked about his approach to volunteer service, Krause said, “When I was told of my nomination I said to myself, this is nice, but there is no way I could be singled out considering all the extremely talented volunteers spending countless hours for the regional communities. I am truly honored to be recognized among such a dedicated and talented group!”
About PPAI
Promotional Products Association International is the world’s largest and oldest international not-for-profit promotional products association with a 110-year history of serving a membership that has grown to more than 10,600 corporate members; and advocating for the $18.5 billion promotional products industry with its more than 31,000 businesses and 432,000 professionals. The multi-billion-dollar industry includes wearables, writing instruments, calendars, drinkware and many other items, usually imprinted with a company’s name, logo or message. PPAI offers education, trade shows, publications, business products and services, mentoring, technology and legislative support to its members. PPAI created and maintains the UPIC (Universal Promotional Identification Code), the industry’s only free identification system and universal company database. For information regarding PPAI or to learn more about the proven power of promotional products (including research and case studies), visit the PPAI website at www.ppai.org.
