Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the not-for-profit association for more than 10,600 members of the $17.7 billion promotional products industry, today named Janelle Nevins (posthumously) of the Summit Group LLC, Atlanta, and Roni Wright, MAS, of The Book Company in Crystal Beach, Fla., as the 2013 PPAI Woman of Achievement award recipients. This year these two outstanding women will be honored with custom awards created by R.S. Owens, a division of the St. Regis Group, at an awards presentation during the opening ceremony at PPAI’s Women’s Leadership Conference, July 8, 2013, in San Diego.
Each year PPAI recognizes a woman who has led the way in the advancement of woman in the industry, exhibited outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to the industry and her community. This year, there are two such distinguished honorees. 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.
Janelle Nevins (1949 – 2012)
The PPAI Woman of Achievement award is being presented posthumously to Janelle Nevins for her life of achievement, spirit, energy and passion. Janelle started her business in the basement of her home and built one of the most successful distributorships in the Atlanta area. She was known as an industry pioneer with a never-ending optimism, determination and mentorship of women and men alike exemplifying her qualities as a true leader with a heart of service.
Her community and industry are familiar with her involvement in many organizations and accomplishments including the PPAI Board of Directors, numerous PPAI committees and councils, Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals (GAPPP), University of Tennessee Atlanta Alumni Board, American Association of University Women UT Atlanta, founding member of the PeerNet Group, ASI’s 15 Most Outstanding Women and 1999 Person of the Year, PPAI Gold and Silver Pyramid Award Winner, Most Influential Women Business Leaders in Atlanta, and Orville Smith Community Service Award.
“Janelle was a unique and giving woman who taught, trained, mentored and befriended any in her sphere,” said Marsha Londe, Tango Partners co-owner.
“She brought her genteel personality to this industry and was known for her passion, honesty and beautiful smile,” said Margie Price, MAS, Premiums Plus Incorporated president.
“Her decision making was always thoughtful, guiding and always about the good of the industry. When she spoke the world would stop and listen,” said Paul Lage, Gill Studios Inc. president and CEO.
Roni Wright, MAS
A 28-year industry veteran, Roni is vice president of promotional products supplier, The Book Company. The accomplishments in the company’s development and growth over the past 10 years are a direct result of her exceptional sales and management leadership and effective distributor relations.
“Roni is always pushing the envelope and is never satisfied with the status quo,” said Doug Greenhut, The Book Company president. “Her intelligent, thoughtful approach to her craft is inspiring to me, our employees, suppliers and distributors alike.”
In her volunteer and leadership roles in the promotional products industry, Roni has served on the boards of PPAI, PPEF, the Regional Association Council (RAC), PPAF, YESAA and more than 25 years with the Florida Gulf Coast Ballet Company as a board member and co-artistic director. In addition, she has served on many committees in capacities leading, mentoring, writing and speaking in support of the industry including workshops at The PPAI Expo and Regional Associations, PPAI ADvocate speaker, and Promotions East keynote speaker. She is the recipient of the PPAI Distinguished Service Award, TRASA Volunteer of the Year Award and the YESAA Young Executive of the Year. Directions for Mental Health, PACE Center for Girls and the Literacy Council of Palm Harbor have been the recipients of her countless hours of volunteer leadership and contributions.
“This award is a tremendous and humbling personal honor,” said Roni Wright, MAS. “To be able to pass on the lessons I’ve learned, help develop and advance the industry, and promote the advancement of women as leaders is exciting and professionally gratifying.”
Nevins and Wright are the fifth and sixth recipients of the PPAI Woman of Achievement Award. Previous winners are Mary Ann Farmer, MAS; Margie Price, MAS; Margaret Custer-Ford, MAS; and Carol Aastad, MAS.
For more information, visit www.ppai.org.
