Almost 60 industry volunteers joined PPAI staff in our nation’s capital this week to ask for a clear and predictable trade policy and to educate lawmakers on how our global supply chain supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

Each year, a dedicated group of industry professionals travels to the nation’s capital to advocate for the needs and interests of the branded merchandise industry. PPAI revamped and intensified its advocacy efforts in 2025, with a new lobbying partner in Washington, new guidance for advocacy at the regional association level and much more.

ICYMI: PPAI Advocacy Report Card: Expanded & Intensified Efforts In 2025

“LEAD is a critical annual moment for PPAI because it elevates our medium through advocacy on Capitol Hill, amplifying our collective voice and showcasing an industry that powers lasting connections, supports jobs and strengthens communities,” said Drew Holmgreen, PPAI president & CEO.

• LEAD 2026, on April 21, took place less than three months after our first-ever LEAD ECHO, or Executive Capitol Hill Outreach, where a small cohort of PPAI 100 executives met with federal agency leadership and key members of Congress in February.

“The thing that impressed me a lot was some of the people we met with today remembered us and some of the things we talked about last year, and they asked us about them, which tells me our messages are resonating,” said Joe Michmershuizen, owner of Promotions By Design.

LEAD is a critical annual moment for PPAI because it elevates our medium through advocacy on Capitol Hill.”

Drew Holmgreen

PPAI President & CEO

Our Messages

A crucial part of the annual Legislative Education and Action Day, better known as LEAD, is explaining who we are and our economic impact in the U.S. This year was no different, as LEAD attendees helped lawmakers understand that although most promo products are imported, the value is largely created in the U.S. – by American workers – through design, decoration, customization and more.

“As a first-time LEAD participant, what stood out to me is how important it is to bring real business stories into these conversations,” said Brenda Speirs, founder & CEO of Buzztag. “Policy decisions aren’t abstract. They directly impact how we plan, price and grow. Being here gives our industry a voice, and that matters. I encourage everyone to participate when they have the opportunity.”

Members also urged lawmakers to oppose efforts to restrict federal agencies to purchasing only products made in the USA. Such efforts are based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the critical role of American workers in the branded merchandise industry – but a prohibition also would restrict the choices available to federal buyers, as many of the most popular blank products buyers want are not made in the U.S., such as double-wall stainless steel drinkware.

“This year’s LEAD was exceptionally well executed and deeply impactful, bringing together experienced advocates and new voices in a way that strengthened our entire community,” said says Kara Keister, MAS, head of GOOD for Social Good Promotions and PPAI Regional Relations Committee board liaison. “The depth of preparation, real‑time engagement and collaboration on display made this one of the most meaningful LEAD events yet and a powerful representation of our industry.” 

Capitol Hill conversations also focused on asking for clear, deliberative and predictable trade policy, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that’s up for review this summer, and the African Growth & Opportunity Act, which expired Sept. 30, 2025, but was renewed retroactively on Feb. 3 through the end of this year.

Policy decisions aren’t abstract. They directly impact how we plan, price and grow. Being here gives our industry a voice, and that matters.”

Brenda Speirs

Founder & CEO, Buzztag

Members shared how tariffs and the uncertainty caused by rapid changes have affected their businesses over the past year. Many noted pricing challenges and reduced revenue from absorbing increased costs, as well as import delays and deferred hiring.

• Our most recent member survey found that more than half of PPAI 100 distributors and suppliers experienced cost increases in 2025 due to tariffs.
• Tariff relief under USMCA for goods from Canada and Mexico provided important pricing stability for many American businesses in 2025.

“What an incredible day of advocacy, connection and impact!” said Mark Gammon, vice president of national accounts and buying groups at PCNA and a PPAI Board member. There’s nothing quite like seeing our industry show up in force, sharing our story, championing the power of promotional products and making sure the voices of our businesses are heard on Capitol Hill.”

Gammon added that he felt energized after the conversations with lawmakers: “I think we had more receptive ears this year. Last year, everybody was nervous about tariffs, but today it was a very open conversation on both sides.”

Renewal of AGOA was an important win for PPAI, and we continue to ask for a longer-term renewal, which would provide important stability and predictability for American businesses with ties to the continent. Members also asked lawmakers to encourage stability as a top priority during the scheduled joint review of USMCA and to pursue renewal of the agreement with minimal changes.

“It’s an honor to be remembered in these meetings, and especially meaningful when congressional staffers reference past challenges we’ve raised and ask how policy changes have impacted us since,” said Mark Shinn, MAS, a former regional association president and longtime attendee who was at the first PPAI LEAD in 2010.

There’s nothing quite like seeing our industry show up in force, sharing our story, championing the power of promotional products and making sure the voices of our businesses are heard on Capitol Hill.”

Mark Gammon

PCNA VP of National Accounts & Buying Groups and PPAI Board Member.

What’s Next?

LEAD is a critical part of our advocacy efforts, which are a marathon, not a sprint. An upcoming PPAI Media webinar at noon Central on April 30 will provide a comprehensive recap of the event with a clear view of how the branded merchandise industry is represented on Capitol Hill – and how you can help.

Mark Your Calendar: Webinar Recaps PPAI Legislative Concerns & How You Can Help

Attendees will hear directly from PPAI advocacy leaders, along with our lobbying partners in Washington and LEAD volunteers who took part in meetings with elected officials. Here’s a sneak peek:

“This is the best LEAD I’ve attended,” said Bill Petrie, founder & creative director of brandivate and longtime LEAD attendee who’ll be sharing more in our webinar. “Representatives and senators from both sides of the aisle made it clear that not only do they appreciate the efficacy and value of our medium, but that they understand the challenges we face – especially those of the 98% of us who work for or own small businesses. PPAI and our lobbying partners at Thorn Run did a truly phenomenal job of preparing us to ensure that our message was clear, united and powerful.”

Written by: Rachel Zoch, CAS

Published with permission from PPAI