I have been active in PPAChicago since 2003 and was elected to the Board as a Director in 2006.  This past year and a half on the board has been rewarding as I have met a lot of new people, made new friends, and contributed to many improvements within the association. 
My 18 years in the industry have been both challenging and gratifying.  As we all have seen, this industry is ever changing and to be successful, we must be proactive. 
I joined 3M Promotional Markets in 2002 and now have responsibility for both my IL and WI territory, as well as assisting our Multi-Line Reps in OH, MI, and IN. 
As Vice President, I will continue to work as a conduit between the board, distributors, and suppliers to advance our PPAChicago mission and help facilitate continued growth.  

Director Karen Prusinowski Sanford Business to Business 2135 N. Hoyne #1 Chicago, IL 60647 Ph: 773-486-2418 Fax: 773-486-2498

Although I may be considered a newcomer to the industry, I believe I can bring a fresh perspective, great energy, and valuable insight to PPAChicago as a board member.  I have been with Sanford for five years.  For the majority of my career I worked on the retail side of the business in sales and marketing, where I resided in Boston, MA.  As I learned more about this industry, I was eager to be a part of it.  From the moment I moved to Chicago as the Account Manager for Sanford, I was welcomed by my customers and fellow suppliers alike. 
Sanford has long been an avid supporter of PPAChicago, and I quickly followed suit.  I represented Sanford as a sponsor and committee volunteer for the annual PPAChicago Golf Outing.  I volunteered on this year’s New Product Idea’s Show committee, and I am a regular participant and supporter of all PPAChicago sponsored events.  I would be thrilled to give back to the organization that has welcomed me from day one! 

I have a 360º view of the promotional products industry having experienced the promotional sales process from many different seats.   My career started on the client side as a buyer of promotional products. In 1997 I became a distributor salesperson and spent the last decade working with large corporate clients.  My next moves put me on the supplier side with Vantage Apparel and HIT where I currently hold the position of Regional Sales Representative for the company.
I have volunteered with PPAChicago for more than 3 years and have enjoyed working with the board and association members.   I am excited for the opportunity to put my unique industry perspective to work for the entire PPAChicago membership.

As one of Sweda’s newer outside sales reps, I am eager and elated for the opportunity to run for the PPAChicago Board. Hailing from companies Toppers and It’s All Greek to Me, I feel grateful for my time spent in the industry, both as a worker and a volunteer. Helping out at different events, like the charity golf outing, really highlight my devotion to the relationships I’ve built and the association as a whole. As a relative newcomer to the industry I look forward to exploring all that PPAChicago can offer the future of this amazing industry.

Nancy joined PPAChicago in 2007 from member Supplier, American Greenwood with 5 years of industry experience. She graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, IA with a degree in Marketing and started her career in Promotional Products. Nancy was recently married to John Paolucci, owner of Distributor member M & M Sports (custompromos.com) out of Addison, IL. Coincidentally they met in 2003 at the New Products Idea Show at Arlington! Running the association out of her home can be challenging, especially when her only two co-workers are her two English Setters!