One of the most successful and prolific independent businesswomen in modern local history in Michigan’s Great Southwest has added to her resume by rising to the chairmanship of the world’s largest and oldest not-for-profit association serving more than 14,300 corporate members of the $20.8-billion promotional products industry.
Promotional Products Association International, the not-for-profit association for more than 500,000 industry professionals and more than 14,300 corporate members, installed Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS, as Chair of the PPAI Board of Directors for 2017-2018 at the annual passing of the gavel during The PPAI Expo. Tomasini is CEO of distributor CE Competitive Edge, LLC in Stevensville, and a 30-plus-year veteran of the promotional products industry. She founded CE in 1993 and has transformed it into one of the largest promotional products companies in the industry.
Upon her elevation to the role of Chair Tomasini said, “I am humbled by the privilege to serve as 2017 chair of the board for PPAI.” She added, “I truly believe in the power of this organization and in its dedication to members and am delighted to chair and represent the great talent and expertise that is embodied within the membership. In the coming year, I look forward to helping to raise the awareness of the organization within the advertising profession and to bringing to the forefront the tremendous value that promotional products professionals and the medium truly represent.”
In a recent address Tomasini remarked on her vision for the year and advancing the future of the Association and promotional products industry. Here is part of what she had to say in that address:
This year marks the official launch of PPAI’s new strategic plan, which, among other things, will help the Association transform the organization’s mission from transactional to relational. Put simply, this means we are working to enhance a deeper relationship and more engagement with members. PPAI is aligning its new strategic plan with a branding campaign to build awareness of our medium. Get In Touch! Advertising That Lives On is a first-of-its-kind industry branding campaign focused on customer engagement.
Paul Bellantone is President & CEO of PPAI. He voiced extreme confidence in Mary Jo, saying, “PPAI is extremely fortunate to have such an experienced and accomplished person as Mary Jo Tomasini as its new board chair.” He added, “Mary Jo’s passion for advancing PPAI’s future is unsurpassed, and I look forward to working with her this year and for years to come.”
Tomasini founded Competitive Edge in 1993, working alone in a store basement. Now, more than 20 years later she has 25 employees working in an office building on Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville overlooking Lake Michigan. Her success is driven by her belief in going above and beyond customer expectations to deliver incredible levels of service.
Tomasini is a member of the Michigan Promotional Products Association (MiPPA), has served as chair of PPAI’s Government Relations Advisory Council (GRAC) and is a Michigan delegate for PPAI’s Legislative Education Action Day (LEAD). Prior to being elected to the PPAI Board of Directors in 2014, she served on the PPAI Public Relations committee, the Certification Committee and the Government Relations Action Council (GRAC).
In addition to being a successful business person, Tomasini has always found time for volunteer work. Her desire and dedication to give back to the community is evident as she offers her services and expertise to a long list of organizations that include United Way of Southwest Michigan, Junior Achievement, Great Lakes Women’s Business Center, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and Hospice at Home.Tomasini has worked to encourage women in business, serving as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) mentor for women in Michigan starting a new business or considering Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification. She is an alumna of Lake Michigan College and is the immediate past Chair of the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees. She also serves on the foundation and alumni boards at Lake Michigan College.
Founded in 1903, the Promotional Products Association International is the world’s largest such association representing the industry in Washington, D.C., advocating on its behalf. The organization also operates The PPAI Expo, the industry’s largest trade show; provides the leading promotional products safety and compliance program, a prestigious professional development and certification program, and publishes industry trade journals and periodicals. The multi-billion-dollar industry includes wearables, writing instruments, calendars, drinkware and a multitude of other items, usually imprinted with a company’s name, logo or message. For more information, click this link: PPAI.org.
In the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market.com, Mary Jo Tomasini accepts the gavel for PPAI from the immediate past Chair, Tom Goos.
