PPAI is continuing to make preparations for Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.), its annual event for industry executives to meet with and educate members of Congress about promotional products.

This year, more than 70 advocates from 30 states will travel to Washington, D.C., to conduct more than 250 meetings with senators, congressional representatives and legislative staffs on May 25. The group consists of company owners, executives and industry leaders, including Charles B. Machion, senior vice president, senior counsel for ASI. During that week, PPAI also organizes a L.E.A.D. virtual fly-in that encourages promotional product professionals to write letters, emails and social media posts that focus on pending legislation and important issues for the industry.

The L.E.A.D. event is a part of what President and CEO Paul Bellantone says is PPAI’s “strong, industry-driven and collaborative lobbying presence in Washington, D.C.” The organization uses CapCity Advocates, a government relations firm in Washington, D.C., as part of its federal lobbying efforts.

“We make sure federal and state lawmakers understand the value, economic contributions and employment opportunities offered by this vital and growing industry,” wrote Bellantone in a blog post.

Regarding legislation, Bellantone says PPAI focuses its lobbying efforts “on the core issues related to independent contractors, tax reform and small business, as well as industry-critical issues we identify as we monitor thousands of bills on a day-to-day basis. We continue to invest heavily in this strategic initiative.”

Last week, ASI reported that a pair of Washington, D.C.-based distributors is working with a law firm to create an industry lobbying group named PromoVoice. “While I am pleased to see that the prospective group’s agenda is consistent with PPAI’s long-standing efforts in this arena,” Bellantone wrote, “it would be unfortunate if any industry effort was divided or diluted as a result of two separate efforts.”