Washington, DC | PPAI LEAD 2026
Today was one of those days that reminds me why I keep coming back to Washington, D.C.
I spent the day on Capitol Hill as part of PPAI LEAD, with a Team representing Florida, Texas and Missouri to meet with lawmakers and their staffs on behalf of the branded merchandise industry. While our team was walking the halls and sharing our story, dozens of other PPAI LEAD participants from across the country were doing the exact same thing — meeting with legislators, advocating for small businesses, and making sure our industry’s voice was heard in offices throughout Congress.
That’s what makes this event so powerful. It’s not one meeting or one team. It’s an entire industry showing up together.
We are More Than Pens and T-Shirts
One of the biggest reasons these meetings matter is because many people still don’t fully understand the size, reach, and impact of our industry.
Promotional products are more than giveaways. They are marketing tools, employee recognition pieces, fundraising drivers, recruiting tools, event experiences, and brand builders.
When a company welcomes a new employee with a branded kit, that’s our industry.
When a nonprofit raises awareness with custom merchandise, that’s our industry.
When a school, hospital, bank, franchise, or startup uses branded items to connect with people, that’s our industry.
And behind every product is a network of real businesses:
- Distributors helping clients build brands
- Suppliers designing and sourcing products
- Decorators and fulfillment teams producing orders
- Service providers supporting operations and technology
- Sales professionals, creatives, warehouses, customer service teams, and entrepreneurs
Our industry supports nearly one million jobs and billions in economic impact across America. These are real companies employing real people in communities across every congressional district.
Our Team at the Table
Our group represented a great cross-section of the business. We had branded merchandise distributors, suppliers, a service provider, leadership from PPAI, and our advocacy partners at Thorn Run Partners helping guide the process.
That combination matters because it allows lawmakers to hear directly from the people who live this business every day.
We had the opportunity to meet with legislative aides from:
- Representative Jake Ellzey (Texas)
- Representative Cory Mills (Florida)
- Representative Keith Self (Texas)
- Representative Lance Gooden (Texas)
- Representative Ann Wagner (Missouri)
And we were able to grab a photo with Representative Keith Self along the way.
What We Talked About
These conversations are always practical. We’re not there for politics or headlines. We’re there to explain how real policy decisions affect real businesses, real employees, and real customers every single day.
Predictable Trade Policy
This was one of the most important conversations we had today.
The promotional products industry depends on global supply chains. Many of the products clients know and love — drinkware, bags, tech accessories, umbrellas, apparel, and event merchandise — are sourced internationally, then decorated, customized, fulfilled, and distributed here in the United States.
That means American jobs are tied to every step after production: artwork, embroidery, printing, warehousing, shipping, customer service, sales, and logistics. A single item may have a country of origin outside of the US, but the majority of the value of the item should be credited to the USA!
When tariffs change suddenly or trade rules shift without clear guidance, it creates immediate disruption for businesses like ours. Pricing becomes difficult. Quotes expire faster. Inventory planning gets harder. Margins tighten. Clients get frustrated. Growth decisions get delayed.
Some corporations may be able to absorb uncertainty. Small businesses often cannot. (Our industry is 98% small business)
Our message was simple: we need thoughtful trade policy with consistency, transparency, and reasonable timelines so businesses can adapt and continue serving customers.
We also discussed proposals that could require federal agencies to purchase only U.S.-made promotional products. We absolutely support American manufacturing and would love to see more domestic production capacity. But the reality is that many popular categories simply are not produced at scale in the U.S. today. While “Promote USA” sounds good – it has unintended consequences not typically understood.
The smarter path is strengthening American participation in the supply chain — not eliminating access to products businesses and agencies rely on.
Protecting Smart Trade Frameworks
Not every conversation on Capitol Hill is about fixing a problem. Some are about protecting systems that are already working.
Programs like USMCA have brought meaningful pricing stability and supply chain consistency for businesses across our industry. When companies can plan with confidence, they hire, invest, and grow.
Because USMCA is under scheduled review, we encouraged lawmakers to pursue minimal disruption and preserve the certainty many businesses have built their operations around.
We also discussed AGOA, which supports duty-free access for textiles and apparel from sub-Saharan Africa.
That matters to our industry because apparel is one of the largest and most important categories in branded merchandise. AGOA supports sourcing flexibility, competitive pricing, and long-term planning. It also supports broader economic development and strategic international partnerships.
Our message there was clear: long-term renewals matter far more than short-term extensions. Businesses need visibility to make smart decisions.
Supporting Modern Small Business
Another key topic was how today’s workforce actually operates.
Many companies in our industry rely on independent sales professionals, contract specialists, decorators, part-time talent, and entrepreneurial reps who choose flexible work models. That structure has helped thousands of people build careers, launch businesses, and serve clients in ways that fit modern life.
Recent changes to independent contractor rules have created confusion and concern for many in our space. When definitions are unclear, businesses hesitate, opportunities shrink, and people lose flexibility they value.
We shared that our industry needs practical, modern labor policies that reflect how work happens today — not outdated one-size-fits-all models.
That means supporting entrepreneurship, protecting flexibility, and creating clear rules that allow small businesses to grow with confidence while still treating people fairly and responsibly.
Final Thought
Today was a good day. Productive conversations, strong representation, and a reminder that participation matters.
Grateful to stand beside Team Florida, Texas, and Missouri. Proud of everyone across the country who gave their time
Learn more about PPAI LEAD at ppai.org