SAAGNY News

Did you know that according to a recent LinkedIn Survey - 80% said having a mentor was important, but only 20% actually had a mentor at one point in their career?

SAAGNY is pleased to announce the launch of a new program, SAAGNY Mentoring Circles. Mentoring has always been a prominent, yet informal, aspect of what SAAGNY does, through networking events, committee participation and engagement, and our trade shows.  In light of how the Promotional Products industry has pivoted in the face of the COVID pandemic, SAAGNY has developed a more comprehensive mentoring framework that fits the needs of ALL of our Members during these changing times.

What Are Mentoring Circles?

Mentoring circles are a form of group mentoring that encourages participants from all employment levels of SAAGNY to propose and own a topic of interest. This unique setup gives members an avenue to grow within their profession to find or create a circle that motivates them. These circles can occur virtually or in person depending on the participants and Covid restrictions.

With the growth of Sheryl Sandberg’s lean-in philosophy and community meet ups, mentoring circles have become an increasingly popular way for individuals to grow within their profession. Leading a mentoring circle is a great way to grow as a leader because you learn and practice influencing and facilitation skills.

What Are the Benefits of Mentoring Circles?

With mentoring circles, participants can build more robust networks and connections they can turn to for support in new roles, projects, and future activities.  Participants can learn about various skills and tools that can help them grow in their current roles and advance within their career.  From management skills and customer relationship management best practices to handling customer conflict and ethics, mentoring circles can impart knowledge to participants through others’ experiences and lessons learned.

The group style of mentoring circles elevates accountability for all involved. This type of interaction builds trust between members, which allows them to come together in support of each other’s goals while seeking to achieve their own. It also relies on participants to show up and interact. This group commitment keeps members engaged.  These connections can create and build a more productive path to collaboration, and eventually greater innovation within the participants and industry.

Mentoring Goals

Everyone has their own but below are a few that SAAGNY will suggest for the mentoring circles.

• ·        Leadership skills
• ·        Confidence skills
• ·        Public speaking/presentation skills
• ·        Life/work balance
• ·        Becoming a better manager/working with teams
• ·        Career trajectories/next steps/5-year plans
• ·        People skills
• ·        Short-term and long-term goals 
• ·        Accountability

Tell Me About SAAGNY Mentoring Circles.
Each SAAGNY Mentoring Circle will be comprised of 5-7 people, led by a single mentor matched with 4-6 mentees. The Mentoring Circle will become a small community, in which mentors and mentees will develop individual mentorship relationships and the Circle as a whole will function to address a larger need for community, connection, and professional development. SAAGNY does not intend for groups to grow much larger, as participants speak up less and provide fewer individual contributions.

It is SAAGNY’s hope that there will be occasions where everyone in the program will gather together virtually and in-person, to allow cross-Circle interactions and leverage the knowledge-base and relationships of all our mentors. Mentoring circles will meet once every two months, or more frequently at the discretion of each Circle. In addition, mentors will be asked to have at least one one-on-one meeting with each of their mentees during each two-month period.

Mentoring circles allow industry colleagues to learn from one another in a supportive format, and also drive knowledge transfer and engagement. It’s a new spin on a long-valued learning technique. And whether groups want to come together to provide mutual support, build professional networks, or develop specific skills, SAAGNY’s mentoring circles program is a creative new addition to our member benefits.

Click here for the application.

John Joseph Kelly, 70, of Jamison, passed away in his sleep on Sunday January 9, 2022. He was the husband of Gloria (Cap) Kelly.  Born in Philadelphia in March of 1951, he was the son of the late Joseph and Veronica (McGarry) Kelly.

John was a proud alumnus of Saint Cecilia School and Cardinal Dougherty High School.

John and Cap met on a blind date and were married in 1978. The couple resided in Jamison where they raised their sons, Ryan and Grady.

John was Manager of Team Sales for Gold Medal Sporting Goods Stores and most recently John worked as a sales rep for MV Sport. In the 80s and 90s John volunteered as a soccer coach for Buckingham AA and baseball and basketball coach for DAA. He also volunteered his time with Redeemer Lutheran Cub Scouts as well as Troop 52 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

In recent years John enjoyed playing in two softball leagues and during the pandemic, John enjoyed many long walks on local trails with his wife and sons. Above all else, John enjoyed time spent with his beloved family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother: Joe Kelly of Philadelphia, his sister: Betty Anne Forte of Warminster as well as his pets: Chance, Oliver, Milo and Otis.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons: Ryan Kelly of California and Grady Kelly of New York; siblings: Frank Kelly of Philadelphia; Bill (Pat) Kelly of New Jersey; Tom (Bobbie) Kelly of New Jersey; Ronnie (John) McKenna of Huntington Valley along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation from 10-11 a.m. Friday January 14, 2022 at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown. Services and interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's name may be made to: Kin Wellness and Support Center, 2325 Heritage Center, Suite 113, Furlong, PA 18925 or www.welcometokin.org.

Promotions East is back.  Click here for more information.

The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) announced the winners of the association’s annual awards during its Holiday Party, held this past evening at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, NY.  Supplier, Distributor, John J. Pagano Multiline Representative, Customer Service Representative, Humanitarian of the Year, and more were among the awards presented.  The Diamond Award Winners were also announced and the 2021 40 Under 40 Recipients recognized. 

The SAAGNY Board of Directors established these awards to recognize those companies and individuals that best represent the ideals of the promotional advertising industry.  The winners of these awards were all nominated and voted on by the association’s members in balloting conducted in September and October.  A selection committee determined the winners of the SAAGNY Diamond Awards and the 40 Under 40 Recipients.  The winners were:

Company Awards

Supplier of the Year (less than $40 million In Sales)                      Starline                      

Supplier of the Year (more than $40 million In Sales)                  Tekweld

Distributor of the Year (smaller)                                                       JP Scar

Distributor of the Year (larger)                                                         Stackable Sensations

Supplier Technology Award                                                               PCNA

Distributor Technology Award                                                          HALO

Decorator of the Year                                                                         Insane Apparel

Individual Awards

John J. Pagano Multiline Rep. of the Year                                       Josh Brooks, Brooks & Brooks

Customer Service Rep of the Year                                                      Will Flores, Tekweld

Supplier Representative of the Year                                                  John R. B. Cudahy, MAS

Humanitarian of the Year                                                                      Gail Deutchman, Distinctive Promotions

Diamond Awards

Diamond Award – Goodwill/Non-Profit/Fundraising                        Beth Silverman, The Vernon Company

Diamond Award – Internal Self Promotion/Employee Incentive Program   Stackable Sensations

Some of our deserving award recipients.

40 Under 40 Recipients
Anthony Abatzis
Chris Barlow
Amy Bennedict
Chris Bloomer
Jon Borowka
Adam Brown
Mike Cardin
Dino Ciccarelli
John R. B. Cudahy, MAS
Brian Deissroth
Thomas Deissroth
Ethan Dowie
Sean Dwyer
Chelsea Fishman
Will Flores
David Goldfarb
Scott Gordon
Donald Grant
Jeff Hinds
Tim Howe
Sean Kurtzman
Jenna Larned
Zach LeBlanc
Elyssa Maryasis
Marissa Mattessich
Kevin McLaughlin
Anthony McNally
Mike Newman
Chim Olisemeka
Brendan Pigott
James Przybyszewski
Robert Russell
Amy Serrano
Dylan Sullivan
Rich Susi
Cristina Tarantino
Brittany Tiringer
Nick     Valentini
Alexis Wahl
Keith Zasowski

Some of our fantastic 40 Under 40 Recipients

Thank you Orrefors Kosta Boda for donating the SAAGNY awards.

Rachel Levin, CAS, SAAGNY President, remarked, “So many faces both old and new, gathered together to honor and celebrate success! Seeing everyone out of the office and onto the dance floor was a great reminder of how important the SAAGNY community is.  It was a night to remember!!!!” 

In addition, The SAAGNY Foundation honored Harvey Mackler, MAS+, by installing him into The SAAGNY Foundation Hall of Fame. Harvey who was unable to be in person to accept his award noted in his prepared remarks, “It is an honor to be inducted into The SAAGNY Foundation Hall of Fame, and it is also an acknowledgement of the many industry colleagues who worked tirelessly alongside me.  It was easy to follow the leadership paths blazed by the previous Chairs, Bill Lazarus and Joel Schaffer.  There were countless volunteers and committed hours. We need to continue to “do good.” 

Lynn Millinger and Chris Bloomer, Co-Chairs, The SAAGNY Foundation, noted “Harvey was instrumental in actively fundraising and integral to growth of the Foundation.  The Foundation also wants to express our appreciation to Foundation Past President Melissa Casey for the gracious donation of the award created by Pacesetter Awards.”

The December SAAGNY Life  Has Arrived

Click here to get the latest from SAAGNY.

YOU have the expertise – we want YOU to share it with
SAAGNY members.

Do you want to get someone from YOUR company in
front of SAAGNY members? Yes you do!

If you have a success story, cautionary tale, innovation, or point of view to share, submit to be a speaker at one or more SAAGNY shows or networking events - virtual and in-person opportunities.

It is easy to get on the list:  email info@saagny.org your name or someone in your company’s name, phone and email, and check off below all that is of interest or pitch an idea of your own.

Possible Topics:

Supply chain                     □

Purchase Orders               □

End Users                          □

Sales Strategy                   □

Compliance                       □

Merchandising                  □

Inventory                           □

Formats:

Written                              □

Virtual                               □

In-person                          □

Panel Discussion            □

Technical                          □

Case Studies –                     □                     
 successes and failures

Emerging Issues              □

Benefits of Speaking:

SAAGNY is a leading provider of community, advocacy, and education in the promotional products industry. Speakers associated with SAAGNY educational events are recognized as industry leaders.

Speakers and their companies are included in all marketing information sent to the SAAGNY community via emails and other marketing material, the SAAGNY web site, press releases, and social media. All this - AND you get in front of SAAGNY members at no charge.

Speakers can prove their value, expertise, knowledge and acumen by presenting relevant and timely subjects in an effective manner, often leading to business development within the SAAGNY community.

Another Great Reason to Be a SAAGNY Member.

The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) Board of Directors, in accordance with the association bylaws, elected three Directors to serve as officers in 2022.   All terms begin on January 1, 2022.

The 2022 Executive Committee will include Rachel Levin, CAS, distributor Stran Promotional Solutions will continue as President; Michael Reisbaum, of supplier Blue Generation will continue as Vice President; and Jeff Depalma of Geiger as Secretary/Treasurer.  Paul Sprunk of MLR-Paul Sprunk Associates will remain on the board and Executive Committee as Immediate Past President. 

SAAGNY President Rachel Levin, CAS, remarked, “The organization requires the very best that SAAGNY has to offer, and we are constantly striving to come up with ways we can innovate and lead. I am beyond honored to lead a board that includes the caliber of professionals our members deserve. With that, I am proud to begin working with the new executive committee, Jeff, Michael, and Paul in 2022.  I want to personally thank each and every member of the SAAGNY Board for their contributions, time, and continued professionalism that allows us to better our organization as a whole.”

The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) and its members have gathered three times for indoor shows in the past month.  The last two being held Tuesday, October 5 at the Melville Marriott and Thursday, October 7, at the Crowne Plaza Suffern-Mahwah.  Both of these shows included a client component.  The smiles and energy of all was extremely contagious.  A buffet lunch was served both days for all.   It was a joy to see suppliers, distributors and their clients eating, laughing, and learning.

On October 7 in Suffern, the day began with an interactive panel discussion featuring Dan Edge, Peerless; Brett Hersh, Hit Promotional Products; Joe Hoffmann, iPROMOTEu; Mike Merkin, Hit Promotional Products; Andy Shape, Stran Promotional Solutions; and SAAGNY President Rachel Levin.  This engaging discussion between the panel and the 45+ attendees covered such topics as supply chain issues, customer wants and needs, how to speak to your customers, and industry forecasts.

Knowing that some of our loyal distributor members might not be able to be in attendance, SAAGNY arranged to have each supplier videotape their Promo Sales Pitch.  Those videos once edited, will be placed on the SAAGNY website for our distributor members to catch up with their favorite suppliers.  SAAGNY President, Rachel Levin noted, “Three incredible shows, six incredible panelists, over 300 distributor and client attendees, and hundreds of new products.  What a way to start off Q4!  I’m incredibly proud of our Board and our Executive Director for remaining focused on providing such great value to our members!”

Congratulations to our Supplier Raffle Winners – Richard S. and Frank U.; our Distributor Raffle Winners – Catherine M. and Marissa P.; and our Client Winners – Guest of JP and Guest of David F.

We look forward to seeing you in 2022 – mark your calendar!

Winter Show – Tuesday, January 25, 2022, Suffern, NY

Summer Show – Tuesday, May 17, 2022, New York, NY

Promotions East – Monday, October 17 – Wednesday, October 19, Harrah’s Atlantic City, NJ

Thank you all who came out to join us!