MIPPA AWARDS

SUPPLIER REP OF THE YEAR

2025 Winner

Lance Long

Sanmar

The Great Lakes Supplier Rep Award recognizes the industry supplier representative or multiline representative that has provided outstanding service, products, support and dedication for the past twelve months.

What makes an exceptional rep?

Brings creative, solution-driven ideas
Acts as a true partner and collaborator
Is supportive, responsive, and accessible
Follows through, every time
Has deep product knowledge
Delivers inspiring, high-impact sales presentations
Understands your goals and helps you reach them
Ultimately, becomes a trusted asset to your business

Please nominate the Rep you feel should be recognized for their outstanding service here.

Nominations will open May 1st, 2026 and close June 30th, 2026. Winners will be announced and honored at the MiPPA Annual Awards Celebration Night on September 15th.

SUPPLIER REP AWARD WINNERS - MEMBERS GOING ABOVE

Previous Winners - 2022 MiPPA Great Lakes Supplier Rep of the Year Award Winner

Kerry Schmock - KS Sales, Inc (center) - 2022 Winner; Regina Harrington - Tekweld (left) - 2021 Winner;

Maureen Dwyer - MK Marketing (right) - 2013 Winner

2025 Lance Long - Sanmar

2024 Kelly O'Brien - S&S Activewear

2023 Lance Long - Sanmar

2022 Kerry Schmock - KS Sales, Inc

2021 Regina Harrington - Tekweld

2019 John Andersen MAS - Showdown Displays

2018 John Bates - Polyconcept North America

2017 Matt McCluggage - The Magnet Group

2016 Kurt McGovern - McGovern Marketing Group

2015 June Moran - Multiline Rep

2014 John Gibson - Ash City

2013 Maureen Dwyer - MK Marketing

DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR

The 2026 Distributor of the Year Award recognizes the distributor that has provided you with outstanding service, innovation, and dedication.

The winner and top finishers will be recognized for their outstanding service at our Annual Awards Night and with feature articles in the summer issues of the MiPPA Monthly newsletter.

This is the first year for the Distributor of the Year, so submit your nominees by June 30 HERE.

Criteria for your consideration:

Treats suppliers and partners as true collaborators
Connects the right products to the right story/experience
Sees possibilities where others see products
Is professional, responsive, and easy to work with
Supports and engages with the regional promo community
Represents the industry with integrity and positivity

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The Community Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a member who generously gives their time, talent, and resources to strengthen both the promotional products industry and the communities they serve. Nominate HERE.

What makes an outstanding community volunteer?

Gives time, energy, or resources to charitable or nonprofit causes
Actively supports and uplifts their local community
Volunteers within the regional promo association or industry initiatives
Leads by example through service and generosity
Makes a meaningful, positive impact on others
Is known for showing up, helping out, and giving back

MIPPA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

2025 Winner

Don Spencer, CAS

HPG Brands

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