SAAGNY News

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!

The October SAAGNY Life  Has Arrived

Click here to get the latest from SAAGNY.

The SAAGNY Foundation Hall of Fame recognizes the extraordinary achievements of the leaders who have contributed to it's success. This is your opportunity to help choose the next recipient of this prestigious honor. When making your selection, please keep in mind the criteria outlined below: Individuals employed or associated with our industry that are examples of volunteering, contributing and supporting the SAAGNY Foundation mission statement. The nominee shall have made significant and lasting contributions to the SAAGNY Foundation and has demonstrated leadership, volunteerism, community service, and good character.  Anyone that has served SAAGNY Foundation as a board member or volunteer will be considered. Nominations can include past board members, SAAGNY members and non-industry volunteers.  Present Board members are not eligible.  In order to nominate a candidate please email info@saagny.org with the name and contact information of nominee along with the nominee's responses to the following:   What SAAGNY Foundation achievement are you most proud of? What is your most lasting contribution to the SAAGNY Foundation? Current SAAGNY Foundation Hall of Fame Members Can be Found by clicking here. The Hall of Fame Committee will review all nominations and determine the recipient along with the Foundation Board.  Please return the information requested no later than Friday, October 23, 2021.  If you have any questions, please call the SAAGNY office (914-848-7369) or email Donna-Jean Plante (donna-jean@saagny.org).

The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) and its members were euphoric on Tuesday, September 14, as they gathered at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, for their first indoor trade show in nineteen months.  The positive energy was palpable.  Exhibitors had smiles on their faces, as if they were children on Christmas morning, as they arrived to set up their booths. 

The day began with an interactive educational session featuring PPAI President and CEO Dale Denham and SAAGNY President Rachel Levin engaging the 60+ attendees in conversations regarding their businesses, supply chain issues, customer wants and needs, and how PPAI and SAAGNY can help them now and in the future. 

This was followed by the trade show in the Grand Ballroom.  Knowing that there would be some of our loyal distributor members who would not be able to be in attendance, SAAGNY arranged to have each supplier in attendance to be 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, “Watching vendors and distributors reengaging, in-person, was incredible! From our conversation with Dale Denham, to the tradeshow floor, we, as a board, were extremely proud of the turnout and are looking forward to our next two end-user shows in October.”

Congratulations to our Supplier Raffle Winner - Allison M. and our Distributor Raffle Winner - Bill A.

Thank you all who came out to join us!