PPAI Recognizes Mary Ann Farmer, MAS

Indianapolis, IN., (July 24, 2012) -- Promotional Products Association International (PPAI; ppai.org), the not-for-profit association for more than 10,600 members of the $17.7 billion promotional products industry, recognized Mary Ann Farmer, MAS, as the 2012 PPAI Woman of Achievement award recipient during the opening ceremony at PPAI's Women's Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Farmer, retired president and CEO, of Magna-Tel, Inc., based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was presented a custom award created by R.S. Owens and Company in honor of her long-standing industry contributions.

The PPAI Woman of Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has led the way in the advancement of woman in the industry, exhibited outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to the industry and her community. The PPAI Woman of Achievement constantly strives to go above and beyond. She leads the way by setting the standard of excellence in the industry. She's an inspiration to others, a role model and mentor.

When asked about her most important industry contributions, "One of the biggest accomplishments while serving on the PPAI Board of Directors (1998-2002) was working with Jo-an Lantz and others in getting the Women's Leadership Conference started" said Mary Ann Farmer, MAS.

"During her 26 years in the industry MaryAnn has volunteered countless hours, mentored many industry professionals and was an integral part of much advancement within the industry that has benefitted both men and women," said David S. Engel, MAS, of Greystone World Resource Development.

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Her industry contributions are many, and include a hand in the development of the PPCEF by-laws and procedures, the CAS/MAS alumni and PPMN budget processes and the PPEF Tomorrow Fund. A long-standing champion of professional development, she aspired to achieve a higher level of professionalism within her own company and throughout the industry by working with a team to develop the PPAI Woman's Leadership Conference and the initial CAS examination.

"Mary Ann, not only built a successful company, but also managed to give her time in and outside the industry," said Patricia Dugan, MAS, of Budgetcard, Inc. "She was 100% involved in whatever board, committee, foundation or task force she committed to and education personally and for her company was always huge."

Farmer is the fourth recipient of the PPAI Woman of Achievement Award. Previous winners are Margie Price, MAS, President and Owner of Premiums Plus Incorporated, Carol Aastad, MAS, retired from Geiger and Margaret Custer-Ford, MAS, retired founder of MARCO Ideas Unlimited.

More About Mary Ann Farmer, MAS

Mary Ann has a long and dedicated history of industry service, including numerous PPAI committees, task forces and councils spanning 1992-2007. Most notably, her positions of distinction on the PPCEF from 1998-2003, as chair of the strategic planning and budget committee, 2000-2003; PPAI board of directors, 1998-2002; PPMN charter board member and treasurer, 2004-2007; and ePSA service center board of directors, 2004-2008. Mary Ann has served in the past as president of the Cape County Rotary Club, President of the Cape Area Personnel Association, Board Member of the Southeast Missouri Business Group on Health,, Past President of the Scott City Booster Club and is currently a member of the board of directors of The Salvation Army and is a member of LaCroix United Methodist in Cape Girardeau. Farmer is married to Keith and they reside in Scott City with their 17 year-old son Logan who is a senior at Scott City High School. The couple own and operate Street Rod Lane in Scott City and have been building show quality custom cars for 30 years. They also recently opened a used car dealership, Trax Edge Motors (www.TraxEdgeMotors.com) in Scott City that specializes in newer low mileage cars. Farmer received her Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Southeast Missouri State University and is currently enrolled in the Graduate Program at Southeast Missouri State University in Mental Health Counseling and will be working this fall as a Graduate Assistant in Counseling and Disability Services at Southeast Missouri State University.

About PPAI

Since 1903, the Promotional Products Association International, a not-for-profit, has been the standard-setting international trade association for the promotional products industry. Today, PPAI serves more than 10,600 member companies and 432,000 industry professionals who lead the $17.7 billion industry. The multi-billion-dollar industry includes wearables, writing instruments, calendars, drinkware and many other items, usually imprinted with a company's name, logo or message. PPAI offers education, tradeshows, business products and services, mentoring, technology and legislative support to its members. PPAI created and maintains the UPIC (Universal Promotional Identification Code), the industry's only free identification system and universal company database. For information regarding PPAI or to learn more about the proven power of promotional products (including research and case studies), visit the PPAI website at www.ppai.org.