FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kim R. Todora, PPAI
972-258-3063
888-426-7724
KimT@ppai.org
PPAI Recognized Among City’s 20 Oldest
Businesses
Congressman Joe Barton, PPAI President & CEO
Paul Bellantone, CAE, Rep. Linda Harper-Brown
and Mayor Pro Tem Rick Stopfer
IRVING, Tex. (March 20, 2012) – Promotional Products Association International (PPAI; ppai.org), the not-for-profit
association for more than 10,000 member companies of the $16.5 billion promotional products industry was honored by
the Irving Heritage Society, the Chamber of Commerce and a group of more than 75 civic leaders as one of 20 oldest
companies in Irving, Texas. The Association, the oldest organization doing business in Irving and the oldest serving the
promotional products industry, was originally established November 20, 1903, as the National Association of Advertising
Novelty Manufacturers. Renamed in 1991, PPAI, as it is now known, moved to Irving in October 1979.
“We are truly humbled to be recognized among businesses with such rich histories,” said Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI
president and CEO. “We continue to be grateful for all the Irving Heritage Society does to preserve that history, and the
City of Irving and the community do to provide for a prosperous and supportive climate in which to work and do business.”
The Chamber alongside the Irving Heritage Society, U.S. Congressman Joe Barton, Representative Linda Harper-Brown,
Mayor Pro Tem Rick Stopfer and more than 75 other attendees recognized Irving's 20 oldest businesses during a
reception last Tuesday night. The reception was a part of this year's 100th Anniversary events celebrating the Irving
Heritage House, one of Irving's oldest, most historic landmarks and a symbol of Irving's rich history. PPAI was presented
the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant and The State of Texas
House of Representatives special recognition by State Representative Linda Harper-Brown.
Other notable companies recognized included, Holt Cat, 1905 (Darr Equipment), NCH Corporation, 1919, Irving Shoe
Repair, 1945, John Myers Pump Services of Texas, 1945, Moore Roofing, 1946, Porter's Army Navy Store, 1946, Watson
Radiator Shop, 1946, M. A. L. Hobby Shop, 1948, Schnee Morehead, 1948, Big State Drug Store, 1948, Adam's Plumbing,
1949, Mantooth Construction Company, Inc., 1949, Crouch Sand & Gravel, 1950, Owens-Corning, 1953, Medical &
Surgical Clinic of Irving, 1953, Mammen Glass &Mirror (M3 Glass Technologies), 1955, Waldrum Lighting & Signs, Inc.,
1959, Louis Barber Shop, 1961, Irving Counter, Inc., 1962, Baylor Medical Center at Irving, 1964, Frito-Lay, Inc., 1967, Al's
Rent to Own, 1967, Toyota of Irving, 1968, Joe's Coffee Shop, 1971, Sonic-Lear Enterprises, 1974 and Wild Bill's Hobby
Shop, 1975.
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. PPAI offers education, tradeshows, business products and
services, mentoring, technology and legislative support to its members. Today, PPAI serves more than 10,000 global
member companies who lead the $16.5 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 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.
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Editor’s Note: Photos available upon request.