Nominations

Nominate a peer today! The recipients will be recognized at the 2025 International Personalization Expo, receive a Gold Obelisk award, and a profile in Insights magazine. 

• Founders Award
  This award is presented annually to a person who has worked unselfishly for the success of the association. The recipient is recognized for reflecting the spirit of the original founders of the association—individuals committed to promoting communication, cooperation, sharing, and unity, as well as fostering growth and enhancing professionalism within the association. Nominations due by December 20, 2024.
• Hall of Fame Award
  This award honors those individuals who have created a tradition of excellence for all industry members. Inductees range from individuals whose contributions led to sweeping changes to members who made an impact through leadership and vision. The common element is their contributions to the industry. The candidate may be living or deceased. Nominations due by December 20, 2024.
• Speaker of the Year Award
  This award honors an individual who is an advocate for education and the association and displays exemplary speaking skills and knowledge. The Speaker of the Year Award is voted on by the Education Committee. A survey will be sent to the APA membership in November 2024.
• Volunteer of the Year Award
  This award was created to recognize one member who has contributed the most to the association during the previous year. Nominees must be an APA member in good standing. Nominations due by December 20, 2024.
• Customer Service Representative of the Year Award
  This award was created to recognize one supplier customer service or technical support representative who regularly goes the extra mile to serve his or her customers. To be eligible for this award, a supplier customer service or technical support representative must be employed by an APA supplier member and must have been employed by that company for at least 3 years. Nominees must currently be a telephone representative with at least 1 year of experience in that position and must be involved in processing orders, or providing technical help. Supplier members cannot nominate their own employees. Nominations due by December 20, 2024.
• Outside Sales Representative of the Year Award
  This award was created to recognize the one sales representative who has contributed the most to the recognition industry during the past year and throughout his or her career. To be eligible for this award, a sales rep must be employed by or represent an APA supplier member and must be nominated by a current retailer or supplier member. Nominations due by December 20, 2024.
• Small Business Retailer of the Year Award
  This award is given to a company that exemplifies general business practices based on integrity and a partnership approach to the retailer/supplier relationship. An ideal retailer will demonstrate a clear commitment to community involvement and will set a strong example as a supportive member. Nominees must be a member in good standing. Stores with four employees (4 FTEs - Full Time Equivalents) or less are eligible. Nominations due by December 20, 2024.
• Large Business Retailer of the Year Award
  This award is given to a company that exemplifies general business practices based on integrity and a partnership approach to the retailer/supplier relationship. An ideal retailer will demonstrate a clear commitment to community involvement and will set a strong example as a supportive member. Nominees must be a member in good standing. Stores with over four employees (FTEs) are eligible. Nominations due by December 20, 2024.
• Supplier of the Year Award–Multiple Locations
  This award is given to an APA member supplier that exemplifies excellent general business practices based on integrity and a partnership approach to the customer relationship. An ideal supplier will show a clear commitment to community involvement and will set a strong example as a supportive member. Nominees must be a member in good standing. A nomination survey will be sent to APA retailer members in November 2024.
• Supplier of the Year Award–Single Location
  This award is given to an APA member supplier that exemplifies excellent general business practices based on integrity and a partnership approach to the customer relationship. An ideal supplier will show a clear commitment to community involvement and will set a strong example as a supportive member. Nominees must be a member in good standing. A nomination survey will be sent to APA retailer members in November 2024.