Noreen Soos, CAS of Competitive Edge in Stevensville, has earned the certification of Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) administered by Promotional Products Association International, the largest international not-for-profit association for more than 16,000 members of the $24-plus billion promotional products industry.
Soos is an Account Manager at Competitive Edge and has been with the company for 8 years, having joined the company in January 2011. She recognizes the importance of these certifications – not only for her own professional growth, but also for the added value they bring to her clients, co-workers and the promotional products industry as a whole.
The Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS), Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) and Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+) Certifications are the promotional products industry’s premier professional designations. Individuals with a PPAI Certification are industry leaders—those who have attained a higher standard of professional competence, knowledge and experience. PPAI industry certification is acquired through a combination of: required certification classes, demonstrated years of employment in the industry, education, industry contributions and a successful demonstration of expertise. Certification is maintained through continuing education to ensure current knowledge and leading-edge professional skills.
The Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) Certification requires 75 hours from a structured industry approved curriculum, a minimum three years of experience in the promotional products industry and a passing score on the CAS Certification exam. The rigorous curriculum required includes an overview of the promotional products industry, promotional programs, best practices/ supplier-distributor relations, advertising and marketing overview, product safety basics and business ethics. Upon completion of the core curriculum, individuals then can structure their own course schedules to deliver the greatest relevance and value for their careers.
The Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) Certification requires completion of and current CAS Certification, a minimum five years of experience in the promotional products industry, additional MAS level course curriculum, industry service and passing a comprehensive exam.
The PPAI Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+) Certification is an advanced industry program targeted towards seasoned promotional products professionals with seven or more years of industry experience. This project-based certification requires demonstrating advanced promotional products industry knowledge with the submittal of a work product in lieu of a comprehensive examination.
Through industry certification, promotional products professionals can earn the designations of Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS), Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) or Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+). PPAI Certification demonstrates a commitment to both business excellence and continual professional growth. A relatively small percentage of professionals hold these certifications and are known as the industry’s innovators and leaders. PPAI Certification Program has been recognized as a reliable indicator of professionalism and excellence in the promotional products industry. For more information on the CAS, MAS, MAS+ Certifications, please visit www.ppai.org/certification or e-mail Certification@ppai.org.
The promotional products medium is an essential element in the marketing communications mix. A “branded” tangible product turns an ordinary message into a marketing experience an audience can see, touch, hear, smell and even taste. Promotional products are one of the most efficient and effective media buys with the advertising industry. For more information about Promotional Products Association International (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 or contact PPAI at 972-258-3063 or PR@ppai.org.
Competitive Edge, one of the largest full-service promotional product distributors in the United States was started in a basement by Mary Jo Tomasini. Today, Competitive Edge employs 26 people. Always mindful of developing a successful business within the promotional product industry, Ms. Tomasini and Competitive Edge has been the recipient of many awards locally, regionally and nationally, including the Outstanding Women Business Enterprise of the Year. Competitive Edge has a team that has earned the following certifications. Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS+, Paula Wygonik, MAS, Lisa DeJong, MAS, Katie Kapp, CAS and Noreen Soos, CAS.
The CAS credentialing program was unveiled in early 1961 at the Executive Development Seminar at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland where attendees were awarded the CAS designation. The program expanded as time went on, offering those who were interested an opportunity to apply a cachet of professionalism to their work. In 1983, the board established the Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) designation and adopted the then nationally recognized program of skills attainment, Certified Education Units (CEUs). In 1999, PPAI administered the first qualifying examination, as the focus of the program shifted to its current role as a professional designation. In 2012, PPAI introduced the Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+) designation, the industry’s highest level of achievement in certification.
Founded in 1903, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI; ppai.org) is the world’s largest and oldest not-for-profit association serving more than 15,000 corporate members of the $21-plus billion promotional products industry which is comprised of more than 40,500 businesses and a workforce of more than 500,000 professionals. PPAI represents the industry in Washington, D.C., and advocates on its behalf. PPAI operates The PPAI Expo, the industry’s largest trade show; provides the leading promotional products safety and compliance program, a prestigious professional development and certification program; and publishes industry trade journals and publications. The multibillion-dollar industry includes wearables, writing instruments, calendars, drinkware and many other items, usually imprinted with a company’s name, logo or message. For more information, visit PPAI.org and find us on Twitter @PPAI_HQ, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.
