The penultimate business owner who launched her business years ago in her basement has arrived at yet another crowning achievement in her storied career thanks to her selection today as the 2021 Woman of Achievement Award winner from Promotional Products Association International, the not-for-profit association representing the $19.8-billion promotional products industry that she has been a part of for decades.
Mary Jo Tomasini, CEO and founder of CE Competitive Edge, LLC on Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville, was selected for the high honor in an industry where she holds the highest certification in the business — MAS+.
The PPAI Woman of Achievement award recognizes an individual who has led the way in the advancement of women 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 a mentor. She simply stands out in a crowd.
Responding to the award, Tomasini says, “To say that I am extremely honored would truly be an understatement. Receiving an award like this is beyond humbling. This honor truly causes me to reflect on all of the amazing people in my life that have been a source of inspiration and encouragement. I am thankful for all who have been and will be a part of my journey.”
Tomasini, whose company became a member of PPAI in 1994, has been actively serving the Association since 2013. She has served on numerous committees including the PPAI Public Relations Committee, Government Relations Committee, Certification Committee and Leadership Advisory Committee. In 2016, Tomasini was elected to the PPAI Board of Directors and in 2017 served as Chair of the Board.
PPAI Interim President Bob McLean, CPA, CAE, CEM, says, “No one exemplifies the PPAI Woman of Achievement more than Mary Jo,” and adds, “It is such an honor to be able to recognize her with this award. Her commitment to the Association, the industry, her community and businesswomen everywhere is extraordinary. She deserves all of the accolades.”
Tomasini’s contributions to her community are just as extensive. She has served on the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees, Lake Michigan College Foundation Board, Lake Michigan College Alumni Board, United Way of Southwest Michigan, Michigan Women’s Business Council and Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce among others.
Tomasini’s nomination received wide support from industry peers with the nomination synopsis, submitted by Paula Wygonik, President of CE Competitive Edge LLC, capturing the industry’s appreciation.
Wygonik says, “Mary Jo has made it her life’s work to put others, especially women, ahead of herself… Mary Jo is liberal with her time and willingness to coach anyone who asks. She shares counsel with distributors and suppliers who count her as a friend and trust her insight. Mary Jo has a character that is rare. She is an authentic soul with calm energy and endless generosity. We could fill a book with her acts of kindness.”
In addition to the wide-spread recognition for Tomasini, CE Competitive Edge LLC has received recognition as one of the Greatest Companies To Work For (PPB magazine), Best Places to Work (Counselor magazine), Top 50 Women-Owned Business in Michigan (Michigan Women’s Busines Council), Michigan Outstanding Women’s Business Enterprise of the Year (Michigan Women’s Business Council), Gold and Silver Stake Awards (Cornerstone Alliance) and the Top 500 Women-Owned business in the U.S. (Diversity Business.com).
Tomasini will be officially recognized on June 21st from 6-7 pm during the Woman of Achievement celebration as part of the PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference Direct-2-You, a virtual event, being held June 21-23, 2021.
Founded in 1903, the Promotional Products Association International is the world’s largest and oldest not-for-profit association serving more than 14,000 corporate members of the $19.8 billion promotional products industry, comprised of approximately 40,500 businesses and a workforce of more than 500,00 professionals.
