The Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF) will, with the support of the promotional products industry, establish a named scholarship in memory of Phil Carney, formerly of supplier QuickPoint, who passed away in April. Carney served on the PPEF board of trustees from 1987 – 1989, holding the position of chairman in 1988. He also served on the PPAI board of directors from 2000 – 2002 and was named a PPAI Fellow in 2016.

“Phil Carney was an icon of his time,” says Paul Lage, MAS, past PPAI board chair. “He taught so many how to use promotional products that would make an immediate reaction from someone. He was probably the inventor of the spec sample. Phil generally did it in an incredibly humorous way. He was truly one of the funniest people in our industry. He created a big following and would be considered an influencer of his time. I was fortunate enough to grow up with Phil as he worked with my dad. Eventually we were able to work together on the PPAI board. He loved our industry and making it fun for everyone.”

PPEF Named Scholarships are available in memory or recognition of industry members and their accomplishments. The foundation establishes the scholarships with donations at the $5,000, $10,000 or $50,000 marks for the three levels—four years, eight years and a permanent scholarship.

Click here for a video about the impact Carney made on the careers of Lage and others in the promotional products industry, and information on donations. A direct link to the PPEF donation page for the Phil Carney Scholarship Fund can be found here.