be sure to come back often, and check our calendar of events!




SUPPLIER CANDIDATES AND BIOS

VALERIE BORKOWSKI, MAS

Valerie Borkowski is a dedicated industry leader with a heart for service. With over 20 years of experience as a distributor and almost five years as a supplier/decorator Valerie is committed to helping VAPPA grow and thrive.

Valerie's career has spanned rolls in senior leadership, sales and support, eCommerce, operations, and now owns a contract decoration and fulfillment company. Her ability to drive strategic initiatives has helped grow both large and small businesses.

Valerie's passion for the regional associations stems from her own experience very early on in the industry. She knows firsthand the impact that the association can have as she was taken under the wing of and mentored by a past board member in another region. She's committed to ensuring that VAPPA can provide those types of opportunities to new professionals entering the industry.

Valerie is eager to continue to serve on the board to help strengthen the partnership between distributors and suppliers, promote education and collaboration, and give back to an industry that has given her so much.


DAN JENNE, CAS

I live in Murrells Inlet, SC but I grew up in NH.

I have a 20-year-old daughter and she’s a Junior at College of Charleston.

Present position:

National Account Manager at Storm Creek since June 2025

Previous industry positions:

Strategic Sales Manager | BEL Promo July 2024 – May 2025

Director of National Accounts | Tekweld April 2017 – May 2024

Distributor – CMG Promos (Owner) 2008 – 2017

Southeast Regional Manager | Bullet Line 2004 – 2008

Sales & Showcase Manager | Discovery Marketing 1997 – 2004

CAAMP Board 2005 – 2010 

RAC Board 2007 – 2011 

RAC Board President 2010-2011


MARK THIELEKE

Regional Territory Representative for Showdown Displays 2016-Current

Territory Representative for Vantage Apparel 2014-2016

  • 2023 Salesman of the Year – Showdown Displays
    President, CAAMP (Carolinas Association of Advertising & Marketing Professionals)- 2024 (started on board 2022-2025)& 2018-(started on board 2016-2018)
    Member, VAAPA (Virginia Association of Advertising & Marketing Professionals) 2016-2017(Served on Membership Committee)
Been in Promotional Products industry for 25 years. 

DISTRIBUTOR CANDIDATES AND BIOS

ISABEL EDMONDS

I am a Brand Developer and Designer at Threads Uniform Agency, where I lead apparel, uniform, and company hard good initiatives that combine functionality, style, and brand identity. With over a decade of experience in fashion design, brand strategy, and marketing, I hold a BFA in Fashion Design and an MBA in Marketing. I have held positions such as Founder, Vice President, PR Director, Treasurer, and other roles within nonprofit organizations and boards, bringing leadership, collaboration, and innovation to each. I hope to contribute my creative perspective and strategic expertise to the VAPPA Board of Directors. As an individual, I bring a unique blend of creative vision and analytical strategy. I’m passionate about bridging aesthetics with purpose—turning ideas into initiatives that inspire connection, community, and growth. I thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy problem-solving through a design-thinking lens, making sure that both function and innovation stay at the forefront. I would love to help the board continue fostering meaningful partnerships, strengthening brand engagement, and elevating the visibility of our shared mission within the industry. I look forward to the opportunity to serve, learn, and collaborate with the VAPPA community. Thank you for your consideration.

LARRY ARNTZ

Owner, Arntz Promotions in Hayes VA and Oryx Designs & Promotional Products in Waynesoro, VA

To say that Larry is an industry veteran is an understatement!

Jan 2012 - Jan 2015 ยท Served on the VAPPA Board, most recently as President

Jan 2011 - Jan 2013 - served on the MAPPA Board in several seats, including President



VAPPA
524 Wilbur Drive

Hoschton, GA 30548

804.615.0221
www.VAPPA.biz

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