Livengood presented Jesse Benton, the congressman’s campaign manager, with materials supporting the promotional products industry. He expressed his and the industry’s concerns regarding local, state and federal cuts, including President Obama’s recent executive order, are hurting the promotional products industry. Benton assured he would visit with Paul regarding the importance of these issues.

“Several of those in attendance were surprised to hear that there are 458,000 jobs and 32,000 companies associated with the promotional products industry, of those companies, 95 percent are small business owners,” said Livengood.

In Livengood’s presentation to Benton, he referenced data provided by Ann Lardner-Stone, senior manager of communication of Promotional Products Association International and case studies from Newton Manufacturing showing the effectiveness of promotional products in education and other government programs.

While being interviewed by CNN, Livengood further expounded on how Obama and other politicians need to educate themselves on the benefits and value of promotional products before encouraging widespread cuts or bans in local, state and federal governments.

“We need to raise more visibility in our industry,” added Livengood. “It’s a matter of taking a little time to reach out with genuine concern and willingness to educate those who are of political influence.”