DAVID WOODS MAKES THE POWER 50

(Neenah, WI)—-This winter, Counselor Magazine divulged their top picks of industry stars and CEOs who most influence the marketplace today. Amongst a list laden with legacies, and in an industry wary of outsiders, newcomer (by industry standards) David Woods, CEO and president of Adventures in Advertising, is a surprising yet impressive pick for the top 10.

Once a struggling corporation, AIA has completed a remarkable turnaround under Woods’ leadership and solidified its position among the top tier of promotional product distributorships in the United States. Beginning in May 2006, AIA re-launched its franchising program and is positioned for solid growth in the coming years. AIA expects to grant 25 to 40 new franchises annually during the next two to three years, with an long-term goal of reaching 500 franchises.

Under Woods’ command, AIA currently has 310 franchisees and is among the 15 largest distributors in the promotional products industry that includes more than 22,000 distributors. At present, AIA is the largest franchised company in its niche.

Woods, a graduate of the University of Michigan, has compiled a noteworthy list of credentials for only being in the industry for a mere 15 years. Beginning as the CEO of Lee Wayne for seven years, he then moved on to become the executive vice president of Halo. After leaving Halo to run his own consulting firm, Dick Nelson, the founder of Adventures In Advertising, convinced Woods to come on board as their CEO.