At the Awards and Personalization Association’s International Expo held last month in Las Vegas, Board Chair Mario Scarano, CSR, officially installed Lisa Higginbotham, CSR, of 5Star Awards Inc. in Cary as a board member. Higginbotham will serve a three-year term on the board, and will also chair APA’s Education Committee for 2016-2017.

APA is the professional association for retailers and suppliers of personalized and customized items. Its board is charged with managing the affairs of the association in accordance with established bylaws. Composed of 14 dedicated individuals from member companies — seven retailers and seven suppliers — the board of directors is elected by a worldwide membership.

Higginbotham is a Certified Recognition Specialist and has owned and operated 5Star Awards with her husband Jeff for 17 years, supplying local companies and individuals with quality awards and gifts. The company added a 900-square-foot showroom last fall to its location at 100 Woodwinds Industrial Court, and has been adding staff to meet increased demand.

5Star Awards is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and was named Small Business of the Year in 2013 by the Awards and Recognition Association, precursor of APA. It is also a certified ethics-minded business by the BBB.

“I am looking forward to work with Lisa and the energy, enthusiasm and passion she brings to our wonderful association,” said Scarano.

For more information on 5Star Awards, visit www.5starawards.net or call 1-800-553-0133.