allied members

ABC/Amega Inc. 

ABC-Amega is a global receivable management firm, providing services to companies around the world since 1929. Services include: Industry Credit Group Management, including service provider for the GHTA-GAIN credit interchange; 3rd-party Commercial Debt Collection; 1st-party Receivables Collection Outsourcing; and Credit, Collections and Financial education, including free monthly webinars, training workshops and e-newsletter. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, ABC-Amega has hundreds of correspondent attorneys and agencies worldwide. ABC-Amega can collect commercial debt in 200+ countries. We are certified by the Commercial Law League of America, and are fully licensed and bonded. Our 1st-party Outsourcing solution is designed to enhance our clients' credit departments, not replace them. 

Contact: Donna Mosteller, donna.mosteller@abc-amega.com
www.abc-amega.com

AmericasMart

Founded in 1957 by world-renowned architect and developer, John C. Portman, Jr.-and now with son Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr. as president and chief operating officer jointly owning and managing the company-AmericasMart Atlanta is the nation's leading gift, home furnishings and area rug marketplace and the largest trade mart/tradeshow complex of its kind in the world. More retailers, from more places, do business at AmericasMart than in any other U.S. wholesale market. AmericasMart's mix of specialty product presented in its permanent showrooms and temporary exhibit halls-spread among its four integrated buildings-eclipses that of any other single marketplace, anywhere. In its sprawling 7.7 million-square-foot facilities, AmericasMart's burgeoning product mix covers the broad gift, home furnishings and area rug, and extends to include fashion apparel and accessories product in huge quantities.

Contact: Terence A. Morris, tmorris@americasmart.com
www.americasmart.com

Brandwise

Brandwise creates technology to help everyone along the sales channel generate orders that are faster, bigger, and greener, saving their clients time, money and environmental impact. Based in Lakewood, Colorado, this Application Service Provider (ASP) delivers hosted software solutions to manufacturers, reps, and retailers within targeted industries. The Brandwise product suite integrates a series of local and Web-based tools combining Sales Force Automation, Business to Business e-Commerce, Business Intelligence, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to enhance the coordination and communication of information between every point in the sales channel. For more information on Brandwise visit www.brandwise.com or call (877) 435-3225.

Contact: Jim McNulty, jmcnulty@brandwise.com

The Chicago Market: Living and Giving

The Chicago Market is your premier resource for trendy Home Accessories and fast selling Gift Product. Our quarterly wholesale shows offer you with plenty of resources in one easy to shop building.

Contact: Sara Hall, shall@mmart.com
www.shopchicagomarket.com

Smart Retailer

Country Business is one of the top business resources for today’s independent retailers of gifts and home accents. The magazine is published seven times a year and offers expert business advice, in-depth product features, top trends, wholesale resources and more. In addition to the print publication, Country Business serves its readers and the larger retail industry through two e-newsletters, email blasts, social media, discussion forums, a website with exclusive content, seminars and sponsored industry events.

Contact: Susan Wagner, swagner@smart-retailer.com
www.smart-retailer.com

Dallas Market Center

Dallas Market Center, the most complete wholesale merchandise resource in the world, has been bringing buyers and exhibitors together for more than 50 years. At DMC, you’ll find products representing every category including home furnishings, gifts, decorative accents, lighting, garden accessories, gourmet items, holiday décor, textiles, fashion accessories and apparel. We hold 50-plus markets each year attended by more than 200,000 buyers from across the globe.

Contact: Eileen Lunning, elunning@dmcmail.com
www.dallasmarketcenter.com

Denver Merchandise Mart

Since opening its doors in 1965, the Denver Merchandise Mart has firmly established itself as the Rocky Mountain region’s premier wholesale marketplace. There are over 400 permanent showrooms and 400 temporary Gift Show exhibitors that represent thousands of lines includ ing major names in gifts, collectibles, home furnishings, decorative accessories, handcrafts, holiday and seasonal, gourmet foods as well as one of the largest selections of Western, rustic, lodge-style and Native American products in the country. A mix of fresh and unique merchandise-plus a location in one of the country’s most popular destinations-are just two of the elements that make the Denver Merchandise Mart a marketplace that more and more buyers simply don’t want to miss.

Contact : Gift Show: Bridget Oakes, bridget@denvermart.com, Permanent Showroom Leasing: Michelle Andrews, michelle@denvermart.com, Buyer Services: Evonne Eiseman, evonne@denvermart.com
www.denvermart.com

Eller Enterprises

Randy Eller's 35 years of experience in the gift and home industry has included successful track records in every category of business, having been a retailer, a salesperson, and President of a large importer of gifts and home decor. This background has enabled him to now offer consulting services and speaking engagements tailored to any type of audience. He is also a regular columnist for Home Accents Today magazine and has been published in all other trade magazines as well. Eller Enterprises offers consulting services in all aspects of the industry, including product development, sales and marketing, and general operations.

Contact: Randy Eller, reller@ellerent.com
www.ellerent.com.

Giftbeat

Giftbeat is a trend-tracking newsletter that has been covering the gif industry since 1992. Each month this advertising-free publication presents National and Regional charts that list the best-selling lines in the industry, gathered from a network of 300+ independent gift retailers. These store owners also share feedback on new products worth watching, categories trending up or down, specific lines that are moving off the shelf, and other revenue-boosting tips. Premium content is offered online, where subscribers can access Giftbeat's active discussion board, which includes more than 14,000 archived discussions.

Contact: Joyce Washnik, joyce@giftbeat.com
www.giftbeat.com 

Gifts and Decorative Accessories

GIFTS & DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES has been a partner to the gift industry since 1917, providing essential information for its trade professionals, including independent specialty retailers, manufacturers and their representatives, importers and trade show managers. It delivers in-depth product, trend, forecast and merchandising information, as well as exclusive research, analyses and other business critical information. Product categories include gifts, home décor, tabletop, greeting cards, stationery, paper and party goods, fancy foods/gourmet, fashion jewelry, and other related merchandise.

Contact: Nancy Wolkow, nancy.wolkow@reedbusiness.com
www.giftsanddec.com

Gift Shop

GIFT SHOP is for and about you - the gift retailer. It's your one-stop resource for information, products, ideas and inspiration. Every issue of GIFT SHOP is jam packed with tips and ideas to increase your bottom line. 

Contact: Patricia Norins, norins@giftshopmag.com
www.giftshopmag.com

Giftjobs.biz

Giftjobs.biz is focused on one goal: Finding Executives & Professionals that will make a difference in your Company. Our Recruiting & Search Programs are designed to identify the personnel your company needs in management to accelerate growth. We identify & recruit committed Executives for your Management Teams, Sales Teams, Marketing Teams, Product Development Teams, Art Teams, Facilities Management Teams, and Information Management Teams. The owner of giftjobs.biz, Bill Curry has over 30 years experience in our industry. Call him at 800-576-3123 and see how we can help you grow your company.

Contact: Bill Curry, bcurry@giftjobs.biz
www.giftjobs.biz

GLM, dmg :: events

GLM, dmg :: events, is the largest producer and marketer of consumer product tradeshows in North America, serving industries as diverse as giftware, home furnishings, social stationery, home textiles, tabletop, gourmet housewares, contemporary furniture, personal care, surf, skate, water sports, swim and resort. GLM also manages business expositions and conferences on behalf of others, within the hospitality industry. Currently, they are involved in the production of 25 tradeshows in 8 cities across the United States and Canada. Together, these events showcase nearly 20,000 exhibitors in 3.7 million net square feet of exhibit space, and attract approximately 290,000 attendees.

Contact: Cate Salvatore, cate_salvatore@glmshows.com
www.glmshows.com

GreatGiftCircle.com

A Great Gift should be the perfect balance between what the giver wants to give and the receiver would like to get. GreatGiftCircle.com helps you find that perfect balance. GreatGiftCircle.com is a social networking and marketing tool for Great Gift Giving. We help you build a profile about what you like, what makes you happy, and ideas about what you would like as a gift. That is the important information when it comes to gift giving. GreatGiftCircle.com believes you can "take the 'if' out of gift."

Jean Rosone and Sharon Day are new to the Gift industry, but both women have had extensive careers in the entertainment industry. Jean is an Emmy Award winning Costume Supervisor and Sharon is an Emmy Award nominated Costume Designer. Through their backgrounds in Film and Television, they have been setting trends and guiding public opinion for many years. They are now ready to step into their own spotlight and use their talents to help people put thought, creativity and meaning into their gift giving. Give Great ... Get Great!

Contact: Jean Rosone, dj@greatgiftcircle.com and Sharon Day, sday@greatgiftcircle.com

Green Retailer

GREEN Retailer is your guide to eco-friendly resources for the gift and home furnishings market.  It is the essential business resource for gift store retailers who are both beginning to implement green strategies and who have already incorporated sustainable practices throughout their stores. 

Contact: Patricia Norins, norins@giftshopmag.com
www.greenretailermag.com

Markert Group Consulting

Markert Group Consulting advises manufacturers and retailers on optimizing their product offerings. Services include product development, leveraging market trends, recognizing opportunities for growth, and creating brand and marketing strategies for increased sales and profit. Founder, Gail Markert has helped hundreds of suppliers improve their product lines and processes. Her work with a variety of both niche and chain marketers provides clients with a rare insight into the retail and merchandising world. An individual approach assures a customized solution for each organization.

Contact: Gail Markert, Gail@Markertgroupconsulting.com
www.MarkertGroupConsulting.com

Peterson Consulting

Susan Peterson, an independent consultant brings over 35 yeas of corporate international experience with a consistent record of imaginative and effective sales and marketing in the giftware, home décor, tabletop, and art industry. Respected throughout the industry as a visionary marketing professional with the ability to innovate new products, revitalize mature businesses, position and transition products to meet the strategic business potential and marketing vision. With an analytical and strategic perspective, she helps her clients create a distinctive image to differentiate products and services among retailers and consumers. She has significant experience and contacts throughout the industry, all of which she brings to her consulting practice. Prior to starting her consulting, she was an executive at some of the most prestigious firms in the gift industry which include: The Schmid Company, Enesco, and Goebel.

Contact:  Susan E. Peterson, susp1959@aol.com

Snap!Retail

SnapRetail provides the only integrated online marketing and sales solution that drives increased sales and store traffic for local retailers. Retailers can plan their marketing programs, promote through email, Facebook, and Twitter, sell daily offers and stock leading brands, all from one easy, affordable web-based system. SnapRetail's strong relationships with over 150 of the leading gift and home decor manufacturers ensure that retailers have the product information required to build successful marketing and sales programs. 

Contact: Tyler Johnston, tyler.johnston@snapretail.com
www.snapretail.com

(re)ALIGN

(re)ALIGN helps retailers and wholesalers create and harvest greater demand and profitability from their consumer business -- by (re)aligning the organization around what matters most. (re)ALIGN draws on 23 years experience as buyer, merchandising executive and consultant with such companies as IKEA, Pottery Barn, The Bombay Company, and wholesalers working with 1000's of independent retailers, to create a system that can turn around lagging brands and harvest profits from all elements of the business. Most recently, Benno kicked off a business launch for a client – crafting a unique value proposition, new product assortment, starting new China sourcing base, sales presentations, and production orders – all within six months from start to placement in 4 retail chains. (re)ALIGN fuels your growth with perspective, experience, and speed.

Contact: Benno Duenkelsbuehler Email: Benno@reALIGNforResults.com
www.reALIGNforResults.com

Right Angle Strategies

Right Angle specializes in sales, marketing, product, and business strategies and services to help companies within the Gift, Home and Collegiate industries grow their business. Our client objectives include assessing needs and applying the necessary resources and right strategies thru our 30+ years marketplace experience and network to help companies achieve their goals. Right Angle's assembled team of industry experts effectively fills the needs of startup companies as well as helps good existing companies become great.

Contact: Stu Teller, stu@rightanglestrategies.com
www.rightanglestrategies.com

Schoenberg Finkel Newman & Rosenberg, LLC

SFNR is a law firm with over 70 years of combined experience representing independent manufacturer's representatives and their associations. The legal team at SFNR understands the rep business and is able to respond to your needs, as a rep, as a business owner, or as a manufacturer utilizing sales representatives. SFNR will provide a free, no obligation, 20 minute initial telephone consultation. You will receive efficient legal representation because SFNR already knows the laws and the precedents that apply to reps and has likely seen and researched your issues before. The Firm accepts many commission recovery matters on a special contingency basis. SFNR is based in Chicago, but practices nation-wide.

Contact: Gerald M. Newman, Gerald.Newman@sfnr.com
www.Replawyers.com

MACEF

Macef International Home Show is one of Europe’s largest and most attractive trade shows for the Kitchenware & Tableware, Home Decoration, Gifts, Design, and Fashion Accessories industries.  Held in Milan, Italy, twice a year (in January and September), it features 5,000 international companies exhibiting on over 250,000 net square meters of display area and as many as 170,000 professional visitors (90,000 in January and 80,000 in September).

Contact: Stefano Caccia, stefano@projectforyou.com
www.macef.com

Tecsys

TECSYS is a leading supply chain management software provider that delivers powerful enterprise distribution, warehouse and transportation logistics software solutions. The company's customers include over 500 mid-size and Fortune 1000 corporations in giftware, healthcare, heavy equipment, third-party logistics, and general wholesale high-volume distribution industries.TECSYS PointForce Enterprise is a leap forward for small to mid-sized giftware and import-to-retail distributors and delivers the industry's most advanced functionality for the total management of a supply chain that includes products, suppliers, consumers and retailers anytime and anywhere in the world.

Contact: info@tecsys.com
www.tecsys.com

The Center Stage Team

The Center Stage Team offers a full spectrum of sales and marketing services. Our mission is to give our clients an organized and clear picture of their products in the marketplace, by following industry trends, tracking product movement, setting long and short term goals and establishing good sales tools. Whether you are new to the Gift Industry, or well established, The Center Stage Team brings industry expertise to your organization. We will tailor a program to fit the current needs of your organization in areas such as, sales management, product development, licensing, distribution, sales training, and competitor evaluation. We have the talent, and experience to assist you in growing your business at a price to fit your budget. We function as your in-house sales and marketing team. Our team will develop sales and marketing strategies, define markets and establish distribution networks. When you turn over the sales & marketing responsibilities to us, you gain the time to manage your company. Randy Spoor and Angela Knight of The Center Stage Team welcome your interest and are happy to offer a free 1 hour consultation to access your needs and offer direction to assist in your success.

Contact: Randy Spoor, rs2394@aol.com
www.thecenterstageteam.com

Total Biz Fulfillment

Total Biz Fulfillment specializes in providing a matchless combination of a full service package fulfillment center which can be combined with complete customer relations and back-office facilities, and light manufacturing capabilities to assist domestic and international manufacturers to grow their brand throughout North America. These services are presented in a friendly, professional, and cost efficient manner while striving to exceed the expectations of the manufacturers and their clients through Quality, Accuracy, Timeliness, and Cost-efficiency.

Contact: Michael Davis, mdavis@totalbizfulfillment.com
www.totalbizfulfillment.com

URBAN EXPOSITIONS

Urban Expositions is a leading producer of regional gift, souvenir and resort merchandise trade shows. With a successful track record bringing buyers and sellers together in cost-effective and convenient settings, the company's growing show roster includes the Philadelphia Gift Show, Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show, Boston Gift Show, Ft Lauderdale Gift Show, Galveston Gift & Resort Merchandise Show, Emerald Coast Gift & Resort Show , Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show, Market Place Show, Ocean City Resort Gift Expo, Orlando Gift Show, and invitation-only Gathering event. Urban Expositions also produces Material World & Technology Solutions, the global fashion production, supply chain and technology events for the sewn products industries.

Contact: Doug Miller, dmiller@urban-expo.com
www.urban-expo.com

Whereoware

Whereoware is the leading internet technology provider for the gift and home industry. Our team of seasoned professionals has over 55 years of combined industry experience. We have successfully teamed with over 100 diverse clients to implement custom tailored websites, targeted and personalized email marketing and digital catalog implementations.

Whereoware uses its deep understanding of the industry to craft strategies that focus on generating on-line profits and maximizing the return on investment for its clients. To achieve these goals, Whereoware employs industry-leading tools to build comprehensive online strategies that are fully integrated with a client's overall marketing efforts, online and offline.

Contact: Joe Harris, jharris@whereoware.com
www.whereoware.com / www.activemerchandiser.com

World Market Center Las Vegas

World Market Center Las Vegas is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and trade complex. The state-of-the-art campus showcases furniture, decorative accessories, gift, lighting, area rugs, home textiles and related segments, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC), now open daily to consumers and designers. WMCLV currently hosts Las Vegas Market biannually in February and September – the preeminent total home market. Additionally, making its debut in February 2010, InspireDesign at World Market Center represents a dynamic alternative for manufacturers and companies serving the hospitality design marketplace. In June 2010, WMCLV will launch the inaugural Gift + Home show catering to the gift, decorative accessory and seasonal industries.

Contact: Michelle Ovalle, MICHELLE.OVALLE@LASVEGASMARKET.COM
WWW.LASVEGASMARKET.COM