President's Message: This year's conference planning team has been busy making arrangements for the upcoming 2009 GHTA Conference, "Stampede to Excellence: Reigning in the Wild Frontier of our Changing Industry," on November 19-21. National keynote speakers, networking opportunities, breakout sessions and more will make this conference even better than last year's. Remember to sign up today and take advantage of significantly discounted rates and the chance to win some great prizes --- early registration ends May 1!   Doug Cofiell, President Gift and Home Trade Association

YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS THIS! STAMPEDE TO EXCELLENCE Are you interested in attending an exclusive reception with prominent industry buyers? Or being entered into a drawing to win a foursome of golf at the renowned Whirlwinds Golf Course? If so, register now for the 2009 GHTA Conference, "Stampede to Excellence: Reining in the Wild Frontier of our Changing Industry." Early registrants have the opportunity to WIN BIG! Click here.  2009 CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIPS Interested in making the 2009 GHTA Conference an unparalleled success? Consider sponsoring the GHTA this year. Visit here for sponsorship opportunities, or contact the GHTA office at 877.600.4872. We need your help!   GHTA EDUCATION WEBINAR PROGRAM GHTA members asked for it, and now it's here --- STAND OUT AND BE SUCCESSFUL: The GHTA Webinar Program! Three hit topics will be covered in a low cost, no travel, one hour web program --- it doesn't get any easier. Sign up or learn more here!  WE NEED YOUR HELP! Support your RAB! The GHTA's Retail Advisory Board will share information and ideas for effective communication with retailers, sales reps and manufacturers this summer at the New York International Gift FairŪ. The GHTA is sponsoring this event, but a lunch sponsor is needed. Are you interested in underwriting the lunch for this event? If so, please contact the GHTA office at 877.600.4872. BRANDWISE GIFT AND HOME INDEX Do you need valuable insight into the state of our industry? If you have not already, don't forget to sign up for the Brandwise Gift and Home Index --- it's information you can't afford to miss! Sign up or learn more here. GHTA TO UNVEIL NEW RETAILER WEBSITE The GHTA's Branding Action Group has been working hard to create a new, informational website for independent retailers. Those who have seen the site agree --- it's going to be a hit! The site is nearly ready and will be launched soon. If you're interested in sponsoring the site --- and helping independent retailers succeed --- contact the GHTA office! Stay tuned for more information!

GHTA 2009 Board of Directors President                      Doug Cofiell, Ivystone Group Vice President               John Haste, IMAX Corporation Treasurer                     Basil Elliott, Enesco Secretary                     Sharon White, DMW Associates Chairman                      George Kacic, Ganz Board of Directors          Ed Butler, The Butler Group, Inc.                                   Julie Dix, Taggies, Inc.                                   Denny King, King Leadership Group LLC.                                   Beth Lang, Alexa's Angels                                   Marc Rice, Fox Premier Sales                                   Cathy Scholin, Cathy & Co., Inc. Ex-Officio                     Kelly Gunn, Ganz                                   Adam Schrier, Whereoware Executive Director          Diane Carnevale Jones We welcome and appreciate your comments and questions. Please contact us toll free at 877.600.4872. You may also email Diane directly at dcjones@profmktg.com.