PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Dear GHTA members:

Revitalized, robust, success. 

These three words have been used, in recent weeks, to describe markets within the gift and home industry and, it is our hope, that they accurately describe your business as well. 

I spoke with many of you in Atlanta at the GHTA's bi-annual cocktail reception, which was sponsored by the AmericasMart and our GHTA friends. It was certainly a privilege sharing a drink with you, networking with you, and getting to know you and your business.

The GHTA plans to introduce many exciting initiatives this year, including the addition of retailers to its membership base. If you are a retailer, receiving your first GHTA newsletter, WELCOME! We are thrilled that you have joined our efforts, and that you, too, are dedicated to growing and strengthening the gift and home industry. We look forward to getting to know you and working with you throughout the year!  

A quick, but important, housekeeping note: early registration for the 8th Annual GHTA Conference in New Orleans ends on February 15. Make sure you take advantage of this low rate --- the fee is currently $449, but will jump to $559 on February 16!

Let's keep building the positive momentum in the coming months!

Regards,
Beth Lang

SIGN UP FOR THE 2010 CONFERENCE AND SAVE BIG!

8th Annual GHTA Conference, New Orleans, November 18-20, 2010
The GHTA has already begun planning its 2010 conference, "Jazz Up Your Business in the Big Easy!," which will be held November 18-20 at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans. Early registration fees will be available until February 15 --- be sure to take advantage of these low rates! $445!

INVITE RETAILERS TO JOIN THE GHTA!

The GHTA recently announced the addition of retailers into its membership base, effective immediately. If you know a retailer who would be interested in joining the GHTA, please encourage them to visit www.giftandhome.org or to contact info@giftandhome.org. As members of the GHTA, retailers can learn more about:

* Branding themselves as independent retailers using the GHTA's Independent Retailer Resource Center
* Industry technologies useful to your business
* Award and networking opportunities
* And much more!

Sande Womack, with New Era Sales, encourages you to join the Retailer Membership Challenge! Invite and pay for three of your best retailers to join the GHTA at $95 annually. She's doing it --- and thinks you should too!

GHTA COMES TO THE BIG APPLE --- JOIN US!

RAB Presents at NYIGF®, Sunday, January 31, 3:30-4:30 PM   
The GHTA and the NYIGF® will team up to present "Buying Basics – Increasing your ROI at Tradeshows," a seminar led by RAB Member Carol Schroeder, of Orange Tree Imports (Madison, WI). The seminar will take place in Javits Center, 1A02-03. Schroeder will offer suggestions for maximizing inventory dollars, working effectively with vendors and sales reps, and getting the most out of a tradeshow experience. Benno Duenkelsbuehler, a principal with (re)ALIGN Strategy, will also participate in the seminar, addressing the benefits of association membership. Tickets to the seminar are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event.    

GHTA Hosts "Speed Networking and Sourcing with the GHTA"
Monday, February 1, 5:30-6:30 PM
The GHTA will host a networking and information sharing session at the New York International Gift Fair® focusing on industry innovation and change. Vendors, sales agencies, and retailers are invited to join members of the GHTA Board of Directors and the GHTA's Retailer Advisory Board (RAB) at this event. Industry newcomers, who are seeking assistance, as well as industry veterans, are encouraged to connect, share business strategies and practices, such as how to build a sales force, source packaging, or source an overseas factory --- and to learn more about the GHTA. Cost for the session is free, with advanced registration required. For more information or to register, please visit www.nyigf.com/programs.

THE STAKES ARE HIGH IN LAS VEGAS --- VISIT THE GHTA HOSPITALITY SUITE!

Do you know retailers, vendors, or sales agencies attending the Las Vegas World Market this February? Would they be interested in learning more about the GHTA?

The Las Vegas World Market Center has graciously offered to host the GHTA during the Las Vegas Market. Stop in our hospitality suite and learn more about educational opportunities, gaining access to industry data and statistics and attending the 8th Annual GHTA Conference, Jazz Up Your Business in the Big Easy, in New Orleans.  

WHAT: GHTA Hospitality Suite
WHEN: February 1-3, 2010
WHERE: Building C, Suite 825

COME VISIT US! BRING FRIENDS! HOST
MEETINGS! AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GHTA!

HELP DRIVE GHTA MEMBERSHIP

The GHTA has a renewed focus this year: membership. John Keiser, and a team of dedicated GHTA members, will be focusing on increasing GHTA membership two-fold. If you have any suggestions for members, individuals and/or companies you think the GHTA should contact, please email the GHTA at info@giftandhome.org.

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GHTA 2010 Board of Directors President                 Beth Lang, Alexa's Angels, Inc. Vice President          Marc Rice, Fox Premier Sales Treasurer                Julie Dix, Taggies, Inc. Secretary                Sharon White, DMW Associates Chairman                 Doug Cofiell, Ivystone Group Board of Directors:   Member                 Adam Schrier, Whereoware, LLC  Member                 Ed Butler, The Butler Group, Inc.  Member                 Cathy Scholin, Cathy & Co., Inc.  Member                 Kelly Gunn, SnapRetail  Member                 David Moses, Lazy Susan  Member                 Rick Contino, Midwest CBK  Member                 Dennis Nemcek, DNA  Member                 Todd Litzman, Brandwise, Inc. 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.