PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Dear GHTA member,

In a few short months, the GHTA will host its 8th annual conference in New Orleans, a place I called home for several years. New Orleans is a city known for its impressive and varied architecture, musical aptitude, distinctive cuisine, unique character and high energy. During our time there, we will have the opportunity to experience the city --- to frequent its jazz clubs, to taste its beignets (a personal favorite day or night!), and to visit its famed shops --- and to hear a plethora of nationally-recognized speakers. 

But we will also have the opportunity to serve. 

In 2005, New Orleans was devastatingly impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Homes were broken, businesses were destroyed, families were torn apart, lives were altered --- and, unfortunately, the impact of the storm is still felt today.  
What can we do about it? 

Most of you have undoubtedly heard of St. Bernard Parish, one of the worst-hit parishes during Katrina. On Thursday, November 18, as part of the 2010 conference agenda, conference attendees will have the opportunity to respond to this ruin by volunteering with the St. Bernard Project, a New Orleans-based initiative that works to rebuild homes and families within Greater New Orleans (see the THURSDAY section of this newsletter to learn more). For information on this organization, and the work that it does, please visit http://stbernardproject.blogspot.com/. Are you interested in participating in this event? There is no experience needed! Email info@giftandhome.org for registration information and to get signed up. 

There's something important, right, and fulfilling about "giving back" --- about volunteering and being a socially-responsible individual and company. The GHTA is excited to encourage this behavior and to afford its members this great opportunity. To learn more about our agenda, visit the GHTA website at http://www.giftandhome.org/cms/Home/2010_Conference.php.  
We're looking forward to seeing you all soon!

All the best,

Beth Lang
President, Gift and Home Trade Association  

GHTA ANNOUNCES THE 2010 NOMINATING COMMITTEE   

Dear GHTA members:

The 2010 Nominating Committee has been formed for the purpose of electing members to serve on the 2010-2011 Board of Directors, as set forth by the GHTA Bylaws.  GHTA Chairman of the Board, Doug Cofiell, will serve as the Chair of the committee.  He will be joined by Kirk Palmer (Palmer & Associates); Peter Schauben (Appelman Schauben); Stu Teller (Right Angle Strategies); Trip van Roden  (Wellspring).

If you have any interest in serving on the GHTA Board of Directors, or would like to nominate someone, please contact one of the committee members no later than July 15, 2010.

Doug Cofiell dcofiell@ivystonegroup.net
Kirk Palmer kpalmer@palmersteam.com
Peter Schauben peters@appelmanschauben.com
Stu Teller stu@rightanglestrategies.com
Trip van Roden trip@wellspringgift.com

JOIN US FOR COCKTAILS IN VEGAS!

LOCATION: Las Vegas Market Center
ROOM: TBD
DATE: Wednesday, August 4, 2010
TIME: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
GHTA MEMBER SPONSORS: bwconnect, Eller Enterprises, HomeStyle, Lakeshore Candle Co. Lazy Susan, Midwest CBK, SnapRetail, and Yankee Candle Co. 

The Las Vegas World Market Center has also offered the GHTA a hospitality suite, which will be open during show hours. Location is to be determined. Stay tuned for more information in the next newsletter!

VISIT OUR HOSPITALITY SUITE IN ATLANTA!

The AmericasMart Atlanta has graciously offered the GHTA a hospitality suite during the International Gift and Home Furnishings Show® this July. The suite will be available for GHTA member use. Feel free to use the room to host meetings or to network with industry colleagues. Information regarding GHTA membership benefits and the 2010 conference will be available in the suite. Be sure to stop by to learn more!

LOCATION: AmericasMart, Building 2, Suite 1238

TICKETS ON SALE NOW: ICON HONORS!

Tickets for ICON Honors: Celebrating Global Innovation are on sale now! Visit http://www.americasmarticonhonors.com/ for more information and details. NEW DATE: Saturday, July 17, 2010 LOCATION: Marriott Marquis, Atlanta

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS		TICKETS
7:00 PM Cocktails 8:00 PM Dinner and Awards Ceremony Marquis — Atrium Ballroom Attire — Business/Cocktail		7:00 PM Cocktails 8:00 PM Dinner and Awards Ceremony Marquis — Atrium Ballroom Attire — Business/Cocktail

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements
regarding this year's ICON Honors!

Make sure you book your flights and hotel rooms to coincide with this event! If you need more information about ICON Honors, please email the GHTA at info@giftandhome.org or visit www.americasmarticonhonors.com. 

 

THURSDAY CONFERENCE ACTIVIITES:
SHOP, VOLUNTEER, OR GOLF!

The GHTA is offering a variety of special activities to conference attendees on Thursday, November 18, including a volunteer initiative. Make sure you come to New Orleans early enough to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities!

Volunteer with the St. Bernard Project:

Join the GHTA as it seeks to support St. Bernard's Parish, one of Hurricane Katrina's worst-hit parishes.  Have an entire day?  We're just holding 25 spots for GHTA members interested in a work day! We'll be helping to rebuild homes and clean up the area. No experience is necessary! We'll learn together! Contact info@giftandhome.org for more information and to register.

Guided New Orleans Shopping Tour and Lunch:

Visit some of the most popular independent retailers in the New Orleans area, gaining valuable retail insight post-Katrina, while learning about the city's rich history. Contact info@giftandhome.org for more information and to register.

Annual Golf Outing to Support Gift for Life:

Enjoy golfing and networking at one of New Orleans' pristine golf courses! Contact Marc Rice at marcrice1@aol.com for more information and to sign up.

A full list of Conference highlights is now available online at http://www.giftandhome.org/cms/Home/2010_Conference/Agenda_Highlights.php.

Sign up now and take advantage of $559 early registration fees!

HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Hotel rooms filling fast! Contact the Ritz Carlton, New Orleans by calling (800) 826-8987. Be sure to identify yourself as part of the Gift and Home Trade Association, in order to receive a $159.00/night room rate. Or reserve your room online at www.ritzcarlton.com/neworleans. Use group codes: ARMARMA (City View King) or ARMARMB (City View Double). Have special reservation requests?  Call Allison Bergeron at the Ritz Carlton at 504.670.2844.
 
Join us at the 8th Annual GHTA Conference, held in New Orleans, November 18-20, 2010. Check out http://www.giftandhome.org/cms/Home/2010_Conference.php for more information and to register!

SPONSOR THE CONFERENCE!

Thank you to those who have already agreed to sponsor the 2010 GHTA Conference, and the educational opportunities that are inherent in all of the GHTA's programming! If you are interested in sponsorship information, please visit http://www.giftandhome.org/cms/Home/2010_Conference/Conference_Sponsorhips.php --- you'll enjoy many benefits and recognition throughout the year!

2010 GHTA CONFERENCE SPONSORS

Gold Sponsors: Urban Expositions Lindsay Phillips Brandwise AmericasMart Whereoware

Silver Sponsors:  Dallas Market Center Natural Life Professional Marketing Wellspring

Exhibitor Sponsors: TECSYS Total Biz Fulfillment

ARE YOUR FRIENDS INTERESTED IN THE GHTA?

Which of your colleagues and/or friends would benefit from GHTA membership? Who do you think should be a part of our organization? If you have any suggestions for members --- vendors, sales agencies and retailers --- please email the GHTA at info@giftandhome.org. We would welcome the opportunity to reach out to them on your behalf!

GETTING READY FOR THE SUMMER SHOW SEASON?

Are you getting ready for the summer show season? Do you need the GHTA logo or a GHTA decal to identify yourself as part of the GHTA? If so, please contact the GHTA at info@giftandhome.org and we will send you the GHTA logo for your website and/or a decal for your showroom.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! 

Caffco International
Festivity
Simple Gifts of Hope
Pictura
GreatGiftCircle.com
Stephan Baby

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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.

Gift and Home Trade Association
2025 E. Beltline S.E. Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
phone 877.600.4872, fax 509.479.5254    
www.giftandhome.org info@giftandhome.org