President's Message: It's up and running! The GHTA's Branding Action Group has officially launched its Independent Retailer Resource Center, which seeks to provide independent retailers with the tools they need to garner success. Be sure to visit the site --- www.independentretailer.biz --- and to share it with your vendors and reps. Watch for an email from Diane, our executive director, too, that will include key messages to forward to industry friends!    Doug Cofiell, President Gift and Home Trade Association

YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS THIS! STAMPEDE TO EXCELLENCE Enjoy horseback riding? Golfing? High-speed racing? Old western towns? This year's conference is more than just a conference --- it's an experience! In addition to great speakers, informative breakout sessions and networking opportunities, this year's conference will offer attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Gila River Indian community and culture. Click here.  2009 CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIPS Sponsorships for the 2009 GHTA Conference are needed in order to ensure its success? Consider sponsoring the GHTA this year. Visit here for sponsorship opportunities, or contact the GHTA office at 877.600.4872. Current sponsors include:  * Blue Birch     * Chicago Merchandise Mart * DEMDACO * Professional Marketing * TECSYS * Wellspring   GHTA EDUCATION E-SEMINAR PROGRAM Sales representatives from across the country have been taking advantage of the GHTA's education e-seminar programs and are learning to --- STAND OUT AND BE SUCCESSFUL! Take advantage of these low cost, no travel, one hour web programs --- 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 the New York International Gift FairŪ. The GHTA is sponsoring this event, but a lunch sponsor is needed. Are you interested in contributing to the cost of this lunch? In full or in part? If so, please contact the GHTA office at 877.600.4872.  NEW RETAILER WEBSITE HAS GONE LIVE! The Independent Retailer Resource Center is here! Visit www.independentretailer.biz to learn how you can support the independent retailer. If you're interested in sponsoring the site --- and helping independent retailers succeed --- or if you have information you'd like to see on the site, contact the GHTA office! GHTA HOSTS HOSPITALITY SUITE IN ATLANTA Need a meeting location? Want to learn more about what the GHTA has to offer? Thanks to the AmericasMart, the GHTA will host its own hospitality suite in Atlanta during the July show. GHTA members are invited to use the room for meetings and other gatherings, as well as to learn more about the GHTA's latest initiatives. Stay tuned for location 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.