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GHTA Adds Retailer Members

By Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 1/5/2010 4:30:00 PM

Grand Rapids, MI — The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) voted to open its membership and welcome retailers to its membership base. Retailers will be admitted to the GHTA effective immediately, joining manufacturers, sales agencies and sales reps. Retailer membership dues are set at $95 annually. Membership forms will be available at the upcoming Atlanta market in the GHTA Hospitality Suite in Building 2, Suite 1238 A&B. Retailers will also be able to register online and at other tradeshows, including the Chicago and Las Vegas markets.

The decision was made after discussion and a vote by current GHTA members, and in accordance with the GHTA's bylaws. This move is a major step by the association to unite all segments of the industry and its partners. The GHTA also adopted a new tagline, 'connect, contribute, and learn,' which expresses one of its primary goals.

Retailer members will have no vote in Association business and they will not be eligible to hold office in the Association. Retailer membership is available to any person representing a retailer in the gift or home industry who believes in the GHTA's Code of Ethics and will "benefit the Association through membership." According to the GHTA, "it is anticipated (but not required) that retailers of highest value to the Association are gift and home independent specialty retailers." Policies governing the participation of Retailer Members will be determined by the Board of Directors.

The effort to involve retailers with the organization began at the 2007 Strategic Planning Meeting, and has included the creation of the Independent Retailer Resource Center, as well as GHTA’s co-sponsorship of ICON Honors with AmericasMart. The effort will be headed by Doug Cofiell, GHTA chairman of the board, along with Marc Rice, vice president, and Benno Duenkelsbuehler, Retailer Advisory Board (RAB) Action Group chair.

The GHTA has been broadening its constituency since its inception. The group had its origins in the United Sales Association, which changed its name in 2005 to reflect its increased manufacturer membership. Previous steps toward including retailers include the creation of the Retail Advisory Board and appointing a retailer as an ex officio member of its own board, both in 2006.

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