CMD Gifts Named a Top 10 Mom-Owned Business
By Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 5/5/2009 1:36:00 PM
Cleveland, OH — CMD Gifts, which introduced its Penny Stones conversation starters to the wholesale market at the Atlanta Intl. Gift & Home Furnishings Market in January, was named one of the top 10 mom-owned businesses in StartupNation's 2009 Leading Moms in Business Competition. The competition, launched by StartupNation, an online community for startups and entrepreneurs, and VerticalResponse, a provider of email and direct mail marketing tools, education and support, aims to recognize the achievements of mothers who run outstanding businesses. Winners were determined by public votes accumulated from January through March 2009.“Moms across America were honored in this year’s ranking, showing that they’re capable of starting and running successful businesses while managing to balance family, career, home and self," said Rich Sloan, co-founder of StartupNation. "Well over 600,000 votes were cast in support of several thousand contestants. What an incredible achievement to be named a winner, and what an inspiration for anyone looking to start their own business.”
CMD Gifts' CEO Tammy Gentry has seen sales of her Penny Stones glass stones triple since she first began marketing them online in 2008. Sets of Penny Stones are made in Cleveland, Ohio by people with disabilities, and retail for less than $20, a popular category in today's economic conditons.
"It’s challenging for anyone to start and run a successful business — particularly in this economy. These women are setting the standard for innovation and creativity," said Janine Popick, founder and CEO of VerticalResponse.




























