Cinda Baxter named as GHTA
Retail Advisory Board Member

September 29, 2005 - The Gift and Home Trade Association recently named Cinda Baxter, owner of Details, Ink. in Minneapolis, as one of nine members on the group’s Retail Advisory Board. Recognized for previous work on the National Stationery Show Advisory Board, Baxter is both honored and humbled by the two year appointment. “The retail industry has undergone enormous change in the past year—especially for independents. Many of our vendors and rep groups are recognizing the big box stores are cutting them out of the loop; they need us as much as we need them. This is a terrific way to begin conversations that will further the interests of U.S. companies, sales groups and retailers. In the end, the consumer will reap the benefits.”

This first time inclusion of retailers in the organization further broadens the scope of the GHTA’s impact. Prior to the establishment of the RAB, membership was “about 50 percent manufacturers and 50 percent sales representatives in the gift and home industry,” according to president Trip Van Roden. “It is the only national trade association in the industry.” With goals that include launching a single, national gift trade show, there’s no question members are serious about getting down to business. “This is the first time we retailers have had the opportunity to work side-by-side with our suppliers,” adds Baxter. “Everyone recognizes that the only way to succeed is to take those around us along for the ride.“

Baxter’s first “public” appearance in her new role will be as a featured speaker at a Retail Forum during the Chicago Gift Show on Saturday, January 21, 2005. The proposed topics she’ll cover include the critical interplay of communication and modern technology as they impact marketing, internet and security issues.