Email news for the shoe traveler community
March 7, 2007
Welcome to "WSTA Online", the electronic newsletter designed to keep you up to date on news, WSTA activities, career opportunities and more.
Over 20% of Our Members Participate in Survey
Thanks to all those that participated. Approximately one of every five members participated in the survey. The results are now being tabulated and beginning in the next issue of WSTA Online we will be giving you some of the findings.
"The results of this survey will play a big part in determining the direction of WSTA and its activities," says Gary Morgan Vice President of WSTA. "We know money-saving benefits and services are important but early tabulations tell us you also want WSTA to be a strong voice for the traveler in the footwear industry. We will look at all survey results during a two-day strategic planning meeting the Board has planned for later this year."
Earlier this week, a call for Board member nominations was sent to all members. There will be elections for five of the 13 Board seats later this year. This call is your opportunity to either suggest candidates (or yourself) to the Nomination Committee or petition for a person to be on the ballot. Board members serve a three-year term. Details are available by clicking here.
Your Current Board of Directors
WSTA Online will feature one current Board member in each issue. Feel free to contact them with your ideas. Board contact information can be found here.
| Term Expires: | October 2007 |
| Committee: | Nominations and By-Law Committee Chairperson |
| Lines: | |
| Territory: |
I'm glad to see that in one year we've provided a hub for travelers to gather, share common problems, and seek solutions that will benefit the shoe travelers. It's now nomination time for the Board to seek new candidates. We hope there are people out there who care about their industry and have ideas about how to improve it."
The National Retail Federation recently released its 2007 forecast, predicting that retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.8% from last year. Retail sales increased 6.3% in 2006. Current retail trends will persist throughout the year: Luxury retailers will continue to outperform. Online shopping will contunue to escalate. Retailers catering to the lower and mid-level income consumer will find achieving sales gains more challenging. (NRF Smart Brief 1/16/2007)
Gina Berman, President of WSTA, and Bill Boettge, Executive Director, met last month with Skip Farber and Diane Stone, President and COO of WSA, respectively. "We are pleased to have a very good working relationship with WSA," says Gina Berman. "There are many areas where both groups are working to make it a better show for all parties."
Among the subjects discussed were:
- Porter service for WSTA members at the LVCC. Information on this will be posted shortly on the WSTA website.
- Buyer lists for WSTA members. WSTA is working on some improvements, which will be announced later this spring.
- WSTA will have kiosks in both the North Hall and South Hall at this summer's show, providing easy access for WSTA members.
- Interview room for YOUR usage. WSTA will have a room where you can meet with companies for job interviews - information will be on our website soon.
- Continued show registration online for WSTA members. WSA will soon have the link open for you for register online for the July/Aug show, as a benefit of membership in WSTA.
In addition, WSTA is working with WSA to build attendance at the WSA Show with possible award packages to travelers who participate in the campaign. Watch for details.
WSA also provides WSTA with a list of all sales representatives who attend the WSA Show. "This list gives us the opportunity to get WSTA information to travelers in the shoe and related fields and grow our membership-- a strong part of WSA and WSTA working together," concluded Berman.
WSA Update
For all the latest from WSA including information on registration for the next show (July 30 through August 1, 2007), visit www.wsashow.com. Although registration is open for buyers, exhibitor's registration will be available soon, as well as links between WSA's site and WSTA. Read all the latest news at www.WSAToday.com. Check out the travel desk for hotel rates for the next show.
WSA Announces Switch to Three-Day Show for July/August 2007
This summer’s WSA Show will run from July 30 to August 1. Diane Stone, the show’s chief operating officer, said, “With the efficiency afforded by being under one roof at the LVCC, the new schedule will allow everyone the time to work and network and achieve cost and time savings.”
WSA Show Keeps February 2008 Dates
(Encino, Calif.) - Feb. 21, 2007 - The WSA Show announced today the decision to maintain existing dates and locations for the February 2008 show. The show, in the three-day format which will begin in August, will take place as scheduled Feb. 21-23, 2008 at The Mandalay Bay Convention Center and The Sands Expo Center. Click here to read the entire release.
Pre-Paid Legal Rebates Mailed This Week
$50 checks were mailed this week to all WSTA members who signed up for the Pre-Paid Legal benefit last fall. "WSTA encourages all members to participate in this program," says Jim Potter, Chairperson of the WSTA Benefits/Services Committee. "All of us are involved in legal matters during the year, be it in purchasing or selling property, contract issues, or family matters like wills. Having the services of Pre-Paid Legal is good business sense."
WSTA is continuing the special offer of a $50 rebate to all who sign up for Pre-Paid Legal and remain on the plan for 90 days. It's a great opportunity to participate in an excellent program for you and your family and have the first three months literally free. To get more information and/or to sign up for the program, click here.
The Department Store Is Back
After years of losing marketshare and being faulted for failing to keep up with the times, department stores are seeing a resurgence, as evidenced by Federated Department Stores' recent absorption of 400 May Co. stores. Rejuvenated customer service, quality private labels and exclusive designer lines that can stand up to the offerings at specialty stores have all been factors in the upward trend. (NRF 2/27/2007)
In Memoriam: Phil Carson
Philip Carson passed away on February 19, 2007 at his home in Durham, NH. He was 65.
Over the past 15 years, Carson and his wife, Diane Bierman Carson, operated The Carson Group, a sales and marketing agency which handles many popular branded footwear lines. Before opening the company, Carson was president of a Genesco division; earlier, he ran the wholesale operation for Thom McAnn. He played an active role in the Boston Shoe Travelers Association, serving first on its Board of Directors and later as president of the association. He was also a member of The Two Ten Foundation and of the World Shoe Travelers Association (WSTA).
"I admired Phil for many reasons," said Bill Boettge, executive director of WSTA. "He was dedicated to his regional shoe market, the Boston Shoe Travelers, and he worked incredibly hard to make it a great show for both retailers and travelers. He was professional and enthusiastic in his work, and served as an example of how to operate a successful multiple-line independent rep company. Above all, he was a very nice guy, someone you just enjoyed being with. He will be missed."
He is survived by his wife, five children, seven grandchildren and numerous family members.
A memorial service is being planned, but the date has not yet been set. For details, contact the Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home at www.kentandpolczarfh.com.
Click here to read the full obituary published in the Durham newspaper.
Please Update Your Record!
If you have changed your email address or cell phone number, or have changed or added lines, please update your WSTA record. Just go to www.shoetravelers.org and click Update Your Records under the Membership menu. It takes only minutes and helps us stay in touch with you. Thank you!
WSTA Mission Statement
The World Shoe Travelers Association (WSTA) is a membership organization whose goals are to represent, and to significantly improve the abilities and well-being of, traveling sales representatives who work within the footwear and related goods industry. WSTA's primary activities include providing its members with information, education, benefits and services, and networking opportunities with fellow members, vendors and other key players in the footwear industry.
Send Us Your News!
Do you have news to share with colleagues about yourself, your business or your employees? The WSTA network loves to be in the know. Please send us your news!
Send announcements to WSTA Online at info@shoetravelers.org, and we’ll let the network know.
This email newsletter is provided as a service to members of the World Shoe Travelers Association. Content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of WSTA, its members, its Board of Directors or its staff. Any use of trademarked names is in an editorial fashion intended to benefit the trademark owner, with no intention of trademark interference. For an WSTA membership application, or to check out the benefits of membership, please email us at info@shoetravelers.org
Mailing Address: WSTA, 7150 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite G, Columbia, MD 21046-1151, Fax 410-381-1167.
No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without the express permission of WSTA.