Email news for the shoe traveler community
May 10, 2007
Welcome to "WSTA Online," the electronic newsletter designed to keep you up to date on news, WSTA activities, career opportunities and more.
WSTA Seeks Deputy Executive Director
Association Services Corp., the management company for WSTA, seeks a deputy executive director to serve WSTA as it develops its offerings to shoe travelers and grows WSTA into a mature association. The deputy executive director’s performance during a mentoring period will prepare her/him for promotion to executive director in less than one year. Read the complete article here
WSTA Plans for Future Membership Growth
Travelers understand the importance of building business. Membership organizations must grow too, to be financially viable, to attract new service providers for their members, and to be able to influence the industry. “WSTA has plans in place so that the organization may grow," said Jim Potter, WSTA’s Membership Chair. “We intend to build out the features and benefits for our existing members, while at the same time, actively inviting non-members to join the organization," Potter said. Members should look for a re-vamping of the WSTA website and WSTA Online soon. “We’ll be taking a serious look at what we offer to the industry and what we offer to members only," said Potter. Additionally, plans are in place for advertisements in industry publications so that WSTA can publicly represent travelers’ needs. WSTA’s President, Gina Berman, has already begun to reach out to regional show managers to see what benefits might be made available to WSTA members. Current plans call for WSTA’s presence at four regional shows each year, in addition to the presence at the WSA Show. The organization will also be reaching out to members whose membership has lapsed, so that individuals can see the new benefits that are now available as a part of membership. Travelers can join online, and members are encouraged to refer fellow travelers to the WSTA website at www.shoetravelers.org to help build the size and power of our membership.
WSTA has begun its education program with a tax seminar. Aaron Bloom has been retained as the speaker for this event. Having been published in national magazines and newspapers such as Tax Advisor, USA Today, and The Washington Post, Bloom just might teach you something you didn't know, and even save you some money! Come check him out at WSTA's first ever education seminar, "How Shoe Travelers Can Minimize the Tax Bite."
The seminar will be held in Room S228 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center on July 29, 2007 (The day before WSA starts). You can attend either the first presentation at 10:30 AM or the second at 3:00 PM. Click here to find out more.
Dear Fellow WSTA Members:
This last year has been a whirlwind of changes for all of us. We can be proud of what we have accomplished, but we have so much more to do. As we look ahead, our focus will be on three important areas: education, the benefits of being a member, and maintaining a sense of family within the organization.
There are still many shoe travelers out there who have no idea what WSTA is and what it does for us. It is the only organization that focuses totally on the needs of shoe and related goods travelers. Everyone should belong. Some travelers have said they feel WSTA is not needed, since they are salaried employees for companies. I'm the first to tell you that the $20,000 life insurance policy, and the buyers list, are each worth the $30 cost of membership. That we get both for the same low price is a bargain – and we get even more. If you have not visited the web site to get a copy of the buyers list for your region yet, I would suggest that you do it soon -- and plan ahead. The buyers list is free for your region because you are a member of WSTA. Read complete letter here.
Shares of Crocs Inc., which makes popular slip-on clogs, surged last week after the company reported robust first-quarter growth and boosted its 2007 sales and profit outlook well above analyst estimates.
Shares were up $8.72, or 15.2 percent, to $66.13. Shortly after opening, the stock hit $69.90, its highest point since its February 2006 IPO.
For the three months ended March 31, total earnings reached $24.9 million, or 61 cents a diluted share, on sales of $142 million, a 217% gain from same period last year. Analysts estimate the stock could reach $85 or $90. (Sources: Footwear News 5/4/2007; Associated Press (AP) Wire Services Filed Friday, May 4, 2007, 10:01 ET)
WSTA has a meeting room that you can reserve for interviews or small meetings at the upcoming WSA Show. The room is S228 and located in the South Hall of LVCC. This will allow you a private, quiet space to hold an interview or small productive meeting. It will be by reservation only. Make reservations now by calling 866-724-9501, or you can reserve on site by stopping at the WSTA kiosk outside of the South Hall entrance.
New Discount Benefit Coming Soon
WSTA is completing negotiations with Staples that will provide WSTA members with access to group-buy discounts both in the store and online. We plan on getting all the details to you in early June.
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. Read all the latest news at www.WSAToday.com. Check out the travel desk for hotel rates for the next show.
WSTA Member Registration for WSA Now Open
WSA has now opened the registration for WSTA members. To pre-register for the upcoming WSA Show online as a WSTA member, please click here. Registration can also be done via fax or regular mail. See details at www.wsashow.com.
Show Dates & Times
| Date | Doors Open | Doors Closed |
| Monday, July 30 | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
| Tuesday, July 31 | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
| Wednesday, August 1 | 8:00am | 4:00pm |
No Early Admittance
For security purposes, WSA will restrict access to the show floor and will not allow early admittance for buyers. Exhibitors are allowed on the show floor one hour before the official opening each day. WSA encourages exhibitors to schedule appointments with buyers during show hours only.
Plan Your Regional Show Schedule...Use WSTA Show Calendar
WSTA has the best and most complete show calendar listing in the industry. Click here for the complete schedule and plan your show calendar now. Also if you are aware of a show, apparel or shoe, coming up this fall that has over 40 shoe vendors, and we don’t have it on our list - send it to us and we’ll send you a $5 Starbucks gift card.
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: | Membership/Benefits & Services |
| Lines: | Mephisto |
| Territory: | OR, WA, AK, HI, ID, MT, UT, WY |
Born and raised in Cincinnati, I started my shoe career 28 years ago at U.S. Shoe in the purchasing department. After several positions in various departments I went out on the road as a sales trainee for the Joyce Division in CA. I’ve been a wholesale rep for 20 years, traveling the NW and Hawaii while based in Portland, OR. Married to an ex-flight attendant for 15 years. During my travels in the NW, I have experienced it all, self-employed and as a company employee. I’ve sold men’s, women’s, children’s, and accessories to a varied account base. I started getting involved in our regional show as a board member and just finished my two year term as President. I got involved with WSTA because of how our industry is ever changing and we need each other's support to keep us a vital part of the industry. I am very proud of what WSTA has accomplished in its first year. With the momentum we have and the commitment from each board member, it’s only the beginning, and I know that I can help make a difference. – Terry Bastis
Over 100 shoe travelers made up part of the gathering of shoe industry people who helped Bob Schwartz celebrate the opening of his new Eneslow store on Park Ave. in New York last month. Eneslow has been helping New Yorkers successfully manage their feet and foot related problems since 1926. In his remarks at the opening, Bob thanked all the travelers that have helped him make this one of New York’s finest shoe stores.
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 a 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.