Email news for the independent shoe traveler community
October, 2006
Welcome to "WSTA Online", the electronic newsletter designed to keep you up to date on news, WSTA activities, career opportunities and more. “WSTA Online” is part of WSTA’s ongoing efforts to serve its members
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 activities include provision of information, education, benefits and services, and networking opportunities within the footwear industry.
Taking My Turn
By Gina Berman
Do we matter?
“In the grand scheme of things, does the WSTA really matter?”...This was the question posed to me at one of the local shows last month.
If even one person out there that thinks we don’t matter, then we need to do a better job of getting the message out to members on what your association really does for you.
We matter, and here’s how.
It has now been almost a year since the WSTA was started to handle the benefits and services needed by shoe travelers and related good sales representatives.
We, the thirteen Board members, are the voice - your voice -- of 2,300 members and growing. We are working to find the best possible ways to make life on the road more enjoyable and profitable for you. It does take time to find the right deals for the organization – to think about what would be most useful for the largest number of us, to do research and get quotes, to comparison-shop, whether it be on insurance or discounts. Some of our discount programs might not be better than what some of us as individuals can get by going directly to a company’s website, but most of the companies providing discounts to WSTA are also giving WSTA a commission figured as a percentage of total sales to WSTA members. These commissions help build our budget without raising our dues, so we can continue to serve shoe travelers into the future without having to raise the cost of membership too high. The better the participation, the longer we can go without dues price increases.
We are your voice, your representative when we work in coordination with the WSA to continue porter service, keep continental breakfasts free, plan more hotel rooms, continue the discounted lunches, make computers available to print out your boarding passes, maintain free shuttle bus services. Shoe travelers created the WSA Show, but now we participate in their show. The WSA can now focus on working to make the show bigger and better for our companies, and those new companies that will be showing at WSA in the future. We, the WSTA, are working with the WSA to articulate your needs and rights, and to make sure they are met. When you tell us what is important to you, your voices are heard; we take what you say, and we work within our boundaries to hold the ear of WSA’s Board. As individuals, you can start rumors, grumble and complain to each other, but does that get you anywhere? If you wish to give an opinion or talk to someone who will listen, call a WSTA Board Member.
We are a force – provided we, as members, are willing to be. We can work on making life on the road better for all of us. We can identify the services we want and need, and we can explore ways to pay for them that don’t raise our dues, and we can be our own strongest advocate. We can speak as a group, which makes our voice clear and strong.
Want to make a difference? Stand up, and speak up. Be involved. The next time we have an election, run for office – or convince someone you agree with to run. Make the future happen, instead of just letting it happen. Make a difference!
The thirteen members of your Board are taking their turn at working for you. Your turn is coming…when it does, remember that you’re working for all of us.
Gina Berman
WSTA President
If you haven't already renewed your membership for 2007, do it now - don't forget! 2007 will be a great year for WSTA, as well as bring many new benefits and services to its members. Among the new benefits and services being researched is a new group health plan, which we hope to have in place in coming months. Renew your membership before November 30, 2006, and you will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a $200 gasoline credit card. So Renew your membership for 2007 now by clicking here, and take advantage of the great menu of benefits we have and are working towards in the coming year.
WSTA Golf Outing
WSTA will hold a golf scramble tournament in Las Vegas just before the WSA Show on January 30, 2007. The tournament will be held at the Stallion Mountain Country Club and we will tee off for a shotgun start at 8:30 AM. Cost will be $135 per person. This includes greens fees, cart fees, practice balls, scoring, bag handling, and club storage.
Stallion Mountain is a gem in the desert, a challenge for the most seasoned golfer. You can view the golf course information at www.waltersgolf.com (click on Stallion Mountain).
This scramble format will offer each man and woman participant a good opportunity to score for their team foursome. Starting all foursomes at 8:30 AM means the tournament will be completed, including lunch, by early afternoon.
Part of the proceeds will be given to The Sandra Tuccelli Fund. Sandra is a sales rep for Jessica Bennet and recently was seriously injured in an accident. She will be in rehab for a long time and needs assistance with these costs as well as her medical costs. The more players and sponsors we get for this event, the more money for Sandra.
Click here to find out more about this wonderful event. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Joel Comanda at 866-724-9501 ext. 302.
Athletic Footwear Sales Show Six-Month Growth of 9.8%
Retail sales of athletic footwear rose 9.8% during the six-month period, October 2005 through March 2006, according to newly released data from the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA). Sales for the six-month reporting period were $6.08 billion versus $5.53 billion for the same period the previous year. Unit sales for the period had risen 7.4%, indicating that price increases held during the six months. (NSGA Research News 10/9/2006)
Your WSTA Board of Directors
WSTA will be running an article in WSTA Online about a couple different directors each issue, so be sure to read up on who's representing you and your association.
This issue, you'll get to meet Mona Bennight, WSTA Treasurer/Secretary, and Jim McCabe, WSTA Board Member and Membership/Benefits and Services Committee Member.
| Mona Bennight, Treasurer/Secretary: | |
| Term: | 3-year term |
| Committee: | Executive Committee |
| Lines: | G.O. Max |
| Territory: | Midwest |
| Jim McCabe, WSTA Board Member: | |
| Term: | At-Large, 3-year term |
| Committee: | Membership/Benefits and Services Committee |
| Lines: | Nicole division of Consolidated Shoe Co. |
| Territory: | Northeast |
Generation Y surpasses all other in retail sales
Generation Y has become the most influential generation for retailers, with the 13- to 21-year-olds in the group influencing 81% of their families' apparel purchases and 52% of car choices, according to online marketing expert Kelly Mooney. Mooney, who will release findings at a National Retail Federation conference today, said 14- to 24-year-olds have more spending power at a younger age than previous generations, along with a strong need for "instant gratification and immediacy". (NRF Smartbrief 10/11)
From the Desk of the VP
Happy Birthday to us!
We are almost one year old. Your WSTA board and staff have worked hard in this first year to provide you benefits, which some are made possible by the continued financial support WSTA receives from WSA. Although, we have added additional benefits and services not offered in years past, such as the monthly newsletter, WSTA website, restaurant and car rental discounts, pre-paid legal and FedEx shipping discounts, to name a few. Thank you Jim Potter, membership chair and to his committee for helping in this very important responsibility.
This is just the beginning! Your board is looking into health-related insurance programs and other services to add to your membership package. We hope you are pleased with our first year progress.
WSTA membership renewal forms have been sent out via an e-mail blast. Renew now…before you forget! Remember, if we receive your renewal payment of $30 by November 30th, 2006, you will be automatically entered in a drawing to win a $200 gasoline credit card!
Just a reminder…Join us January 30th, 2007 for a golf outing at Stallion Mountain Golf Club. This will be a scramble format, shot-gun start, teeing off at 8:30 am. Get your partners or foursomes together. Registration information is on the website www.shoetravelers.org. This should be a time of fun and relaxation before the WSA set-up.
Thank you for your continued support. See you in Vegas!
From the desk of the VP,
Gary Morgan
WSA Update
For all the latest from WSA including information on registration for the next show, February 1-4, 2007 visit www.wsashow.com. Also see the new 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 Buyer List Now Available
Benefit for WSTA members only!
Looking for a list of buyers from your territory that attended the last WSA Show in August 2006? Click here to get a copy of the request form for the August 2006 WSA Buyer List. All names in your territory are FREE. Once completed, send form into WSA.
Check In Your Bags at the Las Vegas Convention Center
Thanks to Bags To Go and Las Vegas McCarran Airport's SpeedCheck Advance system, Southwest Airline customers now have the option of checking in bags at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This wonderful service makes it easier for people attending the WSA Show so they don't have to drag their luggage around all day if they have a late flight. Remember, the next WSA Show in February ends on Super Bowl Sunday, so things will be a bit busy, and this could save you time and energy.
Limited Move-in Time for LVCC Exhibitors
Move-in for the February WSA Show at Las Vegas Convention Center will not begin until Monday, January 29th. This leaves three days for the 600 exhibitors to set up their booths. WSA and GES are working on setting up an around-the-clock move-in. A complete move-in schedule will be available on WSA's website, www.wsashow.com, by the end of the month. Move-in maps will also be sent with the Exhibitor Service Manual on CD in early November.
WSTA's new benefit program, Pre-Paid Legal Services, is now in full effect. An important thing to remember is that in the next year, you could be buying/selling a home, taking out a loan, involved in a traffic violation or accident, or subject to identity theft - one of the fastest growing crimes today - all areas that require legal assistance or advice. So take advantage of this great service and save money.
WSTA will send you a $50 rebate check 90 days after you have been on the Pre-Paid Legal Plan. This means you will be getting back as much as 100% of your first three months cost of the plan! What a great opportunity to participate in a great program for you and your family and have the first three months literally FREE. This special offer will only be good for a limited time, so sign up today and take advantage of this special rebate.
Please review the following Pre-Paid Legal Services information for your benefit:
Pre-Paid Legal Services Summary of Benefits
Sign Up Now at the Customized WSTA Pre-Paid Legal Website
Soles4Souls assists in the donation of shoes to people in need worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear. Soles4Souls also accepts new and used footwear. Their mission is simply "to impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes". Soles4Souls helped out many people that felt the destruction of the Asian Tsunami in 2004, as well as Hurricane Katrina and Rita in 2005. Footwear companies can donate customer returns, factory defects, excess inventory, and cash. You as an individual can get involved as well. If you are interested in what Soles4Souls does for humanity or would like to make a donation, please visit their website, www.soles4souls.org, contact them by calling (888) 840-7074, or email them at info@soles4souls.org.
WSTA Classified Ads
Got old sample cases, luggage, or computers? WSTA Classifieds are now available. Post a free classified ad for anything you'd like to sell on WSTA's website. All ads can be posted by clicking here.
Retailers' Same-Store Sales Outperform Expectations
Many retailers surpassed Wall Street's expectations in September, as retailers including American Eagle Outfitters, Kohl's, and Children's Place Retail Stores posted double-digit same-store sales gains during the period. The sales surge was prompted, according to industry analysts, by decreasing fuel prices, a cold Labor Day weekend, and attractive pricing. (NRF Smartbrief 10/6)
Two-Ten Foundation Scholarships Available
The Two Ten Foundation has awarded more than $11.5 million to 4,600 students for over 36 years. This year, about 500 students will attend college with Two Ten scholarship support. Scholarships can are available for full OR part-time students. For more information on Two Ten scholarships, please contact their Scholarship Department at 1-800-FIND-210 ext. 1503 or visit their website, www.twoten.org.
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.