8 / 14 / 2008

After reporting in the previous issue that the SATA Board elections are complete, a few members questioned the low participation of 13%. Past reports stating that the industry average for association elections is around 10% actually have SATA ahead of the average. Executive Director Shelley Shannon noted that "As we listen and act on members' comments on how to further improve the election process, we hope to have an even greater response next year."

Three incumbents and one newcomer make up the four Board members elected to three year terms during the recent election. Jim Sheridan, Jim Newman and Gina Berman are the incumbents; Michael Sullivan is the new Board member that was elected. They will take office at the fall Board meeting which will be held beginning November 2, 2007. Also, at that meeting, the officers for the coming year will be elected.

Jim Newman and Michael Sullivan were elected to represent the Central Region, Gina Berman was elected for the Western Region, and Jim Sheridan was elected for the Eastern Region.

We are also pleased to announce the addition of the following members to SATA committees:

Benefit & Services Committee
Steve Wilson

Membership and Marketing Committee Michael Kahl
Trae Smith

Education Committee
Trae Smith

In announcing the election results and additions to SATA committees, Gary Morgan, president of SATA stated, "It is with great pleasure that the Board welcomes both the incumbents and the newly elected Board member. Their commitment to represent the best interests of the members who have elected them will be sincerely appreciated. They will be working hard - but I can assure them that the opportunity to help shape SATA's future brings great satisfaction."

If you are interested in running as a candidate in the future, or would like to serve on a committee now, please contact the SATA staff office at info@shoetravelers.org.

8 / 14 / 2008

This fall, as travelers are making their way east and west, north and south, don't forget there is one store that you can find almost anywhere to help you with the supplies you need.

BusinessAdvantage(small)In addition to checking out prices online, members can order online, saving time and gas money. With a minimum order of only $30, Staples will deliver it FREE to your home, office or show room, saving you even more. If members have questions, or you are looking for the lowest price, Staples has assigned SATA members a dedicated customer service rep - just a phone call away, ready to help you. When you are traveling, you can shop in the more than 1,250 Staples stores, and you will receive the special SATA pricing. Signing up for the program is easy:

• Click here and fill out the application to get your user ID and password. It takes approximately two business days to get you set up online
• If you have questions, call 866-724-9501, and the SATA staff will help get you set up.

8 / 14 / 2008

SATA is pleased to be attending the NW Shoe Travelers Spring Buying Market in Shakopee, MN on September 5-7, 2008. In addition to meeting with shoe travelers on Friday and Saturday, SATA will be sponsoring a breakfast seminar featuring Tony Knapp on Sunday morning, September 7. Tony consistently scores 4.5 or higher out of 5 on his presentations to travelers, so don't miss this opportunity to catch him live. This could be the last seminar where the cost is free to current SATA members and $30 for non-members, so take advantage and register now. Click here to register.

Regional markets offer an excellent opportunity for SATA to meet with members and prospects to gather their input toward building a better association, as well as to meet with the boards and directors of the regional show to form stronger partnerships with them.

8 / 14 / 2008

Click here and read the August 14th issue of SATA Online.

8 / 14 / 2008

Do you have news to share with colleagues about yourself, your business or your employees? The SATA network loves to be in the know. Please send us your news! Send announcements to SATA Online at info@shoetravelers.org, and we'll let the network know.