The Northern California Trophy Dealers Association was founded by Stan
Seaman who brought together 12 dealers and one supplier; each contributed $100
toward organizational costs.
Stan Seaman was named Chairman, and Natalie Rokusek was hired as Executive
Director in 1966.
The organization was incorporated as Trophy Dealers of America on April
26, 1967, with Stan Seaman as president.
Bob Sherod served his first term as president in 1968-69.
Ken Ratdke served the Association as the second association manager in
1970.
1969-1972
Ray and Kay Boron, charter members from Awards by Kay (A.B.K.) in Sacramento,
CA, took over the administrative work for the association.
The Borons formed the Sacramento chapter and traveled the West Coast
helping to form other chapters and expand membership.
The Borons initiated the first newsletter for the association.
Homer Troy served as president, 1970-1971.
1973-1975
Don L. Neer, a Certified Association Executive, was hired to manage the
association.
The office was moved to Fresno, CA, and dues were raised to $50 per retail
store and $100 per supply firm.
Neer launched a nationwide membership drive and organized the industry's
first "trophies only
trade show, March 1-3, 1974 in San Diego, CA.
The newsletter was expanded into a monthly publication called The Trophy
Dealer.
1976-1977
The Dealer Member of the Year award was started during the term of President
Del Van Zile. The first recipient was Sherma Kimble of K&K Trophies in
Commerce City, CO.
The American Awards Manufacturers Association (AAMA) was started in the
Midwest by a group of suppliers. Several mini-shows were held annually, a
credit exchange was provided, and subscriptions to National Sporting Goods
Association (NSGA) publications were given to members.
In 1977, during President Robert "Bob Sherod's term, the Hall of Fame
program was started.
Ray Dodge, founder of Dodge Trophy Co. and recognized as the "father
of the industry, was inducted into the TDA Hall of Fame in March 1977 at the
Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas.
1978-1979
Association membership covered 38 states, four countries, and included
231 retail stores and 72 supply firms.
Plans were launched for the first Eastern Trade Show in 1980.
The board voted to give two board seats to suppliers.
The 1978 Western Show in Reno, NV, drew 825 dealers to see 52 booths
and five room displays.
In September 1979, The Trophy Dealer became a bimonthly tabloid-style
publication.
The 1979, Western Show in Anaheim, CA, drew more than 1,000 industry
members to the exhibits of 57 companies.
The John and Jessie Crittenden Memorial Award for outstanding service
to the Association was started in 1979. The first recipient was Lauretta Schaper
of Awards Inc. in Los Angeles.
1980
On January 5 in Las Vegas, TDA was merged with AAMA to become the Trophy
Dealers and Manufacturers Association (TDMA).
This merger was the first step in establishing a national association
for the industry with equal representation on the board for dealers and manufacturers.
The board voted to retain the association management firm of Don L. Neer
and Associates Inc. on a full-time basis starting in July.
Three major Shows were held: the Sixth Annual Western Conference and
Exhibit in San Jose, CA; and the first Eastern and Midwestern Shows in Cherry
Hill, NJ, and in Chicago.
The Manufacturer Member of the Year award was started in 1980. The first
recipient was Bill Barron of Graphic Electronics Inc. in Spring Valley, IL.
1981
The first educational program, besides the TDMA Idea Clinic, was added
to Shows. Included were demonstrations of the new computerized engraving systems
by three manufacturers.
The board approved the first major medical insurance program for the
industry, and endorsed the Cash Flow Management Program and the Bad Debt Collection
Service of the National Revenue Corp.
Bylaws were amended to include four new membership categories: manufacturer's
representative, honorary, associate and branch.
Three new standing committees were formed: research, international trade
and legislation.
1982
Two new services added in 1982 were the Trophy/Award Mailer and the "Yellow
Pages, which later became the TDMA Buyers Guide.
The first guide to chapter activities was published.
The goal of 500 dealer members was reached.
President Morton K. Tuller's long-sought goal of a toll-free telephone line
became a reality in May. This led to better communication among members and
a product location program.
The theme for the year was "Together We Can."
1983
Oren Spangenburg, then owner of Garden Spot Badge Co. in Lititz, PA, became
president. His theme was "What's Good for the Dealer is Good for the Manufacturer."
Under the leadership of Membership Committee Chair Frederick A. Schaper,
the number of dealer members doubled again, reaching 1,250 stores by year's
end. An active membership contest with $3,000 in prizes sparked this growth.
Three new services were introduced in 1983:
1) an agreement to provide a subscription to
The Engravers Journal to all members
2) the Dun and Bradstreet Commercial Collections service
3) a new Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance plan.
The all-new TDMA Membership Directory and Buyers Guide was published.
More than 100 companies exhibited at each of five fall Shows. Total attendance
rose to 2,369 stores. The largest draws were the Shows in Los Angeles, with
650 stores, and in Chicago, with 584 stores.
The board voted to move the winter Show from Atlanta, where it had been
for two years, to Las Vegas. It was slated for February 10-12, 1984.
1984
The Winter Trophy Market in Las Vegas proved to be the third largest Show
in TDMA history, attracting 548 stores.
The bimonthly newsmagazine, called The Trophy Dealer, sported a new look
with its March/April issue. It went to a 12-inch by 15-inch size with saddle-stitched
binding, and grew to 44 pages.
The TDMA Membership Directory and Buyers Guide was published in a larger
8 1/2-inch by 11-inch format, and reached 288 pages.
President Oren Spangenburg chose "Connecting the Industry as his theme
for the year.
Nineteen chapter meetings were held in 1984.
The board approved the first dues increase in six years. Scheduled to take
effect in 1985, fees were increased from $75 to $90 for retail stores, and
from $300 to $325 for supply firms.
Other board decisions set new policies. A nonmember admission fee to Shows
was started, and seminars and special events were open only to members. The
Midwestern Show was moved to Indianapolis, and the Eastern Show to Hartford.
1985
President Robert "Bob Sherod chose "Let's Communicate" as
his theme, and appointed a steering committee to develop a five-year plan.
More than 30 chapter meetings were held during the year, a sign of better
communication.
The winter Show in Las Vegas hit the jackpot with attendees from 41 states
representing 664 stores. There were 118 exhibiting companies and an average
seminar attendance of 200.
The first Cost of Doing Business Survey was completed in July and results
of the third Nationwide Survey of the industry were released in March.
The board voted to hold the first TDMA Show outside the United States with
a July 25-27 date in Toronto, ON, Canada.
The associate member definition was changed and an affiliate member category
was added.
The first Retail Management Institute, a four-hour session by Larry Steinmetz,
was started.
1986
President Darwin Sletten chose "Striving for Excellence" as his
theme, and set goals for solidarity and planned membership growth.
The International Winter Awards Market in Las Vegas, February 7-9, became
the most attended TDMA Trade Show to date. Retailers came from 44 states,
representing 805 stores. Attendees visited 149 exhibiting companies' booths,
and the average seminar attendance was 197 people.
The Trade Show in Toronto drew representatives from 359 stores to see 70
booths, and average seminar attendance was 87 people. Due to this success,
the board added Toronto to the 1987 show schedule, making it a seven-Show
circuit during the 1987-1988 season.
The subscription contract with The Engravers Journal was cancelled, The
Trophy Dealer was increased to monthly publication.
Celebrity speakers were added to the Sunday Members Breakfasts at the Shows.
Speakers included former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden; Tom Heinsohn,
former Boston Celtics coach and player turned CBS broadcaster; and Greg Gumbel,
ESPN broadcaster.
TDMA's Five Year Planning Committee met at the association office in Fresno,
CA, December 10-12, to complete the plan's second draft.
By year's end, membership had grown to an all-time high of 3,000 businesses.
1987
Darwin Sletten's second term as president began with an event that many
in the industry believed impossible: breaking the 1,000 store mark at a Trade
Show. The January 29 through February 1 Show in Las Vegas exploded to 1,056
stores with dealers from 46 states and 11 other countries. Exhibiting companies
numbered 173. Sletten kept "Striving for Excellence" as his theme
for 1987.
The Five Year Plan was presented to the board.
Users clinics were restructured into technical seminars.
The TDMA Membership Directory and Buyers Guide won a second place Gold Circle
award in national competition with similar association publications. Dave
Donaldson became the first manufacturer elected TDMA president. Election and
installation took place at the Annual Meeting on November 15, during TDMA's
Show in Atlanta, November 13-15. His theme was "Promoting Professionalism."
The first board meeting was held December 3-5 in Fresno, CA, during which
TDMA Executive Director Don L. Neer announced his retirement, and the board
unanimously approved the appointment of his son, David D. Neer, as the new
executive director. He had served as assistant director for 10 years.
1988
Membership grew to 3,640 businesses.
The International Winter Awards Market in Las Vegas, January 22-24, drew
1,086 stores and 199 exhibitors.
Two individuals were inducted into the TDMA Hall of Fame: Marc Kramer,
founder of Alenite Corp. in Chicago; and Don L. Neer, TDMA's first executive
director.
For the first time, TDMA's chapter directors received Gold, Silver and
Bronze Star awards.
Another winter Show was held in Dallas February 4-7 at the Grand Kempenski
Hotel.
In July the board approved recommendations of the Five-Year Planning
Committee for an expanded chapter program designed to "take TDMA to its
members
by holding a series of regional meetings throughout the United
States and Canada.
The Chapter Update newsletter was expanded to bimonthly publication,
and 49 chapter meetings and three regional meetings were held during the year.
Standing committees were reduced from 12 to five.
TDMA's first, full-color Image Brochure was ready for sale in November.
At the board meeting December 2-3, the name of TDMA's newspaper was changed
from The Trophy Dealer to TDMA Today. The name of the association was changed
to "TDMA, representing the awards and engraving industry.
The acronym
with tag line was registered in 1989.
1989
The International Winter Awards Market in Las Vegas set another record with
1,170 stores represented. President Dave Donaldson kept the same theme for
1989.
Eight, three-day, educationally focused regional meetings were held at sites
across the United States and Canada.
The trend of "taking TDMA to the members continued with a new format
for TDMA Trade Shows. Three two-day regional Shows were held-in San Jose,
CA; Kansas City, MO; and Orlando, FL-along with two three-day national Shows-in
Atlantic City, NJ, and St. Charles (Chicago), IL.
Bylaws were revised to allow for a president-elect, who automatically assumes
the presidency, in place of a vice-president, who might not be elected.
The fiscal year was moved to March 1 through the last day in February, and
the Annual Meeting was moved from the last fall Show of the year to the International
Winter Awards Market.
The board made a major commitment to education, approving a long-range plan
to develop a certification program and to establish a Resource Center, a library
of printed information and audio- and videotapes.
Membership increased to almost 3,800 businesses.
1990
Bill Borba was elected president during the Sunday Members Breakfast
and Annual Meeting. He set a theme of "Member Involvement: Your Opportunity
to Grow."
The International Winter Awards Market in Las Vegas attracted representatives
of 1,351 stores and 198 exhibiting companies.
Former TDA and TDMA president and one of the 13 TDA founders, Robert
"Bob
Sherod was inducted into the TDMA Hall of Fame.
Based on recommendations of the Education Committee, the board approved
the new certification program. It called for instructor training, longer seminars,
offering Continuing Education Units, and official enrollment to begin in April
1991
A major revision of the bylaws was approved that changed the number of
board members from 12 to 14, provided for ballot by mail, extended board terms
from two years to three years, added a membership petition process, and allowed
board members to elect TDMA's officers.
An industry-wide survey of retail and supplier members was conducted
in 1989 and results were released in May 1990.
The board participated in its first strategic planning session.
The regional meetings were expanded into Regional Educational Conferences
(RECs) with the addition of tabletop displays. They were held at four sites:
Reno, Atlanta, Arlington, TX, and Kelowna, BC, Canada.
On recommendation of the Trade Shows Committee, the board approved a
five-Show schedule for 1991. It included an annual Show in the Southeast, and
a biannual Show in Texas. The plan called for permanent Shows in the Los Angeles
area, in Atlantic City, NJ, and in Las Vegas. The Southeastern Show would rotate
between Atlanta and Orlando, FL, and the Midwestern Show would rotate between
the Chicago area and the Ohio area.
At the September board meeting, Dale Savoie was elected president-elect,
and Steve Gibson was named secretary-treasurer. The two of them would serve
during President Mike O'Beirne's term in 1991.
Two national community service programs were endorsed by the board. One
was presented by Dave Gray during his 1990 seminar as the Volunteer Recognition
Program. The other was proposed by Steve Gibson as the Volunteer of the Year
program.
The chapter program was strengthened by clarifying roles and responsibilities,
creating chapter director assistant positions, increasing the roles of chapter
members in promoting shows and membership, expanding the awards program, increasing
coverage of chapters in TDMA Today, and providing better training.
Officers and the executive director held a goal-setting meeting in Santa
Monica, CA.
The first balloting by mail for positions on the board of directors began
November 15. By December 15, four new board members had been elected.
1992
President Mike O'Beirne of Conejo Awards in Thousand Oaks, CA, set the tone
of the year with his theme of "Dare to Share."
TDMA's first ballot by mail election for its Board of Directors was concluded
in December 1990, and four new directors were installed at the Annual Meeting
January 20, 1991, in Las Vegas.
Despite the U.S. air bombardment that began January 16 in the Persian Gulf
and an economic downturn, the International Winter Awards Market January 17-20
in Las Vegas set new attendance records. For the first time, the Show moved
into the Las Vegas Convention Center allowing for 243 exhibiting companies
(45 more than in 1990) and 415 booths (89 more than in 1990). Total attendance
was 5,317 people, which included representatives from 1,304 retail stores.
An expanded awards program at the Las Vegas Show honored many association
leaders from the chapters and regions, and saw the induction of Will Dahlgren
into the TDMA Hall of Fame.
Another first for 1991 was the introduction of the Dealer Award Contest
to honor retailer creativity in three categories-plaques, trophies and engraving.
Also, the Best Booth/Best Product Contest was restructured into the Supplier
Award Contest to honor excellence in three categories for booths: Best Single,
Multiple and Rookie Booths, and categories for products: Best Ad Specialty
Catalog; Chemical Etching; Component; Component Catalog; Die Casting; Die
Striking; Laser Engraving; Plastic Fabrication; Process Combination; Screenprinting
and Hand Casting; and Best Technology.
The Member-Get-A-Member campaign was renewed as part of President O'Beirne's
"Dare to Share platform.
The first eight months of 1991 saw an expansion of the chapter program in
both quantity and quality.
In a series of meetings, the TDMA board met with representatives of one
of the premier consulting firms for associations, and after a thorough needs
assessment of the members, formulated a new strategic plan to guide TDMA growth
to the year 2000.
TDMA officially launched its new Certification Program in April 1991 with
the announcement of procedures for enrolling in the program. By the end of
the year, 172 people had enrolled.
In addition to the focus groups and interviews conducted for the strategic
plan, TDMA received member input with an April survey on computer use and
advertising, a TDMA Today Reader Survey in June, and in August, the sixth
annual Cost of Doing Business Survey.
The July issue of TDMA Today sported an updated graphics look, a punchier
writing style, headlines with summary paragraphs, and several new departments
and columns
In July, TDMA's schedule of five Regional Educational Conferences and Displays
(REC&Ds) opened with a new format and name.
The four fall Trade Shows averaged 481 stores and 110 exhibiting companies.
Shows were held in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlantic City. Attendees
came from an average of 29 states or provinces. 1992
The year began with the final meetings to develop the Strategic Plan. The
details were finalized, and it was printed in TDMA Today.
At the big Trade Show in Las Vegas, now on Presidents' Weekend in February,
Mike O'Beirne passed the gavel to new president Dale Savoie. Savoie challenged
all members to think creatively in his famous "IOU" speech. He also
set his theme for the year as "Catch the Spirit" with the idea that
the year's events would build on the unity and direction created by the strategic
plan.
The Show in Las Vegas drew 1,507 stores and 258 exhibiting companies in
436 booths. Attendees came from 19 countries besides the U.S.
At the April board meeting in St. Louis, decisions were made to start implementing
several strategies, including changing the name from TDMA to Awards and Recognition
Association with members to vote in August
Board and committee meetings, and the third TDMA Instructor Training Course,
were held in conjunction with the very successful Southwest Regional Meeting
in Lafayette, LA, in July. The board elected Sam Varn as the next president-elect,
and Kay Boron as the next secretary-treasurer. The board also appointed a
committee to review TDMA's contract with its long-standing management company,
Neer and Associates Inc.
TDMA started this fall with the 18th annual, and last, Western Trade Show
held in Los Angeles. The other Shows followed a rotation plan: Cincinnati
(alternating with the Chicago area); Atlantic City (firm location); San Antonio
(every other year in Texas); and Orlando (alternating with Atlanta). Las Vegas
would follow in February. Upon recommendation of the Trade Shows Committee,
the board adopted a four-Show schedule effective in 1993. The four firm locations
are the Chicago area, Atlantic City, Atlanta and Orlando alternating in the
Southeast, and Las Vegas.
Results of the 1992 Industry Survey, designed and tabulated by an outside
firm, were published in the October and November issues of TDMA Today.
Members approved the name change from TDMA to ARA by mail ballot ending
October 5. They also elected five new board members who will be installed
at the Las Vegas Show in February 1993.
A Canadian Regional Meeting was held in Edmonton, AB, Canada, October 31-November
2.
On September 25, Executive Director David Neer sent President Dale Savoie
a letter of resignation, ending 19 years as the association management company
for TDMA (and for TDA prior to 1980). The board contracted The Access Group
from Chicago headed by Ralph Bloch to manage the association. The transition
was completed by December 31.
1993
On January 1, TDMA officially transferred its management to The Access Group,
Inc., and moved its headquarters to Chicago. Ralph Bloch, president of The
Access Group, became the Association's executive director.
In February, TDMA presented the industry's highlight of the year: the International
Awards Market in Las Vegas. Dealers from 1,250 stores came to the Las Vegas
Convention Center Annex to see the industry's newest and best products displayed
in 505 exhibit booths. The first 11 Certified Recognition Specialists received
their CRS designation in Las Vegas, and 13 others joined them during the course
of the Trade Show season.
The cornerstone event in Las Vegas was the Awards Banquet, at which the
association officially announced its new name, Awards and Recognition Association
(ARA), amid fireworks, music and dancing.
At the annual membership meeting on the last day of the Show, Dale Savoie
handed the gavel to the new president, Bill Townsend, who declared "Recognizing
New Opportunities as the theme for the new fiscal year. Townsend expressed
support for the new management company and optimism for ARA's future.
Starting with the March issue, the association's monthly newspaper changed
its name from TDMA Today to Recognition Review to reflect the association's
new name. Several months later the management company redesigned the newspaper's
appearance.
In March, the association held its "Mega Meeting" in Chicago,
where board and committee members were able to tour the new ARA headquarters.
The board elected Leonard Schenkel as the next president-elect, and Paul
King as the new secretary-treasurer.
The association held seven successful Regional Conferences in the summer
and fall of 1993. More than 500 members participated in these conferences,
which were held throughout the U.S. and Canada. Each featured seminars, social
events, tabletop displays and store tours.
The fall Trade Show season started out in Atlanta, moved next to Atlantic
City, and then Chicago. The theme was "Making all the Right Moves.
The three Shows averaged 495 stores and 125 exhibiting companies. Each
Show featured:
1993 was an important transitional year for ARA. Members grew accustomed
to the new name, and the management contract with The Access Group was renewed
for another year.
1994
ARA marched into 1994 with the most successful International Winter Awards
Market ever. A record 6,005 industry members attended this event in Las Vegas
during February. Attendees included representatives from 1,817 dealer companies
and 283 exhibiting companies. At this Trade Show, ARA debuted the "Tech
Track" education concept by offering six hands-on technical workshops.
An additional 35 Certified Recognition Specialists were awarded their designation,
honoring their achievement.
On the last day of the Show, Bill Townsend passed the presidential gavel
to his successor, Sam Varn. Bill announced Sam's annual theme as "Full
Speed Ahead," and explained that it captured ARA's spirit in moving forward
with existing and new programs.
The new ARA Obelisk Awards were introduced in Las Vegas. The ARA Awards
Committee commissioned the design of a four-sided obelisk plated in gold,
on a black marble base. This special award was given to the winners in the
major award categories: Dealer Member of the Year, Supplier Member of the
Year, Regional Director of the Year, Chapter Director of the Year and the
Crittenden Award.
The "Member-Get-a-Member" campaign kicked off at the beginning
of 1994. The program was created to increase ARA dealer membership by using
the current members to recruit new ones. Dozens of prizes were donated by
suppliers to reward recruiters. The campaign got off to a successful start,
with almost 400 new members joining ARA in first two months of the year.
The board of directors and four standing committees met in Orlando, FL,
in March for the annual Mega Meeting. Plans for the upcoming year were developed
and a budget was approved.
Summer brought the first of seven regional conferences held during the year.
Over 500 members attended these meetings, each of which included education
sessions, tabletop displays and social events. The Southwestern Regional Conference
held in Dallas on July 8-10 attracted 132 people, many of which came for the
CorelDRAW! training held in conjunction with the meeting. Several other regions
also offered the CorelDRAW! session as an optional class. The Canadian Regional
Conference, October 14-16 in Harrison Hot Springs, BC, was another successful
conference with 136 attendees. Other conferences were held in Indianapolis,
IN; Concordville, TX; Jacksonville, FL; St. Charles, IL; and Portland, OR.
Other local activities during the year included 20 chapter meetings. Director
Dean Sutherland announced his resignation from the board of directors due
to his health. Barry Tittsworth was appointed to replace him.
The ARA Board of Directors met in July to chart a strategic plan for the
association.
The three fall Awards Markets were held in Atlanta, Chicago and Atlantic
City. The Markets averaged 572 stores in attendance. Each Market had a comprehensive
education program, including several Tech Track workshops.
The ARA Certification Program continued to grow as 50 more members enrolled
during 1994 bringing the total to 370. A newsletter titled Recognition Express
was developed and mailed each quarter to enrollees.
In November, Bill Townsend became the first member to earn the CRM designation.
He was awarded his pin at the November board of directors meeting in Los Angeles.
The pin was a new design developed by the Awards Committee.
The first ARA International Education Conference was held on November 11-13
in Honolulu, HI. The conference featured seminars, tabletop displays, networking
events, and a Polynesian dinner all in a beautiful tropical setting. The 120
attendees came from all over the U.S. and Canada to enjoy the event.
The year ended with a look toward the future. To keep on top of industry
issues and members needs, ARA hired an outside firm to perform an intensive
member survey. Information from this survey will be used for future planning
of association activities and programs, to keep ARA moving Full Speed Ahead!
1995
The results of the ARA membership needs assessment set the tone for a year
full of innovation and excitement, represented by the theme "Tooling
for Success: Taking ARA to the Consumer.
ARA officers, committee members and directors met in sessions during January
and February to analyze the needs outlined by the survey and identify new
programs and services based on them.
o ARA implemented an industry-wide pricing survey, developed by an ad hoc
committee of dealer members, to represent industry needs. A good return rate
provided excellent industry data.
o Developed two business building tool kitsthe Business Operations Manual and
the Awards Shop Design Manual.
o ARA's chapters and regions were reconfigured into local branches to allow
more flexible, member-driven local activities.
o A new governance schedule was created to allow the board and committees to
work more effectively.
o Certification guidelines were adjusted to allow additional flexibility in
the program without diminishing its value. Credit is now being given for teaching
and publishing articles and for a limited number of non-ARA-sponsored educational
sessions.
o Changes were made to the bylaws to ensure the association remains current
with changes in governance, structure and emerging laws.
o A President's Council has approved to utilize the skills and insights of former
ARA presidents.
In March, ARA held its most successful International Awards Market ever.
More than 6,000 attendees enjoyed the largest, most diverse set of exhibits
ever presented, with more educational events than in previous years. A gala
awards banquet featuring hypnotist Marshall Silver provided the setting for
presenting the prestigious ARA Obelisk Awards. New board members were installed
at the ARA membership breakfast, which also featured addresses by outgoing
president Sam Varn and incoming president Leonard Schenkel. Four new Certified
Recognition Masters (CRMs) were awarded at the breakfast: Don and Diana Gustin,
Bill Townsend and Sam Varn.
Going into the fall of 1995, seven new branches had formed, and seven more
were in the formation process. Branch leaders had held or were planning to
hold a variety of exciting events ranging from a mini trade show to a local
shop tour to a two-day educational event.
The ARA Canadian Conference offered a wide range of exhibitors and educational
offerings in a convenient location just outside of Calgary.
The Midwestern Awards Market introduced our new QuickTip Clinics and Lunch-and-Learn
sessions.
The Awards Committee unveiled its new acrylic Obelisk Award at the board
meeting in November. The new obelisk will be the award given to winners of
the revised dealer and supplier contests in Las Vegas. These contests were
streamlined by the committee in order to provide a forum for new and innovative
products and awards.
The year ended with the unveiling of the most exciting International Awards
Market ever as ARA continued "Tooling for Success."
1996
Paul King, CRS, Pat Holley, CRS, and Don Gustin, CRM, assumed their new
offices as president, president-elect, and treasurer, respectively, at the
successful Las Vegas Show in March, as outgoing President Leonard Schenkel
reflected on a great 1995. President Paul King chose "Build Your Business
with help from ARA" as his theme. The Trade Show was attended by 7,000
individuals, who had 532 booths full of products to see and over 40 top-notch
education sessions to choose from, including presentations by mesmerizing
speaker Marshal Silver and renowned CorelDRAW! guru Foster Coburn. Past Presidents
of the association were presented with medallions to recognize their contributions
to the ARA.In July the board went through a new strategic planning session
to outline the direction of the organization over the next few years.
A History Committee was formed with past president Leonard Schenkel as chair.
The committee is seeking to preserve the history of the industry through articles
and association center displays.
Another major shift in the organization occurred in August as ARA unveiled
its newly redesigned magazine format. The new format is easier to store and
features more articles, more exciting graphics and a special pullout section
filled with business-building tips.
On October 1, the association unveiled its new "Awards Online"
service. Free to members, it features a home page accessible to the public
and a members-only section of services for members. President Paul King initiated
a member-to-member monthly fax to keep members up-to-date about association
activities.
The new consumer brochure, unveiled in the fall, was designed to offer dealers
a way to promote their services to their best customers and to increase awareness
of the range of products and services awards professionals can offer.
The Louisiana Branch meeting, at which 86 attendees joined 23 sponsors for
a weekend of great education, food, shop tours and fun. The Canadian conference,
at which 128 attendees joined 27 exhibitors for a weekend of product displays,
education, a great banquet and a wonderful time.
The 1997 International Awards Market in Las Vegas broke all records for
early registration: 1,148 dealer companies had signed up to attend as of November
15, the cutoff date for early bird registration. The new Business Operations
Handbook was unveiled. This book represents the latest in ARA's how-to manuals
written specifically for the awards industry.
Pat Holley, CRS, Rex Tubbs, CRS, and Barry Tittsworth assumed their respective
new offices as president, president-elect and secretary-treasurer at the Las
Vegas Awards Market in March, where outgoing president Paul King, CRS, presided.
President Pat Holley chose "Soaring to New Heights" as his theme.
More than 3,000 retailers representing nearly 1,500 stores attended and viewed
displays featuring more than 250 exhibitors; about three dozen educational
sessions also were held to address a variety of business concerns and interests.
Four regional Awards Markets were held during the Trade Show year. The 1997
Eastern Awards Market was held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Seacaus,
NJ, September 12-14. The 1997 Western Awards Market was held at the Los Angeles
Airport Hilton and Towers, September 26-28. The 1997 Midwestern Awards Market
was held at the Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, October 16-18.
The 1998 Southeastern Awards Market was held at the Georgia International
Convention Center in College Park, GA, January 16-18.
In July, Portland, OR, was the site of "Mega Meetings" held by
the awards, budget/finance, education, membership and Trade Shows committees.
Branch meetings were held across the nation, with one of the most notable
taking place in Baton Rouge, LA, in October. There were 89 registrants and
22 suppliers. The event included social activities, educational seminars and
a tabletop supplier showcase.
The annual Canadian Conference was held in Banff, AB, Canada, in November.
There were 22 exhibitors displaying products to the interest of over 130 attendees.
A new version of Awards Online was launched. Located at www.ara.org, the
Web site provides members with valuable information about products and suppliers,
association event registration and industry news.
1998
Rex Tubbs, CRM, Mike Dean, and Bob Wakeman assumed their respective offices
as president, president-elect and secretary-treasurer at the 1998 International
Awards Market in Las Vegas in February, where outgoing President Pat Holley,
CRM, presided. Tubbs announced the theme of his term in office to be "Takin'
Care of Business.
In attendance at the Las Vegas Show were almost 3,500 retailers, representing
over 1,200 stores; they viewed displays featuring over 250 exhibitors. Almost
three dozen educational sessions also were held during the Show, with a total
head count of approximately 2,700 people participating. Snowbird Resort &
Conference Center, UT, located near Salt Lake City, was the site of ARA's
annual Mega Meeting, attended by ARA's Board of Directors and all members
of the education, finance, membership and Trade Shows committees. A strategic
planning session was also held. As a result of the latter, new mission, value
and vision statements were created; revised organizational goals were also
set.
The board of directors appointed an ad hoc branch/chapter committee, charged
to assess ARA's past and current program in light of serving members' current
and future needs.
New branches were formed in Indiana by Kevin Jurek, CRS, and in Central
Florida by Jeanine Peterson and Lynda Preble. The existing eight branches
held various meetings and activities throughout the year, serving the particular
needs and interests of the membership residing in their specific geographic
locales.
"Succeeding in Concert," the 1998 Nashville Awards Show, was held
at the Nashville Convention Center in Tennessee, September 25-26.
"Winning New Growth," the 1998 Atlantic City Awards Show was held
at the Atlantic City Convention Center in New Jersey, October 24-25
"Exploring Paths To Profit," the 1998 Western Canadian Awards
Show, was held at the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel in Harrison Hot Springs,
BC, Canada, October 2-4.
"Discovering New Options," the 1998 Eastern Canadian Awards Show,
was held at the Ameri-Cana Resort and Conference Center in Niagara Falls,
ON, Canada, October 30-November 1
The board of directors appointed an ad hoc management options committee,
charged to assess ARA's organizational operations and to make recommendations
concerning the association's day-to-day management of its affairs.
1999
Mike Dean, Bob Wakeman and Pat Holley, CRM, assumed their new offices
as president, president-elect, and secretary-treasurer at the 1999 International
Awards Market held February 8-11, 1999, in Las Vegas, NV. Outgoing President
Rex Tubbs, CRM, presided. Mike Dean announced his presidential theme as "Reaching
for Tommorrow.
Attendance at the Awards Market included more than 1,400
retail companies. They were able to view booths from 239 supplier companies.
Thirty-three educational sessions were held over the three-day period.
Additional Award Shows were held in Nashville, TN, and Secaucus, NJ.
The Nashville Awards Show was held September 17-18 at the Nashville Convention
Center. The Secaucus Awards Show was held October 10-12 at the Meadowlands Exposition
Center.
In March, ARA leaders made the decision to leave their current management
company and to begin working with Association Management Center in Glenview,
IL.
Board meetings were held in Denver and Santa Fe, NM. The Mega Meeting
attended by both ARA's Board of Directors and all members of ARA's committees
was held at the new ARA headquarters in Glenview, IL.
The board of directors formed a Publications and Communications Committee,
charged with overseeing the development and refinement of the Association's
publications and communications.
Several new member benefits were developed and offered to the membership,
including online seminars and discounts with Hertz, Pennywise Office Supplies
and RPS Small Package Delivery.
Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), announced that it intended to
begin selling to the private sector and potential retail customers. ARA informed
its membership about HR 2551, proposed legislation that would protect small
businesses from unfair competition by FPI.
2000
Bob Wakeman, Stan Rosenberg and Marty Burke assumed their new offices
as president, president-elect, and secretary-treasurer at the 2000 International
Awards Market held February 22-25, 2000, in Las Vegas, NV. Outgoing President
Mike Dean presided. Bob Wakeman announced his presidential theme as "Marching
into the Millennium.
Attendance at the Awards Market included more than
1,900 retail companies. They were able to view booths from 275 supplier companies.
Twenty-seven educational sessions were held over the three-day period.
An additional Awards Show was held in Atlantic City, NJ. The Eastern
Awards Show was held October 6-7, 2000, at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
Board meetings were held in San Diego, CA, and San Antonio, TX. The Mega
Meeting attended by both ARA's Board of Directors and all members of ARA's committees
was held in Chicago.
2001
Stan Rosenberg, Marty Burke and Fran Carville, CRS, assumed their new
offices as president, president-elect, and secretary-treasurer at the 2001 International
Awards Market held January 30-February 2, 2001, in Las Vegas, NV. Outgoing President
Bob Wakeman presided. Stan Rosenberg announced his presidential theme as "Commitment
to Success."
Additional Awards Shows were held in Atlanta in February 2001 and Cincinnati
in October 2001. These regional Shows allowed members from across the country
to have access to ARA Trade Shows.
Board meetings were held in Washington, DC, and Tempe, AZ. The Mega Meeting,
which is attended by both ARA's Board of Directors as well as all committee
members, was held in Chicago during the month of July.
The BranchPlus! program was active and held meetings in Washington, Texas,
Louisiana, Georgia, California and Arizona.
Member benefits were enhanced and include an updated Membership Directory
and Buyers Guide, which now includes a plaque phrase section and membership
saving coupons; Gateway discounts through a link on the ARA Web site members-only
section; and a comprehensive shipping program, which includes Emery Worldwide,
Yellow Freight and Roadway Express.
2002
Marty Burke, Fran Carville, CRS, and Brian Martin, CRM, assumed their
new offices as president, president-elect and secretary-treasurer at the 2002
International Awards Market held February 10-13, in Las Vegas, NV. Outgoing
president Stan Rosenberg presided. Marty Burke announced his presidential theme
as "Racing into the Future."
Additional Award Shows were held in Baltimore, MD, in September 2002
and Chicago, IL in October 2002. These regional Shows allowed members from across
the country to have access to ARA Trade Shows.
Board meetings were held in Dallas, TX, and Santa Fe, NM. The Mega Meeting,
which is attended by all board and committee members, was held in Chicago in
July 2002.
During this year, ARA introduced several new member benefits including
a Web site development program, a health insurance option, a complimentary Recognition
Review subscription for all supplier member sales representatives, and a pilot
business insurance program for members in the Midwest region.
The Awards and Recognition Industry Educational Foundation, a separate
and distinct organization from the Awards and Recognition Association, was created
to provide financial assistance to students with an interest in pursuing continuing
education in a field of their choice. The Foundation was established with the
goal of awarding as many $1,000 scholarships as possible to students affiliated
with ARA member companies. An additional goal of the Foundation is to raise
the awareness of careers in the awards and recognition industry.
2003
Fran Carville, CRS, Brian Martin, CRM and Kevin Jurek, CRS assumed their
new offices as president, president-elect and secretary-treasurer at the 2-3
International Awards Market, held February 26-March 1, in Las Vegas, NV. The
Membership Breakfast was presided over by Marty Burke. During her address
as the incoming president of ARA, Carville announced her theme for the year,
"Our Members, Our Association, Our Future."
ARA held trade shows in the following locations-Las Vegas, NC in March,
Atlantic City, NJ in September, Chicago, IL in October, and Atlanta, GA in
February 2004.
Board meetings were held in New Orleans, LA and Orlando, FL. The Mega Meeting,
which is attended by all board and committee members, was held in Chicago
in July 2003.
ARA focused on the theme of "Member Care" throughout the year.
At the request of the membership, an "Operating Ratio and Price Survey
was initiated and a follow-up report was published. Recognition Review continued
to provide members with technical and business related articles. A new monthly
column was added featuring CorelDRAW expert and frequent ARA speaker, Pradhan
Balter.
The Awards and Recognition Industry Educational Foundation presented five
deserving students with $1000 scholarships. These scholarships were presented
on behalf of the five Cornerstone Contributors to the Foundation-General Awards,
JDS Industries, Plastic Dress-Up Co., R.S. Owens and Tower Ribbons & Awards.
2004
Brian Martin, CRM, Charles Miles, and Donna Pollucci, CRS assumed their
new offices as president, president-elect, and secretary-treasurer at the
2004 International Awards Market, held March 3-6 in Las Vegas, NV. Brian Martin
chose "ARA-Raising the Bar" as his theme for the year.
Trade Shows were held in Atlantic City, NJ in October and Irvine, CA in
November.
Board Meetings were held in Newport Beach, CA and Savannah, GA. The mega
meeting which is attended by all board and committee members was held in Chicago,
IL in July 2004
