Jan 10, 2011

GHTA Names Mary Liz Curtin to Its Board of Directors

Grand Rapids, MI – The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA), whose mission is to lead and transform the gift and home industry, ensuring its long term health and viability, has named award-winning retailer, Mary Liz Curtin, to its Board of Directors.

In January 2010, the GHTA announced its plans to add retailers as members of its trade association.  “It made great sense to the Board of Directors to add retailers to its existing membership of vendors, sales agencies and allied members,” says Marc Rice, GHTA president. “Now, the GHTA has all industry constituencies represented, which will enable our association to tackle many industry issues and to identify opportunities where all members can weigh in collectively.  Mary Liz, representing the retail sector, has agreed to join the board as an ex-officio member and will be a valuable addition to our Board.”

Curtin, co-owner of retail establishment, Leon & Lulu in Clawson, MI, is an internationally acknowledged expert in independent retail and has advised numerous manufacturers on marketing, sales and management issues — with her unique brand of Sales and Marketing Therapy. Curtin is also a book author, magazine columnist and national speaker.

“The GHTA is the voice of the gift and home industries, and I am delighted to add the independent’s viewpoint to that voice,” says Curtin.

The GHTA offers many benefits to all members: health insurance, industry networking events at market centers nationwide, a Members-Only online forum, and the Independent Retail Resource Center ˆ all recent additions to the benefit roster.

To learn more about the Gift and Home Trade Association, its membership opportunities and programs, please call 877.600.4872 or visit www.giftandhome.org.

About the Gift and Home Trade Association:
GHTA is the gift and home industry’s non-profit professional trade association comprised of vendors, sales agencies, retailers and industry affiliates work together to improve relationships.  The GHTA’s mission is to lead and transform the gift and home industry to ensure its long-term health and viability.  The GHTA can be reached by email at info@giftandhome.org. For more information on the GIFT AND HOME Trade Association visit www.giftandhome.org.