Nov 30, 2009

Midwest-CBK President Frederic Contino Appointed to Gift and Home Trade Association Board of Directors

Cannon Falls, MN – The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) appointed to its board of directors Frederic Contino, President of Midwest-CBK, leading designer and manufacturer renowned for its design, style and sparkle in home décor, gifts, holiday and candles. Contino joins the 13-person board to lead and transform the gift and home industry, ensuring long-term health and success.

“Rick brings a fresh dimension to the GHTA board, lending his leadership, expertise and vision for the future,” says Diane Carnevale Jones, GHTA Executive Director. “The GHTA, industry and retailers stand to benefit from his strategic perspective and commitment to innovation and growth.”

Contino, President of Midwest-CBK since 2006, brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to the GHTA board and recently oversaw the successful merger of Midwest and CBK. Contino also serves as board member and membership chair for the National Candle Association, and has also served as Group Board Chairman-Vistage, President and CEO of Playcore Inc., President 
of Anchor Hocking Plastics and Newell Plastics, as well as senior management positions with Anchor Hocking Glass, Eagle Affiliates, Mirro/Wearever Cookware, Club Aluminum Cookware, Hamilton Beach, and International Silver Company.

The GHTA is the major trade association of U.S. gift and home manufacturers and retailers. Its members are dedicated to promoting best business practices and professional development, establishing standards and ethical guidelines, and collecting and sharing industry information.

About Midwest-CBK
The newly merged Midwest-CBK sparkles as a national design leader in home décor, gifts, holiday, and candles. Midwest-CBK is proud to bring independent retailers more choices in style, design and sparkle of exclusive and unique products, made simple with one simplified ordering program and four convenient ways to order. Please call 800-394-4225 or visit www.mwcbk.com for more information or to locate a showroom near you.