National Stationery Show Expands Best New Product Competition to Include Think Green Categories
White Plains, NY – Seven New England retailers – each exemplifying outstanding customer service, creative merchandising and dedication to their community – have been named finalists for the 2008 Pride of New England Awards. Presented each spring by the Boston Gift Show, the coveted Awards celebrate both exceptional business practices and demonstration of New England pride. Winners will be announced during the April 5-8, 2008, market, taking place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC).Finalists in the 3rd annual Pride of New England Awards competition are:
- Chatham T Company, Inc. (Chatham, MA)
- Cottage Designs (Ocean Park, ME)
- Domaine Gallery (Portland, ME)
- Massachusetts Bay Trading Company (Weston, MA)
- Social Expressions (Providence, RI)
- Southern New Hampshire Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shop (Nashua, NH)
- The Tea Leaf (Waltham, MA)
From the slate of finalists, four winners will be named during the Pride of New England Awards Reception, taking place at 5:00 pm, on Saturday, April 5, 2008. A special display on the Show floor will profile the winners.
“The Pride of New England Awards recognize retailers who demonstrate business practices beyond the norm,” said Tony Orlando, show manager. “The 2008 finalists have demonstrated high standards in customer service, dedication to their community and creative merchandising tactics. In addition to these qualities, they each have a strong sense of New England pride, making them ideal candidates for this honor.”
Judges for the 2008 Award program are Tony DeMasi, editor, Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties; Caroline Kennedy, executive editor, Gifts & Decorative Accessories; Patricia Norins, Publisher, Gift Shop; John Saxtan, editor, Giftware News; Rick Segel, retail expert, Rick Segel & Associates; Susan Wagner, editor, Country Business; Joyce Washnik, publisher & editor, Giftbeat; and Dave Woodside, president, Acadia Corporation.
The 160th semi-annual Boston Gift Show will run April 5-8, 2008, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The Show is expected to attract some 7,000 retailers, and will present 500 exhibitors throughout four divisions: Gifts, Etc., Handmade, Made in New England and Souvenir Source.
The Boston Gift Show is owned and managed by GLM, a dmg world media business. For exhibitor information, contact Scott Kramer, exhibit sales manager, at GLM, Ten Bank Street, White Plains, NY 10606. Telephone: (914) 421-3366. Email: scott_kramer@glmshows.com. For attendee information, contact GLM’s Customer Relations Department, by telephone, at (800) 272-SHOW or (603) 665-7524. Additional information and registration is available online at bostongiftshow.com.
