Behind the Scenes with the NAMTA Staff
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Ever wonder what the Namta Staff does when we wrap up the show and host the final post-show roundtable and read the last submission to post-show surveys? Perhaps you think we kick our feet up for several months and take a breath until it all begins again. You may be surprised to find out that we are planning future years shows before our current show has even happened. There is no rest for the weary and this summer has been a whirlwind. Leah and Rick have been rapidly accumulating frequent flyer miles as they have been conducting site visits to potential cities to host Creativation by Namta 2025.
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Continuing the travel theme, Executive Director Leah Siffringer, along with Jeni, Susan and Savannah (pictured) are headed home after attending ASAE (The American Society of Association Executives) in Atlanta... basically a show for people who host shows. We have gathered exciting ideas for Creativation and cannot wait to implement some of them in New Orleans.
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ASAE was a nice change of pace for Susan who has been in audit world. All of this travel wouldn’t be possible without Karyn always holding down the fort and available to communicate with the membership, whether she’s taking your calls or emailing you reminders about upcoming Namta Connects, sending you the Consumer Study Reports, etc.
In more behind the scenes work, Savannah has been working with ATS (our show registration company) to get ready for Creativation 2024 and demoing a lot of potential new Mobile App programs. Jeni has been finalizing a long overdue website redesign and we cannot wait to launch it for you all to see (coming soon!!!) and developing content plans to utilize the survey results year-round. There are several more responsibilities being juggled day to day by your small but mighty Namta staff but all tasks support our overall mission of providing you with the most invaluable benefits as a Namta member.
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Education March 23-24 Tradeshow March 25-27
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"It was such a treat to see my favorite vendors in person- some for the first time!" Joseph von Souder, Commercial Art Supply, Syrtacuse, NY
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"NAMTA is a valuable resource for improving my business from marketing to merchandising. More importantly, meeting up socially with suppliers and other retailers over the years has led me to make some very good friends that have indirectly mentored me in so many ways." - Janeen Junson, Artists Emporium, Winnipeg, Canada
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If you need member contact information, email [email protected] with questions - or log in on namta.org and go the Online Directory.
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NAMTA does NOT sell lists!
- We do not send out emails with the NAMTA logo or name on them asking you to buy any type of list.
- Don't give payment information to anyone who contacts you about buying NAMTA member contact info, or Creativation by NAMTA attendees, or lists solicited by email in general.
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Tell Us Your City Choices!
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As always, your input is the most valuable resource to the NAMTA Staff and Board of Directors. With this in mind, we ask if you would take a moment to evaluate some potential host cities for future Creativation by NAMTA shows. NAMTA has done a lot of research into cities that can accommodate Creativation by NAMTA and spent a good deal of time traveling to potential hosts.
The cities on this survey have not only expressed interest in hosting our Conference and Trade Show but are good options for our attendees and exhibitors. These cities have sufficient space, offer attractive rates, have good air accessibility, and offer appealing dining and entertainment options.
We recognize that as extensive as this list is, there are some popular cities not included. Unfortunately, if you do not see your favorite city, it is because they do not meet one or more of the previously noted criteria.
Thank You
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New Leaf Paper, Inc has acquired Arnold Grummer's LLC. The Wisconsin-based company distributes nationwide as a preferred supplier of hand papermaking kits.
Arnold Grummer's will remain in Wisconsin, with headquarters moving to New Leaf Paper in Appleton. Oversight of Arnold Grummer's will move forward with Paul Bradshaw as President and Sabrina Schwietzer as Executive Vice President, both from New Leaf Paper, with transition support from Kim Grummer.
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NAMTA supports that advocating for the visual crafts and arts enhances communities and makes good business.
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Blake Barrios & Rebellium Studio bring philanthropy, vision, and expression to life, through the creation of hand-painted wine bottles.
Bid on your chance to own a 1.5L 100pt Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville made by renowned winemaker Jon Keyes.
One of the rarest wines in the world and one of a kind hand painted by Blake Barrios.
All funds generated will go to the NAMTA Arts & Crafts Advocacy program.
NOTE: Bid deadline has been extended to September 30th.
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Have You Requested the Study?
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NAMTA, the trade association for the art/creative materials industry members, has conducted consistent research with consumers and retailers since 2009.
This research has added value to its members to help them learn more about art/creative material users.
This is a member exclusive benefit. Visit this page to request your copy of the 2023 Study.
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Heidi Kaisand
Hen & Chicks Studio, Owner Creative Retailer® Magazine, Owner
After a more than 30-year professional quilting career, and more than 40 years of crafting (including being a 10-year 4H member), owner, Heidi Kaisand, decided to combine her experience and passion for inspiring creativity in others.
Creativity comes in many forms and Heidi enjoys quilting, scrapbooking, photography, gardening and cooking.
When Heidi's not working, she loves to spend time with her family (Jeff, Henry, Virginia and Goldie), sewing and scrapbooking as often as possible.
Favorite Flower: Iris Hobbies: All things creative!
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Join the Creative Retailer® Community!
Creative Retailer® features articles to keep our readers up to date with trends, display ideas, marketing strategies, valuable business advice, new products, and inspiring stories. Strategies designed to help you leverage your store’s unique characteristics to successfully compete in today’s marketplace.
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Hen & Chicks Studio is Conrad, Iowa’s premiere destination for quilting and scrap booking inspiration since 2011! Here you'll find a delightful selection of designer fabrics, notions, and other sewing supplies to ignite your imagination and help you bring your creative ideas to life.
A fully-equipped retreat center is available to rent in central Iowa to dedicate time to working on your projects or learn to use our longarm quilting machine to finish your quilts.
Owner Heidi Kaisand is passionate about providing products and services that will help quilters and scrapbookers of all skill levels succeed.
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What do you want NAMTA members to know about you and/or your company. Answer a few questions and we'll put you in a future eNews "In The Spotlight." CLICK HERE FOR FORM
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Brainstorm Art Supply - Retailer Brick & mortar store in central Vermont for artists, craftspeople, DIYers, and everyone in between! www.brainstorm.art Randolph VT USA
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Bolek's Craft Supplys Inc. - Retailer Selling the good stuff since 1977. Richard Bolek Sr. and Eleanor Bolek turned the corner craft shop into a national discount mail-order house. We ship packages of high quality craft supplies to anyone, anywhere! www.shopboleks.com Dover OH USA
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Bloomington Fine Art Supply - Retailer Tools and supplies for a variety of mediums including oils and acrylics, gouache, watercolor, charcoal, pencils, pen & ink (both drawing and writing), fine art papers (padded and each), adhesives, storage options, small hardware, tool accessories, art-centric gifts, and more. Contact Bloomington IN USA
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Buffalo Stamps & Stuff - Retailer Carrying a wide range of stamping accessories, embellishments, scrapbooking supplies, decorative and cardstock papers, die-cuts, a variety of coloring mediums, a full selection of mixed media supplies, stencils, over 3,000 stamps, gorgeous European papers, and a variety of in-store classes! www.buffalostamps.com Amherst NY
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Black Dog Art Supply - Retailer Black Dog Art Supply is family owned and operated in Regina, Saskatchewan. We proudly support artists and the art community in southern Saskatchewan. www.blackdogartsupply.ca/ Regine SK Canada
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Busy Hands Studio - Retailer Busy Hands Studio supports the rituals of creatives and artists with handmade, intentional, and sustainable materials. We make ceramic paint palettes, paint water cups, brush rests, and other items to bring beauty to an artist studio. We also carry watercolor paints and are growing our retail lines by bringing in new and curated supplies. www.busyhandsstudio.com Jackson MI USA
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bijan's art studio - Retailer Established in June 1995 as a painting studio. Based on the needs of the community and the many requests by professional artists, the studio was expanded to an art supplies store. Offering a wide selection of artist products and a knowledgeable staff, all artists themselves. bijansartstudio.ca London ON Canada
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Brushstrokes Gallery Art Supplies and Framing - Retailer Co-owners, Randy and Kathy Snyder, work exceptionally hard to bring the best and latest art supplies to their customers. Brushstrokes carries a full line of art supplies and more importantly, every member of their team has the knowledge to help their customers find just the right supplies to create their vision. @brushstrokes_lewisburg www.brushstrokespa.com Lewisburg PA USA
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"The Essential Manager’s Toolkit" A Video Series Watch in THE STUDIO
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NAMTA is proud to offer this video education series, The Essential Manager's Toolkit; Management Skills for the Creative Products Community, as a benefit for our members. Created in partnership with long-time industry leader, David Pyle and his team, this 4-part series was created based upon consultation with dozens of managers in the creative products community. We asked, "What do you wish you'd known when first starting as a manager?" This is the result...and it's all specifically tailored to the creative products community.
Member Benefit - must be logged in.
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Did you receive a refund on your premium?
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It’s true, refunds in healthcare are real!
When you and your team enroll in a level-funded plan you have the opportunity to save even more! If you are not familiar with a level-funded plan, this is when the health insurance company quotes and charges you based on your team's health and expected usage of coverage throughout the year. One of the biggest benefits is that you can receive a refund on your premium paid.
As an added bonus, level-funded plan options through Manufacturers Healthcare come with FREE Prosper Benefits! This suite of noninsurance benefits can help to reduce medical costs and create savings throughout the year by reducing the number of claims filed with your insurance carrier.
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What would you do with an extra $3,000 for your business? Think about it and let us know when you set up a call with a trusted advisor.
Tools and resources are available to you as a member of NAMTA; Call (888) 272-1513 Mon-Fri 8am-9pm EST.
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