TNNA’s Business Innovation AwardsRecognize Outstanding IndependentNeedlearts Businesses

MISSION STATEMENT: The National NeedleArts Association advances its community of professional businesses by encouragingthe passion for needlearts through education, industry knowledge exchange and a strong marketplace.

In This IssuePresident’s Message ...................................................................2Executive Director's Message ...................................................2TNNA Section & Group Reports ................................................4PiPN Update ..................................................................................8Stitch N’ Pitch .............................................................................12Helping Hands Update...............................................................13Member Profile ...........................................................................14Maker Faire .................................................................................16

Summer 2011

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Counted Thread and Embroidery Wholesale Winner: ICG CraftsTeam: Mark Miller, Troy Riegle, and pattern designersInnovation: Print-on-demand chart distribution to retailersWebsite: ICGCrafts.com

Needlepoint Wholesaler Winner: DMC CorporationTeam: Liz Saylor, Steve Mancuso, Jay Wolf, Rosanna Gelpi-Houck, Alice OkonInnovation: DMC Color Infusions Memory Thread Go 3D CampaignWebsite: DMC-USA.com

Yarn Retailer Winner: Amazing ThreadsTeam: Bobbi Kreb, Tina Erickson, Angel Randall, Judy Riske, Lindsey JohnsonInnovation: Knit Wits-Knot store makeoverWebsite: Amazing-Threads.com

Yarn Wholesaler Winner – Schacht Spindle CompanyTeam: Jane Patrick, Barry Schacht, Liz GipsonInnovation: The Cricket Loom ProgramWebsite: SchachtSpindle.com

By Libby Butler-Gluck, TNNA Publicist

The Red Carpet event at the TNNA ColumbusShow hit a high note when it was time to presentawards and prizes to the winners of the 1st annual TNNABusiness Innovation Awards on Friday, June 10th, co-sponsored by Hart Business Research. The judges used fourmain criteria to choose winners: innovativeness of businessinitiative, measurable impact on business, usefulness ofapplication as a case study for others, and use of informationfrom The State of Specialty NeedleArts 2010 report.

The judges awarded over $20,000 in prizesto the following winners in five categories:

Winners of the TNNA Business Innovation Awards were presented withprizes and plaques at the TNNA Show in Columbus, OH

Open/Affiliate Winner – Handwork Studio Team: Laura Kelly, Julia Yosen, Alisha Tillman, Melissa Haims, Mary Kukowski, Megan Collier, Ilyse Shapiro, Danielle LyonsInnovation: Needle Arts Camp Road TourWebsite: TheHandworkStudios.com

Award plaques, cash, products, and advertising went to the winnersand were generously donated by the following sponsors: TNNA,Hart Business Research Trendsetter, Interweave, NeedleworkRetailer Magazine, Point of It All? Designs, Westminster Fibers,Lantern Moon, Bryson Distributing, Yarn Market News, Needlepoint Now, DJ Designs, Spool Magazine and KreinikManufacturing Company.

NOTE FOR WEB VIEWING: Hyperlinks for Web sites and E-mail addresses are functional in this document, click to access.

happening in the industry and TNNA. Atthe member booth on the show floor wewill have information on services that willbenefit you as a member. If you haven’tchecked out the UPS, Bankcard discounts,and Insurance programs at the show isthe perfect time to get information or talkto available representatives.

The show floor will be full of exhibitorswaiting to show you their latest newproducts and how to use them and sellthem if you are a retailer and if you are anexhibitor, plan now to exhibit and show offthe new products you have for sale.

Start making your plans for PhoenixJanuary 2012

We’re moving the show to a new locationand Phoenix is it!!! The TNNA WinterShow will be held on January 21-23, 2012at the Phoenix Convention Center and wepromise you it will be “THE PLACE” to be ifyou are in the needlearts industry. Lots ofchanges and new was experienced at TheNeedleArts Market in Columbus and inPhoenix we guarantee you a similarexperience as far as new and change isconcerned.

First of all it’s a new location for the WinterShow. Phoenix in January will be at acomfortable temperature, full of goodrestaurants and tourist attractionswhether you plan a short or extended trip.We’ll share a link on our site with thePhoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau(www.visitphoenix.com) so you can seewhat’s available and make plans. There

are many places within a short drive for youto consider.

We will once again plan a fun-filled Fridaynight of activities, hold the Fashion Show onthe show floor, include special displays andareas on the floor and have such anexciting line up of classes that you will havea hard time making up your mind which tosign up for. We’re planning a specialspeaker for the retailers at the RetailLuncheon. For those of you who missed theColumbus speaker, Jim Dion, we’re sorrybecause he received rave reviews from theretailers there. But, we will promise to giveyou another great program that will be wellworth your attendance. So make sure youplan to have a day and night of it on Friday.

We invite you to attend your productsegment group meetings on Sunday nightas well as the annual member meeting onMonday morning. It is the perfect way toget involved and to keep on top of what is

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With great pleasure we welcome theformer Spinning & WeavingAssociation (SWA) members as theyjoin us, becoming the Spinning andWeaving Group of TNNA.

SWA was formed in 2001 with a missionto promote and grow the hand spinningand weaving industry. Joining forceswith TNNA will strengthen their portionof the overall industry, simultaneouslyoffering the advantages of TNNAmembership to them, strengthening ournumbers, and exposing our members tonew and exciting products.

Looking towards our future, it isapparent that diversification isimportant for the success of ourmembers.

Maintaining our focus on needleartswhile uniting with related segmentsstrengthens the industry as a whole. Inrecent surveys, it is clear that manymembers, especially retailers, offer avariety of needleart disciplines, andmarket trends clearly show a renewedinterest in hand spinning and weaving.

As we offer different and new productsand services it increases the ability toshop in one place and experience newthings. It also gives our wholesalemembers access to segments of theindustry that they would not have hadthe opportunity to otherwise reach.

Our goal is to create a win-winsituation for all.

As TNNA moves forward into a newfiscal year (beginning October 1,2011) we continue our commitment towork in support of all areas of ourmembership and the industry as awhole to encourage the passion forneedlearts through education,industry knowledge exchange and astrong marketplace.

We ask that you continue yourcommitment to TNNA by renewingyour membership (renewals will besent mid August) and supporting our

President's Message

Executive Director's Message

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(Continued from page 2) Business InnovationAwards(Continued from Page 1)

We have a large number of roomsavailable at our headquarters hotel, The Phoenix Wyndham. All theinformation is on our Web site for yourconvenience. We will have a specialhospitality area for our members andguests where you can relax, talk andmeet up with old friends and makenew ones.

Watch for more information on thePhoenix Show as we finalize plans. We are working with a local task forceof members to make this a perfectexperience for you.

Hope to see you there!!!

Patty Parrish,Executive Director, TNNA

Here are some key market information, marketing, and promotions ideas to share from the winning applications! Keep Customers Coming In! – This is a fantastic promotional idea for ANY RETAILER! Thestore created a coupon book that will keep customers coming in to shop on a monthly basis.The first version covered a 10-month period and the cost of the coupon booklet was $24. Therewas a limited amount of booklets sold. Each booklet offered two free items, other couponslike 30% off on your birthday, 25% off one-time sale, 25% off needle purchase, etc. AmazingThreads noted all 100 booklets SOLD OUT and average sales for customers exceeded the freeitem by $30.Kids, Kids, Kids! – Kids are a huge and sometimes forgotten Market for needlearts. TheHandwork Studio used the following three key pieces of information from The State ofSpecialty NeedleArts 2010 and has built a successful traveling children needlearts camp thatprojects $1 million in revenues in 2012.1) The earlier you begin needle arts the more likely you are to carry it into adulthood.2) Education can be a profitable of business.3) Parents value education and enrichment for their children.

Solve a Problem! – Needlearts retailers want “fresh and new” designs, patterns and leafletsaccording to The State of Specialty NeedleArts 2010. M&R Technologies (ICG Crafts) took thatinformation and created an on-demand printing and distribution program for needleartsdesigners. Designers upload versions of their work to the ICG Crafts website, and from therethey set their own descriptions, marketing images, pricing and descriptions. ICG Crafts isresponsible for production, fulfillment and delivery. Advantages for designers are reducedcosts, complete control, quicker time to market and no more “out of print” leaflets. Shopadvantages are quicker access to new designs, no back orders/out of stock and greatshopping experience on ICGCrafts.comCreate Excitement! – The wish for new threads and fibers for needlepointers and cross-stitchers was one of the main pieces of information that DMC Corporation took from The Stateof Specialty NeedleArts 2010 to create The Color Infusing Memory Thread, a soft copper wireused to create a 3-D effect on needlepoint and cross-stitch projects. This product is a brandnew innovation. DMC Corporation launched a comprehensive marketing and promotioncampaign to support this new product using advertising, social media, You-tube demos,provided free printed brochures to retailers/designers/teachers and projects sheets topromote this product.Strike While It’s Hot! – The State of Specialty NeedleArts 2010 said “shops should increasespinning and weaving categories” and that is just what Schacht Spindle Co. helped retailersdo. Seeing a need for a smaller, more compact and affordable product, the Cricket Loom wascreated. An easy-to-use product would appeal to the knitting specialty stores both to sell anduse in classes. Marketing, advertising and promotions initiatives and programs have helpedCricket Loom sales increase by 40% between 2009 and 2010. Schacht reported 50% increasein new dealer accounts, with similar expected gains in 2011. Much of this growth has comefrom traditional knitting stores. They report weaving classes are filling up often because ofexperiences with the Cricket Loom.Read more about the awards, including the presentation and winning award applications, at www.TNNA.org .

The Handwork Studio's,Miss Julia, Miss Alisha andneedlearts camp kids holdtheir winning Business In-novation Awards plaque.

services and trade shows. As youread this newsletter you will seethe dedication of the board ofdirectors, committees, membersand staff, and all the effortinvolved in making our industryand association thrive. We thankyou for your membership.

In closing I would like to thankall of you for the opportunity toserve as president for the lastyear. It has been quite anexperience to watch our staff,board and committees work inunison, pushing TNNA to everhigher levels. Don’t be afraid tojump in and help. As TNNAthrives, so will we all.

Remember, It’s Our TNNA!

Matt Bryant President, TNNA

Ah, summer! The pace seems a bit slower, we relax a bit– wait a minute, not for us! One market is just ended, another is looming on thehorizon, it’s fair season, and we’re gearing up for holiday season stitching.

The NeedleArts Market in Columbus opened with Red Carpet Events, includingSample IT! And wow, it was the biggest one ever! We tied for the most exhibitors,and I think we easily had the most buyers at the event. As I stood at the doortaking tickets with Judie Solomon (CTE Vice-Chair) and Penny Franz (CTESecretary/Treasurer), with a couple of other helpers, the line of buyers streamingin seemed never-ending. We ran out of tickets and the registration desk washand-writing tickets, and we finally just said “never mind!” about the tickets. Itwas a wonderful start to the evening’s events before market opened on Saturday.

Then we were all on hand to congratulate ICG Crafts, winner of the CTEWholesale Business Innovation Award. In addition to a plaque, Mark and hiscompany won a prize package worth more than $5,400 from sponsorsNeedlework Retailer and Interweave Press. We would have loved to have given asimilar prize to the CTE Retailer, but no one entered. Be thinking now of ways touse the State of Specialty Needlearts 2010 data to innovate in your business, thentell us what you did – it’s that simple, and you may win a fabulous prize package togo along with the benefits to your business. The initial Business InnovationAwards program was a success, and we’ll be repeating it next year. So CTEWholesalers and Retailers, read the report and innovate!

Thanks again to Judie Solomon for coordinating the CTE Lounge for TheNeedleArts Market in Columbus. We do have a presence in at the conventioncenter shows, both as exhibitors and buyers. The show this year had a new look,new excitement on the show floor, and new events, and we expect thisexcitement to carry over into the Winter Show in Phoenix.

But first we’re looking forward to Fall Market in Baltimore! I’m excited aboutshowing in a new venue, and meeting new buyers who haven’t ventured to theprevious markets. I hear a lot of rumors, and I’d like to reiterate that I’m alwaysavailable to answer questions. The CTE Group meeting in Columbus (yes, therewas one) came up with some positive initiatives to bring about change. If youhave ideas, no matter how small or how far out they may seem, let me know. All ofus want to make things better, and the best way to do that is with open dialogue.

Let me know how to serve you, and I’ll see you in Baltimore!

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Counted Thread and Embroidery Group

Mission StatementThe TNNA Counted Thread & Embroidery Group seeks to educate, con-

nect to, and support members to increase awareness and appreciation of

the needle arts, promote industry growth and sales, and develop future

embroiderers.

Counted Thread &Embroidery Group

Debbie A. RowleyCounted Thread & Embroidery Group Chair

I was delighted to see so many people turn out for theJune 11 meeting. We had to bring in more chairs andended up with standing room only to hear the discussionon social media. The “Teacher Meet and Greet” wasvery successful this year.

The panel consisted of Audrey Wagner, shop owner withinterests in needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, fromAtlanta, GA; Gwen Bortner, designer, author and teacher;Kimberly Reynolds, Director of Social Media for XRX,inc.; Benjamin Levisay, Director of Sales and Marketingfor XRX, inc.; Sarah Bible, Community Support forRavelry; and Mary-Heather Cogar, VP of operationsRavelry.

The discussion began with what social media presenceshould you have? Have a blog, website, and be a Ravelrypresence. Start with one thing at a time. Don’t setunrealistic goals about social media. You can start outby reserving the same name on the different socialmedia sites but you don’t need to use them all at once.

How to use the resources? Look to see how others areusing the sites.

How do you answer questions, sent to you? Put in yourprofile where you will reply to, put an auto replymessage on your social media site. Refer individuals toon line resources. Some people have a rule that theywill respond within 48 hours.

Is there a business strategy behind social media? UseRavelry as a resource for connections. You could set upa brag page “show me what you did with my pattern”.

The suggestion was made that if you write a blog youmight have someone check to make sure it sounds okayand do a spell check.

Other suggestions, were to let people know when theycould expect your postings, for example, Monday,Wednesday and Friday. Never make a sales pitch.Share information.

If you have any suggestions for the January meetingplease contact one of us.

Laura Farson or Cynthia ThomasCo/chairs Designer/Teacher Group

Designers & Teachers Section Report

Cynthia ThomasDesigner/Teacher Co-Chair

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Needlepoint Group Report

Needlepoint Group Mission StatementComprised of wholesale design companies and retail stores, this committee is a

long-standing and well-established group which brings new ideas and concepts to TNNA’s

Board of Directors for use in marketing needlepoint throughout the country.

A forward thinking and positive-imaging group, members work endlessly to promote their

products to consumers and trade through advertising, marketing, education and special na-

tionwide projects and programs.

The View from Columbus, 2011

This year’s Summer Tradeshow in Columbuspresented a new face to the NeedleArtscommunity. The entire look and feel was greatlyimproved. Everything from basic signage to anew floor layout breathed new life into theexperience. While some members objected tothe Saturday morning fashion show on the showfloor, most exhibitors reported an increased levelof excitement among retail attendees. Steps willbe taken in the future to reduce the volumereaching the booths near the stage. The fashionshow moved along quickly and ended promptly,after which the stage area was devoted toneedlepoint instructional classes ensuring anequal opportunity for our market segment. Notevery wholesaler reported increased sales, butmany retailers expressed a greater level ofsatisfaction with the show, an importantconsideration since retailers are the reason wehold tradeshows.

Improvement was also on view at theNeedlepoint Showcase Friday evening primarilyfeaturing finished pieces. Located in a foyeradjacent to the appetizer tables and cash bars,our displays were viewed by a flood of excitedbuyers exiting “Sample IT!” Hungry for a nibbleand some liquid refreshment, attendeeswandered through our displays. For some thiswas the first time they had ever looked closely atfinished needlepoint, and our art form gainedseveral new devotees as a result.

Tribute to Excellence in Needlework (TEN) AwardWe also heard from TNNA President Matt Bryantwho bestowed the latest “Tribute to Excellencein Needlework” (TEN) Award to Amy Bunger ofAmy’s Golden Strand in Memphis. Active inNeedlework for more than 32 years, Amy is bestknown for her unique approach to teaching. Herboundless excitement and radiant smilecontinue to inspire countless new Needlepointdevotees. And as everyone knows Amy has themost infectious laugh in the Needleworkindustry. Her caring spirit and creative talentleave no doubt why Amy was selected as thisyear’s recipient. Watching her graciously accept

this honor on behalf of her team, the word“sparkling” readily came to mind.

Needlepoint Wholesaler AwardsFinalists included: Barbara Bergsten Designs,The Collection and the DMC Corporation andalthough only one could win, all three deserverecognition for their hard work and innovativetalents. The winner was the DMC Corporationfor its “Color Infusions Memory Thread Go 3DMarketing Campaign.” The company receiveda half-page ad in three issues of NeedleworkRetailer Magazine, a $2,745 value! DMV teammembers include: Liz Saylor, Steve Mancuso,Jay Wolf, Rosanna Gelpi-Houck, and AliceOkon. Congratulations to each of them for ajob well done.

This year, Needlepoint participation in theBusiness Innovation Awards was limited towholesalers. Although awards had beenoffered to retailers as well, none of ourmembers submitted applications. We haveMANY fine needlepoint retailers in our groupwho should be recognized so we hope to seethe flood gates open wide next year.

Future Tradeshow Dates and LocationsIn response to the desire for change expressedby our membership, the 2012 Winter TradeShow will be held at the Phoenix ConventionCenter. This is a one year commitment so we’llbe returning to Long Beach in 2013. At the NPGmeeting in June, a majority of our membersvoiced a desire to see the number of TNNAtrade shows reduced. Most felt the fall cash &carry show should be eliminated after thisyear’s run in Baltimore. You asked me toconvey this message to the TNNA Board whichI did at our meeting after the show.

Warren “Pete” Poitras Needlepoint Group

Chair

The June market has just been completedwith many new improvements. The Worldof Needlearts began with the Red CarpetEvent on Friday evening opening withSample IT!. Needlepoint companiesshowcased their new products at tablesand teachers manned a table answeringquestions and handing out brochures. Thetheme came together with a “TownSquare” concept on the show floorincluding streets signs like “purl lane.”

The Yarn Group’s Comfort Zone contained“yarn-bombed” benches. The Yarn Groupfashion show was moved to the show flooron Saturday morning and after, storeowners enthusiastically went shopping!The stage area was utilized fordemonstrations thoughout the day whichwere video taped and played along with thefashion show on big screen televisions onSunday and Monday. Both the “Great Wallof Yarn” and the “New Product Showcase”were moved directly inside the show doors,which allowed buyers to get a view of theshow floor before the market opened.

We also had sponsorships of water coolersby our vendors. PiPN interns worked withthe local Ohio State University andassembled a wonderful fiber display withboth historical and contemporary items.

You will see many of changes at our 2012Winter Show in Phoenix, January 21-23. Atask force has been formed, and is headedby Mary Arnold of Conjoined Creations towork on events for this new and excitinglocation.

The Fall Market will be in Baltimore thisyear another new location for us toexperience. Classes have been scaledback for this cash and carry focusedmarket.

Don’t forget, order taking is an importantpart of this Fall market as well!

Trade Show Committee Report

Karen Rumpza,Trade Show

Committee Co-Chair

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The Retail Council is working hard on the education for theupcoming Phoenix show. We have recently surveyed theneedlepoint teachers and needlepoint retailers to see if wecould provide better classes to the retailers and help theteachers with their class ideas. Some great information wasreceived via these surveys and we have already started toimplement some of the suggestions offered. If anyone hasideas or suggestions for classes please contact someone onthe Retail Council.

It is with great personal sadness that we recognize theresignation of Kathy Elkins from the Retail Council which willbe effective August 31. Kathy has been on the Retail Councilfor four years and has served as the Chair and BoardRepresentative as well as the chairman of the EducationCommittee. We will be welcoming a new member on theCouncil very shortly.

The Core Business Curriculum had its first class at theColumbus show with Basic Accounting 101. The two-hourclass is being followed up with a webinar in the near future.We are currently looking at other topics that can bepresented to help retailers with their businesses.

Retail Section Report

Penny FranzRetail Section Chair

Retail Section Mission Statement:To provide retailers with support and

opportunities for growth through education and business networking.

Yarn Group Highlights

Here’s a fun fact: More retail shops attended this year’s show inColumbus than did the year before! I have no doubt that all the hardwork and exciting new changes made to the show floor, Fashion Show,and the Great Wall Of Yarn in Columbus helped bring them. TheFashion Show was on the show floor, went off at a snappy pace, andset the tone for a great show. You can view it now at yarngroup.org

Highlights from a very well attended and positive Yarn Group meeting:

• Check out the Beans for Brains scholarship fund webpage and seethe winners of the 2010 scholarship funds you appropriated at theJanuary meeting.

• Karen Kendrick-Hands (City Knits) brought forward a proposal, andfunds were appropriated to partially fund a one-day symposium toconsider establishing a National Knitting and Crochet Museum.Contact Karen for more details.

• Knit Out Grants are available and now is the time to apply. ContactTNNA for more information.

• The Guide for (new) Vendors and Reps is available and can bedownloaded from the TNNA website.

• Special thanks to Jim Bryson and all who helped organize the tributeto Bev Galeskas.

Laura Bryant (Prism Yarn) brought another great fiber arts project toour attention that is exactly the kind of thing that can create newstitchers! Originating in California, the crocheted coral reef projecthttp://www.crochetcoralreef.org – unites math, science, and arts. Acreative group, Florida Craftsmen. is engaging the community to createa Satellite Coral Reef which will be on display in Summer 2012. Contactlaura@prismyarn.com and see how you can help!

Thanks to all of you who help make the Yarn Group an active andpositive force for good in the needlearts community! See you inPhoenix.

Best Regards,Joel Woodcock, Yarn Group Chair

Yarn Group Report

Yarn Group Mission StatementAn industry-encompassing group dedicated to promoting part-nership among designers, manufacturers, publishers, retailers,sales reps, and wholesalers working professionally in the yarnindustry to create awareness and appreciation of the craft, topromote continued growth of the industry and yarn sales, and

to develop a new generation of yarn consumers.

Joel WoodcockYarn Group Chair

Given the wide disparity of views on trade shows in general, fewBoard members were prepared to support such a move at this time.Further discussion will take place at the Board’s next meeting inOctober and I will have more to report after that meeting is held.

Bottom line: This year’s cash & carry show in Baltimore will go onas scheduled and NO decision has been made to change oreliminate this show after 2011.

Needlepoint Group Website: (www.worldofneedlepoint.com) We continue to offer members an opportunity to have theircompany highlighted on our “Featured Designer” or “FeaturedShop” pages free of charge. This is a wonderful benefit for NPGmembers, one that very few have chosen to use thus far. All weneed are a couple of photos, a short bio/description and fewminutes on the phone. We will do the rest.

Anyone with thoughts or suggestions on these or any topic isencouraged to contact me anytime: E-mail:info@weddingphotographercarmel.com or phone: (831) 659-3837.

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Manufacturers Rep SectionJoanne ColeManufacturers Rep Section Chair

Vendor-Rep ConnectionThe Vendor-Rep Connection meeting continues to bevery popular, with 30 reps and 20 vendorsparticipating. The meeting takes place on Sundaymorning during each TNNA convention. If you’re avendor and missed the meeting, you can reach theTNNA reps by emailing the Rep Group Secretary,Cindy Vogel, and asking her to send out a “VendorSeeking Reps” mailing. cvogelagent@gmail.com. Ifyou’re a rep and don’t already receive thesemailings, please make sure Cindy has your correctemail addy. Cindy is our new Rep Group Secretary,replacing Lisa Limber – THANKS, FOR YOURSERVICE, LISA!

Process improvements continue to make themeeting flowed smoothly. For future planning, WESTART THIS MEETING PROMPTLY AT 8 AM.

• Vendors: please be prepared to introduceyourself, giving name, firm, type of product, andregion where reps are needed

• Reps: please come to the meeting if even yourcar is full – you may find that new item that shopswill find irresistible.

Mentoring ProgramDid you know that a mentoring program exists forTNNA Reps? If you know a new rep or a personconsidering a rep position, please let that personknow that Heidi Sunday (heidisunday@yahoo.compairs new entrants with possible mentors in otherparts of the country. She assigns experienced repsas mentors, preferably from other geographicregions to minimize concerns about reps trainingpotential competitors.

“Reps Meet Up”The Meet Up was a hit again in Columbus. Afterhelping to set up booths, it was a welcome respite.Reps seldom get to socialize with other reps sinceour job is to work with retailers. Once again, we gotto share family and industry info. Look for us inPhoenix on Friday night. No need to dress up for theparty!

Program Committee Thank you to Linda McCleland for her service onProgram Committee. Anne Bean has volunteered tojoin the Program Committee (nobody can replaceLinda!), joining Carrie Vermazen and AndreaMarquis to plan programs for each rep meeting.

Safe travels -- See you in Phoenix.

Joanne Cole7270 Warren Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105(734) 255-5343joanne@edwards-drew.com

Vendor Rep Task Group: Ready to Implement! For the past 2 years a dedicated groupof Manufacturers Reps and Vendorshave been working to improverelationships between the two groups.Vendors rely on the strong, long termrelationships that reps build with localshops and the success of reps isdirectly related to a company’s successor failure.

The team created a document which isneutral in language, describing issuesthat reps and vendors need to discussas they establish a relationship. Theunderlying assumption of the documentreflects the Task Group’s assumptionthat all the players are ethical andhonest, and it attempts to have no biasin favor of either vendors or reps.

This document has been reviewed andapproved by the TNNA attorney and theTNNA Board of Directors. It will soonbe posted on the Yarn Group section ofthe TNNA website, available for allTNNA members to use.

Many thanks to the Task GroupMembers for all their hard work. They include:

VendorsBrown Sheep – Peggy Jo WellsBergere de France – Vincent GlorionMango Moon – Sue StuedleManufacturer’s RepsAnne BeanArt & Joanne ColeLisa LimberBonnie LivelyElaine MathasAnd to Yarn Group chair JoelWoodcock and to Patty Parrish andJane Miller from the TNNA staff.

InMemoriam

With sadness we note the passing of these members of the

TNNA family.They are sorely missed.

John Henley of Henley’sNeedlepoint, EdgartownMaryland passed away in January 17, 2011.

Jerry Kreinik of KreinikManufacturing Company,Inc., passed away on March23, 2011, surrounded by hisloving family. Jerry was a bluesky thinker, an inventor, entre-preneur, lecturer, futurist, lov-ing husband, father andgrandfather. Using his imagi-nation and creative juices andhelped along by Estelle, hiswife of 66 years, Jerry devel-oped industrial standards ofexcellence within the needle-point and cross stitch industrythroughout the world.

Jean Leinhauser passed awayon Sunday, June 12. Jean, anindustry leader and publisherextraordinaire, will be greatlymissed. Her dear friend andbusiness partner Rita Weiss ex-pressed that Jean's lastinglegacy will be the hundreds ofbooks she authored, several ofwhich will be published laterthis year.

May it make your sorrow

Easier for you to bear

Knowing there are others

Who understand and care.

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Pathways into ProfessionalNeedlearts: Extending our reachand our impact

PiPN 2011 has welcomed the second largestgroup of interns in its history. As of this year,we have two hubs, Mississippi StateUniversity in Starksville MS and our originalpartner University of Akron in Akron OH. Wealso reach students from more than 50colleges across the country.

Close to 40 TNNA member companies postedopportunities online at TNNAPiPNBlog.comthis past spring. (Hosts include bothwholesale and retail companies representingall of the needlearts disciplines.) In responseto our promotions and on-site visits tocolleges, we received numerous applicationsfrom a wide range of candidates. After puttingthem all through a rigorous screeningprocess, we placed more than half of them.

Because of the increased demand for interns(both within our industry as well as in theoverall business community), and the numberof students still sending in their applications,we’ve decided to make a few changes in thestructure of the PiPN program.

Rather than admitting interns only for thesummer, we now will be recruiting andplacing students during other times, as well.So, if you’ve already put your name on the list,but haven’t yet been matched with an intern,don’t fret.

Within the next month, we’ll be contacting allour hosts again to see if you’d like to re-up.We’ll also be posting new positions, andramping up our student recruitment efforts forthe January term and beyond.

Many students have never considered acareer in needlearts and this program ishelping us open doors for the future of theindustry.

By Sherry Mulne, Business Directions incTNNA Marketing Consultant and PiPN Program Directory

update

Sophia AdodoTexas Woman's University, DentonThe Handwork Studios, Narberth, PA

Dania CarterMississippi State UniversityThe Handwork Studios, Narberth, PA

Leah ChapmanRhode Island School of DesignKnitWhits, Emeryville, CA

Necol DattiloKent State UniversityStitchgrrl, Akron, OH

Sarah EllisonKent State UniversityAcorn Street, Seattle, WA

Kimberly EsaskyU of AkronSoHo Publishing, NY, NY

Alice Faye Huff-IdomU of AkronBusiness Directions inc, Columbus, OH

Kelly KleidenapprenticeHelen Hamann, Tennessee

Alice KoelschU of AkronCraft Akron, Akron, OH

Kelsey LeibKent State UniversityStitchgrrl, Akron, OH

Mary MarkeshewskiUniversity of AlabamaTanglewood Fiber Creations, Seattle, WA

Elli McHughEastern Washington UniversityBeSweet, Sausalito, CA

Christina MusichCarnegie Mellon UniversityColonial Needle, White Plains, NY

Crystal SpannMississippi State UniversityTNNA, Columbus, OH

Heather StancoCarnegie Mellon UniversityMisti International Alpaca Yarns, Arequipa, Peru

Brigitte TijerinaSCADMisti International Alpaca YarnsArequipa, Peru

Rylee TomlinsonMississippi State UniversityTNNA, Columbus, OH

Kelsey TuckerU of AkronStitch, Piece 'N Purl, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

PiPN 2011 interns/ apprentices and host companies

Sorting out samples for the new Yarn Resource Catalog — PiPN intern Rylee Tomlin-son from Mississippi State University gets help from house-mate Ellyanna Kessler(University of Pittsburgh, interning at The Ohio State University).

as of July 8, 2011

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Emerging TalentsRenee LaCoste: Best of Show in Hand Needle Arts, Dallas Career Day

By Sherry Mulne, Business Directions inc TNNA Marketing Consultant

As part of our PiPN student recruitment efforts, TNNAhas sponsored a booth at the International FashionGroup's Dallas Career Day for the last three years. Thisyear I had the honor of presenting TNNA's first Best inShow in Hand Needlearts Award to Renee LaCoste, astudent at Louisiana State University. Renee’s awardwinning gown was absolutely stunning as it gracefullydraped the runway model. Created in 100% cotton –hand pleated, smocked and embroidered, – the dresstruly made the audience gasp in awe.

I talked with Renee after the ceremony, and met hermother, grandmother and sister. This was a sharedexperience for them, from the initial concept to theglamorous runway.

Renee will be graduating in December as an ApparelDesign major with a minor in Business Administration.She lives with her family in Baton Rouge LA, andexudes a youthful southern charm. So it’s not surprisingshe chose to create a garment for the Dallas CareerDay inspired by the feel of old Louisiana.

She found the perfect fabric, a cotton cheese cloth, ata local shop (Promenade). Because of the texture ofthe fabric, she chose to embellish the dress withcrewel embroidery. Although she had some experiencein cross-stitch and embroidery, crewel was totally newfor her.

Her mother (a part-time sewing and handwork teacher)and her grandmother (also experienced in handneedlearts) both offered their support and inspiration,but neither knew how to crewel.

Renee had to search for books on crewel. Finallydiscovering one at her local library, she set out toteach herself. After months of work, over 200 hours,she had taken 15 yards of fabric and turned it into anaward winning design embellished with breathtakinghandwork.

Renee explained to me she likes to take old techniquesand make them new. She loves the handwork itself(both the pleating and the embroidery). In spite of theeffort and time, she found it relaxing. Unlike herexperience with other hand needlearts, she explainedthe embroidery allowed her to easily pick it up and putit down whenever she wanted without getting lost.

She also pointed out the excitement of the instant gratification as the fibersturned into the pattern. Renee enjoys sharing her passion for the art, as wellas the products she creates with friends, and knows they carry an extraspecial meaning because they were made by hand.

She loves costuming and styling but her ultimate career goal is to operate herown bridal store, featuring her own designs. She sees this as a niche notbeing met.

Some of you may have had the opportunity to meet Renee and her momCharmain at TNNA’s recent NeedleArts Market in Columbus. As does heraward-winning gown, Renee exemplifies the remarkable talent of today’syoung needleartists, as well as the vision for our industry's future.

About Dallas Career Day:Fashion Group’s Career Day Dallas is the longest running and largest fashion careerevent of its kind in the country, attracting more than 1100 students and faculty. Thefull day of seminars, exhibits, and keynote speakers culminates with a spectacularrunway fashion show featuring the winners of the fashion design scholarshipcompetition in several categories. TNNA was one of ten major sponsors offering a total of more than $30,000 in awardsin fashion design, merchandising and fashion illustration. Students from 42 collegesand universities across 12 states submitted more than 450 entries.Other sponsors included: the Fashion Group International of Dallas Foundation Fund,the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Dallas Market Center, DAVACO, Four-Legged Fashion Fund, Brad Hughes & Associates, Lori Veith Sales, The NationalNeedleArts Association, Neiman-Marcus Willow Bend and Cure Couture.

Clockwise frombottom right: Renee LaCostewith her award-winning dress,opposite side viewat left, and at top,detail from thehandworked sash.

www.tnna.org10

Snaps fromColumbus

2011

www.tnna.org 11

Join us in Phoenix!

Snaps from Columbus 2011 continued from page 10

For the past five years, TNNA haspartnered with Major League and MinorLeague Baseball to host Stitch N’ Pitchevents for women, men and children wholove baseball and love to knit, crochet,cross-stitch, embroider and needlepoint.The goal of these events is to create buzzand excitement around a consumeroutreach program that would have thepotential and appeal to our members, thegeneral public and gain media attentionfor TNNA and the needlearts. Thisprogram has become one of the mostpopular needlearts events in the country,attracting thousands of “Stitch N’ Pitchfans” every year.

Stitch N’ Pitch has gained worldwidemedia attention, set a new GuinnessBook of World Records for “Most PeopleCrocheting Simultaneously,” receivedawards and industry recognition, beenhonored by the Baseball Hall of Fame &Museum with the acceptance of aColorado Rockies “Stitch N’ Pitch” sockinto their permanent collection and evenhad several MLB teams commissionspecial edition “Stitch N’ PitchBobbleheads” for their events. This year,Mets Citi-Field will allow Stitch N’ Pitchto yarnbomb 25 areas of the stadiumbefore the baseball game. Over 40,000people will get a chance to see thisamazing yarn display.

TNNA encourages members to getinvolved in this fun consumer outreachprogram! The Specialty Survey of theNeedleArts 2010, states “store events”as one of the top best promotionalpractices across all needleartscategories. This is an opportunity to hostanother store event that will getcustomers through your front door. Overthe past five years we have heard ofsome fantastic promotions that shopshave done and we would like to sharesome of the best!

Make It Fun and Easy – Rent a bus andmake everyone meet at your store for a“pre-party”! Give discounts and specialsfor “Stitch N’ Pitch” ticket holders!

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tIme to catch a StItch N' PItchSm

Follow @StitchNPitch.com

For StitchNPitch merchandise go towww.cafepress.com/StitchNPitch

For info go to www.stitchnpitch.comQuestions? e-mail info@stitchNpitch.com

Aug 1 San Francisco GiantsAug 12 Los Angeles DodgersAug 19 Colorado Rockies

Sept 10 Chicago White SoxSept 13 New York MetsSept 15 Cincinnati RedsSept 25 Detroit Tigers

July 27 Binghamton MetsAug 1 Lake Erie CrushersAug 3 Lowell SpinnersAug 5 Akron AerosAug 6 Columbus ClippersAug 6 Kannapolis Intimidators

Aug 13 Memphis RedbirdsAug 16 BlueclawsAug 20 Tri-City Dust DevilsAug 24 Modesto NutsAug 26 Frederick Keys

schedule as of 7/11

maJor LeaGUe

mINor LeaGUe

check for aDDItIoNS at

www.StItchNPItch.com

By Libby Butler-Gluck -TNNA Publicist

(Continued on page 13)

Partner Up – This is a great chance towork with one of your favoritewholesalers! Create a special Stitch N’Pitch pattern and promote a “knit-a-long”or “stitch-a-long” with customers. Nowyou have something fun to work on and tobring or wear to the game, show shopand team spirit!

Meet –Up – Host a party at a restaurantclose to the ballpark! Get your customersto meet up for some food and drink andstitch before the game.

Not so Minor – Being a part of Stitch N’ Pitch doesn’t have to be a bigcommitment. Find out the closest MinorLeague team that is hosting an event andtake just a small group from yourbusiness or shop! If there isn’t an eventclose to you, consider hosting your ownStitch N’ Pitch. Tickets are always veryaffordable and planning is a breeze.

Stitch N’ Pitch continues to raise fundsand awareness for Needle ArtsMentoring ProgramSM (NAMP), NAMPvolunteers teach and mentor children,grades K -12, needlearts skills. Stitch N’Pitch also supports Needle and ThREAD:Stitching for Literacy, which promotesliteracy and needlework. Stitch N’ Pitchfans will be asked to stitch bookmarks atgames. The bookmarks will be donatedand delivered to libraries and schoolsacross the country.

There are still plenty Stitch N� Pitchgames this season! See you at theballgame!

Save the Date!!

It'S StItch N' PItch!

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The adults and youth involved in the Needle Arts Mentoring ProgramsSM (NAMP)are going gangbusters. Following are just a few of the projects and observationsfrom our young participants and the adults who mentor them in the needle arts.

Volunteer Coordinator Sharon Brandt from Lasalle Intermediate in South Bend, INsays, "This year's students were really engaged! We added the 'Super Scarf' projectto the mix to get some of the boys more intrigued. Some of our scarves will bewandering around the 2012 Super Bowl!" They're already planning for next fall'sNAMP.

Crocheters from Canal School in Westbrook, ME created a castle afghan for ProjectLinus. It was entered in an exhibit in the student category where locals could votefor their favorite.

In Asheville, NC, members of Mission Hospital's Junior Volunteer Program will learnto knit so they can make purple caps for babies as a visible reminder to parents tonever shake their babies as part of Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness.

At one of our school programs, one boy's grandmother doesn't speak English; hehasn't learned Spanish so they don't communicate well. But both of them crochetand it changed their relationship. They spent hours communicating with yarn,

NeedleArts Mentoring Program Update

Penny Sitler, Executive Director, Helping Hands Foundation, Inc.psitler@offinger.com

We’re gearing upfor a grand timein the GrandCanyon State!TNNA’s Winter Market willdebut in a new location, thePhoenix Convention Center, fromJan. 21-23, 2012 (educationbegins Jan. 19). In addition tohundreds of booths and dozensof classes both inspirational andpractical for business andneedlearts techniques, theMarket will continue toshowcase such highlyanticipated events as:

• the Retailers' Luncheon,focusing on issues facingretailers from all needleartsdisciplines;

• the Discover What's New andGreat Wall of Yarn, offeringglimpses into the latestproducts and fibers;

• the Needlepoint Showcase,the perfect time to network;

• the Fashion Show, highlightingthe best and the brightest newfashions, colors and trends;

• Sample IT!, which letsattendees “test-drive” some of thenewest products on themarket; and

• the Silent Auction, providingopportunities to acquire somewonderful treasures and greatbargains.

So saddle up, partner, and headWest toward the Arizonasunshine this January.

Visit TNNA.org and click on theTrade Shows tab to getregistration, hotel and travelinformation today!

TNNA Memorial Scholarship Award Winner!Tara McGregor, daughter of Tom and Lea-Ann McGregor (Knitting Today,Wolcottville, IN). Tara will attend Glen OaksCommunity College this fall majoring inCommunication Arts and Graphic Design.

making doilies, some from his owndesigns. Picture them togetherspeaking different languages butunderstanding each other perfectly.This program works!!!

Doesn’t it make you feel great toknow that you’re having such apositive impact on young people,and giving them a skill they’ll havefor a lifetime?

If you have needle arts supplies thatyou’re no longer using – perhaps thepackaging of hooks or needles isoutdated, or you have worstedweight yarn in light colors that you’vediscontinued – let me know and I canprobably take those items out of yourstorage space and get them in thehands of young people eager to learnhow to use them! Of course, I alwaysaccept financial donations as well!

This program couldn’t reach out tothe 6200+ children in 260 programs in39 states we currently serve withoutthe generosity of TNNA’s members.Please keep us in mind any time thatyou have extra supplies or funds thatyou’d like to be put to good use.

Q. How did you first becomeinterested in the needlearts?

All of the women in my family do needleworkof some kind on both sides of the family. Mymaternal grandmother worked as aprofessional weaver in New York, but Ibelieve that is the only other person to getinto needlework as a profession. At thepresent time my mother, both sisters, andboth nieces do needlepoint and I am hopingthat my great niece will learn as well.

Q. Did you have a mentor? There were many people that gave meadvice and help along my needlepointjourney. Pat Embry, owner of The StitchingPost in Nashville, TN, was very helpful whenI opened my first store. Marj Hunter, owner ofDamarj Designs, took me under her wing tohelp me develop my commercial stitchguides, and I seem to recall Claire March,owner of Tapestry Tent, writing my firstteaching contract on a paper napkin whilemy head was spinning from the fact that Iwas going to be traveling and teaching allover the country. I try to learn from every onethat I meet. I believe that I have avoidedsome blunders (unfortunately not all) alongthe way by listening and watching thosepeople that I admire in this business.

Q. What prompted you to go into business?I moved from Nashville, TN to Owensboro,

KY and found to my horror that there were noneedlework shops there. I couldn't even findthe full range of any cotton floss brand. Iworked at a job that was a bit boring and Iwanted something more. At theencouragement of my family, I scratchedtogether a small bit of money and opened aCounted Thread Shop. The rent was low, $200a month, luckily because customers were

www.tnna.org14

non-existent at first. I almost had to dragsomeone into the shop and teach them howto stitch to have a sale. It took time to growbut that little shop was my college course inbusiness. I was able to learn as I grewwithout breaking the bank. I'm afraid thatoption isn't open to people in this day andage.

Q. What brought you to where you arenow? [what business practices have youfound work well for you?]

I was blessed with a talent for telling a story.When I was a child my family would havetold you that this was a curse, butsomewhere along the line I learned to turnthis talent into teaching and designing ratherthan fabricating fairy tales. If you can make asubject interesting and have enoughpatience and imagination you can helpanyone learn anything. I do not designpainted canvases but I do design stitchguides. I love to figure out the details of acanvas; where is that figure standing, whatare they doing, what fabric is that, what

texture would those leaves have, and fromwhich direction is the light coming. All ofthese questions run through my mind when Iplan a stitch and thread guide for a paintedcanvas. I don't hit the nail on the head everytime, that is for sure, but my experience,visual imagination, and impressive library ofreference books all contribute to a highpercentage of success with the selections.

[Amy kindly made a note for us to add:] Morebusiness practises that work well for me – amonthly E-newsletter – lots of hard work butwell worth it to catch the interest ofcustomers and have them check in on storeregularly. And, our Website. It's like anotherroom added onto the store, and has beenvery successful

Q. What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Luckily I like to do most of the things thatneed to be done for my business as leisuretime activity too. I LOVE to needlepoint.Movies – I love them in the theater, on TV, onmy computer, anywhere. I also love to read.Last year I got a Kindle for my birthday and Iam scared to death that I am going to wear itout – I'm hooked on reading and also on theelectronic device. At first I felt a little guiltyabout giving up the familiar feel of thebeloved books but I like trees too, so at leastmaybe this is saving a tree or two. Travel iswonderful as long as you are doing it forvacation and not for work. The stress oftravel these days has made the actualjourney less enjoyable but the destination issoooo much fun.

TNNA Member Profile

Member Name: Amy BungerCompany Name: Amy's Golden Strand

Address: 3008 Summer Ave.Memphis, TN 38122-3702

Phone: (901) 458-6109 FAX: (901) 323-4701E-mail: amys3808@aol.comWeb: www.amybunger.com

Length of time in business: First retail shop, 32 yrs.Started her wholesale business 12 years ago.

Type of business : Needlepoint retail “brick and mortar”shop and her wholesale business is next door, across thedriveway.

Amy and some of the Super Staff of employees/friends.(Continued on page 15)

(Continued on page 15)

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(Member Profile continued from page 14)

Q. You’ve been very active in the TNNA organization, and, speaking for the Association, it is much appreciated. Why did you choose to get more involved?

Frankly, I was surprised when Bill Brinkley called me and asked me to serve on theBoard. I thought that my business was too small and that I didn't know enough aboutour industry to be of much help. I remember my embarrassed reaction the first daywhen everyone introduced themselves. I was glad that I went first, because I wasoverwhelmed by the credentials of others in the room. Slowly I came to realize that myvoice was important in the room, as I most closely represented the size and scope ofthe greater majority of our constituency. Using the perfect British phrase, "I was gobsmacked" with the details of everything that our organization does. I had no idea therange of subjects, charities, investments, committees, planning, and work that goes intorunning the TNNA organization. I am very proud of the six years that I spent on theBoard and the one year that I was privileged to be a part of the Transitional RetailCouncil. It was a good investment of my time for my business and personally.

Q. How did you feel when you receivedthe TNNA TEN award?

Pride is a sin, right? The emotions thatran through me are hard to describe butprobably right up there with the feelingsof the Oscar Award winners. Beingrecognized for your achievements by anorganization made of people that do thesame thing that you do is a mostexhilarating experience. This was theultimate "pat on the back" and means somuch to me that Jill Wilensky, a womanthat works with me in my shop, took thetime and effort to look into the TEN Award,research, and send in a recommendationwhich caught the brass ring for me.

Classroom study with Amy

Amy's Golden Strand's inviting, hospitable classroom and shop entrance

TNNA WinterTrade Show

January 21 – 23, 2012Phoenix Convention Center

Phoenix, AZEducation begins January 19

The NashvilleNeedleworkMarket

February 25 – 26, 2012Embassy Suites South/Cool Springs

Franklin, TNEducation February 24

TNNA Summer NeedleArtsMarket

June 23 – 25, 2012Greater Columbus Convention Center

Columbus, OHEducation begins June 21

2012 TNNAMARKETS

www.TNNA.org

TNNA STAFF – AT YOUR SERVICE!tnna.info@offinger.com

Patty Parrish, Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . .pparrish@offinger.com

Risé Fulmer, Event Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .rfulmer@offinger.com

Melanie Denton, Education Coordinator . . . . . . .mdenton@offinger.com

Jane Miller, Member Services Coordinator . . . . .jmiller@offinger.com

TNNA.org

I am truly blessed to be surrounded byincredible people that work with me. I say"with" instead of "for" because the peoplethat work in my businesses have trulytaken ownership of the jobs that they dowithout the credit that they deserve. I amhonored to have them with me.

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As July heats up, we have been in the process of gatheringvolunteers for the Detroit Maker Faire at the end of the month. Thiswill be the second time we’re in Detroit, and our seventh MakerFaire. All in all, we estimate we’ve produced well over 5,000 newstitchers, and helped paint a positive image of the needlearts withina large, active and growing creative community.

Last May, in San Mateo CA, TNNA’s Needlearts Zone was definitelythe happening place, so we’re anticipating the same experience atthe Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. If it’s anything like last year,we can be sure of it.

In California, we were overly full for 10 hours on Saturday and 8hours on Sunday, most of our teachers having multiple students allthe time. Jorel Thomson, one of our fabulous crochet teachers (andluckily a veteran of two prior Maker Faires) had 9 students at onepoint, all in different stages. They all learned and all left happy!

Last year we estimated teaching1200+ in the two days; this year,we’re sure we topped1500+. Considering the attendance at the fairexceeded 100,000, there’s no question . . . It was fabulous! We heardthe faire was totally sold out!

Frederikka Payne of Aurora Yarns, our self appointed “Chief Beggarfor Supplies” noted “The biggest draw this year was crochet.Several of our knitting teacher volunteers spent their entire shifts

teaching crochet. Interest in needlepoint was also way up fromthe past two years in San Mateo. One of our needlepointteachers said she’d taught many more this year than in the lasttwo years combined. Knitting was still pretty hot, but asignificant number of our students already knew how to knitand wanted to learn another needleart. We had several returnstudents who brought finished items to show off their skillssince we’d taught them last year or the year before.”

Last year in Detroit, on the other hand, we found a greaterdemand for needlepoint than knitting or crochet. This year,we’re not quite sure what to expect. We do know, we’ll beteaching thousands of excited and eager new stitchers.

Since TNNA’s been sponsoring the NeedleArts Zone, our boothhas been awarded multiple honors. The first year, we weregiven two blue ribbons for our display design, and this yearour booth won four education awards. One of the writers fromMake Magazine is planning an article just on our booth!

For those of you who don’t know, Maker Faire donates thebooth to TNNA, all the teachers are local volunteers, and all thesupplies are contributed by our TNNA members. At all theMaker Faires, we offer on-the-spot lessons. The new stitchersgo home with their projects in hand, basic “how-to”information, as well as listings of local TNNA retailers.

Maker Faire - Making a BIG impact

(continued on page 17)

By Libby Butler-Gluck -TNNA Publicist

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Maker Faire (continued from page 16)

Thanks to the following companies fortheir continued generosity:Alice Peterson Co.Associated TalentsAurora YarnsBeth Gantz DesignsBoye/SimplicityBrown Sheep YarnBryson Distributing ChiaoGooColonial NeedleCrystal PalaceDJ DesignsDMCKraemer Yarns Lantern Moon Muench YarnsNeedle in a HaystackPlymouth YarnPresenciaSkacelTahki/Stacy CharlesTrendsetter Yarn Universal YarnWestminster Fibers/Coats & ClarkAll of our supplies from each Faire aresaved and passed on to the next, sowe’re always looking for more suppliesto fill in. Those items leftover fromDetroit will be used at the New YorkMaker Faire in Queens (Sept. 17-18).

If you want to contribute materials, we arealways happy to receive them.

We usually need crochet hooks: S sizes Hthrough N, most especially K, L, M and N.

Knitting needles (preferably short, nocirculars): US sizes 8, 9 and 10

Yarn: Smooth yarn (not easily split) inworsted, Aran, slightly chunky, or bulkyweights in any fiber, in light to mediumcolors (multi-color is great), balls only (nohanks).

Please send donations directly toTNNA addressed:

TNNA (MAKER FAIRE)1100-H Brandywine Blvd.Zanesville OH 43701-7303

If you want more information on the MakerFaires and how you can get involved,please email tnnamaker@gmail.com.

Our hearty congratulations to this year'sTEN Award winner, Amy Bunger. Amyhas been in both wholesale and retailneedlework for over 32 years. She’s bestknown, however, for her uniqueapproach to teaching, her acclaimedstitch guides, her boundless spirit, aswell as her infectious laugh.

After selling her first counted threadstore in Owensboro, KY (1979 – 1982), shestarted a second shop in Longmont CO.This was soon followed by the third, and“final store,” as she says, opening in1984, and offering a combination ofcounted thread and canvas work. In thelast five years or so, she’s decided todedicate the entire shop to needlepoint.

In 1993, Amy started a second careerwriting commercial stitch guides forpainted canvas with Damarj Designs.This endeavor quickly lead to teachingnationally for retail shops, guilds,seminars, trade shows, manufacturersand individuals.

With the help of her husband, theBungers started a wholesale needle artssupply business in 1999. This was thebeginning of Amy’s first venture intopublishing a new type of educationalprogram. Inspired by the idea of creatinga series of portable,“a’ la carte” mini-books that could be easily carried alongwith any current project, she developedthe three-volume set of Amy’s Cookbookfor Stitchers.

During the eight years it took to completethe 24-chapter “cookbook,” Amy wrotecountless articles for Needlepointers andNeedlepoint Now. In 2004, she also startedthe Home Study guides, essentially a seriesof needlepoint classes in a box. Just twoyears later, she ventured into a newdimension in education in her Pet ProjectVideos, with six canvas-work instructionalDVDs available, and one on the way.

The American Needlepoint Guildrecognized Amy’s accomplishments in hercompilation of educational books, guidesand videos by bestowing upon her ANGLiterary Award in the Fall of 2009.

Having retired from travel teaching in thelast two years, Amy now teaches only inthe Memphis area. People come from allover the world to attend classes onneedlepoint.

She says she finds immense satisfaction inteaching other guide writers, teachers andshop owners. “To be able to share myexperience and ideas with other people inthe business or wanting to start a businesshas been very exciting,” she explains.

Amy’s excitement continues to engage andinspire countless people – both consumersand other professionals – from around theworld. Her giving spirit, creative talentsand gifts, as well as the poise she radiates,makes her a well-deserving recipient ofthis prestigious award.

Amy Bunger of Amy’s Golden Strandhonored with TNNA’s 2011 TEN Award

Amy at the TEN Award Ceremony

Amy gets a bouquet of flowers and ahug of congratulations from TNNAPresident Matt Bryant.

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If your job entails taking calls orworking with unhappy, irate customers,you've got your work cut out for you.Employees who work with this type ofsituation are especially vulnerable tooutbursts from customers who aregoing through an emotional, stressfultime. Handling this type of customertakes time and training, but it can beaccomplished effectively. Here are some of the Telephone Doctor'sbest techniques for turning this situation into satisfied customers.

Get Off on the Right Foot Realize that upset angry customers are notunhappy with you, but with the situation. Don't take a customer's hostil-ity personally. You are merely the rod that redirects the violent lighten-ing. You can do a great deal to diffuse the anger before you get to thecustomer. How? By smiling before you answer that call. You can really"hear" a smile over the phone. It's very difficult to be rude to someonewho is warm and friendly.

Anatomy of a Hostile Call There are four basic steps to handling anirate customer. Telephone Doctor calls them our ASAP techniques.

A Acknowledge the person's feelings and apologize for the inconven-ience the customer has encountered. Make an effort to be sincere. Intoday's impersonal society, it's incredibly rare to hear the words, "I'msorry that happened. Let me get the ball rolling to fix it." Those areMAGIC words. You'll probably spend about 80 percent of your timemassaging the caller's feelings and 20 percent actually solving theproblem.

S Sympathize and empathize with the caller. Phrases like "I can under-stand why you're upset" can help soothe ruffled feathers. Pretend it'syou calling. Then get busy solving the problem.

A Accept 100 percent responsibility for the call. OWN IT. This is proba-bly the toughest part. Chances are excellent that you had nothing todo with the problem. However, it's your job to take the responsibilityand help initiate a solution.

P Prepare to help. Begin by re-introducing yourself - callers don't usu-ally remember your name. State that you will be able to help. Use thecaller's name, if possible. This helps to diffuse anger. A willing atti-tude is essential, because if the caller senses insincerity or indiffer-ence, it will cause them to stay angry. It's exasperating to file acomplaint with someone who obviously doesn't care.

Excuses - When to use them.NEVER. Never make an excuse to a complaining caller. No one wantsto hear "The computer is down" or "I'm the only one here." That is yourproblem, not the caller's. When you give an excuse, the callerautomatically hears "I'm not going to help you."

All these tips work in a face-to-face situation as well!The ASAP technique works! Try it and see!Reprinted with permission from Telephone Doctor, Inc. Based in St. Louis,Telephone Doctor is a customer service training company offering DVD courses,web-based training, keynote presentations and on-site workshops. Contactthem at www.telephonedoctor.com

Handling the Irate CustomerBy Nancy Friedman, the Telephone Doctor

Ron Rosenberg's "Business Self Defense" The Problem Is...When times are tough, businesses have to become creative. Relying ontools, techniques, and strategies that used to work even six monthsearlier are no longer effective.

The concern is this: how far will people go when things get reallydesperate? Let me explain...

We have a maintenance contract on the heating and air conditioning(HVAC) systems in our home, and we also have an annual-inspectionplan for our termite protection.

This means that the HVAC guy comes out twice a year - once in thespring and once in the fall - to check that the A/C is all good for thesummer and that the heating system is ready for the winter. The termiteguy comes out once a year to check for any warning signs that theremay be termites getting ready to invade the house.

But a strange series of events took place over the last 18 months thatcaused some concern. During one of the HVAC inspections, thetechnician told us that everything looked good, but that there was a partthat should be replaced on the unit in the attic. It didn't necessarily needto be done right then, but it would be a good idea to take care of it whilehe was already on site since winter was approaching, and it would costaround $1,000.

We decided to wait and see what happened and take care of it if theproblem arose.

About the same time, the termite guy came out to the house, andinformed us that the initial treatment that was applied when the housewas built eight years ago was running out and that we'd need tocompletely retreat the house at a cost of...you guessed it...around $1,000.

Again, we wanted to research this a bit before we shelled out that kindof money.

As it turned out, our decisions were the right ones: the heating unitworked perfectly all winter, and, after checking with some friends whoknow about these things, were convinced that the termite treatment wasworking fine and that nothing needed to be done.

But here's the interesting part: when they sent out the HVAC techniciansix months later, he didn't find anything wrong with the upstairs unit. Andwhen he came back again six months after that, he gave the very samesystem a clean bill of health.

And in case you're wondering, when the termite guy came back a yearafter his last inspection, he made absolutely no mention about usneeding to do anything special, other than pulling the bark mulch sixinches away from the foundation of the house.

In both cases, in the midst of the worst economic climate since TheGreat Depression, people found problems requiring costly repairs,which, by their own subsequent assessments, turned out to have beenunnecessary.

Now, I understand that these recommendations can be the result ofsubjective analysis, and that two people looking at the same situationcan legitimately come up with two different conclusions, but this justseemed a bit suspect. Tough times call for creative solutions; just be very careful about themessages you send to your team; offering incentives for add-on sales from service calls is a great strategy...unless the technicians are tempted(or encouraged by their managers) to recommend service that's notactually necessary.

Reprinted with permission. Ron Rosenberg is a nationally recognized, award-winningexpert on marketing and customer service. Get more free business growth tips atwww.RonsBusinessCoaching.com, or for more information on our speaking and coachingprograms contact us at 800-260-0662 or by e-mail at info@qualitytalk.com.

www.tnna.org 19

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Are you taking advantage of your TNNA benefits?Visit www.TNNA.org, (internet readers can click on the live link below),click on Membership, then Benefits for details or call 1-800-889-8662Visit https://netforum.avectra.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=TNNA&WebCode=Benefits

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MATT BRYANTPresidentPrism Arts, Inc.3140 39th Ave NSt. Petersburg, FL 33714Phone: (727) 528-3800E-mail: matt@prismyarn.com

BETH CASEYLorna’s Laces4229 N Honore StChicago, IL 60613Phone: (773) 935-3803Fax: (773) 935-3804E-mail: beth@lornaslaces.net

JIM COLLINGHAMThe Colonial Needle Co.74 Westmoreland AveWhite Plains, NY 10606Phone: (914) 946-7474Fax: (914) 946-7002E-mail: jim@colonialneedle.com

PENNY FRANZRetail Council RepresentativeEwe Count819 Randall Ave.Cheyenne, WY 82001Phone: (307) 638-1148 Fax: (307) 773-8529E-mail: penny@ewecount.com

SHARON GARMIZEVice PresidentSharon G27 Yorktown RdMountain Top, PA 18707Phone: (570) 868-8447Fax: (570) 868-8446E-mail: Sharon@sharong.com

DALE J. LENCIDJ DesignsPO Box 27573San Francisco, CA 94127-0573Phone: (650) 615-9992Fax: (650) 615-9995Email: DJ@designsdj.com

KIRSTIN MUENCHMuench Yarns, Inc.1323 Scott StPetaluma, CA 94954Phone: (707) 763-9377Fax: (707) 763-9477E-mail: kirstin@muenchyarns.com

HAL OZBELLIUniversal Yarn, Inc.284 Ann StConcord, NC 28025-4680Phone: (704) 789-9276Fax: (704) 789-9222E-mail: hal@universalyarn.com

PETE POITRASNeedlepoint Group ChairJP Needlepoint13 Via Las EncinasCarmel Valley, CA 93924-0449Phone: (831) 659-3837Fax: (831) 659-1134E-mail: info@wedding

photographercarmel.com

DEBBIE A. ROWLEYCounted Thread & Embroidery ChairDebBee’s Designs27 White Oak DrConway, AR 72034-3443Phone: (501) 730-0642E-mail: debbie@debbeesdesigns.com

KAREN RUMPZASecretary/TreasurerNeedlework Unlimited Presents4420 Drew Ave SMinneapolis, MN 55410Phone: (612) 925-2454Fax: (612) 253-0013Cell: (612) 229-3718E-mail: krumpza@aol.com

DAVE STOTTPast PresidentNorden Crafts, Ltd.502 Morse Ave Ste KSchaumburg, IL 60193Phone: (847) 891-0770Fax: (847) 891-0976E-mail: dave@nordencrafts.com

JOEL WOODCOCKYarn Group ChairLantern Moon7911 NE 33rd Dr Ste 140Portland, OR 97211Phone: (503) 460-0003Fax: (503) 284-6230E-mail: joel@lanternmoon.com

KAREN AHOSecretary/TreasurerAcorn Street Shop2818 NE 55th St.Seattle, WA 98105Phone: (206) 525-1726Fax: (206) 525-2960E-mail: acornstreet@msn.com

KATHY ELKINSVice ChairWebs – America’s Yarn Store75 Service Center RdNorthampton, MA 01060Phone: (413) 584-2225Fax: (413) 584-1603E-mail: kathy.elkins@yarn.com

PENNY FRANZChair & Board RepresentativeEwe Count819 Randall Ave.Cheyenne, WY 82001Phone: (307) 638-1148 Fax: (307) 773-8529E-mail: penny@ewecount.com

DEBRA KOCHStitches N Things14288 N Fenton Rd.Fenton, MI 48430Phone: (810) 629-3333Fax: (810) 629-3313E-mail: stitchinmoose@aol.com

SANDY MCKEEThe Top Drawer6880 Wooster PikeCincinnati, OH 45227-4348Phone: (513) 271-6691Fax: (513) 271-1037E-mail: topdrawer@fuse.net

RANDI L. NELSONThe World In Stitches256 Great Rd #16PO Box 1285Littleton, MA 01460-4285Phone: (978) 486-8330Fax: (978) 486-0551E-mail: twisinc@comcast.net

DONA ZIMMERMANThe Web-Sters, Inc.11 N Main St.Ashland, OR 97520Phone: (541) 482-9801Fax: (541) 488-8318

This newsletter is produced as a service to members of TNNA, and, although every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, neither Offinger Management Co., Inc. norTNNA can be held responsible for any errors or omissions. [The views of the individual authors of articles submitted to this publication do not necessarily reflect the views ofTNNA, its Board or its members, who cannot be held responsible for its content. We invite the lively exchange of views, and realize that discourse is the key to success.]

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The National NeedleArts Association1100-H Brandywine BlvdZanesville, OH USA 43701-7303

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TNNA Board of Directors 2010 - 2011 TNNA Retail Council 2010 - 2011

The National NeedleArts Association1100-H Brandywine Blvd, Zanesville OH USA 43701-7303Phone: 740-455-6773 or 800-889-8662 Fax: 740-452-2552tnna.info@offinger.com www.TNNA.org