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Greetings Balloon Industry Members:
Seventy members of the International Balloon Association were in attendance at the IBA Annual Conference, Gateway to the Future, September 22-24, 2009, in St. Louis, MO, to gain valuable knowledge about the use of Social Media to market their businesses. A presentation followed by workshops and Q&A helped attendees to set up Social Media accounts for their businesses and to take home information that could be applied in their marketing strategy immediately.
Other highlights included a Betallic sponsored Welcome Dinner at J Bucks restaurant in downtown St. Louis, a Manufacturers' Showcase where distributors and manufacturers met in private appointments, a Design Class for Associate members taught by Peggy Williams of burton+BURTON and Jan Iiams, CBA, of Betallic, and finally a fun and informative "Rock Star" themed tour of St. Louis-based Betallic, LLC.
 Networking opportunities were also a highlight of the two-day event several of which were held in the beautifully decorated HoteLumiere Atrium where balloon decor provided by Troy Apprill of Balloonville Productions added to the festive atmosphere. The Final Night event began with an Anagram and Pioneer sponsored Cocktail Party followed by a gourmet dinner which concluded with a twelve-story balloon drop provided by Silver Rainbow. 
 The Conference concluded on September 24th with the Annual Business meeting conducted by President Elissa Mast of E&R Sales who presented her report on programs and advancements in 2009. Elissa was recognized for her positive influence and outstanding leadershp during her tenure as were retiring board members Bill Giannasca of Rainbow Balloons and Lee Kaufman of Brody's 800-4-Balloons. The election of officers for 2009-2010 concluded the meeting but not before Marjorie and Don Burchette of the HI-FLOAT Company were bestowed the Associate's Choice Award for the best new product in 2009 - Endless Balloon Transport Bags. Congratulations to the HI-FLOAT Company and many thanks to Anagram, Premium Balloon Accessories, Silver Rainbow, and Betallic for entering new products that received high marks as well.
The Annual Conference planning team is already hard at work on Conference 2010 and details will be announced at the IBA State of the Industry Breakfast on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at the Halloween & Party Expo in Houston.
"The IBA annual conference is the single best event we attend for our business. It is the perfect venue to connect with decision makers in the industry to further our common goals and objectives and also to develop new personal and business relationships through the networking events. This years St. Louis conference was well organized and the speakers topics were timely and relevant. Thank you IBA!!" Kathi Leiden, Zephyr Solutions
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| 2009-2010 Board of Directors Elected |
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| President:
Tim Vlamis, Managing Director Business Development, Pioneer Balloon Company
1st Vice President:
Chuck Jacoby, Owner, A2Z Balloon Company
2nd Vice President:
Kathi Leiden, President, Zephyr Solutions
Treasurer:
Craig Albrecht, President, Betallic, LLC
Regional Director:
Tracy Terrace, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Aerial Bouquets
Regional Director:
Maxine Burton, Founder and President, burton + BURTON
Regional Director:
Molly Kuhl, Regional Sales Manager, Anagram International
Associate Regional Director:
Dale Moore, Owner, Andon Balloons
Executive Director:
Marty Fish, IBA
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| New Committee Announced |
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 Environmental/Legislative Committee
Members in attendance at the IBA Annual Conference Business Meeting voted to develop an Environmental/Legislative Committee to provide on-going guidance and advisement on Smart Balloon Practices to the balloon community. This committee will work closely with The Balloon Council to develop educational programs, marketing, and outreach on the practice of individually weighting helium-filled metallic balloons. The IBA Environmental/Legislative Committee will also develop procedures to work the frontlines with The Balloon Council when negative legislation occurs.
Current Committee members include:
David Nelson, Chairman - Premium Balloon Accessories
Brian Chek - Control Plastics
Barb Brown - Zephyr Solutions
Shant Celikian - Joker Party Supply
Barbara Lee - Heaven'Lee Creations
Carmen Ballering - Event Decorating Academy
All IBA members are encouraged to join a committee for the benefit of the industry as well as for personal growth. |
| New Member Welcome Kits |
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 The International Balloon Association Membership Committee is excited to announce the gift of a Welcome Kit for all current and new IBA Associate members Retailers/Decorators/Entertainers). Each Welcome Kit has a retail value of over $415 and are available to all 2009 Associate Members! New Member Welcome Kits contain Certificates for products donated by IBA Manufacturer members to be redeemed and delivered through IBA Distributor members. Visit www.ibaonline.net for more information or call 866-413-7358. Join IBA TODAY and join the network of professionals who understand that unity is the key to industry growth and prosperity.
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For more information about IBA, its members and activities please visit the IBA Web site www.ibaonline.net or contact me at 866-413-7358.
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Sincerely,
Marty Fish - IBA Executive Director
International Balloon Association
Marty@ibaonline.net |
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