This issue of the What's Up? is dedicated to updates as presented at the IBA State of the Industry Breakfast January 23rd in Houston, TX, where 65 leaders from the industry convened for this knowledge-networking event.

 

To open the meeting, President Tim Vlamis introduced the Board of Directors and invited each IBA Committee Chair to take a turn at the podium to report on the actions of their committees.  

Co-Chairmen of The Balloon Council Dan Flynn and Jim Plutt also came forward and presented the latest news on TBC's Responsible Balloon Retailer program to reinforce Smart Balloon Practices.

 

Details of committee activities can be found in the body of this newsletter below.

To view Committee Members click here 

 

The meeting concluded with a presention on the topic: Growth Strategies for 2010: Bringing the Balloon Industry Up in a Down Economy by Tim Vlamis who proposed that growing sales without expanding space will be key in pulling out of an economic slump. Tim also suggested that value-added sales is key to growth and the best way to combat the growing competition from online and price driven marketers.  

 

To view the complete PowerPoint presentation from The State of the Industry Breakfast please click here or visit the IBA Home Page. 

 

Please know that the IBA provides support for you in your business efforts with research on critical issues, resources for professional development and up-to-date information about the industry as well as discounts and services that directly benefit your bottom line (see Member Benefits under Quick Links).