Another page in the gift basket industry has turned.

I learned today that the gift basket industry has suffered the loss of yet another resource, Rave Reviews Magazine. For those of you who are new to the industry, Cherie Reagor has been hosting conventions, a high quality magazine and training resources for many years - resources that I used when I started both of my gift basket companies. As Cherie moves on to her next endeavor, it's yet another page turning in the gift basket industry book. I thank her and her staff for bringing such quality resources to our industry for many years and wish her continued success.

It goes without saying that the gift basket industry needs quality and credible resources, which is why I created The Gift Basket Association back in April. I have been designing gift baskets for over 19 years and when I finally launched my first company back in 2001, it was one of the happiest days of my life. When I started hearing stories about people struggling not only with the economy, but with resources to help them, I decided that bringing the industry together into one common platform, was necessary. GBA was born and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

With the design and release of Trends & Tips Magazine back in August, we slowly have been able to bring a new set of resources, information and collaboration into the industry. And even more important, is that we've been able to do it in a cost effective manner - truly bringing together suppliers and gift basket professionals. I'm proud to say that we have already made a huge impact with the introduction of the Online Supplier Directory, a Holiday e-Catalog, FindYourGiftBasket.com, GBA Talk! discussion forum, Trends & Tips Magazine and in January, the release of Gateway, an online learning portal for gift basket professionals.

I want to reassure you that neither I, nor any part of my association, is going anywhere. We are dedicated to improving the industry and have many exciting adventures coming your way. I'll be at Pam & Tom Newell's National Gift Basket Convention in Ohio in July of 2010 and am looking forward to meeting as many suppliers and gift basket professionals I can. I'm even hosting a little get together!

I invite you to continue to be a part of The Gift Basket Association and if you're not a member, to join us. Whether you're a supplier or a gift basket professional, we are here to bring the industry together. Everyone is welcome, we have affordable membership, GBA Talk! is free for all members, you can buy one or an annual subscription of Trends & Tips Magazine and most important, we listen and are here to provide you with real resources. I have personally fielded over 250 calls since GBA was created and have the references and testimonials to prove it. I hope you know that I am genuine, experienced and despite the opinion of a few of my critics, credible.

I want to thank all of our supporters as I realize that the leadership in this industry hasn't always been as respectful and appropriate as it should be. I have a high regard and respect for people such as Mary Ann Jacobs, Pam Newell, Flora Brown and several others that have given me the support and opportunity. I thank the rest of my advisory board, Sarah Botchick of Pioneer Wholesale, Lisa Bevan of My Gift Basket Ideas, Derek Thielke of Northwoods Cheese and Cara Cohen of The Perfect Gift NY. Without your contributions, guidance and support, my job as the founder of The Gift Basket Association, FindYourGiftBasket.com and Trends & Tips Magazine, would have been much more difficult.

Best wishes to you all as we approach the end of another year and welcome new opportunities in 2010.