Jump Start Your 2010 Show Publicity: Be a Part of the Media Preview
The 2010 Show Media Preview will be held Thursday, January 7 at the New York Hilton in New York City. The event offers exhibitors an opportunity to preview their new products for the 50-60 consumer and trade media and get a jump-start on their Show public relations and publicity efforts—past participants have gotten placements in major magazines such as Family Circle, Real Simple and Good Housekeeping. The event is open to 70 companies. Sign-up deadline is December 1, but the event sells out so sign up today. Click here to sign up or for more information on the Media Preview. Questions? Contact Debbie Teschke at IHA, 847-692-0110

Obama Administration Aims to Increase SBA loans
The Obama administration has put through two initiatives that would make getting credit from the Small Business Administration easier. The administration asked to raise the limit on the most important SBA loans to $5 million from $2 million. The limit would apply to the 7(a) program for general investment and its 504 program, which supports larger real estate or capital investment. Changes also are being sought to reduce fees and increase guarantees on loans. Click here for more information on SBA loans.

The Recession-Proof Premium Market
Based on the extended recession, consumer spending is in the doldrums. High unemployment figures and risk to job security are primary drivers influencing consumers’ purchase decisions, writes Peter Goldman of The NPD Group in the Fall issue of Housewares MarketWatch. Click here to read about how consumers’ purchase decisions are changing, what is the primary factor in their decision-making process and how housewares categories fared in the second quarter of 2009.

2010 South America Retail Trade Mission
IHA will sponsor a retail trade mission to São Paulo, Brazil and Santiago, Chile, in June 2010. The objective of the trade mission is to liaise IHA member companies with buyers and distributors. Participants will receive personal network of key retail buyer contacts and a thorough understanding of the Brazilian and Chilean markets. This South American Retail Trade Mission is limited to the first 16 companies that register to attend. The trade mission will target the following retailers: Brazil: Carrefour, Pão de Açúcar, C&C Casa &Construção, Wal-Mart Brasil, Tok&Stok and Spicy Chile: Sodimac, Falabella, Cencosud, D&S - Lider. For further details or to express your interest in attending, please contact Lori Szudarek at  +1.847.692.0116.

Exhibit With IHA at Hong Kong Houseware Fair - April 20-23, 2010
IHA will manage a pavilion of member companies at the Hong Kong Houseware Fair.  In 2009, this fair attracted 26,700 world-wide buyers and over 2,200 exhibitors.  Booths of 9m2 and 18m2 are available for those wishing to exhibit within the IHA Pavilion.  Booth package pricing to will be available shortly.  If you are interested in exhibiting, please contact Lori Szudarek at IHA as soon as possible at +1.847.692.0116.

Associate II Members: Be a Part of Industry Service Providers Pavilion
Put your products or services in front of 60,000 housewares industry leaders. Participate in the Industry Service Provider Pavilion, a special destination created for third-party providers who specialize in business solutions for all supply chain participants. IHA Associate II members receive a discounted rate on booth space in the pavilion.  For more information, contact Ginny Costello or call +1 847-692-0114.

Housewares Job Center
Are you a professional looking for a job in the housewares industry?  Or a company seeking a seasoned professional in the housewares industry?  Take advantage of the Housewares Job Center.

IHA Members Receive 25% off Vendor Compliance Federation Services
VCF is the fastest growing retail supply chain membership organization. VCF is where vendors and retailers come together to increase supply chain efficiencies, minimize order fulfillment risk, integrate processes and eliminate disconnects to prevent profit loss. Deductions and post-audits represent significant areas of risk that can affect bottom line results. Positioning your organization to prevent deductions with best practices and collaboration is how the Vendor Compliance Federation helps its members. With dedicated programming focusing on warranty, returns and damaged goods at their global conferences, VCF is the collaborative forum for members to increase sales and enhance financial performance.  To learn more http://www.housewares.org/iha/benefits/vcf.aspx

• Up to 24% on select FedEx Express® services.
• Up to 25% on select FedEx Ground® services.

• Up to 20% on select FedEx Office(SM)  business and document services.

It’s a cost-cutting measure that adds up — all with no enrollment fees or minimum quotas. Sign up and start saving today. Open a new FedEx account or enroll your existing account in the discount program and enter passcode GJ81BE06. For questions about the discounts, call 1.800.475.6708.

Invention of the Month
IHA and Invention Home have partnered to offer IHA members innovative, new product ideas available for license. Receive new inventions via email from Invention Home. 

Here’s a sample listing: 

The Pan X Tndr  
The patented Pan X Tndr is a simple and safe adapter for fry pans and dutch ovens, which provides another way to prepare and serve foods while also keeping them warm. Can also convert standard pans into a steaming vessel for even more versatility in the kitchen. Learn more about the Pan X Tndr.