And the Winner is…

Happy, sad, seasonal, supportive, congratulatory, condolence and the like. How to say it or convey it has become a meaningful industry. For 22 years, the Louie Awards have offered recognition to all those who put their best foot forward in the greeting card industry. Here you’ll find winners of “Handmade”, “Superbly Stated”, and “The Judges’ Choice”, just a few of the fifty-six categories.

Entries are judged by imagination, impact, artistry, harmony, send-ability and value. And can you imagine -- over 1,000 cards from over 170 international publishing companies were judged by members of the Greeting Card Association and fellow industry professionals! It’s an annual testimonial to those who help make it so much easier to express our feelings.

This year a special category was added. “The Young Entrepreneur” award found its way into the hands of ten-year-old Ian Meier, whose handmade cards are selling like hot cakes in the Philadelphia area. The young designer says that making cards “gives him a good feeling” and he was absolutely thrilled to be part of the night’s festivities. And what an event it was.







Young Ian Meier in his element gages his future industry!

The Louis Awards were held last night at The Lighthouse at the Chelsea Piers where merriment persisted and dancing topped off the evening. Cards of the nominated categories flanked the entrance. Nominees beamed, knowing how important the awards are. And like the many sentiments that are expressed in their cards, the room was filled with warmth, good wishes, and lots of happy faces. It was a fun-loving crowd emphasizing the importance of the very industry they serve.

It’s good to be acknowledged by your peers…. so make sure you swing by the Louie Awards area at the back of the 3600 aisle to see who’s won what! You might even send them a note of congratulations! Yep, there’s time. The National Stationery Show runs through Wednesday, May 19, 2010. See you there.






Lisa Manley of Butinski Design and Stacey Hagarman of S.E. Hagarman, both first-time entries, were vying for “The Rising Star Award”.







The crowd awaits the announcement of “The Card of the Year”.

Alyson

NSS 2010 is Buzzing!

The aisles are buzzing at the 64th annual National Stationery Show! It's only Monday afternoon, but so much has taken place already. From celebrity book signings and incredible in-booth promotions by exhibitors, to packed seminars and Daily Demos...never a dull moment!

My favorite so far, you ask? The Opening Night Party at Battery Gardens, and the reveal of the new Butterfly stamp by the United States Postal Service.


The Opening Night Party was hosted at a new venue this year, with panoramic views of New York Harbor and Lady Liberty. The outside venue was perfect after a day in Javits, and well received by all. A true Manhattan experience...

And just this morning, dignitaries from the USPS were onsite for the First-Day-of-Issue ceremony for the Butterfly stamp, a new $.64 stamp specifically for square or irregular shaped envelopes, developed in collaboration with the Greeting Card Association. As Patti Stracher stated in her welcoming remarks during the ceremony...such a symbolic event...the launch of a $.64 stamp for the industry, at the 64th annual NSS. In case you missed the big reveal, here is what you'll see popping up on envelopes in the very near future.



Enjoy the rest of the show for those of you who are here!

Melissa

Good Eats In NYC

Wow, do I love to eat!! And one of the reasons why New York is such a great event city is because of all of its restaurants. From greasy spoon to ultra fine tablecloth, there’s a selection to be had.

One of the more interesting websites for finding good eats is www.blackboardeats.com. Register for free and every few days you’ll receive news about a good eats deal. It could be a free bottle of wine, a free cheese platter or 30% off your dining bill. Eateries of all kinds are included in this -- from very new places to very established restaurants like Aquavit or Cipriani.

You’ll receive the “deal” via email. You’ll have 24 hours to decide if you want this deal. It’s a one day only invitation but you get a pass code and thirty days to use it. These places are not sluggish little cafes that are hurting for business, so make a reservation whenever possible. It’s a great way to entice you to try many different types of restaurants in many different neighborhoods.

So when you’re in NY for the NSS, don’t just stay in midtown. Take a cab, take the train, take the bus, and try something different. Life is good. Go take a big bite out of it!

Have fun! Alyson