Date: November 5, 2007
Vol. XI, No. 21

Printer Version

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMENTARY: WHY ARE SOME SCRAPBOOKERS "CRAZY"? 

I need some help here. I see a parallel that I'm not certain is valid. The CK Hall of Fame uproar continues. Now another winner has been accused of cheating because her entry included a photo of her on a river raft. (Contestants are supposed to take all of the photos themselves.) Blogs and message boards were suspicious. One of the fanatics took the time to contact the raft company looking for proof that the winner hadn't taken the photo.

This uproar has caught the attention of Newsweek, which assigned a reporter to cover the HoF episode. I told the reporter I was amazed by the vehemence of some scrapbookers. This isn't life or death. It isn't Iraq. But some scrapbookers have turned their hobby into an obsession.

Why is that? Why does a minority become so crazed about scrapbooking? In part, of course, it's because it opened creative doors for them, doors in some cases they never knew existed. And through crops and message boards, scrapbooking gives them a sense of community, of belonging to a group. Apparently they need that.

But part of it, too, is somehow scrapbooking validates their lives. They can open a scrapbook, see photos of a happy couple or a child's birthday party, and think, gee, I must have a happy life. Nobody takes a photo when a couple is having a fight or a child is throwing a tantrum. (Maybe a good name for a scrapbook business would be Selective Memories.)

There may be a parallel with, of all things, miniatures and dollhouses. When I started in the industry 28 years ago, they were huge. I covered a consumer miniatures show and was amazed by the enthusiasm -- and the amount of money spent. You see that same enthusiasm in scrapbooking today.

At that show, people were spending LOTS of money, but they didn't look rich at all. I think for many of them, they realized they'd never be able to afford to build/buy their dream home, but they could do it in miniature. Having your dream house, no matter its size, does that validate your life? Does a scrapbook full of smiling relatives validate your life?

Does this make sense? Am I off base? Send your thoughts to mike@clnonline.com. 

Scene & Heard. Trend watcher Ellie Joos reports on the recent Quilt Market in Houston, plus highlights and news from the iHobbyExpo show in Rosemont, IL.

Industry Research. Lion Brand Yarn has released the results of a new survey of knit/crochet enthusiasts and their use of the Internet, including blogs, podcasts, and more.

"Vinny Da Vendor". Two wonderful charities for kids that can use vendor – and retailer – assistance.

Kate's Collage. Industry veterans Rita Weiss and Jan Evans live in the San Diego area and report on the fires, including some remarkable photos, and offer sage advice for all of us.

Note: If it appears to be an "old" column, click on the "Refresh" or "Reload" button on your browser. 

Last Saturday was National Digital Scrapbooking Day. Digital scrapping probably appeals to a younger, techno-savvy consumer, but there may be fewer products to sell in our stores. So, is digital scrapbooking good for the industry, or not? To vote, click on Industry Polls in the right-hand column or click HERE. 

Will the closing of the 11 Recollections stores seriously affect the industry? "No," said 50.9% of the respondents, although more than a quarter, 25.5% thought it would hurt because vendors would lose sales and have less revenue to develop new products. Another group, 16.4%, thought it would benefit the overall industry because it would help independents. Only 7.3% were unsure.

Are the closings a sign that scrapbooking, as a category is slipping? More than half, 52.9%, thought it was. Exactly one third said "no," and 13.7% weren't sure. 

In the previous issue CLN reported the National Retail Federation forecast that holiday sales will rise 4.0%, the slowest holiday sales growth since 2002. Now new studies reveal sales may not rise at all. The Deloitte & Touche survey indicates gift-giving budgets are down 2.5%, and The Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll indicates consumers will spend comparatively less this holiday season – and shop later.

Despite that survey, last Friday Wal-Mart had a "Black Friday" offering major discounts on selected products, including a laptop computer for $350. Toys R Us had a similar promotion. That's three weeks before the traditional Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving.

"This is a zero-sum game. Whatever one retailer gets, the other loses," Madison Riley of Kurt Salmon Associates told the Boston Globe. "So retailers understandably are trying to get as early a jump as they can on what is perceived to be a soft market."

Yet another study by BDO Seidman, an accounting/consulting firm, reveals that 73% of chief marketing officers at major U.S. retailers believe discounting and promotions will be more plentiful this holiday season. 

The federal government says inflation is under control, citing an average annual increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of only 2.6% since 2000. So the consumer should have plenty of discretionary income to buy our products, right? Well, maybe not.

Consider the average annual increase of basics since 2000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: gasoline, 12% ... bread, eggs, orange juice, lettuce, tomatoes, and ground chuck, 4-5%; electricity, 4%; natural gas, 8%; and medical care, 5%. "If you don't drive or don't eat, maybe the CPI has a little resemblance to your life. But I don't see how anybody with any ordinary experience could see the CPI as being accurate," investment analyst William Rutherford told the San Diego Union-Tribune. (Note: The article was written before oil topped $95 a barrel.) 

Preliminary results for the third quarter ended Sept. 30: net sales were down 4.9% to $122.6 million. Same-store sales fell 10.0% compared to a year ago. Net loss for the quarter was $0.4 million ($0.02/share), compared to a net loss of $2.6 million ($0.13) a year ago.

The net loss for first three quarters of the fiscal year was $0.2 million ($0.01), versus a net loss of $4.2 million ($0.21) a year ago. Sales were $382.4 million, down 2.4%, and same-store sales decreased 8.3%.

Lower sales but lower losses, too? That's due to a gross margin rate that improved by 210 basis points, and a change in inventory philosophy. Former CEO Jack Parker was famous for being adamant that store shelves be filled at all times. That philosophy meant the company never missed a sale, but spent more to sustain so much inventory.

CEO Rick Lepley said, "We are pleased with our continued progress in improving margins and EPS and our reduced SG&A dollar expenditure. We believe our focus on improving store profitability must continue to be our top priority at this time."

BB&T Capital Markets' analyst Laura Richardson said in a note to clients, "... A.C. Moore is making progress transforming the company from a pure sales focus to a 'profitable sales' strategy."

The company is changing its accounting practices as part of its not-yet-completed implementation of a perpetual inventory system. The company said because of ongoing review, it will not be able to file its SEC Form 10-Q for the quarter on the due date of Nov. 9. It expects to file it and any prior financial statements requiring restatement during the first quarter of 2008. 

Caron Int. has acquired substantially all of the assets of Hampton Art, a leading supplier of rubber stamps. Hampton's Bob Gallagher remains asVP of Sales and Kathy Gallagher continues as Dir. of Licensing and Design.

"We welcome the excellence, professionalism, and creativity of Hampton Art and key team members into the growing family of Caron product offerings to the crafting public," said Caron's Ed Bolen, VP/General Manager. Caron, a major yarn and needlework supplier, is a division of National Spinning Co.

Colonial Needle announced the acquisition of the hand-painted needlepoint canvas business from Caron. Until November 2006, that product line was owned and distributed by Westex Corp. Caron's hand-painted needlepoint designs are the exclusive properties of their respective needlepoint companies, which Colonial Needle will continue to work with on proprietary and confidential distribution agreements. Effective immediately, orders for those canvases will be shipped from and inquiries should be directed to Colonial; call 800-9-NEEDLE (800-963-3353) or email terry@colonialneedle.com. 

Retailing Today reported the board of directors of the School & Home Office Products Assn. (SHOPA) has approved a plan to file for bankruptcy protection in the near future. SHOPA was founded in 1991 as a major medium for buyers and sellers of office and school products.

In 2005, SHOPA, Messe Frankfurt, and the Spanish trade association PROPAPER, collectively produced a new event, Paperworld USA, modeled after Paperworld, Messe Frankfurt's event in Germany. After two years of hosting the show in its traditional fall time slot, Paperworld USA was moved to June in the Los Angeles Convention Center. SHOPA president Steve Jacober resigned immediately prior to the relocated event. 

Polyform announced the official launch of the Home Dimensions™ oven-bake clay education program. Fourteen women from around the country completed the five-day certification program led by Donna Dewberry. They are the first official Regional Trainers in the program. Regional Trainers will train the Home Dimensions™ Teachers who will in turn teach classes at major and independent craft stores, through adult education programs, and in home studios.

The program was designed to work with the Studio™ by Sculpey® oven-bake clay and tool line. Studio™ by Sculpey® and Home Dimensions™ will be available in stores early 2008. Information will be posted as it becomes available on www.studiobysculpey.com. 

Last month Borders opened its first standalone U.S. Paperchase shop in Boston, Design & Display Ideas reported. The 1,525-sq.-ft. Paperchase shop in Boston will offer high-design greeting cards, stationery, gift items, seasonal decor, gift wrap, diaries, and more.

The company plans to open 5-8 more stores by the end of the fiscal year. Paperchase is a stationery retailer with 100+ stores in the United Kingdom that was acquired by Borders in 2004. Since the acquisition, Borders has opened Papercase departments in 300+ of its superstores in the U.S. Borders plans to expand the Paperchase brand in U.S. Borders superstores and standalone stores. 

It looks like many of the scrapbook/paper craft vendors are making a choice between the 2008 Photo Marketing Assn./MemoryTrends show in Las Vegas and the CHA Winter Show in Anaheim a few days later.

1. An ad running in CHA's Portfolio magazine: "CHA's vision, simply stated, is to create a vibrant industry with an exciting image, an expanding customer base, and successful members. The goal is to stimulate the sales growth of the craft and hobby industry worldwide by creating consumer demand, helping members succeed and leading the industry." The ad continued: "For that reason, these members will be exhibiting at CHA Winter and Summer trade shows in 2008."

The ad was signed by Adornit/Carolee's Creations, BasicGrey, Bazzill, Bricking, Colorbok, Display Dynamics, Doodlebug Designs, EK Success, Ellison, Fiskars, Hot Off the Press, Imaginisce, Luxe, me&myBigideas, Prima, Provo, QuicKutz, Scrapbook Adhesives, Tombo, and Tumblebeasts.

2. In an editorial in the October/November issue, Scrapbook Retailer discussed the merits of the two shows. While SR's publisher, F+W Publications, will attend both shows, the editorial read in part, "Ultimately, scrapbooking vendors and retailers must attend the show that gives them access to creative inspiration and innovative craft products. Photos are a starting point for many scrapbooking pages, but when you really look at what is driving this hobby, it is the craft product and techniques found at CHA Winter that makes those pages sing."

However, the Image Permanence Institute announced it will exhibit at the PMA/Memorytrends show. "IPI feels the co-location of these two important trade shows will be a real boost to both the photo and scrapbook industries," an IPI newsletter said. "IPI has historically served both these industries, and we see this as a great opportunity to revive interest in scrapbooking as a family photo history activity, in which photography is once again the central component." 

Theme. The Winter Show (Feb. 10-13 in Anaheim) has "Fashion Crafting" as the theme with seminars, workshops, and events for jewelrymaking and altering, embellishing, and designing clothing and accessories. Events include a fashion show, a special display by CHA designer members, a "Fashion Crafting" gallery, and fashion craft videos in the convention center lobby.

Seminars. CHA condensed its business seminars into 60-minute "Lunch n’ Learn Power Sessions" and scheduled them during the lunch hours. CHA has also developed the "Retailing with Excellence Program," a new track of education specifically for scrapbook retailers.

General Sessions. Held the first three mornings of the show, before the show opens:

"The Marketing Mentality: The Importance of Changing Your Mind in a Changing Industry and Global Marketplace," by business consultant Craig Binkley ... "Chicken Soup for the Craft Industry's Soul" by Chicken Soup author Jack Canfield ... "Consumer Product Safety: The New American Crisis," led by Nancy Harvey Steorts, the former Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Celebrities. CHA Spokeswoman Terri O. will interview many of the industry’s best known designers who will provide demos of their favorite projects in the CHA Theater. Guests include Ana Araujo, Claire Aristides, Carol Duvall, Tim Holtz, Kathy Cano Murillo, Jean Kievlan, Donna Dewberry, Debbie Mumm, and Margot Potter.

Consulting. The show will offer to members free, half-hour, one-on-one consulting sessions with experts in marketing, technology, web design, merchandising, etc.

Demo-nar.SM. A new type of event held on Saturday, the day before the show opens, in which presenters cover educational material in a seminar format, and end the session with a hands-on product demo and make-it/take-it. "Turning Trends into Profits: New Products and Projects for the Scrapbook Retailer," led by Scrapbook Retailer Exec Editor Beth Mauro ... "The Indie Craft Revolution! What is Indie Craft? Learn How to Tap into this Growing Market to Grow Your Business," led by Natalie Zee Drieu, Sr. Editor of CRAFT Magazine.

Education. There is a special track of programs for each of the show's product sectors: Scrapbooking/Paper Crafts, General Craft, Digital, License & Design, Art Materials/Framing, and Fabric/Quilting/Needlecrafts. A color coding key that matches each program to its product category will be featured in the show directory, show signage, advance show mailings, etc.

License & Design. The section is already more than double its size with 30+ exhibitors and 2,900 sq. ft. of booth space already committed.

For more, visit www.chashow.org. 

1. The Board reelected Jim Scatena (FloraCraft) as Chief Governance Officer and Mike McCooey (Plaid) as Vice Chair. Jane Anne Davis (BagWorks) was elected Secretary.

2. To serve on the Nominating Committee which chooses future board members for election, or to nominate someone, visit www.craftandhobby.org/2008membernom.html. The deadline is Nov. 15.

3. CHA wants to highlight businesses that are selling "green" products, making charitable donations, following eco-friendly practices, and/or volunteering. The efforts will be announced in press releases to magazines, on the member website, www.craftandhobby.org, and the consumer website, www.craftplace.org. To share what you are doing, email Tara Smith at tsmith@craftandhobby.org or call 201-794-1133 x223.

4. CHA's shipping partner, AES Logistics, added two new services, 1) Fully Integrated International Supply Chain Service and 2) Online Self Service. Call 877-890-2295 or email cs@aeslogistics.com for more information. 

Hobby Publications' sale of The Rubber Stamper to Amos Publishing marks the end of the Gherman family's direct involvement in the craft industry. The involvement began in 1945 when Moe Gherman partnered with the wife of the deceased owner of Hobby Merchandiser. They took the company from bankruptcy to a profitable corporation. The magazine evolved into Craft, Model & Hobby when a few craft industry pioneers entered the scene. It was the first industry-related trade magazine and the first to even mention the fledgling craft category.

As the industry split into crafts and hobbies, so too did the magazine, becoming Hobby Merchandiser and Craft & Needlework Age (later shortened to CNA). Moe retired in the late 1980s. Moe's son Dave started with the company in 1977 and bought the company from Moe and his partner, Ethel Goldberg, in 1987. Since then Dave has launched a number of magazines and trade shows. Dave sold CNA and Professional Crafter to Krause Publications in the late 1990's. Krause was later sold to F+W Publications; Professional Crafter ceased publication and CNA is currently on "hiatus."

In 1985, HIA awarded its Meritorious Service award to Moe. Later HIA gave Hobby Publications a Special Recognition award on its 50th anniversary, and later still Moe received HIA's Lifetime Member and HIA Pioneer awards.

Hobby Publications continues under Dave. Moe and his wife Mae retired to Florida in 2003. Ethel remained with the company until she passed away last month. HP still publishes Design NJ, Picture Framing Magazine, and, yes, Hobby Merchandiser. 

COMPANY PROFILE: WESTLAKE ASSOCIATES

Westlake Associates is one of the quiet success stories of our industry, with a record of achievement known mostly to its clients. Clients have included A) manufacturers looking to leverage excess capacity, re-invent existing programs, or expand into new areas; B) retail chains looking to capitalize on direct import sourcing and supply chain capabilities through new product and program ideas, or expand their brand with new marketing ideas; and C) private equity or financial companies looking for new investments or how to turn around or maximize under-performing assets.

The Westlake name doesn't appear on products or merchandising programs, but it has a long quiet history of helping its many clients become more profitable.

Westlake Associates was co-founded by industry veterans Peter Heinsimer and Terry Hunt in 1994 and has been working with retailers, manufacturers, importers, and financial companies to create new concepts, businesses, products, marketing programs, and more. They have created successful product lines, sales strategies, and merchandising programs that have increased sales and profits for many of the industry's best known retailers and domestic and foreign manufacturers.

Westlake Associates also works with financial companies to understand the industry and its opportunities, nuisances, and obstacles.

In early 2006 Peter said he thought "2007 would be the start of one of the most challenging times for the arts and craft industry at all levels and affecting most companies. Today I see several problems and issues continuing into 2008 and beyond.

"In the last few years there has been an accelerated amount of consolidation of retail and suppliers," Peter added, "including sales of companies that continue to have dramatic force and effect for the industry. In addition, the changes and issues in China, which produces a large percentage of the industry's products, continue to develop at a rate that I see accelerating going forward. The changes in China and other parts of the world, along with the increased cost of energy and the depressed U.S. dollar, will cause many additional issues for the industry and affected companies.

"This is not a doom and gloom prediction," Peter cautioned. "I continue to see huge opportunities for companies to prosper if they have the foresight, determination, and financial capabilities to not let the macro and/or micro problems deter them."

Westlake Associates' mission is "to work with companies to develop new or re-invented concepts, businesses, products, programs, and branding that meet their goals and objectives and have the potential to contribute significant volume and bottom-line profits."

Heinsimer is a true industry veteran with 25+ years experience in all facets of the industry. He began his career as a field manager and then buyer for one of the first national craft retail chains. Later, he was a partner in the top macrame company when macrame was the scrapbooking of its day. Since 1994, through Westlake, he has been involved in business, concept, and product development; marketing; branding; sales and importing.

Partner Terry Hunt was in charge of product development for Westrim prior to starting M.T. Hunt Designs; over the years Terry has designed many successful consumer products and programs for the craft and home decor industries.

Peter and Terry have been involved in helping to develop many of the industry's top-selling products and programs in the macrame, paper, craft basics, kids crafts, jewelry making, home decor, framed art, seasonal, finished florals, publishing, television, and magazine areas. In addition to working together, Terry and Peter have been married for 25 years.

PERSONNEL: Peter Heinsimer, President; Terry Hunt, Chief Creative Officer. (Other Westlake associates are specialists who are assembled on a project-specific basis.)

ROLODEX: Peter Heinsimer, Westlake Associates, 29740 Kimberly Dr., Agoura Hills, CA 91201. Call 818-889-4853; fax 818-889-6221; email westlake01@aol.com. 

1. I'm not reporting Hancock's sales/earnings like I do with A.C. Moore (see above), because bankruptcy adds so many costs that the bottom line looks awful and doesn't really reflect what's going on in the stores. Hancock files monthly reports with the Securities & Exchange Commission that are available online for you to see for yourself. From what I can tell, Hancock's sales have increased each month lately (of course, Halloween is a big time for fabric stores) and the bottom-line losses are shrinking. That adds up to progress.

2. Sometimes retailers can't win. Jim Bremer of the Tall Mouse said during the California fires that no one was thinking Fall. Consumers in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast certainly weren't crafting much after Katrina. A retailer in Buffalo once told me he can count on losing 7-10 business days every winter, thanks to blizzards. And the most amazing weather story of them all: Bob Ferguson of Ben Franklin Crafts in almost-always-cloudy Redmond, WA said sometimes business drops when the sun comes out.

3. Recently CLN urged scrapbook retailers to work with local camera shops and photographers. Here's an example: Laura Szumylo of Scrap 'N' Style in Webster, MA offered a free portrait and an 8x10 print to customers who show receipts indicating they'd purchased a total of $50 during Sept.-Oct. Laura is also a photographer, but I bet other photographers would participate so they could sell more copies after the free print. 

BLOG. Aunt Jo's Corner (http://auntjoscorner.blogspot.com). "While in Wal-Mart I had a chance to see what the 'new and improved' Sewing and Craft Department looks like. Let me tell you, it's depressing. No fabric... at all. I saw one entire aisle with sewing notions and yarn. That was it..... On the other hand, stores like Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann's, and Hancock might have a fighting chance now that Wal-Mart is getting out of the sewing and craft business." One respondent reacted, "My Wal-Mart is slowing getting rid of the craft department and when it does, this town will suffer as that's the only outlet here for such things." And another: "Wal-Mart is our only outlet as well. In order to visit Hancock or any of the others, we have to drive 50-60 miles one way."

IMPORTS. CEO Lee Scott defended Wal-Mart's reliance on low-cost imports against what he called "emerging economic nationalism," the Associated Press reported. "Lest anybody forget, 20% of Wal-Mart's customers don't have a checking account and they do not have the economic luxury of making a broader social statement," Scott told a conference of the Center for Retailing Excellence, part of the U. of Arkansas' Sam Walton Business College.

LEGAL. Previously about 125,000 Wal-Mart workers in Pennsylvania had won a $78.5 million class-action award for working overtime without pay. Now they will receive an additional $62.3 million in damages, the Associated Press reported.

"GREEN." Wal-Mart shoppers are becoming more eco-friendly. The first update of the company's The Live Better Index reported that more customers are buying extended-life paper products, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and organic milk, Retailing Today reported.

PRICES. The International Herald Tribune reported some Chinese vendors are complaining that Wal-Mart is becoming too insistent on lower and lower prices and they can't continue to meet those demands. "It's quite a retail epiphany when a Chinese supplier says that it can't supply products as cheaply as a retailer requires,"said market analyst Brian White

QUOTATION. "I feel good about Christmas. We are realistic about the environment we are in, but we are also optimistic. Our business is very healthy." – Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott (MarketWatch)

FUTURE. CFO Tom Schoewe said at an investors conference the company will cut back on opening new stores and tighten cost controls over the next three years, the Associated Press reported. Canada, China, and Mexico will be its key markets of international expansion next year. He also predicted sales growth will fall to 9% this year from almost 12% a year ago, and then drop even further – 5-8% the next two years. 

LICENSING. Hannah Montana is a huge hit on cable tv, and the search term "hannah montana costume" was the most popular among all U.S. Internet searches that contained the phrase "costume" for the week ending October 20, according to Hitwise, an online competitive intelligence service.

CONGLOMERATES. Jarden, the corporate parent of Loew-Cornell, Forster, and many other companies, reported its quarterly net sales increased 28% to $1.3 billion and adjusted net income was $70.3 million ($0.94/diluted share), up from $58.9 million ($0.90) a year ago.

CLOSING. Mathew's Craft & Hobbies, a 61-year-old Canadian wholesaler, is holding a clearance sale and will close Nov. 24, the Edmonton Journal reported. General manager Reeve Bunn blamed vendors for selling direct to big boxes at lower prices than they charge him.

FIRE. A new company, Memories Never Lost, offers a variety of acid-free storage products to make it easier for consumers to transport photos and scrapbooks when they have to leave their homes quickly in emergencies. Visit http://shop.memoriesneverlost.com/main.sc.

INTERNET. Jo-Ann Stores completed its acquisition of IdeaForest.com which operates Joann.com. Joann's already owned 38% of the company. In the agreement, Jo-Ann's agreed to pay approximately $12.3 million at the closing and delayed payments totaling approximately $8.6 million over the next three years for the remaining 62% of the company. In addition, Jo-Ann's share of payments to current and former IdeaForest employees in connection with IdeaForest's incentive bonus plans will amount to approximately $2.4 million.

RECALL. Jo-Ann's recalled about 97,000 kids' toy gardening tools, an expansion of its recalls of its toy rakes and watering cans. No injuries have been reported.

PEOPLE. Jo-Ann's named Ken Haverkost Exec VP of Operations. Haverkost worked at Fred Meyer Stores for 23 years, serving most recently as Sr. VP/Director of Store Operations. ... Gordon Haight, Chair/CEO of American Tombow, will retire Dec. 31. Succeeding Haight as President/CEO is Robert Laubscher, who had been President/COO. Tombow promoted Jeff Lester to Exec VP of Sales and Marketing. ... Greg Sanfort, former President/COO of Michaels, is Chief Merchandising Officer for Tractor Supply Company, the farm/ranch store chain with 738 stores in 40 states.

WEBISODES. Pattie Donham (Pattiewack) currently has 13 webisodes for LifetimeTV.com and is expected to film more. For more on Pattie's crafting world, full of fun, creative, youthful projects, visit www.pattiewack.com.

MAGAZINES. Add another to the growing list of general craft magazines: Adorn, published by SoHo Publishing. The magazine specializes in embellishing and personalization and the Summer '07 issue won an American Graphic Design award for overall design.

CONDOLENCES. To the family of Bob Paetow, who passed away recently. Bob was a popular general merchandise manager for Ben Franklin Stores in the 80's and 90's. Cards can be sent to Bob's children, Michelle Paetow and Brian Paetow in care of Michelle Paetow, 17756 Howe Ave, Homewood, IL 60430.

CLN STOCK INDEX: A.C. Moore: $15.60, up $0.20 ... Jo-Ann's: $17.66, down $1.51 ... Wal-Mart: $44.19, down $0.79 ... CLN Index: -2.6% ... Dow Jones: 13,595.10, up 0.5%. (Note: All changes in price are since 10/19 and are exclusive of dividends.) 

PEOPLE. Coats & Clark named Nancy Thomas Creative Director. Thomas held creative positions with major yarn companies, has written a number of knitting books, is the former editor of Vogue Knitting and Knitter’s magazines, and is the founding editor of Family Circle Easy Knitting and Crochet. ... Coats also named Bobbie Matela Design Production Manager. Bobbie was Exec Editor of DRG Publications and VP/Managing Editor of ASN Publishing. ... Aspire Media, the corporate parent of Interweave Press, named Troy Wells as CFO. The previous CFO, Dianne Gates, becomes the business manager for the fiber division for Interweave. Gates will manage the magazine and book publishing units and online business affairs. Wells is the former Controller for Meredith's publishing group.

AWARD. The Knitting with Gigi Kit , written by Karen Thalacker, illustrated by Mindy Dwyer, and published by Martingale, was named the Honors Award winner in the 2007 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) children’s products competition. It is a beginner's knitting kit for tweens and younger. NAPPA was created in 1990 to review children’s products.

To see the latest listings from the only personnel recruitment firm specializing in our industry, click on Jobs in the left-hand column or click HERE. 

(Note: A poem written by retired journalist Max Bass, who recently passed away at age 91.)

Why do you women hate to tell your age?
Especially the older you grow?
Is this a case where it doesn't apply,
The public's right to know?

The key word is better not younger,
That's a fact you should remember.
In the developing scheme of life
You're getting closer to December.

So why not celebrate your age?
And not be so contrary.
They're going to print it anyway
In your obituary. 

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xxx

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