*Noted + SF NOW™ successfully launched their first in-person April 2022 Market in San Francisco
This exciting new wholesale show reported high quality attendance and order-writing from top brands and makers. SF NOW™ + *Noted successfully launched their first in-person April Market at the vibrant Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture April 28 and 29, 2022. A joint effort by Emerald, producers of NY NOW®, and the non-profit Greeting Card Association (GCA), producers of *Noted: The Greeting Card Expo. The market gave buyers an opportunity to discover a wide range of stationery, gift, home, and lifestyle products on the West Coast. Strong attendance fostered and strengthened business-to-business connections, spurred transactions, and ensured the two-day market was exciting, memorable, and an immense success.
SF NOW + *Noted welcomed hundreds of buyers, from across the country. Attendees sourced products from top tier exhibitors including Rifle Paper Co., Maison Duquesne, SF Mercantile, Quick Brown Fox Letterpress, Blackwing, Fell, Savannah Bee Company, Niquea.D, Philippa Roberts, Notabag/Umby, PAPYRUS, and many more.
33rd Annual Louie Awards
The annual Louie Awards program has been honoring the best cards in the industry for over 30 years. Brought to you by the Greeting Card Association, the Louie Awards recognize, reward, and celebrate that moment when art, editorial, and design perfectly coalesce to bring these emotions to life and memorialize the numerous milestones in our lives.
_______________
Louie Award Winners:
The Louie Awards Ceremony was finally in-person again on Wednesday, April 27th after three long years. Thank you to all those who came out to celebrate! The photos from the event will be posted shortly. Winners can be found here.
Consumer’s Choice Award:
There is one final award to be given out, which is the Consumer’s Choice Award. The Consumer’s Choice Award is unlike any of the rest simply due to the fact that the judges don’t choose who wins it – you do. The winner will be recognized at next year’s ceremony. However, voting starts NOW! Help spread the word – share with family, friends, on social media.
Vote Here
Greeting Card Association Takes Top Honors at ASAE Power of A Summit Awards: Every Association has a Role in Advancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At the annual American Society of Association Executive’s (ASAE) Power of A Summit Awards dinner, the Greeting Card Association (GCA) was honored with the highest recognition, the Summit Award for Diversity & Inclusion for its Black Makers Pitch Program. The Summit Awards dinner is the premier event in the association industry which honors six award-winning programs that have made a significant impact in their community. Andrea Williams of Paisley Paper Co. accepted the award on behalf of GCA at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.
In the midst of the overwhelming challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic came another painful reckoning for US society. Issues of racism and inequality were laid bare and no longer something that could be ignored or dismissed – the time had come when merely acknowledging the problem was recognized as insufficient. Some associations and industries spoke out, some stayed silent, and others found ways to push for solutions and changes. “The GCA Board of Directors recognized the need to take action, to genuinely welcome underrepresented members into the community, to showcase cards for diverse audiences, and to make an effort to uplift and empower black makers,” says GCA Executive Director, Nora Weiser.
For New Companies
Starting a greeting card business can be relatively easy. But as your business grows, there is so much more you need to know.
GCA’s Card Talk
Read the latest edition of our newsletter, produced bi-monthly with content from and about GCA members and the industry.
*Noted: The Greeting Card Expo
*Noted is the only event in the U.S. built by the greeting card industry, for the greeting card industry and brought together over 150 publishers and retailer colleagues in Brooklyn, NY in 2019.
Support the GCA
Interested in how you can help recognize and support GCA members and the greeting card industry? The GCA offers a variety of advertising and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.
Industry Resources
The GCA and its leadership help members grow their businesses through education and mentorship; as a media source and in its advocacy representing the citizen mailer and the critical need for a independent, sustainable postal service.
Find a GCA member
The GCA’s membership is as diverse as our industry, with established publishers, start-ups and suppliers from every region in the country and from around the world.
Looking for the Right Time to Join?
Now's the time. Smaller publishers can join the GCA now for as little as $395.00. Make the connections you need, and build your business. Become a memberFind a member
Buy Stamps from the USPS
Help #BridgeSocialDistance and send greeting cards to your friends and family. You can purchase stamps directly from the U.S. Postal Service’s website and have them delivered directly to your home.
Exhibit at the GCA Village
The “Village” is a great way for new and emerging companies to display their products at the Dallas Market Center with low hassle, low cost, and high visibility.
Send a Greeting Card!
Looking for greeting cards? Many of our GCA members have their products available for purchase online. Search our member directory and find the perfect card(s) to send to your loved ones.
