For those shops who need to order product for Christmas and for those producers looking to see which shops would be interested in their product, there are now some 73 links to shops and producers at Looking for a Gift.
I have added links to another 11 websites; 5 producers, 5 shops and 1 interior designer since the last newsletter on 9.9.03.
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Old Forge Shops are having their annual Christmas on Main Street on Thankgiving Day Weekend.
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Joyce from Adirondack Country Store in Northville says her new catalog has gone out and new items are also posted at their website Adirondack Country Store
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Jim Dugan, Adirondack Pine, and I went to the Tourism and Hospitality Marketing Workshop held at Ledge Rock in Wilmington on Oct. 23 presented by TAC-SUNY. Jim has been making pine furniture for 25 years. Word of mouth brings Jim most of his business but he said he enjoyed talking with the people at the workshop (small lodging businesses) and hearing how they each promoted their business in different ways. Jim just had the son of one of his clients order a piece from him. The son still had what his father had given him years ago. Jim signs everything he makes. He’s also one of those guys that before shipping out a chair, puts it together and takes it apart to make sure it all fits together just right.
We both enjoyed the “how to do a survey” session with Laurie Marr, Northern NY Travel & Tourism Research Center, 315.267.2369. She provided us with sample surveys, stressed the importance of random samplings and how to do it, and said a small business does not need to survey more than 100 customers to track trends/needs/directions, etc. If you’re in the process of developing a survey, I’m happy to pass her info on.
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This Wednesday at LARAC in Glens Falls, How to Establish and Maintain Wholesale Accounts Workshop with copresenters David Coleman, Fawn Ridge Pottery, and I, Nadia Korths, Craft Programs Coordinator for ANCA, is on.
We’ll happily take a few more last moment sign ups. Registration form is at Workshops. Nice mix of craftspeople (two weavers, 1 field guide and print designer, candlemaker, stone birdhouse maker, wood worker and more); some already with wholesale experience.
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I’m sorry to hear that Steve and Audrey closed Adirondack Herbarium in Ausable Forks after 10 years this August. Audrey is enjoying riding her horse and catching up with home life.
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Creekside Gifts and Antiques, Dale and Barb Ferris, Round Lake Rd./Box 212, Boonville NY. 315 392 4639.
Creekside Gifts and Antiques is having their 17th annual Christmas Open House on Thanksgiving Day Weekend. Product door prizes every 15 minutes and refreshments. Come early to park as close as you can. Last year they received 483 people. Dale’s been making furniture for the last 10 years.
Anne Miller, Commonground Gallery, Northville is, for the first time, showing an exhibit of paintings in Alaska at a gallery in Juno. Anne traveled to Alaska earlier this year.
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Black Sheep Barn & Gardens, Chazy NY. Dried flower arrangements.
518.493.2637. Millsfam5@westelcom.com
Pam Miller who had a good summer selling at the local Farmers Markets, changes her product lines each season to keep her customers coming back. She has found a new niche this year - her customers are hiring her to decorate their home with her florals before a wedding, change in season, etc.
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The Group Booth at the Western New York Gift Show is on thanks to the craftspeople who signed up and paid by Oct. 25. Thank you to all those folks who did so. It’s great to have a new marketing program that offers producers from here the opportunity to have their product seen by shops from Western New York. There is only some 70 feet of display shelving left. Application is at Adirondack North Country Product Group Booth at Western New York Gift Show.
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For the first time, Applications to Buyer Days, Group Booth at Western New York Gift Show, How to Establish and Maintain Wholesale Accounts Workshop and for the Arts, Crafts and Foods of the Region Guide can be printed out at Adirondack North Country Crafts
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Hilary Oak, St. Lawrence County Arts Council President and Creative Spirit Arts Center Manager, and I were invited to participate in the Share the Heritage Marketing Workshop in Twin Mountains, NH from Sept. 15 - 17. This group of 30 participants brainstormed on how to market the Handmade in the Northern Forest Guidebook once it comes out in late 2004. Hilary provided some practical and inspiring input for the workshop. And we talked shop nonstop both coming and going since we carpooled together - what a treat.
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Many of you recently got applications for the Handmade in the Northern Forest Guidebook. Anna, Hilary and I are calling to ask you to send those applications in. Deadline is Nov. 15. You can complete it online at Handmade in the Northern Forest Guidebook.
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Mark your calendars. Rustic Nature Buyer Days is on March 31 and April 1, Wednesday and Thursday, this year, at the City Center in Saratoga Springs. For last year’s vendors visit Rustic Nature Buyer Days. I will start listing with links vendors signing up for this year starting Dec. 15.
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CITEC Manufacturing & Technology Solutions
Box 8561 Clarkson University
Room 101/201 Peyton Hall, Main Street
Potsdam, New York 13676
315-268-3778
fax 315-268-4432
solutions@citec.org
CITEC “is your source in Northern New York for the hands-on help you need to be more competitive. Our team of consultants works with you in the areas of strategic planning, lean enterprise, process improvement, plant layout, funding assistance, marketing, safety, e-business, energy/utilities, human resources, new product development, and more.”
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The Hudson-Mohawk Weaver’s Guild is having their 25th annual show and sale at the Pruyn House, 207 Old Niskayuna Road, Town of Colonie on Thursday, Nov. 20 (2-9), Friday, Nov. 21 (10-9), Saturday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23, (10-5). It’s just south of Rte. 155 at exit 5 of the Northway/I-87. Free admission, fashion shows, weaving and spinning demonstrations. The woman I spoke with who exhibits here sells some $2000 worth of weavings. All of the rooms in the house are full. The Hudson-Mohawk Weaver’s Guild has some 200 members. Monthly meetings usually have speakers.
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Congratulations to Rivermede Farm
Nadia went to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Adirondack Communities and Conservation Program Community Exchange Day in Keene and Keene Valley. The theme was Local Products and Local Businesses. Rivermede Farm was showcased. Rob Hastings of Rivermede Farm has increased his gross sales over last year by 10%! Stop by his shop on Rte. 73 in Keene Valley. He also sells some product by other people. Drive by traffic and word of mouth with no business plan and always looking for the ways to lengthen the season has Rob growing a business. Now it’s the season for making wreaths. Baxter Mountain Tavern, along the way from Keene Valley to Elizabethtown, is the only restaurant who regularly buys salad mixes (in season) from Rob, no matter the blends, for their customers. I’ve heard that their burgers are some of the best in the park. So, the next time you’re driving by.
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This issue is being received by 287 producers, retailers and supporting orgs. 36 more are receiving this newsletter than the last time!
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Previous issues of this newsletter are at Stories About You.
I look forward to receiving your news: publicity, awards, expansions, changes, and more.
Questions and useful industry leads are welcome.
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Nadia Korths, regional craft programs coordinator, is sponsoring this issue.
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