The Independent* Manufacturers Representatives Group
Mission: To promote and encourage relationships among manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the needle arts industry, and to facilitate communication with each other.
Manufacturers’ representatives are in a unique position to be the eyes and ears for their supplier companies. Reps visit each of their client retail shops multiple times each year and frequently also are members of knitting guilds and other consumer organizations. Reps can provide fresh ideas and market trend information to their retail clients.
At each semi-annual TNNA market, the Manufacturers Reps Group hosts a Vendor/Rep Connection meeting which tries to match up Suppliers-needing-Reps with Reps-needing-Additional Lines. This Vendor/Rep Connection is usually well-attended and productive for all parties involved. Between the semi-annual TNNA markets, vendors needing reps can “broadcast” their needs through the Manufacturers Representatives Group email system.
Reps recently joined forces with selected TNNA wholesaler members in a Task Group to work on joint issues. This Task Group is on track to present its findings in Columbus in June, 2010.
Organizers of the Manufacturers Reps Group include:
Priscilla Leed, Chairwoman
P_leedgroup@yahoo.com
(201) 218-1467
Joanne Cole, Secretary
Art Cole, Secretary
Joanne@edwards-drew.com
Art@edwards-drew.com
(734) 995-5003
Joan Looi, Program Co-Chair
jlooi1@ameritech.net
(630) 752-0243
Kim Lui, Program Co-chair
ksl@midwestyarnrep.com
(414) 294-5839
Jane Miller, TNNA Staff Liaison
jmiller@offinger.com
(740) 455-6773
* “Independent” means that reps are “Independent Contractors” who typically represent multiple companies.