News
May 12, 2011
Invitation and Stationery Alliance to Become Part of the GCA
The Greeting Card Association (GCA) has announced that the Invitation and Stationery Alliance (ISA) will become part of the GCA, effective June 1. This new alliance will provide current ISA members with many benefits currently available through the GCA, while adding an impressive roster of stationery-industry professionals to the GCA’s membership.
Launched in 1998, the ISA is a network of invitation and stationery manufacturers representing both seasoned and start-up companies. Since its founding, the ISA has worked to craft resolutions towards industry standards, to create marketing initiatives, to promote industry education and to increase its members’ distribution channels through partnerships with retailers and vendors.
“I’ve long been impressed with the professionalism and progress the GCA has been able to offer the industry,” said Whitney English Kolb, president of English Paper Co. and ISA president. “English Paper Co. is excited to join the ranks and see the furtherance of invitation and stationery product through the direction of the GCA.”
“I think any time two organizations that have a similar goal and vision can ally themselves for the greater good of all, then that should happen,” added Greg Geller, president of Boatman Geller and ISA treasurer. “In this case, the GCA offers ISA members an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience base that will allow any of our companies to grow and thrive. Similarly, we are very excited about bringing our particular angle of the stationery industry to the GCA.”
Among the numerous benefits that ISA members will now have access to as members of the GCA are the opportunity to network with key industry leaders; access to industry information and research data; updates on postal regulations and issues; discounts on a variety of products and services, including freight shipping with UPS and affordable insurance through leading carriers; discounted rates on GCA meetings and events and on industry publications; and much more.
“The new partnership brings together a community of manufacturers who are committed to strengthening relationships through personal and heartfelt communication that is expressed on paper,” said GCA Vice President Susan January, vice president of Leanin’ Tree. “There is unlimited potential for the future with the creative talent and industry know-how that these two groups of manufacturers will now combine.”
For more information, visit www.greetingcard.org.
