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The results are in, and the winners of the first-ever Stationery Trends Trendy Stationer of the Year and Trendy Online Stationer of the Year have been determined. These awards recognize retailers for their commitment to and excellence in the stationery industry. Both categories have one overall winner and two runners-up.

Trendy Stationer of the Year
Winner: Salutations (Charlotte, N.C.) – Holly Bretschneider
Runners Up: Creative Parties (Bethesda, Md.) – Tracy Schwartz
Social Graces (Hingham, Mass.) – Megan Khayali

Trendy Online Stationer of the Year
Winner: Finestationery.com – Karen Gilliland
Runners Up: Bumpercards.com – Michelle Harwood
Invitationconsultants.com – Allison De Meulder

Those vying for Trendy Retailer or Trendy Online Retailer of the Year were self-nominated, peer-nominated or manufacturer-nominated.

“I am so grateful for this award,” Bretschneider said. “There are so many hard-working, talented stationers across the country and to be recognized by this industry – and by those who know what it takes – is really the highest honor. I have learned so much in the decade that I’ve been a stationery retailer, a great deal of which has come through the generosity and collaboration by the members of this wonderful industry who are so willing to share and help each other.”

The entrants were judged by highly esteemed stationery professionals, including editorial advisory board members and other industry representatives. Judges included: Chandra Greer, GREER; Kim Kreis, Sweet Pea Designs LLC; Wendy Solganik, Luscious Verde; Annabelle Stefanski, Annabelle’s Creations; Patti Stracher, National Stationery Show; Lisa Traylor, Traylor Papers; and Paul Wainman, William Arthur Inc.

“To be recognized in this industry by the industry is thrilling,” Harwood said. “There are many fantastic companies out there and to have stood out in this incredible crowd is an honor not taken lightly.”

Be sure to check out Stationery Trends Summer issue for even more details on each of the winners and runners-up, as well as profiles of those on the judging panel.

The Trendy Stationer and Trendy Online Stationer of the Year are sponsored and managed by Stationery Trends, the resource for greeting cards, gifts and all things stationery.

For more information on the Trendy Stationer of the Year or Trendy Online Stationer of the Year, visit www.stationerytrendsmag.com; call Sara Middlebrook at 616-887-9008, ext. 121; or email [email protected]. Get updates and information about the awards by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StationeryTrends.