With sadness we report the passing of Linda Thompson, wife of Seattle, WA based independent manufacturer’s sales representative David Thompson. Linda waged a valiant struggle with cancer. She and Dave had been happily married for 45-1/2 years!
The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) announced on August 19 that Chief Executive Officer and President Andrej Suskavcevic has decided with the Board of Directors to resign his position effective immediately. The Board has appointed Mark Hill as interim CEO and President. Hill has been in the creative industry for over 20 years, holding senior management positions with industry leaders, Plaid Enterprises, Creativity Inc., New Image Group and most recently the Thomas Kinkade Company.
At Michaels, Executive Vice President of Merchandising Philo Pappas recognized ColArt as their overall Partner of the Year for product innovation, customer inspiration, quality products and efficiency in supply chain.
In related news Monte Ford has joined Michael’s Stores Board of Directors. He is currently the Principal Partner at the CIO Strategy Exchange, an organization of the top 50 Chief Information Officers in business and a Network Partner to Brightwood Capital Advisors, which provides capital to growing businesses.
Also at Michaels, Idalia Farrajota has been named Senior Vice President – Merchandising, with responsibility for all Merchandising Divisions, reporting to Philo Pappas. Reporting to Idalia are Sue Barnhill, GM – Seasonal, Laura Denk, GM – Wedding / Ribbon, Rich Gartmann, GM – Frames/Home Décor/Fine Art, Ami Hutchings, GM– Kids, Brigid English, GM – General Crafts, and Eileen Miller, GM – Papercrafting