NAMTA has announced the creation of a new annual award within the art materials industry, called the “Business Innovation Awards” cosponsored by NAMTA, American Artist magazine and Hart Business Research, the same sponsors of the recently completed Artists & Art Materials USA 2009 market study. The objective of the award is to recognize individuals and businesses that innovate in the art materials industry, encourage use of the new industry study, and generate thought-provoking and useful case studies for the entire industry.
The award winners and runners-up will be recognized at a keynote presentation at the 2010 NAMTA show. There are two award categories, suppliers and retailers. Each category will have a winner and two runners-up. American Artist magazine has generously agreed to provide prizes to the winners: a one-year complete advertising package from American Artist magazine (value $7,500) for the supplier winner and a $1,000 cash award and one-year’s full single-store inventory of American Artist magazines and books for the retailer winner. In addition, winners and runners-up will receive award plaques and recognition at the NAMTA show and in NAMTA publications.
Any current retailer or supplier member of the International Art Materials Trade Association-NAMTA may apply. Businesses may submit multiple applications as long as each application is for a different business innovation. Businesses may only enter for their own innovations. Businesses must have undertaken the innovation after October 1, 2009 and before March 15, 2010.
Examples of Business Innovations
– New product offered (supplier) or carried (retailer)
– New service (retailer) – framing, classes, gift wrapping, etc.
– Retail or online store makeover
– Supplier program to support retailers
– Marketing initiative to attract new group of customers
– Launch of e-newsletter, print newsletter, Web site, etc.
– Employee training program
– New business opened, business acquired, business partnership
– Improvement in terms with suppliers
– Special event for customers or partners
– Community initiatives to expand art participation
For application instructions, Click Here. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on March 15, 2010.