Craft Business

As it convenes for its summer convention and trade show in Rosemont, Illinois, the Craft and Hobby Association has taken a first step towards strengthening its ties with the international craft market. CHA's 'international task force' has announced the appointment of consultancy firm Association Global Services (AGS) in a bid to underline 'CHA’s long-term commitment to provide meaningful membership programs for all its members regardless of the country of origin.' AGS has been charged with evaluating the international membership value proposition, assessing business issues across the international craft markets, and providing a strategic plan of action to address global concerns for both international and domestic members of CHA leading into the next decade. 

Whilst CHA has traditionally taking a North American-centric view of the craft and hobby trade, it is hoped that the fact-finding mission undertaken by AGS will mark the beginning of a more global perspective. “CHA is uniquely qualified to provide help and to confront the challenges of globalisation facing the international craft and hobby industry,” explains task force chair Carolyn Schulz. “As a matter of fact about 16% percent of CHA membership is internationally based in dozens of countries around the world while more and more domestic members are interested in expanding internationally. Hiring AGS is a great next step toward helping address the international issues facing our members.”      

For more information visit http://www.craftandhobby.org                  

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