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Free virtual focus group TGA Share     One of our Travel Goods Showcase contributors just brought this Internet gem to our attention: www.FlyerTalk.com. It's a website by and for high-mileage flyers — the real-life counterparts to George Clooney’s character in Up in the Air — and it's a treasure trove of info. Digging into the Travel Products discussion topic in the online forums is like delving into a tremendous research archive. These folks are professional travelers, and they're actively discussing the pros and cons of lightweight luggage, carry-on restrictions, security workarounds, travel watches, and laptop carriers. They're like a focus group of experienced travelers who are not only offering up criticisms and praise for what's out there, but some excellent suggestions for new products and new uses for existing ones. If you're curious to learn how your items are faring with modern jet-setters, or if you're a product designer looking for the next niche item, this might be a valuable research tool. It's certainly worth exploring — take a look (and be prepared to take notes)! More
Exhibitor commitments for 2011 Show exceeding all expectations TGA Share
There was a lot of excitement at last week's Summer Luggage Show for The 2011 Travel Goods Show and co-location with the International Home + Housewares Show. Exhibitors continue to anticipate a great show in Chicago and momentum continues to build; 12 new exhibitors signed-up at the Summer Show alone, bringing the total number of committed exhibitors for The 2011 Travel Goods Show to 70, which is 50 more than were signed-up at this time last year! Remember that space at McCormick Place is limited, so the sooner you commit the better chance you'll have at securing a great location. Contact Cathy Hays at cathy@travel-goods.org, 877-842-1938, x-707 for more information. More House holds hearing on Foreign Manufacturers Accountability Act TGA Share
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection recently held a hearing to discuss H.R. 4678, the Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act. Witnesses supporting the legislation told the subcommittee that the legislation would ensure a level playing field for all manufacturers that benefit from the American consumer market by allowing a plaintiff to sue the party responsible for defective consumer products. The legislation requires all foreign manufacturers to register an agent in the United States. That agent would be legally liable on behalf of the U.S. manufacturer under U.S. law. Some members of Congress fear the unintended consequences and the burden of enforcement that will surely result from the legislation. However, members of Congress and witnesses that support the legislation feel no bill is perfect and the legislation will, at minimum, allow lawsuit damages to be accessed against the appropriate entity. More
Congress holds hearing as shipping rates go through roof TGA Share
As both exporters and importers are facing coordinated "emergency" fees, charter rates two to three times year-ago rates and cargo bumped off ships at the last minute, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee will hold a hearing today, June 30, to discuss the situation, the results of an ongoing Federal Maritime Commission study into the matter and the shipping industry's anti-trust protection. The hearing comes after House Transportation Committee Chairman James Oberstar, D-Minn., made recent statements questioning the shipping industry's anti-trust immunity in light of the current situation. More Congressional negotiators reach deal on financial regulatory reform — interchange fee reform to stay in bill TGA Share
Congressional negotiators on June 26 announced a deal on financial regulatory reform legislation. The deal still includes new TGA-supported regulations on the ability of banks to charge retailers so-called "interchange" fees on debit card transactions, although the interchange fee provision was slightly watered down in the compromise legislation. Congress is expected to approve the legislation before it leaves for its July 4 recess. More
Obama announces time frame for moving Korea Free Trade Agreement TGA Share
President Barack Obama on June 26 announced the time frame for moving towards Congressional approval of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUSFTA). Obama made the announcement after a meeting with South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak on the sidelines of the G-20 meetings in Toronto, Canada. Obama stated that he hoped to have all the remaining issues surrounding the KORUSFTA (autos, beef, etc.) resolved by his visit to Korea in November. He would then present the deal to Congress at the beginning of next year. The KORUSFTA would allow duty-free access for virtually all U.S. and Korean travel goods under flexible rules of origin. More California DTSC releases draft Green Chemistry regulations TGA Share
California's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) on June 23 released draft regulations for California's 2008 Green Chemistry Initiative. The regulations follow 16 months of discussion with stakeholders. The draft regulations would: (1) require manufacturers who sell in the State of California to seek safer alternatives to toxic chemicals in their products; (2) create tough governmental responses for lack of compliance; and (3) prioritize toxic chemicals and products. The regulations would require the DTSC to create a list of chemicals that are toxic and can do harm to people or the environment. Those products which contain chemicals on the list would be prioritized based upon the extent of public exposure, volume in commerce and how the product is eventually disposed. Manufacturers of those affected products would be required to perform a "alternatives assessment" to determine if safer alternative chemicals are available. More Hot, high-tech travel gadgets Digital Trends Share
Money? Check. Identification? Yep. Clean clothes? Uh huh. The necessities of travel haven't changed much over the years, but a number of high-tech toys can help make your upcoming trips more fun, productive and hassle-free. A good camera and/or camcorder is a given, sure, but also consider one or more of these following gadgets, ranging in price from $25 to $500. More May air travel: Above pre-recession levels Travel Agent Central Share
While airlines face challenges with cost controls and capacity, the good news is that international airlines showed an 11.7 percent increase in passenger traffic and a 34.3 percent jump in freight demand compared to May 2009, the International Air Transport Association reports. More 10 ways to deny the recession Entrepreneur Share
Many say the U.S. economy is still in a recession based on the fact that unemployment is still high and consumers are continuing to temper their spending habits — two elements that define a recession. However, anyone with the desire to be an entrepreneur has to have the attitude of my friend with the bumper sticker: "Refuse to Participate in the Recession." More 5 ways to improve cash flow Inc. Share
If you're just looking for a quick fix, you can extend your accounts payable period by using a credit card to pay suppliers. With a check, you only get a day or two of float — or the time between when someone deposits your check and when the amount is removed from your account. But if you pay with a credit card, your vendor gets paid and you don't have to pay the card down for several more weeks. That's a simple — and fairly short-sighted — solution. But if you're serious about improving cash flow, here are five tips. More The new entrepreneur: Educating customers Bloomberg Businessweek Share
Education is a part of marketing, but it's something broader too. Marketing is creating awareness about a product or positioning a brand. But education is about teaching people something that benefits them — and also turns them into potential customers. More |
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