APPMA News

APPMA's membership reaches a milestone
In August, APPMA proudly announced that for the first time in the association's 49-year history, membership numbers soared beyond 1,000 with the approval of 29 new member companies. Bob Vetere, president of APPMA, echoed the sentiments of the Association when he said, "Our membership numbers are indicative of a thriving industry… The success of the industry can largely be attributed to our members' commitment to innovation and to continuing to develop products that enhance the experience of being a pet owner."

Additionally, 15 member companies joined the Association in September. New members were noted in announcements released in August and September.
Click here to view the press releases.

APPMA's legislative affairs department: Ed Rod, Julia Fidenzio & Debora Eisen

Pet Night on Capitol Hill
On September 20, APPMA co-sponsored the Eleventh Annual "Pet Night on Capitol Hill". The primary sponsor, Animal Health Institute, in conjunction with its members and co-sponsors invited members of Congress and their staff to a reception celebrating the human-animal bond. Among the hundreds of people in attendance were several members of Congress as well as two celebrity pets, Leo, star of the summer hit movie "Underdog", and Tommy, the beautiful and watchful cat from the final episode of "The Sopranos". Members of APPMA's staff, Washington representatives, and director, Joel Adamson of Sergeant's Pet Care Products were also in attendance to celebrate America's pets.

Pets Add Life makes national debut
At a press conference held at the HH Backer show, APPMA announced the national launch of the Pets Add Life (PAL) public service announcement campaign. The PAL campaign is designed to showcase the joys and benefits of pet ownership through three 30-second television spots that were distributed to 400 network and cable stations. In addition, APPMA announced the launch of the new website dedicated to the campaign at www.petsaddlife.org.

APPMA continues to offer its members educational opportunities
As part of the Association's developing education program for members, APPMA will continue holding its webcast series through to 2008. These interactive webcasts allow participants to follow along with the speakers' slide presentations on their own computers, and participation is free for APPMA members. All webcasts are archived and available for viewing should members not have an opportunity to participate at the scheduled time. Here's what's coming up.

Webcast: General Sales Training Workshop
Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Presented by: Neil Lenok, American River International
This Seminar is intended as an introduction to sales.
The following topics will be covered in the Seminar:

Introduction to sales
Lead generation
Business etiquette
Negotiation skills
Resource development
How to close a sale
Customer relationship management
Confidence building
How to close

Save the date

Webcast: Getting Media Attention at Global Pet Expo: A Public Relations Guide
Date: Thursday, November 1, 2007
Time: 2:00pm EST
Presented by: Tierra Griffiths, MassMedia

Webcast: Pre-Show Marketing for Exhibitors
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Time: 2:00pm EST
Presented by: Steve Miller, The Adventure

Global Pet Expo honored
For the second year in a row, Global Pet Expo has been honored as one of the Top 50 fastest growing trade shows by the publication, Tradeshow Week. Tradeshow Week Fastest 50 honors those shows that experienced the greatest growth in terms of net square footage over the preceding three years. Tradeshow Week will be hosting a celebration weekend including a gala to honor Global Pet Expo and all other winners in November.

Global Pet Expo Booth Assignments
Booth assignments for Global Pet Expo's 2008 exhibitors are now posted on the trade show website at http://www.globalpetexpo.org/exhibitor/exhibitorlist.asp.

Companies who have yet to register for a booth may do so online at http://globalpetexpo.org/exhibitor/prospectus.asp.

2008 Trade Show Marketing Kit Available
The Global Pet Expo Online Trade Show Marketing Kit is now available at http://www.globalpetexpo.org/exhibitor/marketingkit.asp. Exclusively offered to Global Pet Expo Exhibitors, the Trade Show Marketing Kit contains a variety of tools designed to increase your company's exposure at the Show and maximize your marketing investment. The Marketing Kit contains the following:

Buyer Brochure Order Form
Buyer Invitation List
Buyer Registration List
Customized Web Banner
Coupon Booklet
In Booth Consulting Registration
Media Lists
Media Opportunity - Coming soon!
New Product Showcase
Pre Show Marketing Webcast - Registration coming soon!
Promotional Stickers and Postcards
Public Relations Guide
Public Relations Webcast - Registration coming soon!
Show Directory Submission
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Agreement
Advertising Opportunities

Congratulations to APPMA’s General Manager Edith Martignetti
We're excited to announce that a member of the APPMA family recently walked her daughter down the aisle. APPMA's General Manager, Edith Martignetti, was featured in Meet Your APPMA Staff in the April edition of Advisor and at the time was in the midst of planning her daughter's wedding. We're happy to report that on Sunday, October 7th the couple exchanged vows in Westport, CT where friends and family gathered to celebrate the occasion. The joy and well wishes were certainly shared by the APPMA staff as well!

Congratulations

Edith Martignetti and her husband, Frank, walk their daughter Amanda down the aisle