Paint by Numbers Thank You Notes

Looks like those of us from the stationery and etiquette world aren’t alone in touting the benefits of a handwritten thank you note. Check out this financial blog for the newest voice in the conversation. The author not only points out how often everyone should be picking up pen and paper, but is pretty clear about when too much is...well, too much.

The directions are pretty simplistic, but hey-—it’s good to know we’re not the only ones out there banging the drum.

P.S. Got another great link for those of you who are “word challenged,” via my friend Gregg, via the Lifehacker blog. Hmm..does this mean the world’s becoming a kinder, gentler place?

Lost and Found

Now here’s a great idea-—man the information desks at key points on the DMC property with company leadership. From Bill Winsor and Cindy Morris to the rest of the leadership group, they take turns working the desks, helping lost buyers find their way through the behemoth campus.

Admittedly, I was clueless about the program until Caroline Kennedy (Gifts and Dec) pointed it out to me over breakfast this morning. It’s done in a pretty low key manner, which means a whole lot of buyers have no idea the nice person who pointed the way to the ladies’ room was actually CEO of the mart.

The other cool thing they do? Read the fine print on the lower edge of each employee’s badge: “Red since....” followed the year they first joined the company. Now try to find one who hasn’t been there for years.

That kind of loyalty says a lot.

Next stop on the summer show circuit? One that’s near and dear to my heart-—AmericasMart in Atlanta.

Dallas Mart Secrets

Best place to get a cell phone signal in the Trade Mart building:
Standing on the suspended bridge that crosses the atrium area

Quietest place to make a phone call:
14th and 15th floors of the WTC building, near the atrium railing (since most of the showrooms are closed during the gift show)

Prettiest place to rest your toes:
In the Trade Mart building, near the coy pond

Best kept secret in the World Trade Center building:
The Kim Dawson Runway Cafe on the 14th floor (sushi, Chinese noodle bar, gourmet deli sandwiches, and fresh salads made to order)

...and next, some good news.

Yesterday’s shocker about the GLM layoffs was followed by a happier news blast today when finalists were announced for the upcoming Retailer Excellence Awards. Much to my joy and surprise, the Gift and Home Trade Association has been designated the recipient of the prestigious Industry Achievement Award. Not bad for a group that’s only been around for four years.

Needless to say, I was emailing my fellow Board members and Retail Advisory Board members lickety split.

Now...what to wear to the August ceremony...?

Shockwaves

You could have knocked me over with a feather.

I met Leslie at Starbuck’s in the WTC atrium, where she broke the news-—dmg World Media (the company who bought George Little Management last fall) announced the layoff of a huge portion of the GLM staff this morning. The estimate I later heard was one third of the White Plains operation, but that’s unsubstantiated.

Needless to say, I’ve already sent emails to my “near and dear” in New York, with hopes I’ll hear back from each of them.

Sure, it’s to be expected when a company the size of dmg buys someone like GLM, but still.... Sounds like a lot of people are going to have one lousy weekend.

My thoughts are with you guys...hang in, hang on.

Dallas Gift Show

Here we go...the start of the summer gift show season. First stop: Dallas.

If you haven’t been here, take my word for it-—they really enjoy putting on a show. From the many parties in showrooms at day’s end to the steady stream of buyers flowing through the escalators in the World Trade Center building, it’s clear this is a regional show that’s here to stay.

This afternoon, I’m having coffee with Leslie Nathan-Street from the Gift and Home Channel so we can catch up on what’s new in both work and life. For those of you who don’t know Leslie from her days as a GLM Senior V.P. and director of NYIGF, take my word for it; she’s terrific. Big energy, big ideas, and big successes. And she’s one of my favorite people on earth. Should be a fun visit.

My Favorite Chef: Chapter 2

Three guesses who was honored with the James Beard Foundation’s Rising Star Award this week?

You go, Gavin. Rock ‘em all.

Additional congrats to Daniel Boulud, who obviously knows talent when he sees it (and has been very graciously spreading the word about Gavin for the past year, even before hiring him on), and to the folks at Gramercy Park Tavern for getting the equally coveted Outstanding Restaurant Award. That was my favorite spot prior to Chef Kaysen’s arrival in town; feels good to know both my haunts are so highly regarded.

As long as I can still get a table, that is (wink, wink).