Contact:
Victor Domine
Craft & Hobby Association
201.835.1224
vdomine@craftandhobby.org

ELMWOOD PARK, NJ (July 18, 2008) The International Taskforce of the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Association Global Services (AGS) a leading international association management consultancy. This appointment underscores CHA’s long-term commitment to provide meaningful membership programs for all its members regardless of the country of origin.

AGS was hired to address the growing demand for international programs from CHA membership and to evaluate existing CHA programs geared toward improving CHA’s international presence. Additionally, AGS will recommend global opportunities for participation by CHA members through identifying international channels that can expand the craft and hobby industry abroad.

Under the terms of the agreement, AGS will evaluate the international CHA membership value proposition, assess international craft industry business issues, and provide a strategic plan of action that will identify and address global concerns for both international and domestic members of CHA leading into the next decade. 

“CHA is uniquely qualified to provide help and to confront the challenges of globalization facing the international craft and hobby industry,” explained Carolyn Schulz of Creative Solutions and Chair of the CHA International Taskforce. “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.”    
   
AGS is the leading provider of quality professional not-for-profit management and consulting services worldwide. Founded in 2000, AGS offices are working in every major region of the world, helping associations to grow, develop and succeed.

The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) is a not-for-profit organization consisting of about 5,000 member companies engaged in the manufacture, distribution and retail sales of products in the $31 billion craft and hobby industry. The Association offers a broad range of member services, including market research, education and consumer branding initiatives, as well as operates two annual trade show events, the CHA Winter Show and CHA Summer Show that attract industry professionals from all over the world. For more information about CHA go to www.craftandhobby.org.