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www.nrhsa.org
August Issue 2009 Practicing What We Preach Inside This Issue: By: Art Schaefer As retail store owners we know the advantages of buying products from a brick and mortar retailer. We know the value of having a real person available to help us with our purchase. Someone to give us some advice, some recommendations and maybe even some hands on guidance. Board of Directors..................................2 New Members.......................................2 Letter from Conference Attendee..........2 Ideas to Help Increase Sales.................3 What Works?.........................................4 Store Security........................................5 Time to Say Goodbye (for now)......... 6-7 Community Involvement........................7 A Blast From the Past............................8 iHobby Expo.................................... 9-16 Not long ago one of my store’s computers stopped working and needed to be replaced. My first thought was to buy a new one direct from a computer manufacturer who sells direct online. Then I remembered a friend of mine telling me about a website called the 3/50 project. This website educated me that by spending money with a locally owned independent store, 68% of that money stays in my community. If I spend my money in a national chain here in town, 43% of my money stays here. However, if I spend my money online, 0% stays in my community. I found a locally owned computer retailer not far from my store. I purchased my computer from them and took it back to my store. I immediately had a problem loading some old software onto the new machine. I called my local store and he said to bring the computer and software in. He installed my software for me free of charge. He also was kind enough to remove my old hard drive from my broken computer and install it in my new one so I could access my old programs and documents. This was also done free of charge. The next time I need a new computer where am I going to go? I would like to encourage everyone to seek out your locally owned stores in your area whenever you need anything. Introduce yourself to the owner and let them know you are supporting them and you would appreciate their support as well. I can’t say that I will never buy anything online again, but if I do, it will only be as a last resort. To learn more about the 3/50 project please visit www.the350project.net . 214 N. Hale Street | Wheaton, IL 60187 p 630.510.4596 | f 630.510.4501 Have a hobby day! www.nrhsa.org Views and opinions expressed in articles contained in this newsletter are those of the contributing author and should not be construed to be those of NRHSA, its Board of Directors or its staff. NRHSA Board of Directors Officers Chairman Charlie Hirschberg Nassau Hobby Center charlienassau@aol.com President Art Schaefer Schaefer’s Hobby Shop schaehobby@yahoo.com Vice President Cindy McFarlane Al’s Hobby Shop rc@alshobbyshop.com Treasurer & NRHSA Rep to HMA & R/C Council Jeff Setzer Trains & Lanes Hobbies trainslanes@aol.com Secretary Jim Pepperdine PM Hobby Craft jpep@telus.net Directors Director Charlie Downing King R/C kingrc@alltel.net Director Bruce Throne Walt’s Hobby pdsquint@hotmail.com Director Steve Noel Hobbytown USA - Orland Park htusaopil@sbcglobal.net Director Kimberly Franklin B & B Sales bandbhobby@bellsouth.net Director Melissa Truxillo Big Boys Toys and Hobbies bigboytoyslafayette@gmail.com Director Wade VanRyzin Galaxy Science & Hobby wvanryzin@aol.com Director HMA Rep to NRHSA Ed Rogala Midwest Products erogala@midwestproducts.com NRHSA Table Top Expo Sponsors NRHSA would like to give a big THANK YOU to the following manufacturers for sponsoring the events at the 2009 NRHSA Table Top Expo. Their contributions to the 2009 Table Top Expo made all of the events possible! Ace Hobby Distributors Buses to Flying Field Bachmann Trains Garden Railway Tour and BBQ Bob Smith Industries Buses to Flying Field Horizon Hobby Keynote Presentations by Bob Negen Traxxas Buses to the Boat Pond and Refreshments DuBro Products Buses to Flying Field July 30, 2009 To the NRHSA Board of Directors I would like to thank you for the terrific job you do bringing independent stores together for the Las Vegas NRHSA Trade Show. For many years, we have participated in this show and are always impressed with the exposure we get. I am always happy with the new stores coming to this show along with the many, many stores who understand its importance and come every year. Many people came by to talk to me and really appreciated the seminars you put together to help them. I look forward in being a Platinum sponsor and will continue supporting your program with all my energy!!! Our company has been in business since 1910 and I am a third generation owner. I am happy to say that my youngest son, Joey has been working here for the past three years and really enjoys learning the ropes of our business. I hope he will love it as mush as his mother and our prior generations have. We started in 1910 selling to independent stores and continue selling only to independent stores, no mail order nor internet stores. We do not sell to the public, we do not manufacturer our own products, but we do support the independent stores 100% with knowledgeable salespeople, web ordering for established accounts, and the best general hobby merchandise lines available. Your organization and ours is the perfect fit!!! Thank you for being there and making a difference!!! Staff Janet Svazas, Executive Director jsvazas@integrated-solutions.com Holly Lundgren, Administrative Director hlundgren@integrated-solutions.com Jeanette L. Helfrich, Editor jhelfrich@integrated-solutions.com 2 Sincerely, Marta Veir Renna President California Hobby Distributers www.calbobbydist.com THE LINK Ideas to Help Increase Sales By: Lou & Sue Ballini We have two 1/24 scale slot car tracks, and slot car rentals, available to the public whenever we are open. Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 9 pm and Sunday from 10 am until 6 pm. The hours are long but you’ve got to be there when a customer needs something. Birthday parties are also very important to us because we usually have 4 to 7 parties from Friday through Sunday. Parties are especially nice because there is no inventory to restock. You just take the money and smile a lot. We have been a Boy Scout Distributor for about 20 years. Sue, my wife, has provided a great service for our customers. She sews patches on scout uniforms. She has been doing it ever since we started selling BSA uniforms. She also does Girl Scout, Karate, athletic, and other uniforms. She has done alterations too. I just went to the POS and found out that she has sewn on 4322 patches last year and 2317 so far this year! That’s quite a few bucks that really help the bottom line! All of the above items, plus having female employees, have helped getting females in the shop. We have an aisle which has lots of products geared toward the female population. Overall the shop is very female friendly. Keep in mind that’s 50 percent of the population! We must be doing something right because we have a better bottom line than GM or Chrysler! Lou & Sue Ballini Zeppelin Hobbies 1530 Route 23 Wayne, NJ 07470 NRHSA Announces Dates for 2010 Conference & Table Top Expo in Las Vegas. The 2010 NRHSA Table Top Expo will be held at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel , May 4-7, 2010. This year’s event will include: • • • • • More seminars Outdoor car racing demos at the flying field A pool party Golf Outing on Monday Las Vegas Excursion on Friday And much more! NRHSA SPONSORS Please show your support of the following NRHSA sponsors by patronizing their businesses. PLATINUM SPONSORS Ace Hobby Distributors Bachmann Industries Badger Air-Brush Co. California Hobby Distributors Digitrax, Inc. DU-BRO Products, Inc. Great Planes Model Dist. Hobby Merchandiser Magazine Horizon Hobby Distributor Kalmbach Publishing Co. Maxx Products International Model Rectifier Corp. Nine Eagles TRAXXAS, LP GOLD SPONSORS Bob Smith Industries Byron Originals, Inc. Carrera of America Lionel Electric Trains Woodland Scenics SILVER SPONSORS ESU LLC Kato USA, Inc. K & S Engineering Marklin, Inc. Midwest Products Co., Inc. TecniToys Juguetes, S.A. The Coach Yard Venom Racing & Venom Air Corps. Walthers RECIPROCAL SPONSORS Academy of Model Aeronautics Association Health Programs Bank of America Hobby Manufacturers Association Model Retailer Magazine Siriani & Associates Mark your calendars now and plan to be with us for this fun, product purchasing, educational and networking event! THE LINK 3 What Works? By: Kimberly Franklin “ When I was asked to write this article about what works in my store, my first thought was to ask for a pass on this subject because it seems like no matter what I try to do, nothing seems to work! If you’ve been following my past articles, I’ve touched on several of the disappointments in the years since I’ve been working here full time (8 years now). Having to come up with something that works let alone giving others advise on what to do in their shop seems like an impossible task...until I started to think about it. The one thing that has worked in our shop is greeting our customers with a smile and an offer to help them. You can’t get that just anywhere now and certainly not from the internet. “ 4 The one thing that has worked in our shop is greeting our customers with a smile and an offer to help them. You can’t get that just anywhere now and certainly not from the internet! It’s free and contageous, just start smiling at someone and before you know it, they will be smilling too, or at least they will give a brief grin your way and wonder what you are up to! Smile, it increases your face value! I’m very interested to see what others will be writing about to possibly get some new ideas myself, but striving to be on a positive note, I can say that our willingness towards customer service is by far what has kept us afloat when the times got tough. When anyone comes into our shop, we first greet each and every customer with a warm smile and “Hi, how can I help you today?” or when the customer tells us they are just looking they get, “Take your time, let us know if we can help you and thanks for coming in!” After they look around for a little while, then we ask them again if they are still doing ok, can we help them find something. Sometimes you can just tell that they are “killing time” and you have to leave them alone so they don’t get bothered, but when they look like they are trying to find something, starting a conversation with, “So, do you have a hobby already?” or “Looking for a special gift for someone?” will usually get them to tell you exactly why they came into the shop. I can’t tell you the number of people that have told us they would rather come into our shop instead of a competitors’ due to the friendly atmosphere and the helpfulness that we offer. I love that instant gratification!! Sure we all have bad days, but you just have to put what ever is bugging you aside. It isn’t your customer’s fault you got a ticket that morning, or this customer in front of you isn’t the one that was just yelling at you and stormed out of the building an hour ago because his 15 yr old son just ran the r/c car he just purchased into a tree and demanded his money back...time to move on and be nice to everyone you greet. That is what has worked best on our shop for the past 35 years...and we continue... THE LINK Store Security By: Melissa Truxillo Having an alarm and camera system is crucial. The camera system should cover both the interior and exterior of the store. Connecting the systems to a battery back up will ensure that they still function if the power is cut to the store. Plugging the monitor directly into the wall will prevent draining of battery life and will also prevent the monitor from turning on if power is cut (which alert the criminal that the system is still working). It is also a good idea to keep the battery back up out of plain sight so the criminal can’t simply turn it off. Some battery back ups can run your systems for about an hour and a half if power is lost to the building. The battery back up I use is made by APC, available at most office supply or electronics stores. The cost varies from $40-$300. Although I had a battery back up in place, the robbers were able to see the back up system. When my monitor kicked on, it cued them to turn off the battery back up, which shut off power to my cameras since the power to my building was cut. As a result the system was turned off before a clear picture was obtained. Checking the locks on the doors periodically to ensure that they are working properly is a good habit to develop. I had a loose lock on a back door for over a year and kept procrastinating about fixing it. As it turns out, that is the door the criminals were able to jimmy the lock and gain access to my store. I have since fixed the lock and installed extra deadbolts on all back doors as an added measure. In Bob Negen’s 7/30/08 ‘Whiz-bang tip of the Week’ he tells the story of one of his retail clients being robbed. In his client’s robbery, their main computer with all of their sales data, inventory, documents etc was stolen. Without a back up system in place this individual lost everything. Services like MozyPro (www.mozy.com/pro) allow you to automatically back up your computers valuable data. MozyPro is a secure on-line back up for businesses. With it being offsite your data is protected from fire, theft, and natural disasters. I recently started using MozyPro in my store and now feel safe knowing my data is secure. “ As we all know, if a criminal wants to gain access to your store there is always a way. However, there are steps we can take to lessen the damage done and make their apprehension easier. “ A few weeks ago my store was broken into. Luckily all that was stolen was a few cheap air soft guns and some petty cash that was in my desk drawer, but it could have been much worse. I have always thought my store was secure, but the recent break in made me re-think my store’s security. Being an independent retailer, doing a million things at once, sometimes things get overlooked. The following are a few deficiencies I found in my store’s security. As we all know, if a criminal wants to gain access to your store there is always a way. However, there are steps we can take to lessen the damage done and make their apprehension easier. I hope my oversights will prevent one of my fellow retailers from experiencing the same thing I have. THE LINK 5 Time to Say Goodbye (for now) By: Dennis McFarlane “ By the time this appears in print the news will be out. I have been given an opportunity of a lifetime by Dave and Rob Gherman to be the editor of “Hobby Merchandiser” magazine. At least for a time I will no longer be contributing to “The Link.” Any ideas I would have for comment in this publication I will be nurturing into editorial comments for my new position. The first two years a person sits on the board and soaks all the information in. The next two years an individual adds input to the board. The last two years a person becomes a true leader and an industry spokesperson. A very famous statesman, a senator from Tennessee, once said “Don’t ever judge a man until you’ve had to wear his shoes.” My predecessor, Jeff Troy, is a wonderful individual who’s offered a wealth of knowledge to the industry for years. Just as Davey Crockett said, don’t ever judge a person. Jeff is going to continue with HM as a contributing columnist. I am looking forward to his input when answers are needed to questions. With the above stated, from now on your contributing columnist will be my wife, Cindy McFarlane. Cindy is probably the only person I know who is more passionate about hobbies and the hobby industry in general, than I am. Anyone who has ever sat in a meeting with Cindy knows that she gets excited and when that happens look out. Communication can fall to the side. Cindy has a lot to say, and sometimes things get a little confused in the translation. Tonight Cindy and I were sitting on our deck talking about the future of the industry and my darling wife kept saying - the show - over and over in the same sentence. I got confused, and asked her to slow down. As I aforementioned Cindy can get excited when she talks about something that means so much and is so dear to her heart. When I asked Cindy to tell me what she meant by “the show” she told me I-Hobby Expo. As we proceeded with the conversation I again got a little confused. When I asked her to stop and describe what she again meant by the show Cindy got just a little miffed and replied that she was talking about the “Table Top.” Good luck to everyone on the Board of Directors. Communication to the side, my wife Cindy is the most special person in the world. “ It’s pretty common knowledge that when you ask for one of us you get both of us. Although Cindy will now be the contributing columnist for “The Link” I will be the one doing my best to decipher what she wants to tell everyone in her columns. On the other side of the coin I have Cindy read every one of my editorial comments in order to make sure what I am trying to relate is important to the retail merchant. The Link is just what it says, a link between the NRHSA board members, and the hobby shop owners. Hobby Merchandiser is the central focus point for information that needs to be distributed to the hobby retail merchant. One last comment and I will bring this column to a close. Currently the by-laws of NHRSA dictate that an elected officer will serve for at most two, three year 6 THE LINK terms. May I suggest that this be either changed to two-four year terms, or threethree year terms. The first two years a person sits on the board and soaks all the information in. The next two years an individual adds input to the board. The last two years a person becomes a true leader and an industry spokesperson. Then they are done. Give your elected representatives a chance to make a difference. Dennis By: Charlie Hirschberg Community Involvement can be a very rewarding experience in may ways to a hobby shop. Besides the great feelings you get helping or growing your community, you can reap some free exposure and some nice profits through networking. Now, as many of you know I am involved in a lot of stuff, and I do mean a lot. My plate seems to be always full and I keep getting involved in this or that. My first venture, as many of you have done was in helping local schools, fundraiser’s and charity’s. Well a number of years ago (about 10) I was approached by a friend who was in the marine service trades to join the local chamber of commerce. Yes, 53 years in business at that time and we were never approached! Since he was the current president and friend, I said ok. The next thing, I was asked to be “Business of the Month,” Then a year later I was selected to be honored at the annual installation dinner as “Business of the Year”. After that I joined the board of directors and now am the 2nd VP of the chamber. Friends I’ve made throughout the years have helped my business grow. I also started reaching out beyond my community through other organizations. I got involved with Kiawanis International, a charity that raises money to help kids. I am now VP of that and find that very rewarding. Helping kids is fantastic and I have also made some great business connections there too. We donate train sets, Thomas products, models and do RC events to help raise funds. And guess what? After the events we see parents come down to the store to buy a RC car or Heli that they played with! “ My thoughts are this, just a small amount of time can pay off big dividends to business. Start off small, just get your name out in the community. The rewards will come back to you ten fold! “ Community Involvement Aside from all this, I have a store to run. I am blessed with a son who can run the day to day operations of it to free me up to do the things I do. I don’t expect many of us can devote that much time. My thoughts are this, just a small amount of time can pay off big dividends to your business. Start off small, just get your name out in the community. Be a sponsor of an event or even if you already have an RC or train event, re-name it and donate some of the take to a local, school, church or hospital. The rewards will come back to you ten fold! THE LINK 7 A Blast From the Past 8 THE LINK Make Plans to attend iHobby Expo™ October 22–23 Trade Only October 24–25 Trade & Consumer Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont (Chicago) IL Meet over 200 vendors, including 50+ NEW exhibitors, showing the latest in hobby products. Learn business-building information at seminars. Network with other hobby industry members. Participate in hands-on demos, events, and competitions including: R/C, robots, airplanes, helicopters, trains, trucks, and cars. See your suppliers and meet new ones! iHobby Expo™ Welcomes: Hobby Retailers Toy Retailers Specialty Retailers Internet Retailers Distributors Mass Merchandisers Museum Shops Racetrack Operators Catalog Merchandisers Collectible Dealers Endorsed by Sponsored by DESKTOP CASH REGISTER BLUE E P 77C 17M 0Y 24K For more information call 877-To-Hobby or visit www.iHobbyExpo.com This is THE Show for You! iHobby Expo™ is the largest trade and consumer event for model hobby retailers, distributors, and dealers in the United States and around the world. Whether you are an experienced hobby retailer or a new entrepreneur considering opening a hobby business, this comprehensive market offers one-stop shopping for all your product needs, valuable education and networking with your peers to help you run your business more profitably and successfully! iHobby Expo™ welcomes you to our 25th Anniversary Show See Thousands of Products at iHobby Expo™ iHobby Expo™ is the LARGEST trade venue for hobby products in America! Over 200 vendors from around the world will showcase a wide range of products, kits, components, and more at iHobby Expo™. Check out these categories: B B B B Radio Control Plastic Models & Kits Adhesives Scenery B B B B Model Railroad Electronic Toys Specialty Items Educational Games B B B B Die Cast Robotics Rocketry Miniatures B B B B Action Figures Slot Cars Tools Publications Dealers Have Two Ways to get the Most Products at the 2009 iHobby Expo™ T he Ticket to Ride promotion makes it possible for iHobby Expo™ buyers to recoup 100% of their travel expenses just by doing what they normally do—place orders with their favorite suppliers! It offers buyer attendees a way to put some hard earned dollars back into their pockets. During the iHobby Expo™, vendors distribute those coupons to buyers at their discretion. The amount of money earned by buyers through this program depends on orders placed at the show. When buyers place qualifying orders (suggested $500 minimum order) they receive coupons from vendors. Each coupon will have a value from $10–$100. At the end of the show, buyers gather Ticket to Ride coupons and all of their qualified travel receipts and submit them to HMA. HMA will reimburse each attendee up to 100% of his travel, food, and hotel costs to attend the show. Reimbursed expenses for attendees who drive to the show include gas, parking, and food. “We launched Ticket to Ride in 2006 as a means of helping buyers reduce financial obstacles to attending the show,” explains Pat Koziol, executive director of HMA. A competitive marketplace “demands that retailers stay on top of the latest products and industry information and the iHobby Expo™ is the place to do that. The Ticket to Ride program is an industry-wide effort designed to reward our valued hobby retailers. Whether you come to Chicago by airplane or car, Ticket to Ride coupons can offset a substantial part of your travel expenses.” 2008 Ticket to Ride exhibitors included: Aristo-Craft Trains Bachmann Trains Badger Air Brush Co Bob Smith Industries Boca Bearing Byron Originals Inc Carney Plastics CMW Holdings Ltd/Classic Metal Works Daron Worldwide Trading Inc EDS Racing Products Electronic Model Systems Excel Hobby Blade Corp. Guillow’s Hawk Model Hobbytyme HobbyX Distributors JTT & Partners K & S Engineering Kalmbach Publishing Kato USA, Inc. Kondor Model Products Lee Brothers Toys LLC Maxx Products Megatech International Midwest Products Co Inc Military Model Distributors MInelab Model Builders Supply Model Rectifier Corp Pacific Science Supplies Inc ProEdge Blades QBright Solution LLC RC Accessory, Inc Starlight Model Rockets Steven’s International Sunward Aerospace The Coach Yard Technical Products Enterprises Urban R/C Products Xuron Corp “The Dealer Pak was a fantastic deal! Besides the great value of the items, I got to sample several great new product lines which I have since added to our store’s mix. Couple this with the “Ticket to Ride” program and how can you not go to iHobby?” —Charlie Hirschberg, Nassau Hobby Center The excitement just keeps growing! New vendors and events are added frequently. Attendee registration opens in July. 10 www.iHobbyExpo.com for the latest updates and registration information. Visit THE iHobby Expo™ DEALER PAK PROMOTION— 2nd Big Year! T his innovative and rewarding promotion is another way hobby dealers can get the most from attending the iHobby Expo™. Each dealer attendee at the 2009 Expo will have the opportunity to purchase up to four (4) sample packages of hobby products offered by exhibiting manufacturers. These sample product paks will be assembled according to the product categories of the HMA divisions (model railroad, plastic/die cast models, radio control, and general hobby) and will include new and current products. These product paks will be offered at low, low prices—an opportunity of a lifetime to get new vendor products into stores. Dealers can reserve their paks with a nonrefundable $25 reservation fee along with their show registration. The reservation fee will be deducted from the cost of the pak, and purchased paks will be shipped to dealers after the Expo. This year’s Dealer Paks include products from: Bachmann Trains Blackstone Models Burfitt Tools Australia CMW Holdings, Ltd Maxx Products Midwest Products Model Rectifier Corp Moebius Models Puzzled Inc Racemasters SCX Soundtraxx Stevens International Sunward Aerospace Sword Precision Scale Models Wm K Walthers There’s really no reason not to attend the 2009 iHobby Expo™…your travel is paid for with Ticket to Ride order coupons…you can purchase sample product paks at super discounts…you can get inspired with the Hobby University series of business seminars… and you’ll see the latestTHE in newLINK products, demos, and attractions. SHOW SCHEDULE TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS Wednesday, October 21, 2009 We have a variety of hotels available in the Rosemont area and adjacent to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center—accommodations to fit your budget and hospitality needs. Please make your reservations directly with each hotel and be sure to mention the “iHobby Expo™ Reservation Code” when making your reservations. All reservations are based on double occupancy. More details on www.iHobbyExpo.com. 8:00 am–5:00 pm Hobbytown USA Regional Meeting 9:00 am–12:00 Noon NRHSA Executive Committee Meeting 1:00 pm–5:00 pm NRHSA Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, October 22, 2009 7:30 am–9:00 am 9:00 am-10:00 am 9:00 am–5:00 pm 12 Noon–1:00 pm 12 Noon-1:30 pm 1:00 pm–2:00 pm 2:00 pm-3:00 pm 4:00 pm–5:30 pm 5:00 pm–7:00 pm Hobby U Seminar: 25 Top Tips to Survive in a Tough Retail Economy — Sponsored by Model Retailer One on One Consulting Sessions with Kizer & Bender Exhibits Open (Trade Only) Workshop: Tech 6-The Gap Has Narrowed Workshop: Iwata Hands-On Airbrush Workshop Seminar: The Buck-an-Idea Bonanza— Your Fifteen Minutes of Fame One on One Consulting Sessions with Kizer & Bender Hobby U Seminar: In-Store Demos and Make & Takes Make Money! HMA/iHobby Expo 25th Anniversary Reception — Sponsored by Hobby Manufacturers Association Friday, October 23, 2009 7:30 am–9:00 am 9:00 am–5:00 pm 12 Noon–1:00 pm 12 Noon–1:00 pm 1:00 pm–2:00 pm 1:00 pm–2:00 pm 4:30 pm–6:00 pm 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Hobby U Seminar: Today’s Inventory Buying Exhibits Open (Trade Only) Workshop: Horizon’s Spektrum DSM Workshop: A Better Point of Sale System for Hobby Shops Workshop: Diorama Building with Midwest’s Building Materials Workshop: Profit From Plastics Special Retailer Seminar & Reception: Make More Money: Global eCommerce Made Simple HMA Plastic & Die Cast Division Membership Meeting Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:00 am–9:00 am 10:00 am–5:00 pm 12 Noon–1:00 pm 12 Noon–1:00 pm 12 Noon-1:00 pm 1:00 pm–3:00 pm 3:00 pm–5:00 pm HMA Radio Control Division Membership Meeting Exhibits Open (Trade and Consumers) Workshop: Intro to MRC’s DCC Workshop: Horizon’s Spektrum DSM HMA General Hobby Division Membership Meeting Mecha-Mayhem 2009 & Chibotica/Robotica Competition World Micro Heli Cup—sponsored by Empire Hobby Sunday, October 25, 2009 8:00 am–9:30 am 10:00 am– 5:00 pm 1:00 pm–3:00 pm 3:00 pm–5:00 pm HMA Board of Directors Meeting Exhibits Open (Trade and Consumers) Mecha-Mayhem 2009 & Chibotica/Robotica Competition World Micro Heli Cup—sponsored by Empire Hobby All workshops and seminars are located in the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center meetings rooms unless otherwise noted. aloft Chicago O’Hare $109 Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare $139 Doubletree Hotel Chicago O’Hare $144, $154 9700 Balmoral Ave. Rosemont, IL 60018 Self parking: $22. 2ESERVATIONå.UMBERå'/!,/&4å så 2ESERVATIONå#ODEåiHobby Expo 2ESERVATIONåCUTåOFFåDATE 09/30/2009 å.ORTHå2IVERå2OADå Rosemont, IL 60018 Reservation Number: 888-233-9527 2ESERVATIONåCUTåOFFåDATEå09/30/2009 !ååFEEåWILLåAPPLYåFORå%ARLYå#HECK/UTå A $50 Late Departure. Fee will apply until 3pm. &ORåDEPARTURESåAFTERåPMåAå&ULLå.IGHTSå2OOMåå4AXåWILLåAPPLY #ANCELLATIONå0OLICYååHOURSåPRIORåTOåARRIVAL å.ORTHå2IVERå2OADå Rosemont, IL 60018 2ESERVATIONå.UMBERååORå42%%å så 2ESERVATIONå#ODEåI-Hobby 09 2ESERVATIONåCUTåOFFåDATEå09/28/2009 %ARLYåDEPARTURESåWILLåBEåCHARGEDåONEåNIGHTåROOMåANDåTAX #ANCELLATIONå0OLICYåå(OURSåADVANCEåNOTICEåREQUIRED 0ARKINGåNIGHTåCASHåONLY Embassy Suites Hotel $149–$169 Hyatt Regency O’Hare $150, $160 å.ORTHå2IVERå2OAD Rosemont, IL 60018 3ELFåPARKINGåISåDAY 2ESERVATIONå.UMBERå%-"!339å ORåså 2ESERVATIONå#ODEåi-Hobby 09 2ESERVATIONåCUTåOFFåDATEå09/17/2009 #ANCELLATIONå0OLICYååHOURSåADVANCEåNOTICEåREQUIRED 3ELFåPARKINGåDAY 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue Rosemont, IL 60018 0ARKINGåNIGHT 2ESERVATIONå.UMBERååORåå så 2ESERVATIONå#ODEåiHobby Expo 2ESERVATIONåCUTåOFFåDATE 09/27/09 0ARKINGåNIGHT Call: BY 877-TO-HOB Email: byExpo.com info@iHob g On: Lo yExpo.com o www.iH bb Motel 6 Chicago O’Hare #ALLåFORå2ATESåORåVISITåWWWMOTELCOM 9408 Lawrence Ave 3CHILLERå0ARKå),å Reservation Number: (847) 671-4282 2ESERVATIONå#ODEåCP545609 #ANCELLATIONå0OLICYååHOURSåADVANCEåNOTICEåREQUIREDå Sofitel Chicago O’Hare $129 å.å2IVERå2OAD Rosemont, IL 60018 2ESERVATIONå.UMBERååORåå så 2ESERVATIONå#ODEåiHobby Expo 2009 #ANCELLATIONå0OLICYåå(OURSåPRIORåTOåARRIVAL Show Sponsors As of June 24, 2009 Acrylicos Vallejo AMA Artool Aztek Bachmann Big Squid RC Bob Smith Industries Chibots Chicagoland Hobby Dealers CRCA Empire Hobby Excel HMA Hawk Iwata Mecha-Mayhem Midwest Products Minicraft Model Master Model Retailer MRC (Model Rectifier Corp) NRCTPA NRHSA Revell Stevens International Sunward Aerospace Testors Thunder Tech Traxxas Xuron Zona United Airlines/FlåCIALå#ARRIERåFORåTHEååI(OBBYå%XPO©å 2ESERVATIONå.UMBERåå så 2ESERVATIONå#ODEå564YV $ISCOUNTSåAREåSUBJECTåTOåRULESåANDåFAREåPRICINGå5NITEDåWILLåPROVIDEåTOåPASSENGERSåTRAVELINGåTOåATTENDå THEåI(OBBYå%XPO©åROUNDTRIPåTRANSPORTATIONåONåSCHEDULEDåSERVICEåTOå#HICAGOå),åONå5NITEDå5NITEDå %XPRESSå4%$åBYå5NITEDåORå5NITEDåCODEåSHAREåmåIGHTSå5! åOPERATEDåBYå53å!IRWAYSå53å!IRWAYSå %XPRESSåANDå!IRå#ANADAå2ESTRICTIONSåAPPLYå6ISITåWWWIHOBBYEXPOCOMåFORåCOMPLETEåGUIDELINESå QUALIlåCATIONSåANDåRESTRICTIONSåWWWI(OBBY%XPO Avis/FlåCIALåCARåRENTALåCOMPANYåOFåTHEååI(OBBYå%XPO©å 4OåSECUREåYOURåDISCOUNTEDåRATEåVISITåWWWIHOBBYEXPOCOM(OTEL)NFOHTMLåORåCALLå!VISåATå åANDåPROVIDEåDISCOUNTåNUMBERåJ093746. EVENTS & EDUCATION Keep Turning Learning into Earning You can’t afford to miss the 2009 iHobby Expo™ Seminar & Workshops—this lineup of speakers and topics will definitely help you make more money in 2009. HMA’s Hobby University is a series of retailer business seminars designed to assist new and current retailers in maintaining and growing a hobby store. Sessions will focus on business-related issues such as inventory control, financing, advertising and promotion, and product buying. Hobby store owners are encouraged to send their top managers and new employees to each seminar where they will receive a certificate upon completion of each course. The curriculum consists of 9 courses and 3 of these courses will be offered during the 2009 Expo. Graduates of the Hobby University will be recognized at future shows. Hobby University Seminars for Retailers In-Store Demos and Make & Takes Make Money! I]jghYVn!DXidWZg'' )/%%·*/(%eb Make your store a community hot spot and build your customer base at the same time! Get the basics on presenting Demos and Make & Takes in your store and in your town from Tom Grossman, (right) HMA/iHobby Expo™ Education and Make & Take Coordinator. Demonstrations bring the product into focus for the consumer and Make & Take Events put product into the hands of your customers. This class will show you how to design Make & Take and demo events using your existing store and generic product. Topics include setting your limits, scheduling events, soliciting volunteers, designing floor plans, advertising and store safety. You will also receive a list of available industry resources. Take the plunge and get involved with your customers and your community by presenting in-store events and demos designed to increase your profits. Today’s Inventory Buying ;g^YVn!DXidWZg'( ,/(%·./%%Vb You have a huge investment in your inventory! Find out how buying and managing your inventory efficiently is the key to success in today’s hobby marketplace. Learn some of the best ideas and techniques gathered by former hobby retailer, Bob Jacobsen, (right) to maximize your inventory dollars and increase your profits. How to buy…open to buy…just in time inventory management…special orders…open stock all fit together to make your business more competitive and give your customers a better experience. Also, learn how and when to take advantage of specials and dating along with seasonal trends to keep your inventory fresh. 25 Top Tips to Survive in a Tough Retail Economy I]jghYVn!DXidWZg'',/(%·./%%Vb HedchdgZYWn/ Hobby Industry Special Seminars & Events There are two kinds of retailer reactions in tough times: retailers who hunker down, preferring to wait and see what happens before making a move; and retailers who look for opportunity. These retailers are willing to scrutinize day-to-day operations and dive into waters their competitors tend to avoid. These are the retailers to model in tough economic times. One-on-One Consulting Sessions with Kizer & Bender Retail experts Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender (above) will help revitalize your business with: Learn, laugh and win money! Join Kizer & Bender for an informative and funfilled program that puts YOU in the spotlight. Network with other retailers and share your store’s best retail success ideas. Share your idea and win a BUCK! We’re all ears and you’ll be a dollar richer. Nourish your wallet and your mind. This program promises to be an insightful and profitable event. s Techniques to attract new customers and bond with the old s Proven ways to get customers to choose your store over the competition s Ideas to entice shoppers to visit your store again and again s Strategies to increase your add-on sales potential s Tricks to romance your merchandise and sell more stuff PLUS a host of other “Street Savvy Strategies”™ to increase your sales and improve your profits! I]jghYVn!DXidWZg'' ./%%·&%/%%VbVcY'/%%·(/%%eb Sign up for a free 30 minute one-on-one consulting session with retail gurus, Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender. Bring your questions on store operations, layout and visual merchandising, marketing and promotion, public relations and whatever’s on your mind! But hurry there are a limited amount of sessions. The Buck-an-Idea Bonanza: Your Fifteen Minutes of Fame I]jghYVn!DXidWZg'' &/%%·'/%%eb iHobby Expo™ 25th Anniversary Party I]jghYVn!DXidWZg'' */%%·,/(%eb We’re celebrating 25 years of iHobby Expos and traveling down the memory lane of exhibitors and events. Join us and your peers as we celebrate companies who have been a part of the Expo for 25 years…good food, good times and good friends! Make More Money: Global e-Commerce Made Simple ;g^YVn!DXi#'( )/(%·+/%%eb In this special seminar and networking reception for retailers, Shopatron founder and President, Ed Stevens, (right) will show retailers how a few sales each week add up to a significant increase in profits. Shopatron is the world’s leading provider of global e-Commerce for consumer goods, and orders placed on branded websites are offered to a managed network of global partners for fulfillment, typically for assignment to local retailers. Learn how you can save time and money through e-Commerce and your local fulfillment to consumers. Exhibitor-Sponsored Workshops for Dealers Tech 6-The Gap Has Narrowed I]jghYVn!DXi#'' &'/%%·&/%%eb EgZhZciZYWn/ MRC has narrowed the gap between DC & DCC. With the advent of the TECH 6 we have enabled sound decoders to be totally accessible by your DC customers. About 60% of the HO/N market consists of PowerPack customers. Now upgrade them to Tech 6 and profit. You can increase sales revenue by selling sound equipped locos and decoders to your TECH 6 DC powerpack customers. We will also discuss software and other new product ideas to see how Railroading is changing and giving you an opportunity to increase sales revenue. Receive a MRC Tech 6 valued at $119.98 by pre-registering and attending the MRC Tech 6 Seminar. One free Tech 6 per store. Call MRC at 1-800-333-3692 to pre-register. For each $37.00 registration fee, you and two employees can attend the seminar. You must pre-register to attend. Upon completion, you will be able to operate the Tech 6 and give demonstrations to your customers on your new Tech 6! IWATA Hands-On Airbrush Workshop I]jghYVn!DXi#'' &'/%%"&/(%ebEgZhZciZYWn/ This FREE two-hour workshop, sponsored by Iwata, will give participants hands-on, practical experience with basic operation and maintenance of Iwata airbrushes. Participants will practice the basics of painting and cleaning with an Iwata airbrush provided for the workshop. Take what you learned back to your shop and have greater success selling the leading airbrush in the hobby market. Space is limited to 12 participants per session. Register with Tom Grossman at 719-268-9848 or tomtag@pcisys.net Spektrum DSM ;g^YVn!DXi#'( &'/%%·&/%%ebEgZhZciZYWn The Spektrum Team will share some interesting information about 2.4 GHz technology and why DSM is the most robust link in Radio Control. The team will review Spektrum’s patented DuaLink and Multilink as well as other patentpending features like ServoSync and ModelMarch. A Better Point of Sale System for Hobby Shops ;g^YVn!DXi#'( &'/%%·&/%%eb EgZhZciZYWn/I]Z9Zh`ide8Vh]GZ\^hiZg DESKTOP CASH REGISTER Attendees will be given a detailed presentation on The Desktop Cash Register point of sale system. Topics to be covered include: inventory management, tracking customer histories, targeted marketing techniques, and improving efficiency and profitability. Join Mark Fleming, DCR founder and software developer, for a look at this robust FileMaker Pro database program that can run on retailers’ existing computer equipment and credit card processing systems. Fleming originally developed the software for his in-laws, who own a hobby store. Profit From Plastics ;g^YVn!DXi#'( &/%%·'/%%eb EgZhZciZYWn/ Changing demographics mean new customers if you know how to target them. You will learn about how to increase your profit and sales revenue in plastics based on MRC’s ever expanding customer base. At one time, a Ready-to-Fly plane or a Pre-Built box car was frowned upon. Those days are over. Pre-built plastics customers are looking for product, but are you profiting from these potential sales? Learn how to draw the pre-built customer into your entire plastics lineup. Match the customer with the product and profit. Receive $135.00 in free PLASTIC MODEL KITS for your store by pre-registering and attending the MRC Plastics seminar. One free PLASTIC MODEL KIT package per store. Call MRC at 1-800-333-3692. For each $34.00 registration fee, you and two employees can attend the seminar. You must pre-register to attend. Introduction to MRC’s DCC HVijgYVn!DXi#') &'/%%"&/%%eb EgZhZciZYWn/ Through hands-on demonstrations, you will learn: s DCC terminology s Advantages of the Prodigy Express and Prodigy Advance systems s How to use the Prodigy System & Accessories You will receive handouts including a DCC glossary of terms. Upon completion of the seminar, you will be able to operate and program MRC’s Prodigy. Spektrum DSM HVijgYVn!DXi#')!&'/%%·&/%%ebEgZhZciZYWn The Spektrum Team will share some interesting information about 2.4 GHz technology and why DSM is the most robust link in Radio Control. The team will review Spektrum’s patented DuaLink and Multilink as well as other patentpending features like ServoSync and ModelMarch. Events for the Family 5",& &953"7"("/;" Come see what consumers enjoy doing and how you can create these same projects in your stores! Exhibitor-coordinated Make & Take areas include: 6^geaVcZBV`ZIV`ZhedchdgZYWn/ The National Radio Control Truck Pulling Association (NRCTPA) GdX`ZiBV`ZIV`ZhedchdgZYWn/ …will return to the iHobby Expo™ again this year. See side by side RC monster truck racing and hi-flying destructive freestyle action. There will also be RC truck and tractor pulling: A combination of gas, nitro, and electric trucks and tractors will take their turn at the pulling track adjacent to the NRCTPA demo racing track. Come on by and you will see action like never before. <ZcZgVa=dWWnBV`ZIV`ZhedchdgZYWn/ BdYZa=dWW^ZhBV`ZIV`ZhedchdgZYWn/ and Pinewood Derby Races HedchdgZYWn/ Scout and youth groups are invited to test their pinewood race cars and practice for their big event at Pinewood Extreme’s derby track. Trophies and ribbons will be presented to winning racers. On-Site Action & Hands-On Experimentation What makes iHobby Expo™ the leading trade show for the hobby industry? Inspiration through interaction. iHobby Expo™ reflects the vital industry it represents. In addition to dynamic exhibits, the event includes many opportunities to see products in action. Excitement is generated through: s Robotics demonstrations s 2ADIOCONTROLairplane and helicopter demonstrations s Model railroad displays and demos s Dirt Track Car Races—sponsored by Traxxas s Slot car Races—sponsored by Model Rectifier Corporation s Pinewood Derby Races—sponsored by Chicagoland Hobby s Miniature and landscape demonstrations s Thomas the Tank Engine Train Ride— sponsored by Bachmann Trains s Monster Truck Track—sponsored by Thunder Tech and the National Radio Control Truck Pullers Association Scootaround is proud to be the exclusive scooter rental service for iHobby Expo™ '%%.#K^h^illl#^]dWWnZmed#Xdb[dg further information. REGISTER TODAY! .BLF& Mecha-Mayhem 2009 and Fall Chibotica/Robotica Competition iHobby Expo™ Robot Battle Zone HVijgYVn!DXidWZg') &/%%·(/%%eb HjcYVn!DXidWZg'* &/%%·(/%%eb HedchdgZYWn/8]^XV\dGdWdi^X8dbWVi Association & Chicago Area Robot Group Mecha-Mayhem 2009 is the third of an annually recurring international extravaganza of robot builders, electronics enthusiasts, and mainstream audiences enjoying the exciting pastime of competitive robotics. With two of the highest-quality arenas in the country, top robotics competitors from around the world will face off at Mecha-Mayhem for glory, prizes, and bragging rights as champions in weight classes ranging from 150 grams to 340 pounds. Additionally, Chibots, the Chicago Area Robotics Group will be running their annual Chibotica autonomous robotics problem-solving competition. At this annual event, dozens of the brightest amateur and pro robotics engineers will compete in autonomous robot challenges; escaping mazes, robot combat sumo, and other complex tasks, showing yet another dimension of this thrilling pursuit. World Micro Heli Cup and Phoenix Cup Wild Card Airplane Competition It’s Easy to Register for iHobby Expo™! FREE Pre-Registration Until 9/18/2009 1. Online: www.iHobbyExpo.com 2. By fax: 973-838-7124 Send qualifying Information to: iHobby Expo™ PO Box 315 Butler, NJ 07405 Industry credentials are required to attend the trade portion of this event. If you have not attended in the past three years, please provide the following: Retailers/Buyers (Includes Internet Catalog & Mail Order Companies) 1. 2. 3. 4. Distributors 1. 2. HedchdgZYWn/ 3. HVijgYVn!DXidWZg') (/%%·*/%%eb EgZa^b^cVgn8dbeZi^i^dc HjcYVn!DXidWZg'* (/%%·*/%%eb;^cVah The 2009 World Micro Heli Cup will be even bigger and more exciting than last year’s event. We expect all of the contestants from last year’s event to return, plus we will have new entrants, including big-name heli pilots. As usual, spectators can win incredible prizes, including advanced electric helicopter setups, RTF indoor helis, parts, shirts, hats, and much more. Additionally, there will be special freestyle competitions and a combat/pylon race! Contestants will be competing for cash and prizes valued at more than $5,000. Photocopy of your resale tax certificate. Invoices for over $500 each from two major manufacturers or distributors. The $500 invoices must be dated after January 1, 2009. Retailers with stores, include one of the following: a. Photocopy of your store’s current Yellow Pages listing; b. Photocopy of a recent newspaper/magazine ad; c. Or, photo of your storefront. Internet Catalog and Mail Order Companies, include one of the following: a. Three major search engines that list your website; b. Copy of your consumer catalog; c. Or, copy of your promotional newsletter. Most recent catalog (required). Invoices for over $500 each from two major manufacturers or distributors. The $500 invoices must be dated after January 1, 2009. Photocopies of two invoices to retailers, each over $500 and dated after January 1, 2009. Media Members A recent copy of your publication’s masthead that lists your name as an employee of the publication. Manufacturer’s Representatives A list of current manufacturers you represent with those exhibiting at the iHobby Expo™ highlighted. Hobby University Package includes three seminars: $60 (a $15 savings) 1. 2. 3. 25 Top Tips to Survive in a Tough Retail Economy In-Store Demos and Make & Takes Make Money! Today’s Inventory Buying REGISTRATION FORM | NAME FREEation by P L E A S E P R I N T | TITLE Pre-Registr , 2009 September 18 | COMPANY NAME | ADDRESS | CITY | STATE | PHONE | ZIP | FAX | EMAIL — REQUIRED Additional Attendees | NAME | TITLE D | NAME | TITLE D | NAME | TITLE ED Buyer Attendees I am a: Retailer/Buyer | COUNTRY Product Interest (check all that apply) Adhesives Collectibles Die Cast Models Games Model Rockets / Aerodynamics (non R/C) Model Train Products or Accessories Other Paints Plastic Models or Accessories Publications Radio Control Products or Accessories Robotics Science/Educational Slot Cars Stamp Collecting Tools Videos Total Distributor Media Member Manufacturer’s Representative Pre-Registration Until 9/18/2009 # of Badges_____ FREE Registration After 9/18/2009 # of Badges_____ @ $25/per person $________ # of tickets 9ZVaZgEV`Egdbdi^dc Fee You may purchase ONE pak from each division for a maximum of four (4) paks total. Each pak requires a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of $25. YOU MUST ATTEND THE IHOBBY EXPO™ to receive your order. If you reserve this pak and are unable to attend the show, your deposit WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. The $25 deposit will be applied to the final cost of your order (not to exceed $400 per pak). You will receive an invoice for the remaining balance due. At the close of the show the pak(s) will be shipped to you at the address provided on your registration form. Visit www.ihobbyexpo.com for an updated list of participating exhibitors and information about the product included in each pak. CHECK THE DIVISION PAK(S) YOU WISH TO RESERVE: Radio Control Model Railroad Plastic & Die Cast General Hobby # of paks_____ @ $25 deposit each # of tickets Seminars & Events Thursday, October 22, 2009 25 Top Tips to Survive in a Tough Retail Economy _____ @$25* One on One Consulting Sessions with Kizer & Bender (space is limited) _____FREE ,/(%Vb·./%%Vb ./%%Vb·&%/%%Vb Tech 6-The Gap Has Narrowed $________ Fee $________ For each $37 registration fee, you and two employees may attend. Pre-registration is required. Call 800-333-3692 to pre-register. &'/%%Cddc·&/%%eb Iwata Hands-On Airbrush Workshop Space is limited to 12 participants per session. Register with Tom Grossman at 719-268-9848 or tomtag@pcisys.net &'Cddc"&/(%eb The Buck-an-Idea Bonanza-Your Fifteen Minutes of Fame _____ @$10 $________ &/%%eb·'/%%eb One on One Consulting Sessions with Kizer & Bender (space is limited) ______FREE '/%%eb·(/%%eb In-Store Demos and Make & Takes Make Money! )/%%eb·*/(%eb ty Hobby Univer5sieach… * $2 e ar s ar Semin ars for $60 – take all 3 semin Friday, October 23, 2009 Today’s Inventory Buying s a $15 saving ,/(%Vb·./%%Vb Horizon’s Spektrum DSM _____ @$25* $________ _____ @$25* $________ _____ FREE &'/%%Cddc·&/%%eb A Better Point of Sale System for Hobby Shops _____ FREE &'/%%Cddc·&/%%eb Profit From Plastics For each $34 registration fee, you and two employees may attend. Pre-registration is required. Call 800-333-3692 to pre-register. &/%%eb·'/%%eb Make More Money: Global e-Commerce Made Simple _____ @$10 Saturday, October 24, 2009 Introduction to MRC’s DCC _____ FREE Horizon’s Spektrum DSM _____ FREE )/(%eb·+/%%eb &'/%%Cddc·&/%%eb &'/%%Cddc·&/%%eb Hobby University Package (includes all three Hobby U seminars) $________ _____ @$60 $________ TOTAL $________ EVnbZci>c[dgbVi^dc Check Enclosed Payable to iHobby Expo™ (U.S. Funds) Credit Card: V Visa M | CREDIT CARD NUMBER | EXPIRATION | CARDHOLDER NAME | ZIP | SIGNATURE A MasterCard / American Express | 3-DIGIT CVV CODE Qualified Attendees — FREE ADMISSION if you pre-register by 9/18/09! Get your TRAVEL EXPENSES REIMBURSED with Ticket to Ride! Buy product “Dealer Paks” at deep discounts! Register Online Today! find up-to-the-minute show information: www.iHobbyExpo.com List of Exhibitors* *As of June 1, 2009 AA Portable Power Academy of Model Aeronautics Acela/Northeast Corridor Layout Acrylicos Vallejo S.L. Action Hobby Aeromax Inc Airborne Models Airfix/Humbrol Al’s Hobby Shop aNb Media Aristocraft Trains/Polk’s Hobby Auto World b2b Replicas Bachmann Trains Big Squid RC Bob Smith Industries Inc Burfitt Tools Australia Caboose Industries Carrera of America Castle Creations Inc Chicagoland Hobby China Toy Association CMW Holdings/Classic Metal Works Cobra RC Toys Common Sense RC Daron Worldwide Trading DHS Diecast Donegan Optical Company Inc Du-Bro Products DX Energy, Science & Technology Co. LTD EDS Racing Products Eduard Model Accessories Electronic Model Systems Empire Hobby, LLC Enerland Co Ltd Evergreen Scale Models Excel Hobby Blade Corp Four Pi Inc Fun Lines Games Workshop Garrett Metal Detectors Gayla Industries Inc GCLaser Golden Bell Press Good L Corp Great Planes Model Dist. Green Light LLC Grex Airbrush Heimburger House Publishing Himoto Racing Hitec RCD USA, LLC Hobby Merchandiser Hobbycraft Canada HobbyTown USA Hobbytyme Hobzob Hong Kong Trade Development Council Horizon Hobby Inc Hornby America Independent Highrailers Midwest Iwata-Medea Inc Joe’s Brick Depot Kalmbach Publishing Co KATO USA Inc KL Corporation LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago Lionel Trains M.T.H. Electric Trains Magnum Enterprises Maplegate Media Group Marklin, Inc. Maxx Products Int’l LLC Merlin Glow Plugs Inc Micro-Trains Line Co Midwest Products Co Minelab USA Minichamps North America Inc Minicraft Models MMD Squadron Mobil Aviation Historical Exhibits Model Builders Supply Model Power Model Rectifier Corporation Model Shipways/Model Expo Moebius Models Nine Eagles Northwest N Trak Model Railroad Novak Electronics, Inc NRCTPA Palco Sports Panache Place, Inc Parma International Paul K Guillow Pegasus Hobbies Phoenix Toys & Novelties Plastruct Inc Premier Kites & Design ProDesign Model Production Pro-Line Proxxon/Prox-Tech Inc Puzzled Inc Quayside Publishing Group (MBI) R/C Car Magazine Racemasters, Inc/AFX RailCam/HobbyCam by ATS Railway Productions RAM Models Inc. Red Cat Racing REH Distributing Replicarz RJ Speed Robotis Rotory Modeler Magazine SCX Skywide (HK) Ltd SoundTraxx/Blackstone Models Stevens International Sullivan Products Sunrich Toys & Hobby Sunward Aerospace Tekin, Inc The Coachyard/Thinfilm The Desktop Cash Register The Testor Corporation Think Omnimedia LLC (Xtreme R/C Cars Magazine) Thunder Power RC Thunder Tech Racing Tiny Brite Lights, LLC TM Books & Video Traxxas Tri-Technical Systems Trossen Robotics Trumpeter Models Tru-Square Metal Products Tyler Retail Systems Inc Venture Crew 57 Club Baden Powell Modular Railroad Club Venture Hobbies Williams by Bachmann Wingtote LLC Wm K Walthers Woodland Scenics World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour Xtreme Racing Xuron Corporation Zona Tool Co