Monthly ERA Update: The Power of Diversity

Dear ERA Members,

I look forward to each September, not just because it marks ERA’s annual D2C Convention, but for the mere fact that it signifies a reunion of the vast number of individuals who make up our direct-to-consumer marketing community. It also serves as the ideal introduction of new acquaintances to our close-knit organization.

Each year this month signals the beginning of another chapter for the association, with new leadership on our Board of Directors, as well as the respective committees and councils. What makes the 2011-2012 Board of Directors so impressive is the fact that it’s quite diverse. During the selection process, we made a concerted effort to create a well-balanced Board, whereby two-thirds of the directors are marketers/retailers with the remaining one-third comprised of suppliers. As a result, this Board is made up of well-respected industry professionals combined with remarkable credentials, and an eagerness to share different viewpoints.

This year, we welcome three new members to the Board:

Brendan Condon, CEO of REVShare, brings substantial television media experience to his new role as a board member, including 25 years with Time Warner/AOL.

Chris Reinmuth, vice president, direct response at Litle & Co., is an expert in payment processing and longstanding member of the association.

Lastly, our third newest director is Rich Yoegel, director of off-air programming at QVC Inc., who has an extensive background in live shopping.

These three seasoned professionals join incumbent Board members — Scott Boilen, Allstar Marketing Group; Denira Borrero, Omni Direct Inc.; Jon Congdon, Beachbody; BJ Fazeli, BJ Global Direct Inc.; Matt Fisher, LiveOps; Carey Grange, TEMPTU Inc.; Greg Henchel, HSN; Harry Hill, Oak Lawn Marketing; ERA Europe Chairman John Mills, John Mills Ltd. / JML House; Tim Pearson, Time Life; Elliott Segal, Guthy-Renker; and Cecilia Turner, IComm — to bring a wealth of leadership and industry knowledge to ERA. Their collaborative efforts will be a major asset to the organization as we forge ahead through our various strategic initiatives for the coming year.

Leading the charge will be our incoming Chairman Steven Feinberg, CEO, SF Global Sourcing, who possesses an outstanding resume in the direct-to-consumer marketing industry. Steven has faithfully served on the Board of Directors and various other councils and committees and has been a long-time exhibitor. He more recently served as Board Treasurer and Vice Chairman. Please join me in welcoming Steven as he leads us to further growth and maturity.

As we head into the new term with a newly elected chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Chairman Jeff Tuller, president of Savvier Inc., for his valuable contributions over his tenure. Jeff’s input and professional expertise has been a guiding force these past 12 months and before in his roles as Vice Chairman, Treasurer and many other volunteer leadership positions. As immediate past chairman, Jeff will lead ERA’s Nominating Committee in identifying candidates for ERA’s 2012 Board of Directors’ slate of nominees. On behalf of the Board of Directors and ERA staff, we greatly appreciate his dedicated service.

As you can see, we have assembled a stellar group, who share a common goal: to work collectively to ensure that our members and the industry at large continue to thrive and build toward a successful future.

I look forward to working with each and every one of our directors, and I am very confident that we’ll make this the most successful and productive year yet.

Best Wishes,

Julie Coons President and CEO Electronic Retailing Association