From the President - August 2024Dear Members, At the end of July, I had the opportunity to visit the Civica offices in Denver, CO, and review the GCA archives along with Kori and Endsley, our tireless GCA staff. I was filled with a profound sense of pride and inspiration. It was amazing to see the documents and images from the inception and onwards of the association in 1941. The GCA has been at the forefront of celebrating and advancing the art and business of greeting cards. These archives tell a story of resilience, creativity, and community spanning more than eight decades. One constant shines through: the power of a heartfelt message. Whether it's a simple “thank you,” a warm “happy birthday,” or a poignant “thinking of you,” greeting cards touch hearts and connect people. As I look through old newsletters, meeting minutes, and event photos, I am struck by how much has changed and yet how much remains the same. The challenges faced by our predecessors often mirror our current struggles, and their triumphs offer lessons and hope for our future. Plus, it seems people have always been terrible at handwriting—some things never change! Greeting cards reflect the changing nature of the American consumer and their desire to communicate with friends, family, and associates. Over the decades, our industry has evolved to mirror and reflect society’s communication needs. We don't create the trends; we help our customers find the right way to express what they want to say. From the joyous celebrations of the post-war era to heartfelt expressions during times of social change, our cards capture the sentiments of the times. We like to think of ourselves as the silent partners in all your emotional outpourings—like the Cyrano de Bergerac of stationery? Today, we stand at a crossroads, much like many times before. The digital age presents both challenges and opportunities. While electronic communication has become ubiquitous, the tangible, personal touch of a greeting card remains irreplaceable. Our industry faces pressures from environmental concerns, shifts in consumer behavior, and the rapid pace of technological advancement. However, these challenges also pave the way for innovation and growth. Sustainable practices, creative designs, and integrating digital elements into physical cards are just a few of the exciting avenues we are exploring. Who wouldn’t want a birthday card that also plays "Happy Birthday" in polka style? The GCA is more than an association; it is a community of artists, writers, manufacturers, associate suppliers and retailers who believe in the timeless value of greeting cards. Our recent initiatives, like Town Hall, *Noted and the Diversity and Inclusion categories of the recent Louie Awards, show we can adapt and thrive in a changing world. We are committed to supporting our members through advocacy, education, and community-building activities that honor our legacy while embracing the future. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Nora Weiser on her four years as Executive Director. But as we look ahead, along with our new Executive Director, Sierra Bretz, I encourage each of you to reflect on the core values that have guided the GCA since its inception: creativity, connection, and compassion. By staying true to these principles, we can navigate the challenges ahead and seize new opportunities with confidence and enthusiasm. Thank you for being a part of the Greeting Card Association. Together, we will continue to celebrate the art of greeting cards and ensure their place in our lives for generations to come. Warmest regards, Andy Meehan |