At your service, The Gift Basket Association Advisory Board is made up of humble experts in the industry that are here to help design, craft and engineer the future of our association. We're excited to have them here and invite you to get to know them.
The members of our advisory board have been asked to support the GBA as a mentor, adviser, contributor, reviewer and supporter in all aspects of our organization. Additionally, advisory board members are asked to:
Promote, support and endorse GBA in all circles applicable to keeping GBA a growing, enabling and supportive organization to gift basket companies and suppliers all over the world.
Provide feedback on a variety of documents including GBA programs and the Trend Report.
Be available for press inquiries, panel interviews and any other publicity made available to us.
As a member of GBA, you are invited to participate in the advisory board. Members are held in position for a minimum term of one year. If you're interested in being an advisory board member, please contact us at info@giftbasketassociation.com. You must be a member of GBA to hold a position on the advisory board.
We invite you to call on our advisory board anytime. If you have a question for the panel or someone specifically, please email us at support@giftbasketassociation.com.
Favorite Quote: "One of my favorite words is the word Empowerment. I believe that we can do anything we desire - it's in our hands and if we empower ourselves, the sky is the limit. Give yourself the gift of empowerment and don't ever forget where you came from, stay humble and pass it on." ~ Debbie Quintana
Cara Cohen, The Perfect Gift
(866) 725-6692
Industry Experience: 15 years
The Perfect Gift, President
Cara Michele Cohen, of Manhattan's The Perfect Gift Inc, has appeared on the Rachael Ray TV show and is a gift basket industry expert, instructor and award-winning designer with over 15 years experience. Cara's specialty is in promotional gifts and corporate branding-- she has designed gifts for Nickelodeon, MTV, Snapple, Clairol, many celebrities and icons of media, fashion and finance.
Favorite quote: "We are the music-makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." -Willy Wonka
Pam Newell, Gift Basket School
(330) 478-0555
Industry Experience: Over 3 decades of success as gift entrepreneur's, designers, & retailers. 15 years as educators in the gift basket industry.
Favorite Quote: "If you can dream it you can obtain it! Without a dream and a cause you will not be successful if you don't try. Your destiny is only limited by your dreams & visions!"
Mary Ann Jacobs Videos and Business Consultant, founder and President, Gifts To Go, owner
I’ve owned a Gift Basket business since 1988. My Gift Basket Video Production Company, Mary Ann Jacobs Videos, has produced ten DVDs, designed to help business owners jump start their businesses and avoid costly mistakes. Full bio here
Favorite quote: "Think Enormous! "
Derek Thieke, Northwoods Cheese
(888) 878-3161
Industry Experience: 27 years
Owner and VP Sales and Marketing-Northwoods Cheese Co., LLC
Began my career in the cheese and gift industry in 1982 working for a national retailer in various locations throughout the United States. In 1989 I left retail and began working for manufacturers in the cheese business catering to the gift industry. Since 2002 I have owned Northwoods Cheese Company and have taken the experience I have learned from selling retail as well as producing shelf-stable cheeses to provide an experience for our customers we hope is useful and services their needs.
Favorite quote: "Every effort made in a positive way to help someone will be rewarded with their long term friendship and help in return when you most need it."
Lorie Obernauer, Apex Gift Foods
(800) 348-2369
Industry Experience: Over 25 years
Vice President and Owner: Apex Gift Foods and Keystone Ribbon & Floral
Supply Company
Favorite Quote: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Sarah Botchick is the Vice President of Marketing at Pioneer Wholesale Co. Pioneer Wholesale Co., a wholesaler/importer of baskets and gift baskets supplies, was started in 1977 by Sarah’s parents, David and Rebecca Botchick. Although not officially an employee until 1996, Sarah’s experience in the gift basket industry started much earlier than that. Full bio here
Favorite quote: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky
Lisa Bevan, My Gift Basket Ideas
(800) 846-1078
Industry Experience: 3 years
President & Owner
I'm relatively new to the industry compared to everyone else on the board. I am honored to be a part of GBA and to be considered being part of such a great group of experts.
What I lack in Gift Basket experience, I make up for in Online Marketing and Social Networking. I've been an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) specialist for many years and have been an Online Business coach & developer for over 10 years.
Favorite quote: "Every passing minute is a chance to turn it all around." - Vanilla Sky
