From: WynnLindyB@aol.com
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 1997 17:01:26 -0400 (EDT)
To: balloondeco@fooledya.com
Subject: New Professional Organization!!!

The idea of having a professional organization that is not influenced by any
one particular manufacturer is one of the best ideas we've heard come out of
the numerous discussions on this list.  Congratulations George on a great
idea. 

Although Wynn and I have always been avid fans and supporters of Pioneer and
QBN, it is obvious that our industry has grown beyond the scope that one
manufacturer is able to handle.  Pioneer has done an OUTSTANDING job in
helping their distributors and customers, but I'm sure that even they would
admit that QBN has grown so much faster than they had ever dreamed it would
(when you've got a great idea, it sells itself!!!!), and this exceptional
response to their wonderful program has come with many unforseen problems
that cannot be solved overnight.  

Also, we all seem to forget that Pioneer also has a business to run outside
of QBN, and, of course, the goal of their business is to sell more balloons.
 Obviously, QBN is doing a great job of helping them to do that by helping
all of us to be successful as well.  It's always been a great comfort to Wynn
and me to know that Pioneer's success depends directly upon the success of
our little business and upon the success of all the other little business'
 that buy balloons from them.

Yup!!  It's definitely time for us to have our own INDEPENDENT professional
organization that can perhaps help to take the load off of Pioneer so they
can get back to the business of manufacturing and selling the BEST quality
balloons around!! Our suggestion for a name might be something like:
"ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT BALLOON ARTISTS ("APIBA"). 

This organization could be supported by manufacturers of balloons, ribbon,
Hi-Float, foamboard, floral and craft companies, Lomey, Syndicate Sales, and
on and on and on and on infinitum!!!  

It sounds as if you, George, might be an excellent person to get this show on
the road as you seem to have a background in this type of professional trade
organization.   Wynn and I would be very much interested in pursuing this
idea further with you George, or any individual, manufacturer, distributor or
other interested person. 

Let's hear from the rest of you!  Do you think we're ready yet to join
together or are we still too "young" to know the value of working WITH each
other rather than AGAINST each other?  How about it Pioneer, BSA, Lomey,
Hi-Float, Z-Barten, Conwin, Creation Station, Advanced Creative Products,
CTI, Highland Paper Products, Flowers, Inc., Skistimas Design System "SDS",
Bruce Walden Balloon School, IBAC, M&D Balloons, Miss Lily's, Rouse Systems,
Inspireworks, etc., etc., etc.!!!!

Smiles from us to you!!
Wynn & Lindy Bell, CBA's
Balloons & Flowers, Etc.
San Jose, Ca.
E-Mail:  WynnLindyB@AOL.com