Oct. 2015 ZAG Newsletter

ZAG NEWS Oct. 2015 PAGE 1

ZOO AND AQUARIUM BUYERS GROUP

ZAG News Volume 14, Issue: 4 www.zaggift.com Oct. 2015

Gold Sponsor Spotlight! Art studio does it again with its new line of name dropped sequin and metal souvenir ornaments. As al-ways a portion of the pro-

ceeds help an endangered species! This year The Coral Reef Alliance!

These are all hand stitched in small villages providing work and income for groups who often would go unem-ployed.

The most incredible thing to note is this products in-credible sell through 12 months a year!

Green Kids Club Features the Grizzly Ghost Bear!

Green Kids Club is proud to have recently published The Grizzly Ghost Bear! The book covers grizzly bear habituation issues and is centered in the area of the great Northwest and Canada! In this story our main characters, Victor and

Maya meet up with Mak who is a native child from the area. By virtue of drinking from a magic spring the chil-

Tis' the season. Trade show season that is!

The time to gear up and begin preparing for next year has arrived.

We know this can get a bit stressful sometimes and we're here for

you every step of the way.

Have you seen our new 2016 products yet? We've added some exciting new animals to our Safari family and after in-

numerable requests, we finally came out with a Wild Playmat!

Contact your Toy Guru for a copy of the New Product Guide and begin planning the coming year with Safari Ltd.

Don't forget to ask about Pre-book, trade show specials, and year-round ZAG specials.

Continued on page 3

Pampeana is an environmentally friendly and Fair

Trade company who has worked with communi-

ties of artisans in Ecuador for over 10 years. In ad-

dition to creating a sustainable, social-economical

environment for the three communities we work

with, we have emphasized our efforts in using recycled and renewable materials on every item we cre-

ate. We believe that desirable products can be created at an affordable wholesale price while being re-

sponsible for our environment and our Fair Trade efforts.

Continued on page 3


Gold Sponsor Spotlight!

More Gold Sponsors for 2015


dren have the power to communicate with animals. In this story, Mak drinks the magic water and gains these same powers. The children go for a hike and accidentally end up in a cave where they encounter the Grizzly Ghost Bear! Read how the story unfolds and the Ghost Bear, with the kids help a Grizzly Mom Bear and her cubs from getting into trouble!

This story has been endorsed by Jack Hanna, “Grizzly Bears are magnificent! Taking care of wild animals like the Grizzly Bear is a job for all of us. Thank you Green Kids for doing your part in keeping bears and other wildlife safe and re-spected!”

In character with our book, we have also created a bear outfit to fit our plush dolls! See www.greenkidsclub.com

Green Kids cont.….

Gold Sponsor Spotlight!

A few of you have known us from the beginning and can see how far we have come. Our product lines are

well developed with solid designs and good product assortment. In fact, this year we added 15 new Aquari-

um and Safari designs and launched our Woodland Kids Collection with more than 35 new designs. The

Woodland collection focuses on three categories: safari, aquatic, and woodland animals.

We can easily customize our products by name dropping or adding your logo. We have perfected the art of

custom work. We can do any design you need on our products. So, when you have a new born elephant, gi-

raffe or otter, we can make that image for you. Places like the Santa Barbara Zoo, Calgary Zoo, ST Louis Zoo,

Columbia Aquarium to name a few, have taken advantage of these programs. We do not charge extra for

name dropping or custom work.

We would like to invite you to come to see us in Tennessee in Pigeon Forge at booth #7330 in November and

share with you the products we have created with you in mind.

Let us know if you want us to mail you our latest catalog at [email protected].

Show Specials: Earrings at $2, Ornaments $4-$7.50, Free Name Drop/Custom Work, Night Lights with Dis-

play included, and more!

Thank you, Pablo

www.pampeana.net

Pampeana continued...

http://www.greenkidsclub.com

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.pampeana.net/


For me September 1st has always been an exciting day. In my previous life I was a General Manager for a department store. There September 1st meant the push for fourth quarter had begun in earnest. Fourth quarter for department stores is all about building toward Black Friday, make or break time for your store’s profit (and your bo-nus!). Now in my life as Retail Sales Manager / Buyer for Zootique @ Cameron Park Zoo September 1st means Trade Show Season is about to begin. For me this means gearing up for Spring Break, bringing new product to the assortment for Summer and making sure my shop is ready for the March thru July blitz, our make or break time

here in Texas.

Since I’ve had the honor of serving on the ZAG Board September has also meant an opportunity to mix and mingle with our Sponsors and our Members. We have so many new and exciting things happening this year, starting with the Las Vegas Souvenir Show mixer and continuing through ZAG week in the Great Smoky Mountains. I am so excited for our mem-bers to experience the changes we have made to the format of our Annual Members Meeting in Pigeon Forge. I believe we listened to your feedback and will deliver a meaningful and fun event you will remember

for a while.

Our industry is in an almost constant state of change, new products, new designs, new twists on existing mer-chandise…this is the time of year when we can take a look at the newest trends, and potential hot sellers for the coming seasons. This is also the time when we can get together with other buyers, our colleagues around the country and talk about what’s new, what’s hot, what’s coming down the pike. This is a great strength of our organization. ZAG can be a big part of gathering information from your fellow buyers, net-working, learning about new products and trends. I urge you to take advantage of all the wonderful opportuni-ties your membership in ZAG provides you. This is a tremendous opportunity to feel pride of accomplishment in our roles as Buyers. We can look forward to our purchases during trade show season to drive revenue and support our zoos, aquariums and wildlife facilities. As the cool weather approaches let’s take time and enjoy

the season…Trade Show Season!

Happy Selling

Michael

[email protected]

Twitter & Instagram: @davisplan

Presidents Message

ZAG is a collection

of merchandise buy-

ers for zoos, aquari-

ums and other wild-

life-related institu-

tions and attractions.

The goals of ZAG

are to increase and improve communication be-

tween buyers, and to raise awareness and pro-

fessionalism of the field within the zoo and aquari-

um industry.

Our Mission Board of Directors

Michael Davis (TX) - President

Tommy Brown (MO) - V. President

Theresa Danneffel (MI) - Treasurer

Missy Rosevear (PA) - Secretary

Laurie Vanderwal (AR)

Denise Lamoureux (MA)

Brent Walter (WI)

Robin Miller (FL)

Yvonne Miles (CA)



2015 ZAG Board Election Candidate Profiles

Kim Gefre

Director of Retail Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, FL

Joining this team would be an honor for me as ZAG has been such an important resource for me in

the 9 years that I have been the Buyer at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

In the unique environment in which we work (zoos and aquariums), it has been so beneficial for me

to network and have honest and open communication with others in this field. ZAG has provided a platform which

makes this possible through its networking events, monthly newsletters, and social media outlets.

ZAG, Inc. and the future:

Should I be elected to the board, I would like to assist in bringing more seminars and training sessions to ZAG meetings

when at trade shows and gatherings. Some potential topics could be retail math, visual merchandising and lighting, and vendor negotiations. My belief is that continuing education is critical to long term success, and that everyone, includ-

ing seasoned veterans in the retail industry, can benefit from professional development.

Melissa Rosevear

Director of Guest Services, Lehigh Valley Zoo, PA

Previous Experience:

I have been lucky enough to be doing the job I love at the Lehigh Valley Zoo for 15 years and have spent the last ten years managing Retail Operations.

As the Director of Guest Services, my areas of oversight include Retail and Food Services, Ad-

missions, Maintenance and Janitorial, Facilities, Safety, Zoo Memberships and the A.D.O.P.T. an Animal pro-

gram. Under my management, the Lehigh Valley Zoo has seen increased revenue year over year based on many of my

proposed and implemented new ideas.

ZAG, Inc. and the future:

I am currently the Secretary of the Board of Directors for ZAG, Inc. and serve on the Executive Board. I would be hon-

ored to be elected for an additional three years so that I may continue to assist those in this industry. Together with ZAG, Vendors and Buyers are able to connect and reach levels of success which, in turn, enables us to continue our fa-

cilities’ mission of conservation. I believe, as we continue to work together through social media and networking ses-

sions we can continue to impact the future of retail buying in Zoos and Aquariums.

Michael W. Davis

Retail Sales Manager / Buyer at Cameron Park Zoo, TX

ZAG, Inc. and the future: I feel that ZAG should continue to grow and evolve as an important voice in the industry. We can show that ZAG has a place at the table on issues of communication, professionalism and responsible

retailing within our institutions. Under my leadership as Board President, ZAG has expanded our in-

fluence and reaches by such means as attending the AZA Annual Conference as an organization - fur-

thering our message of the value of independent buyers to the Zoo and Aquarium industry professionals attending there. As our membership and sponsor base continues to grow, I would be honored to continue to serve on the ZAG Board of

Directors and to be a small part of helping protect and defend the ideals of the independent buyers we represent.

Continued on page 6…..


Judy Rancour

Merchandise Manager, Manager Retail Operations, Saint Louis Zoo, MO

Experience:

Merchandise Manager/Manager of Retail Operations at the Saint Louis Zoo since May, 2014

30+ years as a retail executive

ZAG, Inc future outlook:

ZAG, Inc plays an important role in the Zoo/Aquarium world by:

Providing a forum for the retail community to connect with both new and established manufacturers.

Supporting the independent buying operations around the country through exchange of ideas, contacts and experi-

ence within the Zoo/Aquarium member community.

Promoting the strength of the Zoo/Aquarium industry to manufacturing partners around the world to encourage de-

velopment of new product.

We will continue to add value to our member community by seeking new and exciting manufacturing partners, using the size and strength of the organization to negotiate trade discounts and event promotions for ZAG members, and mentor-

ing new buyers to gain proficiency in retail practices.

Linda Lea Ryder Thomas

General Manager/ Gift Buyer, Alexandria Zoological Park, LA

3 years’ experience as buyer for Alexandria Zoological Park


I have used ZAG to find new conservation minded vendors for my shop. I would like to see and help

ZAG continue to grow their vendor list of conservation and green minded businesses. In doing so, I think ZAG would continue to strengthen their partnership with their vendors and members in the future as a necessary tool in the business

world.

Paul Schweigert

Manager/Buyer, Buttonwood Park Zoological Society, MA

I am in my 3rd year as the Buyer/Manager for the North Woods Gift Shop at the Buttonwood Park

Zoo in New Bedford MA. I have over 25 years’ experience in buying and sourcing product for gift shops and department stores.

I developed a buying group for a group of franchisees and independent gift shop owners.

I did product development and direct importing for this group. I also served as a member of the gift product development group for a major buying group of department stores, and

made several import trips to Far East markets.

I also have experience in product development in screen printed and embroidered t'shirts.


I feel that ZAG is a great tool for its members to not only improve their profit margins but to benefit from shared infor-

mation of other ZAG members. ZAG has been very helpful to me in getting to know the Zoo and Aquarium gift indus-

try. The discussion and information exchanged at the meeting and shared insights on new product and developing trends is extremely valuable. I feel that I can bring a broad based perspective to the board and ZAG as a whole.

Board Candidates Cont…..

Continued on page 7...


Melinda Greene

Retail Operations Manager, Kansas City Zoo

Previous Experience:

Kansas City Zoo Retail Operations Manager since June 2012

During my time at the zoo:

Have reached over a million dollars in annual sales, seeing close to $1.5 this year

Taken over stroller barn operation and added “Last Chance” items which have been a hit!

Served as the Auction Chair for the 2013 AZA Conference in Kansas City.

Auction Chair for Kansas City Zoo Jazzoo in 2014 and 2015

ZAG Inc. and the future:

I believe that ZAG is the link between Zoo and Aquarium Buyers as well as vendors who supply product to our estab-lishments. Thru ZAG I have been able to reach out to other zoo buyers and see how a revenue generator works for them

or product and vendors they would recommend. I also have found great new products to offer to customers thru our

sponsors. I would like us to work together to use Facebook and other social media tools to show off display ideas or give tips on products and vendors to work with. I would also like to organize more regional visits so we can network in

the off season to come up with ideas to make each season better and better. Without ZAG, I wouldn’t be able to have as

much fun at shows and also wouldn’t have as much knowledge to continue to grow the gift operation at the Kansas City

Zoo.

ZAG Vision Statement

As an organization we are com-mitted to network, educate, inform and connect independent Zoos, Wild Life Centers, and Aquarium Buyers worldwide while maintaining a conscience of conservation and a concern for people and wildlife.

Our ZAG Values

Care: We are concerned about one another within the ZAG organization and make attempts to help animal institutions with their current in-house retail operation.

Connections: We are here to connect buyers to industry information, encourage buyers to connect with other buyers and connect buyers and vendors at social events.

Creditability: We act in an honest and trustworthy manner that reflects the state of the industry while providing the most current factual opinions on re-tail goods and services.

Conservation: We embrace conservation com-merce, animal welfare and the ethical treatment of people, animals and the environment worldwide while trying to conserve our natural resources.

Board Candidates Cont…..

Because we are a

green organization

we have taken the

voting process elec-

tronically to reduce paper use,

so please e-mail your

ballot back to

[email protected]

with the word VOTE in the

subject matter. All votes must

be submitted by October

15th 2015.



TRADE SHOW TIPS!

Tradeshows can be an overwhelming and exhausting experience even for tradeshow veterans. There is a lot of stimuli, merchan-

dise, price points, negotiations, networking, walking and aggressive floor salespeople who seem to consistently

block you from your goal. Information is thrown at you and you may feel as though you are running around and

not accomplishing very much. When speaking to other buyers, the “stress” of the show can be a deterrent which

would result in greatly missed opportunities to provide your retail venue with top quality products and competi-

tive pricing. Here are some Tips to make your tradeshow experience not only profitable, but also pleasurable.

▪ Have a Game plan! Doing vendor research before your trip will help you navigate the show and create a timeline. I find it

very important to prioritize buying categories and create a FLEXIBLE strategy (by vendor/location), this is key to mak-

ing sure you get things done. If you hit the show floor without a strategy, chaos can ensue! Research the show itself,

many shows have a “free freight Friday” or “show special Saturday”. This can provide more savings to your bottom

line. Have plenty of business cards, credit references and a business credit card on hand.

▪ Create a Checklist – This tangible tool will assist in making sure you are accomplishing your buying /budget goals!

Always be aware of your budget and open to buy.

▪ Be Comfortable! Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You will be on your feet all day long. Your

comfort is more important than dressing to impress!

▪ Stay Hydrated! Drink plenty of water to offset your caffeine intake! (Yes, you will need some boosters

throughout the day).

▪ Network Early - Visit the ZAG Breakfast room if available at the show. Your fellow ZAG members will usually be taking in

breakfast and/or stopping to chat over coffee and snacks. This is a great way to get leads and ask advice before you start

your day! Take Part in all ZAG EVENTS- you can absorb and learn so much from experienced buyers!

▪ Walk the Floor First – Walking the floor before you dig into your checklist will provide opportunities to find new trends, com-

pare competitive pricing, and search out new merchandise. Don’t get pulled into booths or long conversations from ven-

dors that don’t interest you. If you are not sincere in the merchandise, it is not only a waste of your valuable time, but

theirs as well. Politely say no thank you and move on!

▪ Appointments –Yes Or No? This will vary with buyers. Personally, I try not to make many appointments as

trying to keep to a strict schedule is not only almost impossible, I feel I am missing out on many other opportu-

nities. I find I am more “stressed” and feel obligated to buy. However, a few KEY appointments that will re-

quire a chunk of your time may be necessary. Vendors want to sell to you and will make time for you when you

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9


ZAG Travel Sponsorship Winners

The ZAG Board is happy to announce the two winners of our Travel Sponsorship to attend ZAG Week in Tennessee.

Please join us in congratulating Amy Lohr from Austin Zoo and Vicki Lantz from Lazy L

Safari Park. Our Travel Sponsorship winners will attend the ZAG Mixer, ZAG Annual

Members Meeting and many other ZAG sponsored functions during the week. They

will also spend quality time with ZAG Board Members walking the IGES and SMGS

shows, meeting vendors and networking with other buyers.

Amy is the first ever Gift Shop Manager for Austin Zoo in Austin TX, after having volunteered there since 2012. Amy

previously worked at Milwaukee County Zoo. Amy will be the first employee of Austin Zoo to attend a trade show, and

is looking forward to expanding the assortment in her gift shop.

Vicki is not only the buyer for the Safari Gift Shop at Lazy L Safari Park in Cape Girardeau, MO,

she is also an Owner/Partner and Zoo Director. Vicki has been a member of ZAG for two

years from the ZAA newsletter. Vicki has never attended a national gift show and is excited

to learn about more product lines to add to her shop.

We look forward to meeting and helping Amy and Vicki as they attend our functions and the

wonderful Fall shows during ZAG Week.

ZAG offers these Travel Sponsorships each year. If you are interested in next year’s opportunities be sure to watch your

email and our newsletter for details.

Michael Davis

are ready even without an appointment.

▪ Negotiate – Most vendors will work with you on terms, pricing, quantities and ship dates in order to make your buying expe-

rience easier and more profitable…all you have to do is ask! Ask for the Show Specials or a ZAG discount, many vendors

have them but don’t advertise them!

▪ Don’t Worry – If you leave the show and you did not get to finish your checklist, many vendors will extend

the show specials and will work with you after the show…just get their business card and/or catalog!

▪ Have Fun! Embrace the craziness! The shows tend to have “cocktail hour” and provide games and prizes

for their buyers to relax and enjoy. Soak it all in! Have fun after the show…go out to dinner, meet with friends or take in

the sights. A great way to decompress after a long day, you deserve it!

Have A Great Show – Denise Lamoureux

TRADE SHOW TIPS CONTINUED


Take a look at local By Tommy Brown, Saint Louis Zoo

Sometimes as buyers we get so caught up in trying to help conservation efforts in other countries and we sometimes forget our own. If we all just look around the communities we live in there are things we can buy or do that will make a huge difference in conservation efforts and the environment. For example: sell milkweed in your gift shops to help lo-cal pollinators or sell refillable water containers to reduce plastic water bottle use.

Buying local can also help reduce carbon foot printing, because it takes less energy to get products to your shop. In Missouri they manufacture corn plastics. The corn is grown in Missouri, made into plastics and then sold in Missouri as well. Having a 3 step process that creates jobs, eliminates the need for crude oil in modern plastics and reducing car-bon is really a win-win for conservation efforts.

Take a look at local food sources that can be bought as alternatives to ones that need to be imported. Buying local food reduces transportation pollution and helps local economies. We should also think of the bees and other pollina-tors and buy products like local honey to keep the art of bee keeping alive and keep value in our pollinators. Remem-ber most people only want to save something if it impacts them financially. If people see a value in conservation efforts locally they will be on board to save things like the bees and other pollinators.

So buyers I challenge you to look around your community and see what you can buy for your gift shops that will make a positive conservation change in your area. Every little bit helps and keeping value in conservation efforts will make a positive change for the future.

CONSERVATION CORNER

Hello fellow ZAG members. Are you trying to figure out the next hot seller? Need help with displaying an item? Looking to see how your season compared to others? Do you have staffing issues? These are all great reasons to reach out to other ZAG members.

There are many ways to reach out to members. Look up emails on the ZAG website and contact people you know or people in your area. Use the phone and talk directly with someone. Are you attending one of the fall trade shows? Go to the ZAG sponsored events, it is amazing the information you can learn from being in the room with other people who have the same interests as you. The ZAG breakfast rooms before a show are also a great place to catch up with old friends and meet new people.

Some of the things I have learned over the years are:

Don’t be afraid to ask a question. If you don’t ask we can’t answer it.

Don’t be afraid of the “Big Guys”. The San Diego Zoo may have the same issues as the little guy.

Also, it works the other way. What a small zoo/aquarium may do is something that the “Big Guy” never thought of.

I’ve heard many times where a “big” zoo solved an issue by listening to what a smaller location was doing.

Go to all the ZAG events you can. ZAG has kept all their events free for their members, with the hopes that more members would attend. It is a great way to get to know other members.

Reach out to members you know throughout the year. There is no better source of information than from other professionals who live it every day.

Most ZAG members are more than happy to answer a question, if they can.

Don’t be afraid to sit at a table with people you don’t know. How else will you meet and get to know them?

Everyone is very busy. Reach and say hi once and a while.

I hope to see you at one of the trade shows coming up. If you ever have a question, feel free to contact me or one of the board members. One last thing, don’t forget to say hello to your fellow ZAG members, when walking the show floor.

Brent Walter

ZAG Networking


ZAG WEEK RUNDOWN! We are approaching that exciting time of year again…ZAG Week in Tennessee! This year again will be packed full of good things to take part in during our time at all 3 shows again! Education and knowledge will be yours to gain during ZAG week. We have something fun and exciting happening each day of the show!

Tuesday November 3rd:

9:00am – First Time Buyer’s Talk, Brent Walter, Sevierville ZAG Room

Are you a first time buyer or new to the shows? Come to this informative talk to learn how to walk the show, find good deals, and get the most out of your first buying trip.

5:30pm – ZAG Mixer, Rainforest Adventures

This is open to Sponsors and Members of ZAG only. RSVP’s are required to attend this mixer. Drinks and Hors D' oeuvres will be provided. Come mix and mingle while surrounded by exotic and inter-esting animals!

Wednesday November 4th:

11:00am – Sponsor/Vendor Information Talk with Art from Cool Jewels, Pigeon Forge ZAG Room

Learn about the Cool Jewels Company and get sponsor and vendor insight from Art Phillips, Owner of Cool Jewels.

5:30pm – ZAG Annual Member’s Meeting, La Conte Center

This is open to ZAG Member’s only! All guests must RSVP to attend this event. Member’s that did not RSVP or are not current members of ZAG will unfortunately not be able to attend. Come join us for this great night of networking and sharing information about our different facilities. Discuss what’s hot, trending, and new things to look for! We have revamped this meeting to be packed full of discus-sion, Q&A talks, and discussions with like-size attendance and sales.

Thursday November 5th:

11:00am – Merch 101, Yvonne Miles, Pigeon Forge ZAG Room

Get to know everything from labor percentages, ROI’s, and open to buy budgets. Yvonne will give you all the tips and information you need to make sure you are a valuable member of your facility and bringing in as much revenue as you possibly can.

Friday November 6th:

10:00am – Can Conservation Drive Your Mission While Driving Sales?, Tommy Brown

Conservation Seminar & Buying Tour


<Insert your Company Logo Here>

Dear Vendor:

The <insert your name here> Merchandise Department has adopted the attached Vendor Code of Conduct that reflects our mis-sion statement and ethical standards. Vendors that follow the <insert your name here> Code of Conduct and have a Vendor Letter of Compliance on file will receive preferred vendor status.

Examples of a letter of compliance may include a copy of your company’s code of business conduct, a letter acknowledging your receipt and compliance with the <insert your name here> Code of Conduct, and/or completion of the information below.

Send all letters to:

<insert your name here> Merchandising Department

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

PHONE

FAX

Vendor Code of Conduct Acknowledgement and Compliance

I HEREBY CERTIFY:

I have received, read and understand the <insert your name here> Code of Conduct.

Our company meets or exceeds the standards stated in the <insert your name here> Code of Conduct.

_______________________________________________________________

Name of Vendor

_______________________________________________________________

Signature of vendor, vendor’s employee or authorized representative

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Printed name of person signing Title

________________________________________________________________

Address of Vendor

________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number

________________________________________________________________

Email

Please contact the Merchandise Buying office at (XXX) XXX-XXXX if you have any question or concerns.

<insert your name here> MERCHANDISING DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT

<insert your mission statement here> (Sample statement):The Merchandising Department is dedicated to producing revenues to support the Society and its Mission. The merchandise that is sold, its type, quality, display and setting enhance the Society’s image that cultivates an abiding respect for all animals and the environment.

Helpful Documents for members


SAMPLE TEMPLATE FOR ZAG MEMBERS TO USE

The <enter your company name or institution here> is a conservation, education, and recreation organization dedi-cated to the reproduction, protection, and exhibition of animals, plants, and their habitats. The Merchan-dising Department is dedicated to producing revenues to support the Society and its Mission. The merchan-dise that is sold, its type, quality and setting enhance the Society’s image that cultivates an abiding respect for all animals and the environment. It is our goal that our business associates should share these same principles. <note; department sample mission statement above, insert your own mission statement>. All vendors and their manufacturers shall conduct their business activities in full compliance with all appli-cable laws and regulations of their respective countries, including those relating to human rights, labor practices, and the environment. Guiding Principles:

Adherence to all local laws and international standards including workplace safety, compensation, child labor and working conditions. Respecting the rights of individuals and to treat all workers fairly and ethically.

Demonstrates responsible environmental practices. Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of their respective countries for environmental protection.

Operates in a responsible and ethical manner in all business dealings.

Engages in culturally responsible business practices that provide social and economic benefits to the people and places in which they operate.

Protects all < enter your company name or institution here > trademarks and copyrights, and prohibits improper sales and distribution.

Specific Requirements:

Product Safety- < enter your company name or institution here > requires all vendors and suppliers to comply with all applicable<insert your name here> state and federal laws and regulations, including those that govern consumer product safety standards. Vendors and suppliers providing "Children's Products" to the <insert your name here> will meet all testing and certification requirements to ensure such products do not contain prohibited content, will maintain certificates of conformity on all such products, and will provide them to the <insert your name here> upon request. Further, vendors and suppliers must be informed and aware of all legal requirements, including staying abreast of chang-es in the standards and interpretation thereof. <insert your name here> requires its vendors and suppli-ers to notify the <insert your name here> promptly of any changes affecting the salability of previously purchased or ordered inventory.

Labor Law Compliance – <insert your name here> expects its manufacturers and suppliers to take all steps necessary to ensure legal compliance in the facilities where

Vendor Code of Conduct

Continued on page 13

Helpful Documents for members


they produce merchandise for <insert your name here> , whether the facilities are operated by them or by their contractors. Such steps should include programs and procedures, through monitoring or oth-er means, specifically designed to maintain labor compliance in their facilities. If there is credible evi-dence indicating that one of the <insert your name here> manufacturers or suppliers, or one of their con-tractors, is violating the legal compliance provision of our contracts, <insert your name here> may sus-pend current business activity, cancel outstanding orders, prohibit subsequent use of the violating factory, or terminate its relationship with the supplier.

Forced Labor – <insert your name here> will not work with the manufacturers and suppliers that use forced labor, whether in the form of prison labor, indentured labor, or other types of compulsory labor.

Child Labor – <insert your name here> will do business only with the manufacturers and suppliers which comply with local laws governing child labor or which agree not to employ anyone younger than the age for completing compulsory education in the country of manufacture. <insert your name here> sup-ports the development of legitimate workplace apprenticeship programs for the educational benefit of younger people.

Disciplinary Practices - < insert your name here> manufacturers and suppliers must agree to treat their em-ployees with respect and dignity and agree not to use corporal punishment or other forms of mental or physical coercion.

Health and Safety – < insert your name here> will do business only with manufacturers and suppliers that provide their employees with a safe and healthy working environment. Vendors which provide resi-dential facilities for their workers must provide safe and sanitary facilities.

Discrimination – While <insert your name here> recognizes and respects the cultural difference found in the global marketplace, we believe that workers should be employed on the basis of their ability to do the job, rather than on the basis of personal characteristics or beliefs. <insert your name here> will favor manufacturers and suppliers, which share this value.

Wages and Benefits – <insert your name here> recognizes that wages are essential to meeting employees’ basic needs and will only do business with companies that both provide legal mandated benefits and pay employees at least the minimum wage required by local law or the prevailing industry wage, whichever is higher.

Working Hours and Overtime Pay – <insert your name here> will do business only with manufacturers and suppliers who (1) do not require their employees to work more than 60 hours per week on a regularly scheduled basis, except for appropriately compensated overtime in compliance with local laws, or the maximum number or regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country of manufacture, whichever is less, and (2) provide employees with a least one day off in every seven day period. In ad-dition to their compensation for regular hours of work, employees of <insert your name here> manufac-turers and suppliers must be compensated for overtime hours at such premium rate as is legally re-quired in the country of manufacture or, in those countries where such laws do not exist, at a rate at least equal to their regular hourly compensation rate.

These guiding principles reflect our commitment to ethical business practices and sound environmental poli-cy. It is the responsibility of our vendors to ensure understanding and compliance with this Vendor Code of Conduct.

Vendor Code of Conduct 11/18/10

Vendor code of Conduct Continued from Page 11

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ZAG

Spo

nso

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ecials!

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any

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IGE

S

SM

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S

ho

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pecials

GO

LD

SP

ON

SO

RS

Art S

tudio Com

pany hand crafted gifts and souvenirs

508

10% off orders placed at either show

Cool Jew

els by Phillips International

zoo and aquarium jew

elry P

F 6300 –

6401, 6501

Free C

ustom T

ags & P

re-Ticketing for Z

AG

mem

bers

Fiesta

plush toys

1402 10%

off catalog price, special promo price

Great A

merican P

roducts souvenir glassw

are and drinkware

P

F 2534-35

22%

off 16 oz. acrylic drink ware item

s with P

erfect Graphics

& N

o art Fee

Green K

ids Club, IN

C

Children's E

nvironmental A

dventure Stories &

Plush

K&

M Intl/W

ild Republic

nature-related toys & plush

PF

-7312

Odle G

roup-Gravity G

raphics S

creenprint/Em

broidery Apparel

custom art - m

inimum

48 (reg minim

um 72)

Out of H

and Graphics, Inc.

Screen P

rinted Apparel - A

dult, Youth &

Infant/Toddler

607

Pam

peana Glass A

rt & G

reen Living Tree

R

EC

YC

LED

GLA

SS

(ornaments, suncachers, w

avy glass, plates, nightlights, earrings, necklaces) and T

AG

UA

NU

TS

(ornam

ents, carvings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, mag-

nets)

PF

-7330

Earrings at $2, O

rnaments $4-$7.50, F

ree Nam

e Drop/

Custom

Work, N

ight Lights with D

isplay included, and more!

Peek A

Zoo

childrens apparel

514

Safari Ltd.®

“A

merican com

pany, full range of zoo & aquarium

figurines

& souvenirs”

PF

6518 & S

V-

2106 3300

$100 min order =

10% discount, net 60, free freight; $1000

order = 10%

discount, net 90, free freight

Sandy C

reek Mining C

ompany

Gem

stone/Fossil P

anning products and equipment

SV

-2512

The P

etting Zoo

plush toys P

F-B

-2 & S

V-

2108

Tree-F

ree Greetings

Eco-friendly, nam

e drop/custom w

ildlife stationery, drink

ware &

souvenirs P

F-8600

TR

OP

ICA

L SE

AS

, INC

. / RE

EF

SA

FE

B

IOD

EG

RA

DA

BLE

SU

N &

SK

IN C

AR

E P

RO

DU

CT

S

Village O

riginals R

ocks, Minerals, F

ossils, Hom

e Décor, G

emstone Jew

elry

1120 10%

off orders written at show

(except village mix) &

village

mix $2.50/lb

Wildlife A

rtists, Inc. plush toys

PF

-7533

Free F

reight on 2015 Confirm

ed Orders (restrictions apply)

and Discounted P

ricing for NE

W custom

ers!

SP

ON

SO

RS

29Tonight, Inc.

Souvenir

608

A F

inishing Touch

souvenirs, apparel, jewelry/accessories

A Lost A

rt H

andiCrafts (eco-friendly &

fairly traded)

A.T

. Storrs Ltd.

Jewelry, S

ouvenirs and Gifts.

PF

-6712

A-B

Em

blem

Em

blems, Lapel P

ins, Patches

1728

10% off orders placed at either show

Acacia C

reations H

and made, fair trade and sustainable gifts

1842

5% off orders over $500 / add 12 or m

ore of the single Branch

Pencils and receive 10%

off non sale price items.


ZAG

Spo

nso

r Sho

w Sp

ecials!

Co

mp

any

Typ

e of p

rod

uct

IGE

S

SM

GS

S

ho

w S

pecials

SP

ON

SO

RS

Adventure P

lanet/Rhode Island N

ovelty toys, plush

PF

-6327

Allan H

. Rose &

Co. (R

ocky Mt S

unscreen) sunscreen, custom

lip balm and zoo anim

al plush

3203

10% discount on all stock R

MS

orders; net 90 terms O

R 10%

discount on custom

lable sunscreen & lip balm

if shipped before

feb 1, 2016

Am

erican Gift C

orporation

gifts and souvenir

202

Arbordale P

ublishing books

SV

-2612

55% discount and free shipping on non

-returnable orders with

20 or more book orders m

arked "ZA

G special" received by D

ec

15th, 15

Aurora W

orld, Inc. P

lush Toys

PF

-6022

Free freight on first orders for 2015 of $350 or m

ore

B J T

oy Com

pany, Inc. S

tuffed Plush T

oys & U

mbrellas

PF

-7419-7421

Call ahead for an appointm

ent before Monday, O

ctober 26, 2015 and get 10%

off your order; Free F

reight on orders OV

ER

$500.00-FU

LL CA

SE

S O

NLY

Balsa A

rt B

alsa wood products

Barry-O

wen co.,inc.

jewelry,toys and novelties

1618

Beadw

orks Kenya

Beadw

ork products

Bears2G

o S

tuff your own plush stuffed anim

als

Big B

ang Clothing C

ompany

Wom

en's Custom

Apparel M

ade In US

A

PF

7315

free shipping on all show orders

Black M

etal Apparel

Custom

Screen P

rinted and Em

broidered Apparel

PF

=6007

F

ree shipping on ALL orders placed at the show

. Group buy

discounts on certain designs

Cam

pbell Creative G

roup, LLC

Apparel w

ith screenprinted art

Canadian A

rt Prints Inc.

Art C

ards/ Mat/F

rame

CA

PT

IV8 P

RO

MO

TIO

NS

H

EA

DW

EA

R ,S

OU

VE

NIR

S

Charles P

roducts custom

gifts and souvenirs

916

Ciao B

ella Jewelry, Inc

Jewlery and accessories

PF

-7428

CollectA

® U

S

Anim

al Figurines

PF

7820

All orders receive F

ree Freight A

llowance and F

RE

E price tick-

eting labeling.

Colum

bia Em

pire Farm

s 90 different nam

e drop food products & fun candy poop

7918

5%

discount on all orders

CT

M G

roup, Inc. penny m

achines and books

1717 F

ree Shipping W

ith order of 200 books & 200 pennybandz

D&

D D

istributing-/Wholesale, Inc.

toys, novelty jewelry

PF

-6512

Dillon, Inc.

gifts, souvenirs, toys P

F 6923

low

est case price for any quantity purchased, and FR

EE

FR

EIG

HT

with an order of $250.00.

Doodle P

ants C

hildren's clothing with anim

al prints S

V-3233

F

ree Shipping and a F

ree pair of leggings for every 50 pairs

ordered

Driftstone P

ueblo, Inc. souvenirs, rocks &

minerals, jew

erly, wooden kids toys

SV

-3332

Duck C

ompany

silk screened t-shirts and apparel

3215

Duke Im

ports Inc. W

ildlife Throw

s, Cam

o Throw

s, Blankets, S

heet Sets,

Com

forters, Pillow

s, Quilt S

ets, Quilted T

hrows

PF

-7202


ZAG

Spo

nso

r Sho

w Sp

ecials!

Co

mp

any

Typ

e of p

rod

uct

IGE

S

SM

GS

S

ho

w S

pecials

SP

ON

SO

RS

E.A

. Graphics

screen printed and embroidered apparel

PF

-7829

Eagle P

roducts custom

ized screened and embroidered w

earables

1610

Earth S

un Moon T

rading Com

pany t-shirts, sw

eatshirts, hats, mugs

516

ef*ivory (elephant-friendly ivory) eco-friendly tagua anim

al figurines (hand crafted vegetable

ivory) P

F-6425

N

et 60 on orders placed at the show

Excelsior P

rinting ww

w.cards4zoos.com

collector cards and custom

printed products

FishF

lops F

ootwear

Folkm

anis Puppets

puppets P

F-6718

F

ree Freight w

ith any $500 order placed at show

For the Love of G

ourds H

ard Shell G

ourd Art

Genetipetz

The w

orld's most unusual stuffed anim

als

50%

off wholesale first case, free shipping in U

S and N

ET

30

Term

s

GeoC

entral earth related &

educational toys, jewelry, hom

e décor

719

Giftw

orks Plus

Custom

Fram

es & M

attes P

F-6620

Global C

rafts F

air Trade G

ifts and Jewelry

Green S

treet screenprinted apparel

3200-3301

Com

plimentary F

lip Fold w

ih order of 4 designs

Green T

rading U.S

.A C

o. G

ifts, Toys, A

nimal P

lush

Holden International Inc

Personalized P

roducts

3019

Impact P

hotographics souvenirs

PF

-7430 507

inki-Drop

plush, accessories, stationary, apparel S

V-3020

Jaco of Am

erica glass ornam

ents, figurines, jewelry, tile products, polyresin

souvenirs

Jacobson Hat C

ompany

Headw

ear P

F-6912

1202

Kalan, LP

personalized gifts and souveniers

3514

Lantern Press

custom and stock giftw

are, postcards, drinkware, souvenirs

PF

-6515

$299 Mini D

isplay with P

ockets Includes a FR

EE

display and the follow

ing products in 6 images: -12 M

agnets -12

Keychains -36 P

ostcards

Laser Gifts

Souvenir

1507

Lin Mfg. &

Design (W

ild Habitat)

Socks, B

aby Booties, B

amboo A

pparel

Little Critterz

Porcelain A

nimal C

ollectibles P

F-7416

50%

Free F

reight Orders $400-799, F

ree Freight O

rders

$800+ (through N

ov 31st)

LUC

KY

FE

AT

HE

R

souvenir jewelry

10% off orders over $200

Medallion V

ending Fun

Souvenir M

edallions

Melissa &

Doug, LLC

toys, plush

3521

Mixed P

ears LLC

Photorealistic, Im

aginative Eating B

ibs/Play S

mocks

Mr. E

llie Pooh's F

air Trade S

tore

Eco-friendly F

air Trade G

ifts. Elephant dung paper and

more!

Free S

hipping on Online O

rders Placed in 2015 (use code

ZA

G2015 at check out)

National D

esign LLC.

Stationery, w

riting instruments, souvenirs


ZAG

Spo

nso

r Sho

w Sp

ecials!

Co

mp

any

Typ

e of p

rod

uct

IGE

S

SM

GS

S

ho

w S

pecials

SP

ON

SO

RS

Nature's A

rtifacts Inc N

atural gemstones &

Minerals , F

ossils , Dig it out

OP

I G

raphic apparel, combos, plush, stickers

3524-3526

Free F

reight or Extended term

s

Organic T

agua Jewlery

Fashion Jew

lery

3017 F

ree display with purchase of a program

. Anim

al display for

$499

Paparte/InS

cribe, Inc G

ifts personalized on-site. P

F-7727

811

Polar G

raphics/AC

E U

SA

C

ustom decorated A

pparel, Drinkw

are & A

ccessories

PO

OP

OO

PA

PE

R C

o. R

ecycled,& O

dorless Paper and S

tationery Gifts M

ade

With P

oop!

Prairie M

ountain printed &

embroidered apparel

613

Pucker P

owder by C

reative Concepts

Interactive Candy

PF

-7625

special discounts off dispensers

Puzzled Inc.

plush, souvenir, toys P

F-6223

Ram

atex International blankets, throw

s, apparel

402 coral fleece throw

s only $7.50 (reg $12.95 and $9.90)

Reflective Im

ages S

creen Printed &

DT

G A

pparel P

F-8906

F

ree Nam

edrops & $5.35 youth &

toddler tees, $6.45 adult tees (+

48 qty) - July 1st dating on orders shipped by April 1st - F

ree

file prep fee on custom digital designs

Rinehart S

culptures, Inc. giftw

are

Rosen P

ublishing B

ooks for children

F

ree Freight on R

osen and Gareth S

tevens titles placed within 2

day of close of show issuu.com

/rosenspecialmarkets

Salvador K

itti, LLC

Change purses, w

ristlets, cosmetic bags, purses, shoulder

bags, messenger bags, backpacks, hoilday ornam

ents,

watches and m

ore

3515

Free branded counter and floor display w

ith order, Add your

logo for free, Use your im

age for free, all new products and

images at discounted pricing

Seagull International, Inc.

Apparel A

ccessories (hats, caps, winter knit caps, gloves,

flip flops, water shoes, um

brellas, rainwear, tote bags, ban-

danas)

913

Sherry M

FG

/ Am

erican Resort G

ear clothing

1519

Soul F

lower

Eco-F

riendly Apparel and screen-printing

Squire B

oone Village

gifts, toys, souvenirs, candy P

F 6702, S

V

3124

net 90 with $1200 order, free freight and 1 free plate fee up to

$50

SS

Handcrafted A

rt gifts, souvenirs

PF

7120

free shipping all show orders (code: turtle dow

n)

Stephen Joseph

t-shirts, hats, and kids' gifts P

F-6902

5%

discount on sublimation socks (including nam

edrop)

Stoneage A

rts hom

e décor from around the w

orld

PF

7714

20% discount to all m

embers

Store on W

heels, Inc T

oys and Novelties

213

Sw

eet Gisele N

Y

Apparel - T

-shirt

1818

Thanks A

Million, Inc.

toddler/children and baby clothing

103

The D

otz Com

pany, LLC

Art and craft / S

tationary S

V-2412


ZAG

Spo

nso

r Sho

w Sp

ecials!

Co

mp

any

Typ

e of p

rod

uct

IGE

S

SM

GS

S

ho

w S

pecials

SP

ON

SO

RS

The F

oland Group

novelties, souvenirs, gifts, toys P

F-C

11

The M

ountain tee shirts

PF

-6502

The N

aked Bee

All-natural personal care

PF

-6423

Topline P

roducts, Inc. Logo-Im

printed and Custom

-Designed S

ouvenirs P

F-7515-7516

F

irst-time im

print plate and custom-designed m

old/art fees w

aived for show orders! 12%

freight cap on orders over $1000,

7% over $2500

Toysm

ith T

oys

Trail C

rest apparel

SV

-2838

V &

L Crafts

FO

SS

ILIZE

D S

hark Tooth Jew

elry & G

ifts P

F-7118

Walnut H

ollow

Wood W

all Decor

Warm

Fuzzy T

oys N

ature Related N

ovelty Toys

PF

-7027

WA

YN

E C

AR

VE

R G

IFT

S &

SO

UV

EN

IRS

giftw

are, souvenirs

502 free shipping on orders $500 or m

ore and July 10th terms on

new floor program

s

WE

ST

ER

N W

OO

DS

jew

elry/accessories, gifts

902

WILD

LIFE

CO

OK

IE C

OM

PA

NY

cookies

PF

-7604

Save 9%

on our NE

W personalized G

ourmet C

hocolate Chunk

Cookies, N

ew Z

AG

mem

bers save 24% off our anim

al cookies

Wildlife E

ducation, Ltd. books

2103

Wishpets

plush toys P

F-6102

2082

World E

nd Imports

jewelry &

animal gifts

1016

Free F

reight on orders of $400 or more plus an additional 5%

off anything shipped by 12/15/15

ZO

OC

CH

INI

kids and infant bath accessories, apparel