Nat'l. Tabletop and Giftware Assoc. dissolves?
Members of the Nat'l. Tabletop and Giftware Assoc. voted to dissolve the association this month. The association will refund 2006 dues and any remaining funds will be distributed proportionately to 2005 members based on dues paid. However, Anthony DeMasi, exec. dir. of the association, claims that the dissolution is not valid and has hired an attorney to take legal action. He alleges that 3 board members, including Marsha Everton, NTGA president, had not renewed memberships prior to Feb. 1. He also questions whether board members violated bylaws. Everton counters that all actions are legal and consistent with the bylaws. "All actions have been carefully reviewed with NTGA's legal counsel," she said. "Dissolving the organization was a difficult, but financially necessary action that was unanimously approved by the voting members. Mr. DeMasi's claims of inappropriate actions by the NTGA and its board are false."

Eden Climber wins 'world's favorite rose'
The World Federation of Rose Societies named Conard-Pyle Co.'s Eden Climber as the world's favorite rose. The award recognizes 1 variety chosen by popular vote from more than 100,000 members of the World Rose Societies in 36 countries. The rose was bred by Meilland International in France and introduced by Conard-Pyle Co. in the U.S. in 1987.

Americans fail to snag shopaholic title
Americans, despite their reputation as indebted shopaholics, fall below the global average for recreational shopping, according to a recent online survey by ACNielsen. Only 68% of American respondents shop when they don't need anything. In comparison, the Asia-Pacific region has 84% shopping for entertainment. "[Retailers can position] their brands so that shopping is seen as an experience or an event, rather than a chore," said Tom Markert, ACNielsen chief marketing officer. "[That] will bring current recreational shoppers into their stores -- and create new ones."

Designer container-grown conifers debut
Oregon's Noble Vintage is expanding its line of designer Christmas trees by adding live potted conifers, including Serbian, Norway and Colorado spruce, Nordmann and Canaan fir and Aleppo pine. The conifers come in a decorative silver pot with a tag.

Darwin Plants to package premium perennials
Darwin Plants introduced a sampler package, which includes 26 varieties of PlantSpotters, the company's line of premium branded perennials. Each plant comes with a breeder-endorsed, individually numbered certificate of authenticity. The package includes 208 bare-root and plug plants along with branded color pots, pot tags and posters for $744. The package is available through Darwin's North American agents, Beelen Bulb Co., Florasource Ltd., McHutchison and Vandenburg Bulb Inc.

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