Volume XII, Issue 3
effortless elegance
Amir And AssociAtes
PUblisher’s UPdate:
Your voYAge to greAtness
MeMPhis cook
convention center
A PUBLICATION OF HELEN BRETT ENTERPRISES, INC.
I am very fortunate to be surrounded by people who are
in search of the very best that life has to offer. For me,
PUblisher the quickest path toward the greatest things in life is the
UPdate
path of inquisitiveness. So I’m always impressed when
one of our staff shows a passion for our product offer-
ings. Cathy Donahue has submitted the following about
by Robert Kolinek the Helen Brett Gold Card program and I want to share
it with you.
YoUr VoYage to
greatness One of the questions that I’m
most frequently asked each year
is, “Does my business qualify to
attend the Helen Brett Gift &
Jewelry Shows?” Admission to
the Helen Brett Gift & Jewelry
Shows is certainly your first
step on that road to finding
the very best. The Helen Brett
Gift & Jewelry Shows offer
a pleasurable experience for
everyone. Furthermore, they’re
a great way to enhance your
business. So, how do you attend?
Qualifying is easy! All you need
to do is bring a few documents
to the event in order to apply for
attendance.
By Cathy Donahue
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 2
congrAtulAtions to our Winners
At both our Memphis and New Orleans Gift & Jewelry Shows, Helen Brett Enterprises offered two $100 Gift Cards, drawn
at random, from the names of those who answered our survey questions. Congratulations to our Memphis winners, JudY
BAxter of Amory Lawn and Pool in Amory, Mississippi and lisA FAulkenBerY of Avon in Michigan City, Mississippi.
Congratulations to our New Orleans winners, christY cAvAtAio of Silpada Jewelry in Kenner, Louisiana and deBBie stilleY
of Covenant Creations and Embroidery in Independence, Louisiana. Congratulations on winning these gift cards and our many
thanks for your participation in our survey!
We’d like to take this opportunity to offer our heartfelt appreciation to those who completed the survey as well as our thanks to
all who attended the February Memphis Gift & Jewelry Show and the New Orleans Gift & Jewelry Show. It’s always an exciting
time, and it’s all of you who make our Gift & Jewelry Shows such a wonderful experience!
If you’re a qualified buyer and wish to attend one of The business owner does not have to be present to
the exciting Helen Brett Gift & Jewelry Shows, your attend. If you’d like to send a paid employee in your
business must provide the proper documentation place, all they need to do is provide a copy of a current
for the owners, owner’s spouse and/or employees. cancelled payroll check (both front and back or the
Who’s qualified? A qualified buyer is a verifiable busi- copy of a cancelled check provided by your business’
ness owner, the owner’s spouse or a paid employee. bank) or the check stub from a current direct deposit
The spouses of employees are not qualified, but can in addition to the other required information.
attend as a “buyer’s guest” for the minimal additional
We welcome all qualified buyers from any verifiable
fee of $20. Any qualified buyer may bring one guest,
business and look forward to your participation. It’s
provided that person is over the age of sixteen, for
the level of excitement in the air at the Helen Brett
the same $20 fee.
Gift & Jewelry Shows which make them so electri-
Qualified buyers must present some simple docu- fying. I can think of few other experiences that are
mentation. In addition to a current government as thrilling. When you fill a convention center with
issued ID, we require your Federal Tax ID Number. a group of people who are all united in finding the
If a Federal Tax ID number cannot be provided, a most gorgeous gifts and exquisite gems available,
copy of a current Sales Tax payment form showing you’re sure to have an event which is not only fun
the business owner’s social security number will be and interesting, but also one that offers exhilarating
accepted in lieu of the Federal Tax ID Number. opportunities you’ll never find anywhere else.
Next, we ask that you provide a copy of your current Each time you attend a Helen Brett Gift & Jewelry
Retail Sales Tax License, Business License or Occupa- Show, we ask that you provide the required documen-
tional License. Business owners must provide proof tation. In order to make your attendance even more
of ownership when the Business/Occupation License effortless, we offer the Helen Brett Gold Buyer Card.
does not clarify this information. A Helen Brett Gold Buyer Card membership will pro-
vide entrance to all Helen Brett Markets across the
In order to ensure that we’re offering these unsur-
country and documentation is only required at time
passed buying opportunities to those who will best
of purchase and upon renewal every two years. With
benefit from them, we need to know that your busi-
the Helen Brett Gold Buyer Card in your hand, you
ness is related to the industry of the show. If your
can bypass the registration process for that two year
business name or purpose isn’t clearly related to the
period and set yourself on the path to the very best
industry of the show (car dealerships, landscape busi-
that much faster. You’ll find the application for the
nesses, convenience stores, etc), we ask that you pro-
Gold Buyer Card on our Web site, www.gift2jewelry.
vide a little extra information. All you need to do is
com. In fact, you’ll find answers to all of your impor-
provide three recent invoices showing quantity orders
tant questions on our Web site. Or, call 630-241-9865
of a related product (gifts, novelty items, home dé-
for more information.
cor, apparel, lawn decorations, etc. that are purchased
with the intent to resell to your customers) in excess Remember, asking questions is the best way to navi-
of $100 each. These invoices must be from suppliers gate your journey to greatness. And, we’re always
for product that is related to the industry. Additionally, happy to be your guide on that voyage.
we’d like to see a photo of a display of related items
located in your store or place of business.
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 3
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 4
Amir and Associates offers
Effortless Elegance
Amir Mehrabani, President of Amir and Associates,
knows that everyone wants to be surrounded with
elegance. However, our hectic lives and multiple
responsibilities are often preventative to our pursuit of
luxury. That’s why Amir and Associates makes selecting
the most exquisite jewelry and luxury watches a process
that’s as easy and personal as it is affordable.
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 5
Mehrabani founded Amir and Associates in 1981 and quickly “Anything our customers want, we can provide,” Mehrabani
made a big impression on the jewelry industry as a top-notch continued. “My agenda is to have a happy customer.” That is
provider of jewelry items and related supplies. Amir Mehra- also the agenda of everyone at Amir and Associates.
bani’s association with Helen Brett Enterprises began thirty
Mohssen Hajighassem has managed Amir and Associates
years ago when Amir first started attending the Gift & Jewelry
since 1992, though he was with the company from the very
Shows. Initially, Mehrabani offered attractive gift items before
start. Mohssen and Amir were born in the same city and at-
following his passion into the world of jewelry, finished prod-
tended school together as boys. As adults, they lost contact
ucts, loose diamonds, gold and luxury timepieces.
until they were reunited in Louisiana. Now, these boyhood
From his modest beginnings, three decades ago, selling out of chums and dedicated staff, Thelma Chaisson & Kye Chong
a Baton Rouge flea market, Amir Mehrabani has grown his busi- extend their friendliness to their customers as they welcome
ness through careful nurturing and a sincere desire to ensure his them to view their stunning collection of diamonds, jewelry
customers are satisfied. “I take nothing for granted,” Amir said. and pre-owned Rolexes.
“I believe in myself and I believe in my company. I also believe
With great pride, Amir and Associates not only matches their
in our customers and making them happy. Our customers know
customers to the perfect pre-owned Rolex, but they repair
us and trust us.” It’s that level of care for his customers that has
them, offer a one year warranty and coach the customer in
led to the success of Amir and Associates. “Our customers must
the care of their luxurious new watch. If a customer wants a
be satisfied,” Amir explained. “We don’t work for the money.
new Rolex, that’s not a problem, either. Amir and Associates
Money is good, but a happy customer is the best thing.” It’s no
can obtain the timepiece of your dreams quickly and easily. It’s
wonder that Amir and Associates has such a stellar reputation.
obvious that their goals are to make their customers’ experi-
As their reputation grew, so did their business. After adding ence as carefree as possible and to offer the best selection of
gold and silver jewelry to their inventory, Amir and Associates luxurious items.
opened a small shop, soon adding diamond jewelry and an ex-
In addition to their impressive catalog, in 2003, Amir and As-
traordinary selection of loose diamonds to their product line.
sociates opened a glittering showroom in Metairie, Louisiana.
Loose diamonds of any and all sizes and shapes are available
For thirty years, Amir and Associates has been connecting
for your selection. If you want something special, like an un-
the highest quality diamonds, gems and timepieces with indi-
usual cut, carat weight or a fancy color diamond, no problem!
viduals as well as trade-only buyers across the United States
Amir and Associates can obtain the diamond of your dreams
through their store, their beautiful Web site and through their
in about forty-eight hours. By working with the most trusted
participation in the Helen Brett Gift & Jewelry Shows.
sources and vendors, Amir and Associates ensures that their cus-
tomers are getting the highest quality merchandise available. Amir and Associates proudly presents their “Diamond Collec-
tion” which showcases some of their top-selling items as well
as the newest in diamond designs. The “Diamond Collec-
tion” represents the very best of their manufactured jewelry
as well as amazing imported pieces which cannot be found
anywhere else.
Amir Mehrabani believes that offering the utmost
quality and service to Amir and Associates’ custom-
ers is his top priority. “Our business is built on a
foundation of training, skills, values and trust. Cel-
ebrating three decades of business and service,
Amir and Associates, Inc. has established itself
as a renowned jewelry wholesaler, manufacturer
and importer.” Mehrabani said.
“We manufacture a large selection of our diamond
jewelry.” Mehrabani continued. Doing so ensures
that Amir and Associates has control over the
quality of their products in order to guarantee
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 6
that their customers receive only the best gems and settings at Additionally, with their amazing collection of diamond neck-
the best possible price. laces, pendants, bracelets, earrings, rings, and semi-mounts,
Amir and Associates offers something of interest to everyone.
Amir and Associates offers diamond and gemstone jewelry for
When purchasing semi-mounts, if you’re looking for the per-
both ladies and men. If you like the look of a piece, but want
fect stone, their trained staff can help you select an exquisite
some changes to make it more personal, Mehrabani and his
diamond from their tremendous selection of shimmering loose
team are more than happy to oblige. “We can also customize
diamonds. They’ll even set the stone to your exact specifica-
for a preferred look,” Mehrabani proudly stated. “We do a lot
tions and make any alterations that are needed. Their goal is to
of custom pieces here and work with the customer to create
make the whole experience as effortless as possible.
something to accommodate any custom-made piece---translat-
ing dreams into reality,” Mohssen Hajighassem stated. Not only is Amir and Associates making luxury easier to access,
they’re making it more affordable. And, best of all, they’ll make
In fact, Amir and Associates encourages their customers to cus-
sure that you are able to show your elegance to the world in
tomize their pieces, and, even, to work with their staff to design
your own, personal way.
original, custom creations. Mehrabani knows the importance of
a personalized piece of jewelry. He said, “A beautiful custom- To learn more about Amir and Associates, visit their Website at:
designed jewel is an expression of the wearer’s passions, lifestyle http://www.amirandassociates.com/shop/. Just know that the
and tastes.” The experts at Amir and Associates have twenty merchandise on the Web site barely scratches the surface of
years of experience in creating custom pieces of jewelry and are the wonderful pieces in Amir and Associates’ collection. Keep
always excited to work with you to create the piece you’ve al- an eye out for Amir and Associates at upcoming Helen Brett
ways imagined. Tradeshows to see their gorgeous range of products.
Amir And AssociAtes, inc.
3655 Veterans Memorial Blvd. | Metairie, LA 70002
p: (504) 888-0229 | f: (504) 885-2723
email: amirdiam@bellsouth.net | website: www.amirandassociates.com
memphis - Booths 1004-1005
new orleAns - Booths 1351-1352
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 7
SHOW INFO
MEMPHIS, TN NEW ORLEANS, LA
MeMphiS Gift & JewelRy Show iNteRNatioNal JewelRy faiR/GeNeRal
MeRChaNDiSe Show
August 26–28, 2011 (Friday Opening)
November 10–13, 2011 (Thursday Opening)
10,000 Buyers & 350 Booths
30,000 Buyers & 1,110 Booths
Memphis-Cook Convention Center
New Orleans Morial Convention Center
NEW ORLEANS, LA BATON ROUGE, LA
New oRleaNS Gift & JewelRy Show
BatoN RoUGe JewelRy & GeNeRal
August 18–21, 2011 (Thursday Opening) MeRChaNDiSe Show
20,000 Buyers & 700 Booths December 10–12, 2011
New Orleans Morial Convention Center 20,000 Buyers & 500 Booths
Baton Rouge River Center
MEMPHIS, TN
MiD-SoUth JewelRy & aCCeSSoRieS faiR
November 3–6, 2011 (Thursday Opening)
No children under the age of 16 permitted on the show
10,000 Buyers & 450 Booths
floor. Only one guest per qualified buyer. No wheeled carts
Memphis-Cook Convention Center of any kind or strollers will be permitted on the show floor.
Infants in front packs are the only exception. An area for
you to check your cart/stroller will be provided. Wheelchairs
are permitted. Please visit www.gift2jewelry.com for addi-
tional show rules and regulations.
M a k in g H o t e l
Reservations
Has Never Been Easier!
Register online at www.gift2jewelry.com.
1. Select “Hotel Reservations” located on the top bar.
2. Select the show you are planning to attend.
3. Select “Make a Hotel Reservation.”
It’s that easy. You will receive immediate confirmation either
by e-mail, fax or U.S. mail and you can modify or cancel
your reservation at any time.
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 8
TRAVEL INFO
NEW ORLEANS, LA MEMPHIS, TN
AUGUST 18–21, 2011 AUGUST 26–28, 2011
(Rates will increase after the cut-off date of 7/13/11.) (Rates will increase after the cut-off date of 8/2/11.)
MaRRiott SpRiNGhill SUiteS MeMphiS MaRRiott DowNtowN
301 St. Joseph St. 250 N. Main St.
New Orleans, LA 70130 Memphis, TN 38103
Rate: $129 Single/Double/Triple/Quad Rate: $129 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
StayBRiDGe SUiteS
501 Tchoupitoulas
New Orleans, LA 70130
Rate: $99.99 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
HAMPTON INN CONVENTION CENTER
1201 Convention Center
New Orleans, LA 70130
Rate: $79 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
All dates are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm the latest dates on our Web site before making travel plans.
All shows allow order writing and immediate delivery. For more information on shows, contact:
helen Brett enterprises, inc. | 5111 Academy Drive | Lisle, IL 60532-2171
Phone: 630.241.9865 • Fax: 630.241.9870
www.gift2jewelry.com
new orleans
Booth 1457
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 9
MeMphis Cook
Convention Center
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 10
Features: to Memphis Marriott Downtown
Skywalk
Gevalia Coffee shop
Trolley Stop Bar
Magnolia Grill
the memphis cook convention center has All of this is available to you via the short skywalk
which connects the hotel to the Memphis Cook
always been a warm and welcoming venue Convention Center. But, the amenities don’t
just end with food and drinks. You now have
for the helen Brett memphis gift & Jewelry a plethora of other services available to you
show and mid-south Jewelry & Accessories which will make your experience all the more
productive. Stop off at the Gevalia Coffee Shop,
Fair. since 1955, both shows have thrilled in the hotel, to meet with friends and associates
over a pastry and a cup of world-class coffee.
people with their selection of exquisite and It’s the perfect way to fuel your body while
fueling your mind.
beautiful items which add a much-needed
Your business will always be able to continue
touch of elegance to our everyday lives. From seamlessly due to the convenient UPS Store
their debut, the shows have continuously which offers you a way to stay in touch with
your customers and your homes. After taking
featured over three hundred booths filled care of the day’s business, you can keep your
body as sharp as your mind with a visit to the
with remarkable finds, welcoming 8,000 exceptional, newly renovated fitness center at
the Memphis Marriott Downtown.
buyers to each event. now, your experience
Visiting the Memphis Cook Convention
will be even more enjoyable than before! Center is easier than ever. The facility features
the memphis cook convention center has a host of parking garages which provide
convenience and easy access to the Memphis
added an exciting range of features which Cook Convention Center. Three underground
parking levels provide safety and security for
are sure to provide you with a delicious and your vehicle so you can rest assured that you
won’t need to worry about your car while you
delightful experience. peruse all that the Memphis Gift & Jewelry
Show and the Mid-South Jewelry & Accessories
Since being added to the historic Ellis Auditorium, The Memphis Cook Fair have to offer.
Convention Center has grown and changed over the decades into a true
When you’re ready for a break, simply step out
marvel of modern architecture. Today, this state-of-the-art facility is one of the
onto the gorgeous outdoor terrace to catch
nation’s most popular venues and welcomes ninety percent of the conventions
some sun and enjoy the majesty of the mighty
and meetings in the United States.
Mississippi River.
One of the greatest advantages of The Memphis Cook Convention Center
The friendly staff at both the Memphis Cook
is the connected Memphis Marriott Downtown which offers a wealth of fine
Convention Center and the Memphis Marriott
dining and exciting recreation opportunities. The Memphis Cook Convention
Downtown want nothing more than to make
Center is proud to offer the wonderful food services of the Memphis Marriott
sure that your visit to the Memphis Gift &
Downtown.
Jewelry Show and the Mid-South Jewelry
Visitors to the Memphis Cook Convention Center have access to the exceptional & Accessories Fair is comfortable, exciting
Magnolia Grille where guests can retreat to enjoy delectable foods in an and fun. With their many amenities, excellent
elegant, comfortable setting. If you’re looking for an opportunity to enjoy food services, myriad break areas, impressive
some social time with your fellow attendees, you can visit the commodious architecture and breathtaking views, these
Trolley Stop Bar where you can rest on plush couches and enjoy an expertly- facilities are the perfect venue for the most
prepared beverage. popular gift and jewelry show in the Midwest.
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 11
With more than 500 million active users, and more than 700
billion minutes logged per month, Facebook is undeniably the
powerhouse in social media. Being an innovative company,
Helen Brett is always looking for new and better ways to reach
buyers and exhibitors so, as of March 30th, 2011, we’ve made
the journey onto Facebook!
We want to thank all of our loyal buyers and exhibitors Facebook page. Also, it’s a great way to let your
because our Facebook launch went very smoothly, friends, family, and colleagues know what you’re up to!
and we were delighted that our community welcomed
“Our” Facebook page is really “your” Facebook page.
us with more than 200 “likes” in less than 2 hours! Fa-
We encourage you, the user, to make it a fun and in-
cebook allows us one more way to communicate with
teractive way to communicate. Keep checking our Fa-
our buyers and exhibitors, and I just can’t express
cebook site for our latest updates and please don’t
how excited we are about our newest foray into Web-
hesitate to email me directly at bkolinek@helenbrett.
based communication.
com if you have any comments or suggestions.
We’ve dedicated a team specifically to the Helen Brett
While we’re on the topic of communication, I want to
Facebook page and our team will be responding to
remind all of our buyers and exhibitors that we appreci-
comments, posting pictures, uploading videos and up-
ate it when you provide us with your email address when
dating our community often. The “Facebook Team”
registering for a show. We will never sell your email ad-
will continually create event pages for our future
dress or any of the other contact information you give
shows as well.
us so be sure to put your email address down so we can
Make sure to let us know if you will be attending our keep you updated with our most current news.
upcoming shows through the event section on our
I almost forgot to mention that we plan to be at 600 “likes” before
this article publishes. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the 1,000th
person to “like” us on Facebook! We have something special
in the works for our 1,000th “like” so be sure to check us out at
www.facebook.com/helenbrettenterprises.
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 12
PUT YOUR MARKETING
DOLLARS TO GOOD USE!
looking for the best way to communicate with your
customers? why not send a postcard or flyer letting your
customers know:
• where your store/business is located
• the products you sell
• the special promotions being offered
• what tradeshow you will be at next
whether you need RBK to print and mail your advertise-
ment or you want to supply us with your already printed
piece to be mailed, RBK can handle it all.
Services we offer:
• Variable Data & print on-Demand Digital printing
• traditional offset printing
• first Class presort & Standard Mail
• ink Jet imprinting
• Data Management new orleans memphis
RBK is the official printer & mailer for Helen Brett Enterprises. Booth 1150 Booth 861
1988 University lane, lisle, il 60532
Ph. 630-241-9871 • Fax 630-241-9935
www.rbkmailing.com
gift2jewelry show update is published quarterly
by helen Brett enterprises, inc. For questions,
comments, and customer service:
Phone: 630.241.9865
Fax: 630.241.9870
Publisher robert kolinek
Assistant Publisher mary lou kolinek
editor chris miller
Writer lauren Pasley
Ad sales dave harrington
send your newsletter suggestions to the editor:
cjmiller@rainmakeradv.com
214.827.0770 ext. 101
For advertising rates, contact dave harrington:
dharrington@helenbrett.com
630.241.9865
www.helenbrett.com™
www.gift2jewelry.com™
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 13
New Orleans - Booths 1203-1204
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 14
1854-1856 713-714
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 15
helen Brett enterprises, inc. presorted
Standard
5111 academy Drive
U.S. poStaGe
lisle, il 60532-2171 Paid
liSle, il
peRMit #928
MeMPhis, tn
MeMPhis gift & JewelrY show
august 26–28, 2011 (friday opening)
Mid-soUth JewelrY & accessories fair
november 3–6, 2011 (thursday opening)
new orleans, la
new orleans gift & JewelrY show
august 18–21, 2011 (thursday opening)
international JewelrY fair/
general Merchandise show
november 10–13, 2011 (thursday opening)
baton roUge, la
baton roUge JewelrY &
general Merchandise show
december 10–12, 2011
Specialists in locating hard-to-find products
Beauty Corner
Prompt, superb service
Let us fulfill your fragrance needs
New Orleans - Booths 108-111
Memphis - Booths 663-664
11390 Harry Hines Blvd., Ste. B
Dallas, TX 75229
We SeLL YOur SMeLL ph 972.247.6676
fax 972.247.4518
e-mail: beautycorner@aol.com
www.beautycorneronline.com
Gift2Jewelry Show Update | 16