In the October 2024 issue, this newsletter reported that a potentially crippling dock workers strike affecting ports on the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast of the United States had been postponed until January. On January 8, just eight days before the strike was set to resume, an agreement was reached.
A strike would have severely affected supply chains from Maine to Texas, but the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and The United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents ship lines and terminal operators struck a deal to avoid a strike.
"This is a win-win agreement that creates ILA jobs, supports American consumers and businesses, and keeps the American economy the key hub of the global marketplace," the two sides said in a joint statement. "This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coast ports – making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong."
Automation at ports was a key point of contention, with the union saying jobs would be lost. While fully automated technology is out, the contract does allow for semi-automation. USMX can implement new technology like cranes that can perform certain tasks without human involvement, however some jobs are guaranteed to satisfy union concerns.
Management had argued ports needed the new technology for improved productivity - not to eliminate union jobs, but the union was not convinced its members would not be affected.
President Biden praised the deal. Incoming President Trump had met with ILA President Harold Daggett in December and publicly supported the union's position. Daggett gave "full credit" to Trump for the deal, telling the incoming president he has "proven...to be one of the best friends of working men and women in the United States."
Quick Industry News
TRADE SHOW NEWS
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Featured Vendors
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Ala Carte Alice
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Ala Carte Alice's mission is simple: to provide the best products and service to their customers and use the freshest ingredients that they can find. Alice Wooten takes great pride in her company, their commitment to customer service and in the products they sell. Ala Carte Alice’s products include savory sauces, red dog rubs, glazes, relishes and jams. Black and Blue Bacon, Creme Brulee and Sante Fe are just some of the yummy cheese balls Alice offers. In addition, there are mouth watering desserts, party dips and awesome entrees. You have go to try Ala Carte Alice for an excellent cullinary experience!
Cin Chili
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Cindy Reed Wilkins, aka The Chili Queen, is a legend in the chili community. Cindy has won an extraordinary 15 first-place awards, over 100 total, in the world of championship red chili. For 35 years, she's been tweaking her best chili recipe, from the size of her beef cubes to her secret blend of powdered chili spices. Cin Chili & Company has grown since it's conception in 2005, from one awesome product to seventeen and counting.
Drew DeRose
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Drew DeRose's lines run from tabletop to decorative figurines and include candle holders, cannisters and cookie jars. All products are colorful and original. The company has a creative staff that designs merchandise for Drew DeRose Designs.
Dutch House Caramels
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Dutch House Caramels was founded in 1997, when the owners of Bayfields Bake Shop & Grill, in Alexandria, Minnesota developed a recipe for caramel candy and started making the product in the restaurant. Today the company features caramels in a variety of assortments and gift boxes.
EMV Trading
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EMV's products are deeply inspired by nature with an emphasis on creating beautiful lasting memories. The company's vast selection of unique products complements fine jewelry stores or gift/souvenir shop. EMV jewelry is perfect for any occasion, ranging from formal to casual events with specialization in Hawaiian Koa jewelry and also offering: license plates, shells and pearls jewelry, sterling silver/stainless steel/tungsten/wood collections, assorted natural gemstones and stone fashion jewelry.
Fancy That Gift & Décor
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Fancy That Gift & Decor, Inc. celebrated its 18th anniversary in August, 2019. Owners, Steve and Carmen Mendelson, have used their experience in gift and home decor to build a company that takes pride in providing quality Coastal Decor products and service with the highest levels of integrity always at the forefront.
G I Jerky
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What started out as a snack to take to the field, quickly turned into other paratroopers at Fort Bragg, NC, wanting to purchase the snack. Over the next year, pounds and pounds of GI Jerky was made in the 82nd Airborne barracks and sold to soldiers all over post. G I Jerky says "We manufacture all of our jerky to the highest USDA standards. All of our jerky is sliced, smoked and then bagged in a USDA facility. When you open a bag of GI Jerky, you can be sure that you are eating the highest quality jerky that money can buy!"
Gina B. Designs
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Gina B. Designs is an award-winning greeting card, gift and stationery products company featuring exceptional art and design. With an array of styles, variety of products and outstanding customer service, Gina B. Designs has "something for everyone." All products are proudly made in the U.S.A.
The Great San Saba River Pecan Company
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The Great San Saba River Pecan Company is located in a huge pecan orchard near San Saba in Texas. The company's products include Preserves in a variety of flavors, Toppings, "Popin" Popcorn Pecan Snack and Pecan Pie in-a-Jar.
Herbal Rose Apothecary
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Herbal Rose Apothecary is a woman owned business founded by a nurse. Shadda Rose is an herbal enthusiast who is dedicated to bringing the medicinal world of plants to the community by offering ethically/organically sourced dried herbs, DiY apothecary kits, bath salts, gifts & more to the market.
JAG Enterprises Inc.
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Having been in business now for 31 years, JAG Enterprises Inc. is the premier place to find your special collegiate, gift and souvenir needs at the best price available.
John Henry's Food Products
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Growing up in East Texas, John Henry has wonderful memories of summer picnics, county fairs and great barbeque. So East Texas flavor is what he had in mind when he created his award winning barbeque sauces, spices and rubs. His strive for perfection and superb taste are the concepts behind everything he does.
Magnolia Lane Collection
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At Magnolia Lane, our desire is to produce gifts that become part of celebrations, memories, and family treasures. Our licensed tailgating products, Christmas line, The South collection, and outdoor decor will enhance and compliment every occasion! We are proud of what we do and are ever grateful and dedicated to our customers.
Michael Grace Gifts
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Michael Grace Gifts focuses on creating beautiful gifts that celebrate life's everyday moments and milestone memories, reflecting the unique personalities and individuality that make each of us treasure one another. Understanding the profound value of gift-giving and relationships, the company curates elegant gifts comprised of unforgettable products that are both visually stunning and a joy to use.
Mills Gourmet
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Mills Gourmet says, "Our products are available in our local area and throughout the US! Every gourmet mix we cultivate is made from scratch right here in our kitchen with the same needs in mind---taste, quality and affordability. We are proud of every single product in our inventory, and we promise our unique blends will give you a taste of real goodness!"
Mountaineer Floral
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Mountaineer Floral, LLC, is a family-owned silk floral wholesale company specializing in silk flower bushes, silk floral Styrofoam, decorative silk sympathy designs, baskets, and ribbon (seasonal, shear, tuxedo, and floral satin). Over the past 30 years, The company has built relationships with customers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Mountaineer Floral's business is a blend of high quality products at reasonable prices. The company is family owned and operated, now in the third generation.
Pure Factory Naturals
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Pure Factory Naturals collections, including Flip Flop Foot Repair,Splash. The collection includes lip balm, foot repair, body lotion, hand cream, solid lotion bar, salt glow, skin repair.
Pure Mana Hawaii
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Pure Mana Hawaii Founders Sue Mandini and Kollette Stith bring the wisdom of living close to the land and in harmony with nature's rhythms to the marketplace in their luxury skincare line. Built from the ground up, the brand features wild harvested ingredients and a synergy of raw, wild macadamia nut oil and green coffee bean oil, grown on their family's certified organic farm, Mahina Mele in Hawaii.
Quintessential Chocolates
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Quintessential Chocolates specializes in the centuries old art form of casting “Liqueur Praliné” or the European style Liquid Center Chocolates (“with a sugar crust”). The process the company uses is more than 200 years old. Quintessential is the only manufacturer of this specialty confection in America and has been creating these chocolates since 1984.
Red Carpet Studios, Ltd.
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Red Carpet Studios, Ltd. features All Jazzed Up™ Fashion Accessories for Fall & Spring. A wide range of Giftware for the Home & Garden. Visit our website for New Products & Specials.
Reginas Farm Kitchen
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Small-batch artisan fruit spreads from Regina's Farm Kitchen® are made from the heart, the old-fashioned way. With only real fruit, no preservatives, artificial sweeteners or thickeners. Each of our unique flavors is carefully crafted to ignite your culinary curiosity or jazz up your next event. We invite you to try us.
Rudolph and Me
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Joe and Sue Brielmann have taken their combined experience of over 28 years in personalized products and design to create one of the fastest growing cart businesses in the country. Their creative ability, attention to detail, and the highest standards for quality and customer support, are among the reasons Rudolph and Me has experienced such huge growth.
Samuel Lamont USA
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Founded in 1835, Samuel Lamont is a family run business that continues to manufacture kitchen textiles and provide luxury homeware and giftware. They offer the popular Poli-Dri Tea Towels, Aprons and so much more.
Serenity + Sol
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Serenity + Sol features Metaphysical Products, including Crystal Bags, Essential Oils, Jewelry, Key Rings, "Evil Eye", Sage and Smudge and Sun Catchers. Prepacks are also available.
Sunset Vista Designs
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Sunset Vista Designs offers you extra margin opportunities, and sells thru at retail. They offer innovative designs, in proven products, with space saving merchandising solutions, and attractive package deals that all add value to the quality products we offer. Many say this is the "best ever" line of innovative gift, garden, and home decor.
Tizo Design
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Lines include Tizo and Siena frames in a variety of styles and colors plus elegant candleholders from tea lights to pillar candles. The site also features boxes and trays in a variety of materials.
The Whitehurst Company
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The Whitehurst Company has roots in the Christmas and Home Holiday industry dating back to 1947, first started by Mr. and Mrs. Morris Whitehurst. Now owned and managed as a multi-generation, family-owned business, The Whitehurst Company offers you a wide selection of holiday decor. Products include the largest selection of solid colored ornaments, curated collections of European glass molds, along with licensed products that include Zim’s Elves Themselves, Zim's Collectible Heirloom Nutcrackers and Children of the Inner Light by Marci inspirational ornaments.
Billy Joe Homewares