Who We Are
For over 35 years, the Souvenir Wholesale Distributors Association (SWDA) has successfully represented the interests of distributors, publishers and manufacturers of souvenirs and tourist products. Association members include an international group of wholesale distributors, publishers, and suppliers of post cards and souvenirs items. Firms range in size from small family-run operations to multi-million dollar businesses with dozens of employees.
The SWDA was founded in 1973 as the Post Card Distributors Association of North America and changed its name to the Post Card and Souvenir Distributors Association (PCSDA) in 2000. The name was changed in 2008 to the Souvenir Wholesale Distributors Association (SWDA) to more accurately reflect the business interests of the organization’s members. Throughout its history, the organization has maintained its goal of enhancing the distributor’s position in the souvenir distribution channel.
As the souvenir industry changes, the SWDA will continually strive to provide its members with the information and resources to maintain a competitive advantage in the tourist products industry.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the SWDA to promote the distribution of souvenirs by providing education, networking opportunities and access to vendors.
Leadership
The leadership of SWDA consists of a Board of Directors comprised of four officers and five directors who are active in the industry and elected by the membership. Each officer serves a two year term and each director serves a three year term. The current list of officers & directors is as follows.
Officers President 1st Vice President Secretary/Treasurer Immediate Past President |
Board Of Directors Aaron Cheesman (’10) Eric Erickson (’09) David Feldbloom (’10) Brent Stibbs (’09) Matthew Tobin (’10) |
SWDA Staff Steven T. King, CAE Marci L. Hickey, CMP Amy Chetelat, CAE Nina Bull |
| Past Presidents | ||
| 1973-74 Sam Burruto* 1975-76 Gil Cohen+ 1977-78 Kyle Smith 1979-80 Dale Jensen+ 1981-82 Bob McMillan* 1983-84 Mel Anderson* 1985-86 Bob Calonge+ 1987-88 Skip Smith 1989-90 Chuck Thomas 1991-92 Terry Calonge 1993-94 Joe Luman 1995-96 Ed Randazza 1997-98 Craig Schulze* 1999-2000 Bob Tobin 2001-02 Janice McGee 2004-05 Bill Taylor 2006-07 Mark Shirrod (*) deceased (+) retired |
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