Founder, The 3/50 Project
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
- Current
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- Founder at The 3/50 Project
- President at Always Upward
- President at RetailSpeaks.com
- Contributing Editor at Gifts and Decorative Accessories Magazine
- Past
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- President at Details, Ink.
- President at By Design Associates
- Recommended
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21 people have recommended Cinda - Connections
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195
connections
- Industry
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- Websites
Cinda Baxter’s Summary
My personal mantra is “Pay it forward,” recognizing that the way we each become successful is by helping those around us do the same.
We live in a terrific country, built by independently owned brick and mortar businesses. My role, as someone who’s enjoyed great success in that arena, is to reinvest the expertise, knowledge, connections, and instincts honed over more than fifteen years back into strengthening and growing other storefront businesses and the companies who support them.
Of course, 15 retail years equals 195 human years, so just imagine the bang you‘ll get for your buck.
In my world, success is a journey, not a destination. Why be average when exceptional will do?
Cinda Baxter’s Specialties:
Professional speaking
Writing and editing
Retail coaching
Vendor consulting
Branding and identity for independent retailers
Customer service tune-ups
Self-taught webmaster
Founder of three successful online retail communities
Cinda Baxter’s Experience
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Founder
The 3/50 Project
(Retail industry)
March 2009 — Present (5 months)
The 3/50 Project is built on the simple premise that to build a stronger economy, we need to begin by thanking consumers for their support of independent, locally owned businesses, then inspire them to continue to do so. Our tag line is just as simple:
Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy.
• We ask consumers to pick three independent, locally owned businesses they would miss if they disappeared, then actively support them through purchases. Those transactions are what keeps those businesses around.
• We educate them about the power they hold in their hands. If even half the employed U.S. population spent $50 per month in independent, locally owned businesses, more than $42.6 billion dollars would be generated-—most of which funnels to the local community.
• We break down the math: For every $100 spent in an independent, locally owned business, $68 returns to the community. If spent in big boxes, chains, or franchises, only $43 remains local. If spent online, nothing comes home.
There is no cost to participate in the Project, other than to help spread the word. Please visit the350project.org to learn more. -
President
Always Upward
(Retail industry)
June 2007 — Present (2 years 2 months)
Consultant, coach, writer, and speaker focused on two areas:
(a) Guiding retailers on store operation, best practices, strategic marketing, branding, and other elements critical to their success
(b) Working with manufacturers, reps, and sales agencies to develop and move product while supporting their dealer network
Board Positions:
• Gift for Life Board of Directors 2008-2010
• Gift & Home Trade Association Board of Directors 2007-2008
• AmericasMart Atlanta Advisory Board 2007-2009
Speaking Engagements:
• Numerous trade shows and regional gift marts around the world, including Hong Kong, New York, Chicago, and Boston
• Gifts & Home Trade Association National Conference-—Sanibel 2008
• Epson's Industry Expert, National Stationery Show 2008
• Teleseminar presentations throughout the year
Print:
• Contributing Editor, Gifts and Decorative Accessories Magazine
• Quoted in numerous magazines including Giftware News, Gift Shop Magazine, and Greetings Etc. -
President
RetailSpeaks.com
(Retail industry)
May 2007 — Present (2 years 3 months)
Founder, first territory-protected online community of independent retail store owners. In addition to that role:
Advisory Board Positions:
* AmericasMart Atlanta Advisory Board (2007-2009)
* Retailer Networks, Inc. Advisory Board (2007-2008)
* Gift & Home Trade Association Advisory Board (2006-2007)
Speaking Engagements:
• Frequent speaker at major trade shows and marts, including New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle
• Gifts & Home Trade Association National Conference-—La Jolla 2007
Editorial and Print:
* Online video host, Gift and Home Channel
* Columnist, Gifts & Decorative Accessories
• Quoted in numerous magazines: Giftware News, Gift Shop News, and Gifts and Decorative Accessories -
Contributing Editor
Gifts and Decorative Accessories Magazine
(Privately Held; Publishing industry)
June 2006 — Present (3 years 2 months)
Author of feature pieces and columns for the largest trade publication in the gift, stationery, and home accessory industries (owned by Reed Business Information).
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President
Details, Ink.
(Retail industry)
February 1994 — January 2008 (14 years)
Professional Stationer incorporating 25+ years in graphic design and 6+ years in large special event planning.
National Awards and Honors:
Retail Excellence Award 1995 -and- 2004
Louie Awards Blue Ribbon Panel 2004 -and- 2005
Board Positions:
* Gift & Home Trade Association Advisory Board (2005 - 2007)
* AmericasMart Atlanta Advisory Board (2007)
* National Stationery Show Advisory Board (2002, 2003, 2004)
* Charter Member, National Stationery Show Delegates
Speaking Engagements:
Major markets and trade shows including New York, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, and others
Print:
* Columnist, Gifts & Decorative Accessories
* Contributor, Greetings, Etc. "Hot Topics" column
• Featured in/quoted in: Modern Bride, Giftware News, Gift Shop News, Accessory Merchandising, Minnesota Monthly, Mpls/St. Paul, and Minnesota Bride magazines
Online Communities:
* Founder, Brilliant Ink
* Founder, The Print Lab -
President
By Design Associates
(Events Services industry)
1988 — 1994 (6 years)
Large scale special events coordinator, planning events that typically involved thousands of "guests." Most notable positions held:
* Commissioner of Closing Ceremonies, International Special Olympic Games (1991)
* Volunteers Coordinator, Super Bowl XXVI (1992)
Additional Information
Cinda Baxter’s Websites:
Cinda Baxter’s Interests:
Management training, incorporation of new technologies and independent retail, creating support systems for independent retailers....fine food, great wine, dark chocolate, travel, music, Italian opera, and technology (translated: Mac geek)
Cinda Baxter’s Honors:
Two-time winner of national Retailers Excellence Award (1995 and 2004)
Cinda Baxter’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- new ventures
- expertise requests
- getting back in touch
