Silicon Valley Business Owner Reaches Out To The Gift Basket Industry With A Well Rounded Mission

It's an industry that has been a part of the gifting world for hundreds of years. However, in this challenging economic climate, gift basket companies are working hard to stay on top. Debbie Quintana, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur is looking past her own businesses – she’s actually stepping up to help the industry as a whole. End Quote

In these challenging economic times, we need to be creative, innovative and willing to support one another. Empower yourself and others!

(1888PressRelease) April 07, 2009 - San Jose, CA - Quintana announced the release of The Gift Basket Association on April 1st, which is designed to support gift basket professionals all over the world. "I'm excited to bring a new collaborative environment to the gift basket industry - all in the spirit of knowledge sharing and support,” says Quintana. “The GBA is designed to encourage learning and collaboration between customers, gift professionals and suppliers.” To show her dedication to improvement, she’s launching a new quality program and is currently studying trends in the industry – all leading, of course, to an annual trend report to help gift basket professionals improve their business. "It’s time for us to step up and be innovative. Together, we can grow this industry."

And innovation is Quintana's middle name. Not only has she created a connection between suppliers and members; but she's encouraging giving back. Non-profits, schools and fundraising organizations can request donations from GBA members via the website. Her encouragement of eco-friendliness is also a part of the organization providing links, articles and ideas to companies on how they can be a green, eco-friendly partner.

Of course we can expect a heavy use of technology; Quintana is, after all, a product of Silicon Valley. In addition to using a website, she’s involved heavily with Google’s products including Adwords, Blogger and Groups. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have enabled her to expand her network and provide real time updates to her “friends”. Additionally, she’s using BlogTalkRadio, creating her own YouTube videos and is using collaboration web tools such as Webex, a product of Cisco. “Call me a technology junkie if you want, but the more I can do to network this organization, the better we’ll be at growing our businesses.”

Quintana walks her talk too; Gourmet Gifts was certified by Santa Clara County as a green company back in 2008. The Spirit of Wellness donates a portion of all sales to local research companies and she uses local non-profit agencies product assembly. In 2007, the Women’s Networking Alliance was released, encouraging women business owners to work together in the spirit of support.

“When I started Gourmet Gifts back in 2001, it wasn’t easy. I had a lot to learn and there wasn’t a single, good resource for me to use. I hope to alleviate that challenge for anyone starting or improving their gift basket company,” says Quintana.

Quintana is launching GBA officially on the 13th of May all inclusive of gift basket companies and suppliers. “So far, the feedback is overwhelming. I’m so glad we’re making a positive impact.”

To read more about the Gift Basket Association, please visit their website at www.giftbasketassociation.com. Debbie Quintana and her affiliates can be reached at www.debbiequintana.com.

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Visit The Gift Basket Association Website

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