The General Hobby Division of the Hobby Manufacturers Association
embarked on a research survey in March to assess the value proposition from sales of general hobby products in hobby retail stores. “A wide array of products are available for dealers to carry in their shops and General Hobby products provide high margin returns to the store owners,” stated Ed Rogala (Midwest Products), HMA General Hobby
Division Vice-President and developer of the project. “General hobby products, as well, often lead customers to buy staple items in the radio control, model trains, and plastics/die cast categories, so we wanted to provide industry dealers with data to help them take advantage of these high-margin products,” added Rogala.

HMA is proud to re-introduce a partnership with Association Health Programs (HMA/AHP) for its members to help reduce the rising cost of health insurance. The benefits are nationwide and the programs include health insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, cancer coverage, accident insurance, disability income, critical illness, dental insurance, vision, and more!

The Hobby Manufacturers Board of Directors elected its officers for the 2008-09 membership year at their September board meeting. Re-elected to serve his second term as President is Frank Ritota, President of Model Rectifier Corporation.

The General Hobby Division of the Hobby Manufacturers Association elected two new council members in July and also elected its new Council officers for 2008-09.