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!

October 27, 2008 - 24th ANNUAL iHOBBY EXPO™ - ANOTHER GREAT SHOW!

The 24^th Annual iHobby Expo, held October 16-19, 2008 in the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL, built upon the successes of the 2006 and 2007 Expos and offered exhibitors, trade attendees, and hobby consumers a dynamic show floor with events and new products not to be found at any other hobby trade and public event in the world.

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 Hobby Manufacturers Association Show Committee is pleased to announce that Actor Michael Gross, best known for his portrayal of the father Steven Keaton on NBC's award-winning Family Ties, will appear at the 24^th Annual iHobby Expo™ on October 16 through October 18. Michael will join HMA and industry members at the Welcome Party on Thursday, October 16 at 5:30pm and will appear at the Expo during the trade day on Friday, October 17 and will sign autographs during the consumer day on October 18.

The Plastics & Die Cast Division of the Hobby Manufactures Association elected the following members to serve on their council for 2008-09 each serving a two year term

The Radio Control Division of the Hobby Manufacturers Association elected one new member and re-elected two members to their council. Joining the R/C Division Council for a three year term is Ralph Warner of RAM Models. Re-elected to a second three year term is Marc Jensen of Byron Originals and Mark Schwing was elected once again to a first three year term on the council after a one year hiatus off the council. Schwing was also elected President of the Council.

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.

Allen Pollock (Fun & Games II), Co-Chair of the Awards Committee of the HMA Model Railroad Division Council, presented 2008 recipients with their awards at the division's membership meeting during the National Train Show in Anaheim, CA on July 19, 2008.

The Model Railroad Industry Division Council of the Hobby Manufacturers Association elected its 2008-09 officers during the National Train Show in Anaheim, CA on July 19, 2008.

The 24^th Annual iHobby Expo™, October 16-19, 2008 in the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL is shaping up to be the biggest and best hobby show in years. Over 269 exhibitors in 685 booths with 64 new first-time companies will be exhibiting in almost 70,000 square feet of space. “Exhibit floor space is sold out again this year and we have a waiting list of companies desiring to enter the show,” said Ed Rogala (Midwest Products), chair of the Hobby Manufacturers Association (HMA) Show Committee. “We'll fill booth spaces from this waiting list as booths become available,” added Rogala.

The Hobby Manufacturers Association Education Committee announces the inauguration of its “Hobby University” – Education for Hobby Dealers to be held at the iHobby Expo. The “Hobby U” series of business seminars will be launched with three sessions at the 2008 Expo, October 16-19 in the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL.