The WCAF Show and the Professional Picture Framer's Association have announced that the PPFA's Annual Convention will be held in conjunction with the 2012 WCAF Show and the National Conference at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas from January 29 to February 1, 2012.
      “I am extremely happy and pleased to have PPFA and WCAF joining together for the benefit of the framing industry,” says PPFA President Ken Link, CPF, Picture This and More, Alton, IL. “A gathering of retailer framers, framing suppliers, educators, the framing industry trade magazine, and the framing industry trade association at the industry's only trade show is a strategic direction that will benefit everyone. The uniting of the framing industry through this event will help strengthen our industry's future in the near term and for years to come. This combined show will provide the best in education, certification, framing competitions, supplier/framer connections, and overall networking opportunities within the framing community.”
      Numerous certification programs will be offered by the PPFA, including the CPF exam, MCPF exam, and CPF Prep Course. In addition, the PPFA will offer educational seminars at discounted rates for active members and a special package complete with trial membership for interested registrants.
      Deborah Salmon, vice president of PFM Seminars, says, “I am very happy that we will be incorporating PPFA educational seminars into the National Conference class schedule. These seminars will help all our attendees—whether they're newcomers or established framers--enhance their framing skills.”
      A number of special events for PPFA members will also be held at the show. These include a catered All Member meeting, a Chapter Leader Conference, and a PPFA Vendor Tabletop Showcase/Reception.
      One of the most prominent events will be an exhibition featuring entries in the PPFA framing competition. The winners will be announced at the show and will be presented in the March issue of Picture Framing Magazine. Among these awards will be the Popular Choice Award, which will be sponsored by Picture Framing Magazine and will include a $300 prize.
      “I am very excited by this announcement,” adds Mark Klostermeyer, MCPF, Design Frames, Falls Church, VA, and president-elect of the Photo Marketing Association, PPFA's parent organization. “The framing industry's only trade association will be working side by side with the industry's leading magazine and trade show to provide the best convention, education, certification, and trade show. This is something the industry has wanted and needed as we prepare for the future.”
      Rob Gherman, WCAF show director, says, “We are looking forward to be working with the PPFA. It corresponds perfectly with our move to a new venue, The Mirage Resort & Casino, and will increase the success of the art and framing industry's largest trade show.”
      For more information about the WCAF Show and the National Conference, call 732-536-5160 or visit www.wcafshow.com. For more on the PPFA, call 800-762-9287 or visit www.ppfa.com.

Omega Announces National Open House Events
Omega Moulding will kick off a series of National Open House events for customers beginning September 11 in Los Angeles from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The events will feature a full day of specials, guest speakers, new picture framing products, mouldings, and product demonstrations. Industry leaders will be in attendance to discuss new business ideas and impart valuable industry experience in event seminars. Food and refreshments will be served in addition to free giveaways, product samples, and prize drawings. The events will continue in Bellport, NY (September 18), Atlanta (September 25), and Chicago (October 2). To pre-register, e-mail events@omegamoulding.com or call 800-289-6634, ext. 216. Pre-registrants in attendance will be included in an exclusive prize drawing held during each event.

High School Artists Honored by Great Frame Up
Two of the country's finest high school artists traveled to Santa Monica earlier this summer to be recognized as national winners in the Creative Self-Expression contest sponsored by The Great Frame Up. A $2,000 scholarship was presented to Melissa Woodbridge (Fayetteville, GA) and Jennifer Samsne (Newman Lake, WA) by actress and artist Jane Seymour, spokeswoman for the Creative Self-Expression Foundation.
      The national competition, sponsored each year by The Great Frame Up, is designed to cultivate and promote the arts and creative thought among teenagers. “The Creative Self-Expression Foundation's goal is to provide high school artists with an outlet to express themselves through whatever medium inspires,” said Brooke Kisker, marketing manager for Franchise Concepts, Inc.

Tru Vue Offers Free Sample Program
A free sample of Optium Museum Acrylic is now available to custom framing retailers who order Tru Vue Museum Glass. For a limited time framers can request a Scratch Test Kit, which compares Optium Museum Acrylic to regular acrylic. The kit also contains information on how framing professionals can get a free sample of Optium Museum Acrylic.
      Optium Acrylic features an anti-reflective coating that virtually eliminates reflections, provides anti-static protection, minimizes cleaning, is shatter-resistant, and provides maximum UV protection. To request a scratch test kit, download a form or register online at www.tru-vue.com/Framers/Tools.

Larson-Juhl to Donate Proceeds to Susan G. Komen for the Cure
For the second year, Larson-Juhl will be celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating all proceeds from its pink frame mouldings, matboards, and a special framed model throughout October to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Larson-Juhl has designed a special framed model to celebrate breast cancer awareness. This new, framed model will feature an embroidered pink ribbon framed in the pink finish of the Stitch collection. It can be sold as a specialty gift item, used in merchandising for Breast Cancer Awareness, or given away as a donation piece.
      Products qualifying toward the donation include Medium Cranberry finish in the Stitch collection, Baby Pink and Tween Pink mouldings in the Confetti II collection, and the Raspberry finish of the Taffy collection. Money raised from sales of various pink-toned matboards will also go to the cause.

Megawood Larson-Juhl Opens New Australian Office
After merging earlier this year, Megawood Larson-Juhl has moved into its new head office and distribution center in Brisbane, Queensland. The facility measures more than 58,000 square feet and features state-of-the-art logistical systems to streamline moulding and stock directly to customers and four warehouses across the country. The official opening night celebration was attended by framers from across Australia and featured educational classes presented by PFM contributing writer Jared Davis as well as international guest visitor Brad Goodson, Larson-Juhl USA CFO.

Simpson Joins Ultramitre Management
Clay Simpson has been added to the Ultramitre management team as the director of sales and product development. Simpson brings more than 30 years of manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing experience. Ultramitre CEO Ken Frank says, “Clay will provide Ultramitre's clients with continuously increased value. His experience and integrity will, without a doubt, improve our brand identity and client experience.” Simpson can be reached at 800-433-3140, ext. 125, or e-mail at claysimpson@ultramitre.com.

Decor and Southern Welcome Mayronne
Decor and Southern Moulding have announced that Matt Mayronne, an industry veteran with more than eight years of moulding sales experience, will be the sales representative for all of North Carolina and parts of Tennessee. Mayronne is looking forward to sharing his industry experience to benefit his customers. He can be reached at 770-422-3949, ext. 171, or by e-mail at matt@southernmoulding.com.

Lallier Joins Framerica Internship Program
Framerica has welcomed Max Lallier as its newest intern. Lallier is a local student with an acute interest in marketing and business administration.

Correction:
In the July issue of Picture Framing Magazine, the advertisements on pages 19 and 43 incorrectly stated that the headquarters hotel for the 2012 WCAF Show and National Conference was The Las Vegas Hilton. The correct headquarters hotel where the show will be held is The Mirage Resort & Casino