The Time For Success

Balloon decorators, entertainers and retailers in the USA have long sought an independent structure for organizing themselves, but have never succeeded on a national scale. Now may be the time for success.

Debra and David Paulk created the National Association of Balloon Artists in the early 1980's. NABA provided a great start for education, promotion of the industry and  promotion of professionalism within the association.

Over time, however, there was an increasing strain between loyalty to the organization sponsor and loyalty to an emerging profession that sought independence from any single supplier, customer or other dominating influence.

In the 1990's Pioneer Balloon Company took over leadership with its sponsorship of the Qualatex Balloon Network. The QBN has taken education, promotion of the industry and promotion of professionalism much farther. There is, however, a similar strain between loyalty to the organization sponsor and loyalty to an emerging profession that seeks independence from any single supplier, customer or other dominating influence.

Certainly, Pioneer has earned well deserved praise and loyalty for their nurture and promotion of the industry as well as for the quality of their products. That nurture, promotion and quality might well be honored with our spending as well as with our words.  Yet, nothing will satisfy the force of nature in humans except that these beings become independent and in turn become parents to new generations and see those generations grow to independence as well.

In the 2000's (as of September 18, 2005) the International Balloon Association is opening up its membership to include balloon decorators, entertainers and retailers along with manufacturers and distributors of balloons and related products and services. This can be a significant step forward in the independence and professional development of balloon specialists for decorating, entertaining, and retailing. We encourage you to join, participate and help direct this expanding organization so as to benefit you.

Graham & Mary Queen Rouse

We made a mistake in one of the links from our last RouseABOUT™ Online Magazine.  Some readers were accidentally sent to information on the RouseABOUT™ Summer seminar rather than the FALL seminar. The Summer seminar is over. 

We want you all to join us for the FALL seminar in Suffern , NY, November 3-5, 2005 and stay for The All Star Revue, November 5-8, 2005.

The Summer Session was great, but the FALL Session promises to be even better and a greater value as well.

• 40% more class time for more hands-on learning

• New Speed Graphics class to teach you how to cut your balloon loading time in half.

• New Jam With Graham session to apply what you learn to your business back home.

• Several meals included at this seminar.

• Sample products to take home at no extra charge

• Decorating Ideas Portfolio Photos included at no extra charge.

• Exclusive access to substantial discounts on RMS™ Kits at the seminar

• Discount Coupon for later RMS™ purchase

• Published class notes included.

Check it all out at this (corrected) link: 

RouseABOUT Fall Session 2005 Preview