The SATA Board agreed unanimously to create the Fund to directly support traveling footwear salespeople in need. The fund will allow Two Ten to better meet the needs of the shoe traveler with a new program designed to supplement necessary business expenses. Starting August 1, shoe travelers struggling to pay for regional trade shows, travel expenses, vehicle expenses and other costs essential to doing business can contact Two Ten for assistance. If shoe travelers have a demonstrated need essential to doing business, this program will meet that need. SATA Board President Jim Newman said of the gift, "Our responsibility as an organization is to serve the traveling shoe rep. Existing Two Ten programs serve the footwear community with speed and professionalism. Together, we have created a program that will meet the unique needs of the traveling shoe rep in the most effective way possible."

The Two Ten Board of Directors, Two Ten Chair Carol Baiocchi and President Peggy Kim Meill accepted the gift, echoing Newman's comments, "SATA serves as an extremely important mechanism in uniting the community of shoe travelers. This gift is a testament to the shoe travelers' dedication and commitment to the industry and will serve as a support mechanism for those struggling in what continues to be a difficult economy."

About SATA

The Shoe & Accessory Travelers Association (SATA) is a global membership organization whose goals are to represent, and to significantly improve the abilities and well-being of, traveling sales representatives who work within the footwear and related goods industry. SATA's primary activities include providing its members with information, education, benefits, services, a national database and networking opportunities with fellow members, vendors and other key players in the footwear industry. For more information please visit our website at www.shoetravelers.org