Alliances
A brief history
Cathy Hotka created the NRF CIO Council in 1996, and has been fostering retail relationships ever since. Recognized as a leader in the community, she enjoys relationships with thousands of retailers and has worked with nearly every significant technology company.
After working at NRF, and consulting to RILA and the Food Marketing Institute, she created the Store Operations Council, advised commercial entities and universities, and has managed hundreds of discussions with retail leaders around the country.
Cathy speaking at the VIP Awards
Partnerships
RETAILWIRE
Retail influencers weigh in on the biggest issues of the day on RetailWire. Cathy is a Braintrust Panelist.
THE RETAIL AI COUNCIL
The Council attracts both key retailers and AI companies for learnings and advice.
THE RETAIL ORPHAN INITIATIVE
Cathy Hotka & Associates supports the Retail Orphan Initiative and its events during the week of the NRF Big Show.
“Cathy Hotka — the mover and shaker in Retail industry.”
— Navjit Bhasin, founder and CEO of Newmine
Retail Orphan Initiative
Cathy is on the Board of Advisors for the Retail Orphan Initiative, a nonprofit coalition within the retail industry that aims to raise awareness and provide real solutions for the more than 400 million vulnerable children worldwide. Retail ROI has three main objectives:
Bring awareness to the enormous needs of orphans worldwide
There are over 143 Million Orphans in the world, according to UNICEF.
Encourage companies (Retailers, Vendors, Manufacturers) to create programs internally for their companies to help with the need.
Raise funds through the following ways to help "feet on the street" charities who are making a real difference:
Direct donations from companies and individuals
Making RetailROI a charity that receives matching funds from your company
Specially marked packages of toys, cereals, and clothing for kids
RoundUp for Orphans at the point-of-sale where consumers can round up their transactions to the nearest dollar.