President's Message

Joan Kaufman, ASID
President 2009-2010

Welcome to a new year! I am honored to serve you, my fellow colleagues, as your Illinois Chapter President. It is a joy to serve in a Chapter with very talented designers and to follow the path of many dedicated leaders - I am committed to doing my utmost to reach the goals and expectations we have set together for this year. We share a vision to build our Design Organization and our industry to the highest level of professionalism!

Members in various markets are being affected by our current economic climate. Stimulating business growth is at the forefront of many of our agendas. ASID has resources to grow your business and career!

How can potential clients find you? ASID National has a referral service that is free to all members. Our Chapter offers a 'Find a Designer program' that is free and also offers upgraded listings for a fee. In the coming months you will see a new, vibrant website for The Illinois Chapter! We are currently adding Facebook and re-designing the Chapter website in an effort to grow business for designers and Industry Partners. There will be a link to the National ASID job bank (www.asid.org/jobbank) where you can post a resume and search opportunities by location and specialty. The membership Directory is one of the most valuable benefits of membership that we receive each year. Colleagues and Industry Partner sources are listed by category. Industry Partners are a tremendous resource dedicated to working in tandem with Interior Designers. Just as designers follow a code of ethics in order to be members, Industry Partners must do so as well. This sets them apart - please consider them as your first source for projects. They are an important business partner for success!

Networking is still one of the best ways to develop business. We have six local Designer Peer Groups and have begun developing Industry Partner Forums. These small group settings are a great way to build alliances. Getting involved in the ASID Chapter can boost connections for you! The Illinois Chapter hosts four major events each year: Design Summit: an Educational and trade show event in the Mart in February, The Neocon luncheon in conjunction with the ASID National Conference on Chicago in June, The Annual membership meeting in September, and the Celebration of Design Awards competition and gala in September. We actively participate in many other industry events such as Mini-Masters and kickball. There can be no better time than now to get in involved!

ASID is here to support you, our members. Please join us! Be part of and take advantage of the many programs and events that are being planned for this year. Please take advantage of the many benefits ASID has to offer - build your network and use ASID's resources to help you.