Spring 2010

President's Message

by Deanne Erpelding, IIDA Northland Chapter President

Change isn’t just evident in the advance of seasons, it’s also apparent in the shifting of our economy.  So many of us have lived in recessionary mode recently, there is a growing awareness and sensitivity as to how economics has not just changed how we work or where we work, but also how we think about our work, do our work, collaboration, networking and community. 

IIDA is all about community.  It is how we as professionals can support and be stewards of our community, along with our membership as community.  I’d like to remind you that as a member of IIDA, you are part of a community and together we are stronger.  If you are not a member of IIDA, now more than ever, I urge you to be a part of this community as a professional tool and educational resource.  IIDA Northland is here to support you!

Our chapter continues to change and evolve.  We have been active listeners to our membership and have implemented and evolved our events and programs from your feedback.  We are in the midst of succession planning for our board of directors as this year’s term will be complete on June 30, 2010.  We have kicked-off a pilot student mentorship program and introduced a student design award in collaboration with Haworth.  We have remained diligent and active in legislation.  We have a strong partnership with the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal that will enable us to promote our industry, demonstrate our value and communicate how our profession and what we do is so impactful to how people live and work.  Our First Monday Forum series continues to be a success.   We are thrilled with how this program has evolved and will continue to listen, research and investigate how we can keep the Forums relevant, valuable and educational. 

I would like to extend an enormous thank you to all our chapter sponsors.  Words cannot explain our gratitude.  We have exceeded our chapter sponsorship goal by 30%!  What this means, is that we are able to put more capital back into our programs and events to demonstrate the value of IIDA as an organization.  It’s also a great testament to the strong support we have locally.  I welcome you all to visit our website, www.iida-northland.org to view our 2010 Chapter Sponsors.  Please take the time to thank them. 

As my presidency term is closely coming to an end, I have to share with all of you that being part of IIDA and part of the board of directors has been an invaluable experience.  As I reflect back from being a student to a professional interior designer, I can honestly say I owe so much to the organization of IIDA.  IIDA is where I found mentorship, guidance and support. 

I thank each and every one of you for your continued support of IIDA and the profession of Interior Design.