PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - January 2010

Greetings,

Are you as tired of the dreary, cold, snowy weather as I am? OK, this isn’t a weather report but I’m looking forward to some sunshine and a chance to work outside without a scarf, hat, heavy coat and gloves.

While we all look forward to the return of sunshine and a thermometer reading above 70 degrees, there’s plenty going on at CREW to keep us moving.

For starters, I really look forward to our 5th Annual Networking Awards Luncheon on Feb. 9. Networking is an essential element and critical benefit of your membership, so these awards truly demonstrate CREW’s value. You have our version of the Academy Awards and Grammies right here at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. Move over Hollywood and LA.

The Awards Committee has done a great job in developing new categories. My favorite is the Survivor Award. While I can’t wait to see the winner of this award, I’m convinced we all deserve this honor for surviving a challenging 2009!

Networking plays a big role in enduring the tough times. You can do just that by attending our FREE Spring Soiree on Feb. 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue in Plaza Frontenac. I encourage you to bring a guest as well. It’s the best way to show potential new members the value of CREW. As an added incentive, Saks is offering a 15% discount on purchases that evening and is donating 5% of our sales to CREW Careers. Networking and shopping all in one evening. Now that’s a deal.

Build Together in 2010 is this year’s rallying cry. You play a key role by finding ways to intentionally network and by supporting CREW. Find a seat next to someone you don’t know at the next meeting or event. Invite a member to coffee or lunch. Look for ways to help a member by introducing her to another member. Volunteer on a committee, which automatically gives you a seat at the table with other members. Sponsor a program. In short, live that theme by taking action.

One of the best ways to support our mission is by taking advantage of our new Sponsorship opportunities. There are a number of affordable ways to sponsor specific activities and programs while earning valuable exposure to our members and the industry. Details are just a click away or call or e-mail Lynn Goessling, our Sponsorship Chair, at (314) 231-6700 or ltg@herzogcrebs.com.

The board has been planning this year’s budget. We realize that it will be another tough year. We are committed to doing all we can to maximize our resources and the benefits of your membership. But we need your help. Please let us know if you have any ideas to make our organization stronger, more meaningful and just plain better. We’re open to all suggestions:  programs, activities, committees, joint efforts with other industry-related groups and more.

I’ll end this note by welcoming our newest member:
Jodie Ryndak, Color Art Integrated Interiors

Here’s to bright sunshine and warmer days ahead as we Build Together in 2010.

Best regards,
Nancy Rodney
2010 CREW-St. Louis Chapter President