Page 6 - CMA PROfiles Spring 2016

from the interim executive
director's desk

Amanda Conger CMA Interim Executive Director, 2016

016 is shaping up to be a great year, not only for sales but business management, marketing and business development to
also to be a CMA member. Make sure you take advantage manufacturing strategies. Check out the program offerings and
2 of all of the member benefits we offer to help you and sign up at www.iwfatlanta.org/Education.
your business succeed. In addition to what is highlighted here, On Thursday evening, August 25, we are hosting our an-
discover additional opportunities to get the most out of your nual member appreciation banquet. This year the dinner will
membership at www.cabinetmakers.org/membership.html. also include our Wood Diamond Award ceremony, where the
Do you have a recent project that you are particularly winners will be announced and their projects will be show-
proud of? The 2016 Wood Diamond Awards contest is now accepting cased. The dinner will be held immediately following the show on
submissions. The deadline to submit entries is May 13, 2016. View Thursday at the convention center. Details and registration will be
previous winners and nominate your project at www.cabinetmakers. provided soon.
org/wood-diamond-awards.html.
Regional Events The mission of the Cabinet Makers
If you have attended a recent regional event, you know how
valuable they are. If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend yet, Association shall be to uphold the highest
then you need to find out what you’re missing. level of professionalism in the industry by
We have a busy couple of months. In March, we hosted a region-
al event in Dallas, Texas. In May, we will be in Minneapolis/St. Paul, providing its members with networking
MN and La Crosse, Wisconsin, and then in June we head to Boston. opportunities, continuing education and
For dates and details, visit www.cabinetmakers.org/events.html.
Pick a location that is near you or dates that work best with ongoing professional development.
your schedule. Although we’ve been calling these events “regional”,
people are traveling unprecedented distances to learn more and con-
nect with other members.
Are you interested in hosting a regional event or is there a shop Other Ways to Connect
that you’ve always wanted to see? Let us know and we will do our Have you checked out our new website yet? Take some time
best to make it happen. to explore the changes we’ve made to not only the look of the site,
but also to the way the information is organized. Hopefully you’ll
IWF Preparations discover it is easier to find what you need.
We are looking forward to IWF this summer in Atlanta, Georgia. Do you follow us on Facebook? Are you a member of our
This year is starting off strong and it’s shaping up to be a BIG show. LinkedIn group? Those are a just a few more examples ways for you
We have great shop tours planned for Tuesday, August 23—the to get involved, learn what’s new, and network with other industry
day before the show starts. Details and registration information will professionals.
be provided soon. This day is a very popular event and normally sells Let us know if we are meeting our goal. What do you find value
out quickly. in from the CMA? We want your ideas to grow the CMA by provid-
Throughout the week, the CMA is sponsoring educational ing something unique to your shop and business. Share your thoughts
sessions and presentations by fellow members. Topics range from with me at (616) 930-4610 or marketing@cabinetmakers.org.

6 PROFILES • Volume 16 • Issue 2, 2016 • www.cabinetmakers.org