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CDECA™ ANNUAL REPORT 2014
CDECA Annual Report 2014
CDECA™ 4195 Dundas Street West Suite 346 Toronto, ON M8X 1Y4 Toll Free: 1-866-878-2155 416-231-6202 FAX 416-239-1076 info@cdeca.com cdeca.com cdecablog.com
CDECA Annual Report 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS Operational Goals and Objectives 4 The Year at a Glance 5 President’s Message 7 Executive Director’s Message 8 Director of Finance and Audit 9 National Board of Directors 11 National Office 12 CDECA Chapters 12 Affiliate Program 15 Ambassador Program 15 Awards Program 15 Design Shows and Trade Events 16 Education 16 Ethics 16 Marketing and Communications 18 Membership 18 Nominations 18 Chapter Reports 20 British Columbia Chapter 20 Central Prairie Chapter 20 National Capital Region Chapter 22 GTA West Chapter 23 Toronto Chapter 24 Appendix: Standing Committees 27
Annual Report: Design & Production Dalton Communications Inc.
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CDECA Annual Report 2014
Since 1994
Operational Goals and Objectives
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To provide Members with the highest standard of service and representation possible to ensure interior decorators achieve their full potential for professionalism.
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To provide opportunities for affiliate Members who provide goods and services to the industry to connect with decorator and designer Members and students.
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To provide opportunities for Members to network and interface on a regional and national basis.
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To be a positive influence for the decorating industry with the public.
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To develop national representation for the association.
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To safeguard the interests and integrity of the Members.
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To achieve and maintain ongoing operational and fiscal accountability.
CDECA Annual Report 2014
The Year at a Glance Highlights of CDECA™ Achievements:
General Operations • • •
Fiscal & Operational Accountability & Compliance Increased utilization of Association Management Services including support for key Chapter activities such as the Professional Development events Maintained transparency of operations with continued use of Policies and Procedures for Board documentation and Chapter reference
Affiliate Program •
Affiliates now have anniversary date
Ambassador Program •
Implementation of the complimentary Educator Memberships has been successful – new Members are joining every month!
Awards Program • • • • • • •
Student entries increased by 65% Total number of entries: 101 Student Category guidelines continue to extend eligibility to allow for entry by all Students of CDECA approved educational institutions Categories remained the same, but budget allowances increased for Interior Decoration and Kitchen categories Adjudication conducted through five judging panels for the National Professional Decorating & Design Competition (Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, GTA West) DVDs and YouTube video produced to assist with media promotion of 2013 Decorating and Design Competition Sponsorship program expanded to include different levels of Sponsorship with varying sponsor benefits
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CDECA Annual Report 2014
Highlights of CDECA™ Achievements:
Design Shows and Trade Events • •
Trade show volunteers, thanked by name in the IDEAS newsletter Participated in more Trade Shows across Canada
Education • • •
One new program recognized across Canada Professional Development Days continue in most Chapters Product Knowledge Seminars continue in Chapters
Ethics •
In response to PIPEDA all Chapter Board Members accessing private information have received Privacy training
Marketing and Communications • •
Improvements to the IDEAS newsletter and greater publishing frequency Mailing targeted at Educators for the Ambassador program was successful
Membership •
New online Membership Directory launched and enhancements made to Find a Decorator and Affiliate Listings
CDECA Annual Report 2014
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President’s Message On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to present you with the CDECA™ 2014 Annual Report. This Report has been prepared, with input from CDECA™ Committee Chairs and Chapter Presidents and/or Members, to provide you with a comprehensive review and accountability of the operational and fiscal arrangements of CDECA™ under the leadership of the elected Officers and Directors since our last annual meeting of April 8th, 2013. We hope that, as you review this Report, you will agree with what the Board, the office and our excellent volunteer supporters have collectively achieved has continued to significantly improve this association. In accordance with the Canada-Not-For Profit Corporations Act, the association filed its Articles of Continuation, including its revised By-laws, all of which were approved by the Members at the association’s 2013 Annual General Meeting, with Industry Canada. This ensures that the association will continue to operate in accordance with the new Federal laws governing not-for-profit organizations. Over the past year, the association has focussed on consolidating its financial position and streamlining its internal governance structure. With respect to governance, the association regrouped its “portfolios” into standing committees and sub-committees to reflect the current Bylaws (which refer to “committees” and not to “portfolios”). Furthermore, the association re-vamped its Membership policy and introduced a new ambassador power point presentation. We have also recently updated the association’s publicity brochures. In the next fiscal year, we are also planning on improving the association’s relationship with its affiliates. Our chapters continue to evolve and to host a variety of local programs and
regional events in support of the association. To further the exchange of ideas within the organization, we have launched regular Chair-Chapter President conference calls. For the first time, the association has launched a “Volunteer of the Year” award, open to all accredited and student Members of the association. We have also introduced a “ten-year recognition pin”, in recognition of our long serving Members. This is timely, as in 2014, the association will be celebrating its 20th anniversary! As always, our association would not continue to be successful without the strength of its volunteers. We, therefore, extend our sincere thanks to all our volunteers whether at the national, regional or local level or as committee participants for their participation. This represents the last time that I will be reporting to you as Chair as my term expires this year. It has been my pleasure to serve as your Chair for the past three years. I wish the association continued success in the future. Thank you. Sincerely,
Pamela Harrod CDECA™ Chair 2011 -2014 On behalf of the Board of Directors
Pamela Harrod CDECA™ Chair 2011 - 2014
CDECA Annual Report 2014
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Executive Director’s Report CDECA is a federally incorporated notfor-profit association that operates with a National Office located in Toronto which has been managed by an association management company, Dalton Communications Inc. for the past six years. As Executive Director, I provide advice and assistance to the National Board of Directors in the development of an annual program of activity and oversee and administer the approved operating budget throughout the year in accordance with the Board’s directive. DCI staff Members provide specific services which include financial management; management of Membership recruitment campaigns; Membership record retention and retrieval; communications to Members; the organization of National Board meetings and minute taking; and professional development seminars and webinars. DCI staff Members also assist with special events such as the National Annual General Meeting and administration of the Decorating and Design Awards program; website and the corporate blog site content CDECAblog.com and maintenance; CDECA’s Directors and Officers insurance program, Chapter’s insurance and Commercial Liability Insurance for Members; and Law Assist which is a new program for legal and financial services for Members, and such other activities as may, from time to time, be deemed necessary to support the Association’s goals and objectives. We redesigned IDEAS Newsletter which is now a magazine format that is mobile and tablet compatible. We continue to manage the content on the corporate blog website www.cdecablog.com which highlights the Find a Decorator feature for consumers and is updated weekly with new blog posts supplied by professional writers and Members. We created a Members-only online Directory of Members which was launched a year ago.
Professional development is an on-going program and the National Office organized two financially successful PD Day in Toronto in February and November. We developed a series of national online webinars to provide all Members access to information. Working with our Affiliates we have planned webinars to promote the insurance program, new products and trends. The links to the presentations are posted in the member section of the website to ensure all Members could access the information. In preparation for the call for nominations of National Directors, we also presented a webinar on the roles and responsibilities of the National Board to recruit new Board Members. We have enhanced our relationships with several new decorating and design publications including GoodLife and TorontoHOME and MontrealHOME and created discounted advertising opportunities for CDECA Members. Following the approval of the CDECA By-laws the National Office submitted all the required documentation for a Certificate of Continuance under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and I am pleased to report that CDECA is in compliance with the new Act. On behalf of myself and my staff, I would like to convey our thanks and appreciation to the dedicated Members of CDECA’s Board of Directors, Chapter Boards and the many, many volunteers who contribute throughout the year to the success of the Canadian Decorators’ Association.
Karen Dalton, CAE CDECA™ Executive Director 2008 - 2014
Karen Dalton, CAE Executive Director 2008 - 2014
CDECA Annual Report 2014
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Director of Finance and Audit Report This past year was a year of financial constraints for CDECA in many of our portfolios and Local Chapters due to the significant deficit incurred last year. As a result of this financial management we were able to achieve an $8,495 surplus for the year ending January 31, 2014. Revenues from Membership increased slightly and revenue from professional development days held in Toronto provided a substantial increase over the previous year. This report is meant to accompany our Annual Auditors’ Report to explain and clarify various financial issues and to review various items in our Statement of Operations that show significant differences from the previous year. Accounting Policy CDECA operates on an accrual basis, meaning that expenses are recognized in the fiscal period in which they were incurred whether or not they were paid in that period. Revenue, consisting mainly of Membership fees, is divided by the number of months the fees cover and are recognized into revenue monthly. The balance that relates to months after January 31, 2014 is classified as “deferred Membership” on the statement of financial position and not reflected in the revenue amount on the statement of operations. The areas with large changes from the prior year include: Membership Fees Membership revenues of $155,805 from accredited, student and affiliate Members increased 9% over last year. Professional Development There were several events including two Toronto PD Days, the National AGM and local Chapter events that generated revenues of $21,923 for the association in the fiscal
year which was up 37% over the previous year and generated a surplus of $6,919. Trade Shows The trade show expenses were significantly reduced from the previous year due to the cancellation of the CDECA participation in the IDS West show in September and careful management of expenses for IDS Toronto in January and other local Chapter trade shows throughout the year. Website A significant investment was made in the development of a CDECAblog.com content and work continued on improving the Find a Decorator feature, the Affiliate page, Decorating and Design site and the new online Member-only access Membership Directory. Joanne Jakab Director of Finance and Audit
2014 - 2015 Budget
Revenue Membership Fees Professional Development Meetings and Events
$138,000 9,000 14,760
Total Expenses General Expenses Meetings and Events Trade Shows Professional Development
$161,760
$128,900 15,800 6,000 7,000
Total
$157,700
Surplus
$4,060
Joanne Jakab Director of Finance and Audit
CDECA Annual Report 2014
2013 - 2014 Financial Allocation
Revenue AGM/Awards, $13,720.00
Other, Professional $3,109.00 Development, $15,181.00
Membership , $148,223.00
Expenses AGM/Awards, $17,754.00 Trade Shows, $15,004.00 Chapter Expenses, $5,229.00 Professional Development, $12,101.00
Management Fee, $80,698.00 General Expenses, $42,383.00
The audited financial statements for year ending January 31, 2014 are available on the Association’s website: cdeca.com
CDECA Annual Report 2014
CDECA™ National Board of Directors April 8th, 2013 - April 14th, 2014
Pamela Harrod, Chair Distinctive Home, Embrun, ON Monika Siebert, Vice Chair Monika Siebert Design Planning Inc., Calgary, AB Joanne Jakab, Finance and Audit Joanne Jakab Interior Design, Burlington, ON Theresa Santandrea-Cull, Secretary Student, Oakville, ON Vivian Kanargelidis Affiliate Member: Sun Glow Window Covering Products of Canada Ltd., Toronto, ON Linda Kafka Affiliate Member: Source of Furniture and Accessories (SoFA), Mississauga, ON Marilyn Benn* The Drapery Program, Ottawa, ON Pamela deVries Pamela deVries Designs, Brantford, ON Mary Dancey Mary Dancey Interiors, Alliston, ON Heddy Bing Urban Spaces Design Co., Vancouver, BC Kelly Margani** Kelly Margani Interiors, Toronto, ON Greg Birtch*** Affiliate Member: Elite Draperies and Home Decorating, Ottawa, ON David White**** David White Design, Toronto, ON *Until December 2013 **Appointed June 2013 ***Until May 2013 ****Until April 2013
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CDECA Annual Report 2014
CDECA™ National Office Karen Dalton, CAE, Executive Director Karina Waluk, Specialist - Membership, Communications and Board Relations Kiki Cloutier, CEM, Manager, Events and Shows William Chow, Finance Manager Jorge de Mendonca, IT Manager Bryan Sparks, E-Communications
Standing Committees Ambassador
Audit and Finance
Chair: Pamela de Vries
Chair: Joanne Jakab
Decorating and Design
Marketing and Communications
Chair: Pamela Harrod Deborah Casey Jan Addams Heddy Bing Jane Campbell Sara Nadeau Rosemary Valeriani Anne Vernon Nita McCown Marcella Daye Wanda Vuignier Bette Jane Jelly Tiffany Sheldon Audrey Macdonald
Design Shows and Events Chair: Mary Dancey Jasmina Coffa Andria Cowan Deb Darlington
Chair: Kelly Margani Enza Ricco Lara Kallins Wanda Weston Carol Standil
Design Shows and Chair: Pam DeVries Kathleen Tapping Tobi Brockway Rosemary Valeriani Tiffany Sheldon-Johnson
Nominations Chair: Sharon Kastelic Katherine Porath Pamela Harrod Lynn McIntyre Faye Guy Hamilton
CDECA Annual Report 2014
BC Chapter Board*
President - Heddy Bing Vice-President - Nancy DeVries Secretary - Lesley Arnould Treasurer - Patricia Oakes Program Director - Patrizia Stirpe Communications Director - Debbie Wice Membership Director - Rebecca Lees Ambassador Chair - Daniela Hammond & Arlene Marshinew Board Member - Lyla Veinot *Chapter Board resigned effective February 5, 2014.
Central Prairie Chapter Board President – Wanda Vuignier Treasurer – Bahia Taylor Communications – Carol Standil Continuing Education – Wendy Sas Secretary - Tara Spencer-Nairn Member at Large – Tiffany Sheldon Member at Large – Monica White Past President – Lisa Kasdorf Events Coordinator – Tiffany Sheldon
GTA West Chapter Board President - Audrey Macdonald Vice-President - Jeannette Wisby Membership - Helena Asikainen Deb Darlington, Program Director Anna Romito - Secretary Edward Phillips - Treasurer Alison Hodd - Communications Teri Chabot - Board Liaison Catherine Goslan
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CDECA Annual Report 2014
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Toronto Chapter Board President - Celia Rutte Vice-President - Sharon MacIntosh Secretary - Rhonda West-Shepherd Treasurer - Susan Toth Director of Membership - Tobi Brockway Director of Program - Helen Wanless Director of Communications - Kelly Margani Director of Special Events - Andrea Nicole Santos
National Capital Region Chapter Board President - Deborah Casey Vice-President - Pamela Harrod Secretary/ Treasurer - Michele Ballinger Director of Membership - Rosemary Valeriani Director of Program - Tam Prud’homme Director of Education - Marilyn Benn Director of Communications - Patricia Miragliotta Director of Home Show/Blog - Kim Koa  
CDECA Annual Report 2014
Ambassador Program
Affiliate Program
This is a valuable program for CDECA. New Members are the key to any organization. Encouraging and instilling excitement to belong is what our ambassador program is about. This past August we sent out a new Ambassador letter to all educational institutions that are recognized by CDECA to offer an ambassador presentation. Along with that letter, a copy of Janice Lindsay’s book All About Colour, was sent as a gift for each school to have in their library as a resource for students. At the same time, a request for new Ambassadors was included in the CDECA newsletter and several previous Members remained with the schools they represent. We now have a wonderful enlarged group of dedicated Members across the country volunteering as Ambassadors and we are very grateful for each and every one of you.
Affiliates have had the opportunity to participate in two Professional Development days as sponsors for the event. Affiliates were given new Sponsor packages for the PD Day’s which gave them greater flexibility in their sponsorship and provided them with additional member benefits such as a ten minute presentation during the day.
Each volunteer gives approximately an hour long CDECA introduction to students via a power point presentation and pamphlets. This is very relaxed and volunteers do not have to be a dynamic speaker but rather an enthusiastic, informed CDECA member. At this presentation new student Members are encouraged to apply either directly online or by printed application that the Ambassador takes along with them. If students apply within a two week period following the presentation they are given an incentive by having the $20 processing fee waived. For all recognized educational institutions who take part in the program, one student CDECA member per school will be drawn to receive a free accredited Membership as part of our Ambassador Scholarship Award Program. Pamphlets regarding this are handed out at the Ambassador presentation. Not all school presentations were completed in the fiscal year but we are still actively pursuing opportunities throughout the year. A new Ambassador powerpoint was introduced this year and current Ambassadors have expressed how we can improve it yet again next year. We encourage member input because CDECA is a highly diverse group and your views are valued. That is how we grow and improve.
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From October 2013 onward all Affiliate Memberships were based on an anniversary date and not a fiscal year Membership. Previously affiliate Memberships expired on January 31 of each year.
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Affiliates now have three additional Awards Sponsorship Options including: Platinum, Gold, and Bronze.
Decorating and Design Competition The Awards Committee convened in October to review the results from the April Gala presentation and to shape the 2014 Decorating and Design Competition based on the feedback received from Members. Upon review of the categories by the Committee, it was determined that no major changes were required to be made to the categories except to change the monetary value of Kitchen category (from above or below $35,000 to above or below $50,000) and the Interior Decoration category (from above or below $20,000 to above or below $45,000). However, this year also marked a significant departure from how Members were able to submit their entries into the competition. Members were now able to download a power point enabling them to submit all their entry details (including photographs) onto one form and then to up load the entire power point at once when completed onto the online competition website www. designcompetition.ca For the first time, CDECA also offered a webinar on how to enter the Competition as well as online “chatline”
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CDECA Annual Report 2014
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support for a couple of days prior to the closing of the Competition in case of any last minute questions. Following the closing of the Competition, the National Office sent out an online survey to the participants asking them how they felt about the new entry system. The results indicate that the new system was very much appreciated although suggestions were made to make a couple of clarifications to the instructions prior to next year’s competition. As with last year, several notices about the Competition were sent out to our Members.
Design Shows and Events
Acknowledgements and thanks go to our judging panel Coordinators: Jan Addams, Anne Vernon, Nita McCown, Marcella Daye and Wanda Vuignier. We also extend thanks to our anonymous Judges for their thoughtful consideration of all the entries. Thanks also to the local Chapter Members who have assisted with the administration of these panels. The judging panel experience is said to be greatly appreciated and is welcomed as an opportunity for personal professional development.
CDECA Chapters and the National Office were busy this year participating in the following shows:
Once the judging is completed, our communication experts prepare the scripting and image selection for the promotional video which showcases the awards and winning entries, which are announced at the Annual General Meeting. We are very grateful to our category sponsors for their support of the competition. Without our sponsors we will not be able to supplement the revenue from the competition entries to enable us to produce the video. As in past years, the Marketing and Communications Committee will ensure that media kits and publicity surrounding the awards will be used to best advantage. The Award Program is an excellent benefit to Members across the country to showcase their outstanding decorating and design projects and to receive recognition for their work. We strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of it.
Each year CDECA participates in the number of local and national decorating and design trade and consumer shows to promote Membership in the association and to respond to consumer questions and provide decorating advice. This year many Members volunteered their time to set up and decorate booths; work in the booths to answer questions from prospective Members on trade only days and respond to consumers about CDECA and decorating industry.
• Central Prairie Chapter: Home Expressions Show – Winnipeg, Manitoba • Central Prairie Chapter: Design Art Architecture Expo (DAAX) – Winnipeg, Manitoba
• GTA West: Hamilton Home Show – Hamilton, Ontario • NCR Chapter: Home and Design Show – Ottawa, Ontario • National Office: The Interior Decorating Show – Mississauga, Ontario • IDS 2014 – The Interior Decorating Show – Toronto, Ontario • Georgian’s Decorating Day – Barrie, Ontario • The Decorating Centre’s Decorating Day – Burlington, Ontario • SoFA’s Vendors Showcase – Mississauga, Ontario • The To Do Show – Toronto, Ontario
On February 22, 2013, the National Office in conjunction with CDECA Members in Toronto and GTA Chapters organized a Professional Development Boot Camp at the Westin Prince Hotel which attracted 65 delegates and featured four speakers, a panel of CDECA Affiliates and Accredited Decorators and opportunities to visit the Affiliates who supported the event with table top displays. The sessions included the following topics and speakers: • Client Centricity: What It Is and How It Can Impact Your Bottom Line Catherine Mitchell, One Voice Productions Inc. • WSIB Bill 119: How do the new rules apply to my business? Ryan Connelly, Subject Matter Expert, WSIB Ontario • Risk Management and Business Insurance Neil Felder, Insurance Specialist, LMS PROLINK Ltd. • Interactive Panel on Sourcing CDECA Accredited and Affiliate Members • Project Management Critical Success Factors Andrew R. Thomas, PMP, Project Management Consultant
CDECA Annual Report 2014
On October 22, 2014, the National Office organized a second professional development day at the International Centre in Mississauga entitled Business Strategies for Interior Decorators with assistance from CDECA Members in the Toronto and GTA Chapters. A special thank you to SoFA for its sponsorship of the audio visual for the event. This successful event attracted 61 delegates. The program included the following topics and speakers. • Joy of Contracts: Creating contracts that are “win-win” Dayle Laing, Principal of Dayle Laing Interior Designs Inc. • Business Skills: Finance for Decorators Tricha Morgan of the Ember Business Exchange • Get your 15 minutes and more: Getting your work into the media panel Barbara Milner, TV Producer for the Steve and Chris Show, Antonella Vecchiarelli, Multimedia Consultant at Metroland Media, and Kelly Margani, Director of Marketing and Communications for CDECA!
Education This year Marilyn Benn took on the responsibilities of
Director of Education for CDECA. During the year, one program received approval by the Education Committee and the Board of Directors and was granted formal status as a recognized program and received a Certificate of Recognition. CDECA is proud to recognize: Mount Royal University’s Interior Decorating Extension Certificate program. The Board also considered changes to The Chang School (Ryerson University) Certificate in Fundamentals of Interior Design but deferred a decision. The ICS Canada Accredited member grant program was launched in February and has resulted in 12 recent graduates of the program receiving five months of Membership with CDECA in the fiscal year.
Ethics The Ethics Committee had a relatively quiet year in 2013. We started our year with new committee Members and welcomed several others. Tobi Brockway, a longtime valuable member, had to step away from the Committee midway through the year. We had two items to attend to this season. With more Committee Members to weigh in on matters it was easier to come to resolutions on how to address, with integrity, any ethical issues that come our way. A reminder; we have no legal authority on disputes but rather find ethical solutions to matters that are presented. There are two areas to find ethical information for CDECA. Our Code of Ethics can be found under the ‘About CDECA’ tab on the website and also in the ‘Members Only’ section and there also you will find the ‘Members Only Ethics Handbook’. Online as well are downloadable complaint forms. No matter will be addressed without a formal complaint form being having been received. Volunteers for this committee are invaluable to our Membership and I want to thank each of these Members for their commitment, time and dedication to privacy that they uphold in addressing all ethical issues. Members rest assured you are in good hands. Although this committee has several Members – interested future volunteers need to know we meet only when a complaint is received and needs to be addressed. It is varied how much time you may have to attend conference call meetings. It could be a few hours a year or several, depending on the amount of ethical complaints we receive. For the most part, the average amount of time we meet would be approximately 6-7 hours yearly. New volunteers are welcome.
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CDECA Annual Report 2014
Marketing and Communications The role of the Communications portfolio is to position CDECA as the leading industry association and to support the initiatives of the Directors and Chapter leadership in order to attract and retain Members, affiliates, and sponsors and to increase revenue for the Association. The last half of fiscal 2014 was spent conducting a complete review of all initiatives currently in place, and identifying areas of opportunity to reach all of the Association’s stakeholders effectively and efficiently. There is currently a pressing need to streamline the communications across all of the Chapters and regions of the country, ensuring that the face of CDECA is consistent in all markets, and most importantly that all of our Members, no matter where they are, feel fully supported by the efforts of the Association on their behalf. In the new fiscal year, the Communications Committee will be creating a complete and comprehensive Marketing Plan for the Association, with the objective of supporting all areas of the association and the Directors of each portfolio, as well as the Chapter Presidents with their unique objectives. With input from all stakeholders, we will be developing an overall strategic brand position and guiding principles for all to use as guidelines, including graphic standards to be used in all communications. Once established, the Plan will be implemented in stages as funding permits, and will include exciting and groundbreaking initiatives that will engage our member base and their ideal clients and raise the profile of the Association across the country.
Membership This past year was dedicated to some much needed changes in the Membership policy, literature and procedures.
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We have identified several errors in some of the reporting structures, procedures and in the database management system for our Membership in the midst of our review. It has taken much longer than hoped to render these issues, but thanks to the help of our volunteers, office staff and you, our dedicated Members across the country, we are working to get things streamlined. We must thank so many of you for your patience and understanding as we have erred and tried to correct things as swiftly as possible. The concern, and understandably so, is that we will lose and have lost valuable Members during this process. We need to continue to strengthen this very important part of our organization and with you our Members and our very dedicated board Members we can do just that. If you know of any past Members who may have drifted away from CDECA due to Membership issues please encourage them to contact us. Let’s be encouraged that 2014 can be our year of improvements and growth!
Nominations The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Association and conducts CDECA’s business by a majority consensus at regular monthly meetings. Directors are required to participate and become knowledgeable and active in the management of the affairs of the Association. Communication takes place on an on-going basis by email and meetings are held via teleconference calls. Directors participate on a volunteer basis and no remuneration is received. Nominations are encouraged from every Canadian region. CDECA’s Nomination Committee is pleased to present a slate of Directors for election at the upcoming Annual General Meeting on April 14th, 2014. Candidates must be a minimum 18 years of age with the power under law to contract. The term of office is two (2) years. All categories of Members may run for a position, but a majority of the Members of the Board of Directors must be Accredited Members of CDECA.
CDECA Annual Report 2014
In accordance with CDECA bylaws, the following Nominees are seeking election for the Board beginning in 2014: Lana McIver – The Interior Design Group Nanaimo, BC (Accredited) Wanda Vuignier – Designing Spaces Mb. Winnipeg, MB (Accredited) Andria Cowan Molyneaux – Toronto, ON (Student) Sandy Grguric – Prime Walls – Toronto, ON (Affiliate) In accordance with CDECA bylaws, the following Directors are seeking re-election for a new term beginning in 2014: Mary Dancey - Mary Dancey Interiors, Alliston, ON (Accredited) Pamela deVries - Pamela deVries Designs, Brantford, ON (Accredited) Directors who were appointed by the Board since the last AGM will continue to serve under their current term which expires in 2015, subject to ratification of the Members at the 2014 AGM are: Kelly Margani – Kelly Margani Interiors –Toronto, Ontario (Accredited)
In accordance with CDECA bylaws, the following Directors will continue to serve under their current term which expires in 2015: Pamela Harrod – Distinctive Home Ottawa, Ontario (Accredited) Joanne Jakab – Joanne Jakab Interior Design Burlington, Ontario (Accredited) Linda Kafka – SOFA – Mississauga, Ontario (Affiliate) Theresa Santandrea-Cull – Well Street Interiors & Exteriors Oakville, Ontario (Student) Monika Siebert – Monika Siebert Design Planning Inc. Calgary, Alberta (Accredited)
The minimum number of Directors required to administer the association is seven (7). The maximum number of Directors that may be elected is twelve (12). All Officer Positions carry one (1) year terms. The Officers will be determined at the first meeting of the newly elected Board of Directors following the AGM.
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CDECA Annual Report 2014
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Chapter Reports British Columbia Chapter The BC Members who served on the Board of Directors over the past year remain committed to creating CDECA awareness and into growing our Membership locally. Our goals are as follows: 1. Growth of Membership - A Priority - to become ‘The Association’ to belong to for ‘Professional Interior Decorators / Designers in BC and Nationally. 2. Provide Monthly Professional Development Training to our Members. 3. Creating Public Awareness of the Services that we provide. 4. Involvement of all of our BC Members in any projects we take on. The following are events that took place over the past fiscal year: February 2013 - Pentco Industries - Cabinet Door Fabricators cancelled due to lack of attendance March 2013 - Eco Floors Store - Floor and Wall Covering April 2013 - Metropolitan Floors Stores - Hardwood and Laminate Flooring May 2013 - Annual General Meeting June 2013 - Colin Campbell Carpets September 2013 - Hayley Miller Professional Make-up Artist cancelled due to lack of attendance October 2013 - Shilo Living - Shaker/Farmhouse/Refurbished Furniture November 2013 - Andy Thomas - Project Management Seminar December 2013 - Christmas Lunch January 2014 - Ana Lioi Master Coach - Time Management and Goal Setting Brands BC worked on an initiative to better understand how to grow our Membership and to create awareness of CDECA nationally. There were a number of ideas which were presented, and which the National
Board went through to determine where we wanted to start. While there are some things we would like to do, it will depend if National Office is able to support the ventures financially. We do not believe that everything can be fully self-funded with the number of Members currently in BC.
Central Prairie Chapter The Chapters’ Board was fortunate to have many great Directors stay on, as well as to receive three new Directors, two of whom had never served on the board before. This team was amazing in their commitment to the Chapter and its Members as well as a fantastic support team. This has been an exciting year with new Affiliates added, new Accredited Members, entering into a new Design Trade Show (DAAX) and some great planning sessions for the future growth of our Chapter. This year saw the number of affiliates with CPC remain fairly steady at 13 Affiliates. Potential new Affiliate relationships are always being explored by the Membership Director and other CDECA Members. We welcomed four new Affiliates this year and Membership has met with another seven companies in the Winnipeg area to present CDECA and the benefits of its Membership. Membership is working with the Affiliates to create an information sheet that lists their website, suppliers, reps and sales contacts as well as any potential discounts available to the decorator or their clients. Events with our existing and new affiliates have been outstanding. Product Knowledge evenings hosted by our affiliates provided Members with an opportunity to network and obtain relevant information. Affiliates distributed information on products, suppliers and websites to keep us abreast of the ever changing design industry. This invaluable material contributes to our Members developing an understanding on current products. Environmental and societal challenges, such as aging in place, how to adapt and plan for the future were addressed at a luncheon hosted by Ram Marketing.
CDECA Annual Report 2014
Environmental and societal challenges, such as aging in place, how to adapt and plan for the future were addressed at a luncheon hosted by Ram Marketing. A Round Table Meeting was held where Members’ questions about decorating and design were discussed. Various topics will continue in upcoming meetings. The number of student Memberships has declined. Two former student Members have completed their studies and stayed on as accredited Members. All of our recent student Members are from correspondence programs. Red River College (RRC) is the associated educational institution in CPC, and in summer of 2013 the Board met with Margaret Braid, the new Program Coordinator for Continuing Education to discuss the relationship between CDECA and the RRC Residential Decorating Program. Margaret also reported on the program and changes they have made and invited feedback from the Board as to areas we thought they could improve or add. The number of accredited Memberships was 31 at the end of the fiscal year. CPC member numbers are declining each year so Membership has discussed the need for a planning session to evaluate why Membership numbers are dropping and how we can recruit more decorators to join CDECA CPC. Some of the individuals who have left indicated it is because they are not currently working in the design field, they live out of town and cannot attend events or they are taking a break from involvement with CDECA due to personal reasons. The communications portfolio creates and distributes the chapter newsletter as well as any other information that needs to go to Members between newsletters. This portfolio also administers the chapter’s Facebook page. The communications portfolio has sent 11 campaigns to Members since the last Annual General meeting. These include a post-meeting update announcing the new board, two newsletters, and a variety of affiliate updates and calls for participation for events such as the Design/Art/Architecture Expo. Photos or short write-ups of Chapter events are uploaded to Facebook as quickly as possible after the event. The newsletter
cross promotes to the Chapter’s Facebook page, encouraging dialogue and sharing. Members of the communications committee and the board initiate and encourage dialogue on Facebook between newsletters by posting articles, comments and questions. The communications portfolio also assisted by formatting and producing a variety of materials for last year’s AGM, including the chapter Annual Report. CDECA and affiliate magazine sponsor Covet Magazine shared a booth for the three-day event at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Accredited and affiliate Members volunteered their time to staff the event. The CDECA National booth was used and CDECA CPC provided red shopping bags with the CDECA logo and ASK A CDEDArator printed on it. The bags were filled with the spring issue of Covet Magazine, which included a one-page listing of all CDECA Members and affiliates. The bag also contained a postcard-sized coupon that offered discounts at various participating affiliates. The Floor Show (affiliate member) donated carpet for the booth. A member donated stools to sit on, and we purchased a red vase and silk flowers that we now use at all events to decorate the booth. The flower vase attracted a lot of interested and had people stopping by the booth to ask where we got it. Volunteers at the booth were able to network and hand out business cards during their shifts. Envy Paint and Design, Covet Magazine and Benjamin Moore assisted CDECA CPC in our AGM event at Fort Gibraltar in Winnipeg’s Saint Boniface area. The evening began with a dinner/AGM for Members with approximately 30 people attending. Sharon Grech of Benjamin Moore attended and spoke to the Members on current design trends from the International Design Shows. This was followed by a public event attended by about 150 design enthusiasts. Sharon’s presentation on 2013 design trends was a huge success. Door prizes were donated by Envy Paint and various other Affiliates. The grand prize was a draw for two design consultations with Sharon Grech.
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CDECA Annual Report 2014
CPC participated in the first ever Design Art Architecture Expo (DAAX) at the Red River Exhibition Park. Its unique lounge-like, low light relaxed setting was the first of its kind for trade shows in Manitoba. Members staffed the booth on a volunteer basis throughout the three-day event, talking to the public about CDECA and also handing out their own business cards during their shift. The booth used our two pop up banner stands, donated Floor Show carpet, a table on loan from a member and the vase and flowers. Networking at this event led to leads on three potential new affiliate Members. Several of our Members attended workshops offered during the show’s Professional Development Day. Two of our chapter Members, Susan Kuz and Wanda Vuignier, also delivered presentations during the show. Members launched the holiday season at an interactive holiday party at The Food Studio. The evening’s activities included hands-on preparation of a variety of gourmet appetizers under the watchful tutelage of the Food Studio’s excellent team, followed by a raucous gingerbread house decorating contest.
National Capital Region Chapter The National Capital Region Chapter is entering its 10th year of operation with 59 Members including 4 Students, 2 Educator Members, and 9 Affiliate Members. As our Members naturally move through their business cycles, we are pleased to report that our Chapter size has remained fairly constant over the past few years. Under the invaluable guidance of our Chapter President Deborah Casey, we continually strive to promote CDECA, the NCR Chapter and its Members. Deborah keeps us organized and motivated, and is the spirit behind our group. We pursue our goals by increasing public awareness of our association through continued participation in local home shows and increased media exposure, through the Chapter Blog, and also with our involvement in a local charity called Helping With Furniture. In addition we continue to source and organize events to further the education of our Chapter Members and we continue our partnerships with the local educational institutions.
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On the Education front, we maintain liaison with our local Educational Partners: Algonquin College, La Cite Collegiale, QC/ Sheffield School for Distanced Learning which is headquartered in Ottawa, and ICS International Career School, headquartered in Montreal. There are also three programs approved now in Quebec, and pending development of a Chapter there, we act as liaison for these as well. We are proud to announce Claudia Sebraoui from La Cite Collegiale and Emily Brady from Algonquin College, as our Ambassador Student Scholarship Award Winners this year. Each received a one year accredited Membership with CDECA. We also thank Claudia, Marilyn Benn, Kim Koa, Pamela Harrod and Debbie Casey for representing CDECA through presentations in the classrooms under CDECA’s Ambassador Program. Our Director of Program this year, Tam Prud’homme, organized a number of product knowledge events for our Membership. We enjoyed industry information sessions hosted by: • • • • • • • • •
Elite Draperies Luxe Home Interiors – Candace Olsen Furniture Ravek Architectural Glass Art 3 Dream Software Luxe Home Interiors – featuring Joe Ruggiero Alexanian Carpets Ceragres Tile Decorators’ Choice – Farrow and Ballfeaturing Jason Cass and david Lockwood Randall’s – Surface Innovation and Epicure Linen
Kim Koa spearheaded another successful Fall Home and Design Show. This show is considered a major benefit for the local Members to promote the association and industry, and of course reach a target potential clientele. Kim has also been keeping content fresh on our Chapter BLOG. We have over 60 subscribers, more than 9000 hits and over 150 posts. On the Communications front, we continue to enjoy and appreciate our professional relationship with Affiliate Member Our Homes Ottawa Magazine. We’d like to thank Sharon Davies the Publisher for her steadfast advertising support over the last few years and welcome the new Owner/Publisher Beth Charbonneau and look forward to a continuing collaboration with this CDECA Affiliate. In addition to liaison with local media on the Chapter’s behalf, Patricia Miragliotta, NCR’s Communications Director has joined the newly formed National Communications
CDECA Annual Report 2014
Committee led by Kelly Margani, the National Director of Communications, and is looking forward to helping to shape a new Communications/Promotion strategy for CDECA. On a financial note, we have complied with all National Office policies concerning having local events self-funded by the Chapter. While we did not have the resources to host a full day of Professional Development last year, we did conduct a survey to see what activities our Membership valued, and we seem to be on track with providing the affiliate hosted events and networking opportunities. In the coming year and with the absence in our market of any central full-service design resource, we will explore further how we may bring more business related topics to our Membership. We regretfully had to say goodbye this year to several of our longstanding Chapter Board Members. Our Secretary/Treasurer Michele Ballinger, Rosemary Valeriani our Membership Director, Marilyn Benn, Education Director and most recently Tam Prud’homme , our Events Director. On behalf of the entire Chapter, we’d like to thank them for their hard work and dedication. Looking forward to 2014, we are pleased to welcome Claudia Sebraoui, Ethel Davis and Marcella Daye to the Chapter Board and we are all anticipating another rewarding experience as volunteers honoured to represent the National Capital Region Membership.
GTA West Chapter The Chapter consolidated its presence in the GTA West during 2013. We reinforced our relationships with Members and affiliates through monthly Chapter meetings, Blog, Facebook and Linked In and our first-ever Professional Development Day. In January, the GTA West and Toronto Chapters held a joint meeting at SoFA in conjunction with the Toronto Home Furnishings Show. No meeting was held in February because the National Professional Development Day was scheduled for that month. In March, we visited It’s a Steal Furniture Consignment and Décor Finds in Oakville. It’s a Steal is a resource for the decorating community for lifestyle transitions, staging and replacement pieces. Bergsma’s Paint and Décor in Milton hosted the April meeting which featured a presentation by Phillip Todoroff, a lighting specialist, who explained the latest advances in LED technology as well as design trends.
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The Chapter consolidated its presence in the GTA West during 2013. We reinforced our relationships with Members and affiliates through monthly Chapter meetings, Blog, Facebook and Linked In and our first-ever Professional Development Day. In January, the GTA West and Toronto Chapters held a joint meeting at SoFA in conjunction with the Toronto Home Furnishings Show. No meeting was held in February because the National Professional Development Day was scheduled for that month. In March, we visited It’s a Steal Furniture Consignment and Décor Finds in Oakville. It’s a Steal is a resource for the decorating community for lifestyle transitions, staging and replacement pieces. Bergsma’s Paint and Décor in Milton hosted the April meeting which featured a presentation by Phillip Todoroff, a lighting specialist, who explained the latest advances in LED technology as well as design trends. We held our first Professional Development Day on June 7, 2013. The topic was Managing Projects the CDECA Way and was presented by Andy Thomas, Project Management Consultant. The venue for the session was provided gratis by Willis, countertop distributors in Burlington. The 28 participants funded the event and evaluations were very positive so we considered it to be a successful first venture. In July the Chapter held its traditional summer sourcing day. Visits were made to three suppliers in the Vaughan Mills area: Zilly, Prima Lighting and Oro Mosaics. The September meeting was hosted by Sun Glow Window Coverings at the premises of one of their distributors, Q Design in Mississauga. Sun Glow and Q Design provided us with information on window treatment options and Sun Glow revealed its new program for fabrics, trims and pulls and custom graphics and logo imprinting.
CDECA Annual Report 2014
In October our affiliate, Cambria, organized a visit to the King Street East design district in Toronto. The outing was an introduction to new suppliers with examples of both modern and traditional design. In November we visited Vi Floors, a new CDECA affiliate located in Etobicoke. We learned about their product line, toured the warehouse and went away with designer kits that contained samples of the carpets that were included in the presentation. We concluded the year at Bathroom and Kitchen Galleries in Burlington who provided a lavish event with refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and generous prizes. Jeanne Grier of Stylish Fireplaces gave an informative presentation on building, decorating and renovating with electric fireplaces. One of our areas of focus, the design of the CDECA window at SoFA, was eliminated this year as the space and window was leased to another party. Several Board Members are stepping down after serving a two-year term: Helena Asikainen, Program, Lyn Gilchrist, Secretary-Treasurer and Lynn McIntyre, Membership. The vacancies have already been filled. Our objectives for 2014 will be to continue to provide value to CDECA Members in the GTA West and integrating the
Toronto Chapter CDECA Toronto was ratified on November 21, 2012, so 2013 was the Chapter’s inaugural year of operation. The key goals for 2013 were to fill all board positions and to provide a cohesive, balanced Board of Directors to lead the Chapter, to obtain guidance in organizational matters to simplify Chapter management, and to engage and build Chapter Membership through the provision of Chapter meetings and events for both professional development and networking opportunities for Members. The Chapter succeeded in filling, through direct member recruitment, five Director positions which became open during the year. The Board met once a month and throughout, the Board was cohesive, balanced, welcoming to new Directors, and enjoyed a pleasant working camaraderie.
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Board Members were very active in National and Chapter CDECA meetings, committees and activities, and industry events, as well as managing their own businesses. Board Members met with National Office staff for1/2 day to obtain guidance and information on administrative and organizational matters. Chapter meetings / events were held almost every month with Affiliate Members hosting each event, including refreshment costs. Meeting attendance increased from approximately 18-20 early in the year to 30-35 at the November 2013 meeting, with increasing positive member feedback. Following are event details: January - Toronto Design Offsite Festival (TODO) at Magiks Theresa Cull, our representative designer, designed and set up a creative window display in the storefront window of Magiks. The opening night reception was well attended by both CDECA Members and the public. February - Designer’s Walk Resource Centre Anthony Boyko, City of Markham Building Code manager and George Brown Interior Decorating Program building code Instructor, provided an informative session on recent Ontario Building Code changes. March - W Studio W Studio hosted us for an enthralling presentation on new technology in lighting, presented by Dino Chantziaras, owner of a creative lighting design studio. April - SOFA Prime Walls spoke about new products in wall coverings and presented samples of some of their products. May - Loblaws Kitchen (rented, not sponsored, location) Contractor Mark Nazar of The Art of Renovation spoke about working with contractors....what to look out for, the right questions to ask, condo renovation issues, and how to ‘green’ our renovations. July - Yonge / Summerhill design shop strip We had a scorching sourcing day along the Yonge / Summerhill design shop strip, starting with Of Things Past, and ending at Absolutely, North. Afterwards the group convened at a neighbourhood Italian bistro for lunch and discussion of the day’s great new finds!
CDECA Annual Report 2014
September - Cambria & Luxe Appliance Studio Hosted at the beautiful Cambria showroom, Anna Binetti of Tasco Appliances walked us through new advancements in appliances. We then went next door to the Luxe Appliance Studio for a tour and cooking demonstration. November - Ceragres CDECA Toronto’s one year anniversary meeting featured an excellent presentation by Kimberley Seldon sharing tips on how to manage a successful decorating business, and book signing. The key challenges to the Chapter in 2013 were the lack of budget and budget information, the lack of Membership information, Membership communication, and working with the National Office on some administrative tasks. Board Members persisted in addressing these issues with the responsible parties and by year’s end most of those matters were addressed. With 50 percent new and keen board Members, and 50 percent and experienced and knowledgeable board Members, we look forward to making 2014 a year of solid member involvement and growth for the CDECA Toronto Chapter.
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CDECA Annual Report 2014
2013 - 2014 CDECA™ National Board
From Left to Right: Mary Dancey, Greg Birtch, Pamela deVries, Marilyn Benn, Pamela Harrod, Theresa Santandrea-Cull, Vivian Kanargelidis, Joanne Jakab, Linda Kafka. Not Shown: Monika Siebert, Heddy Bing, David White, and Kelly Margani.
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CDECA Annual Report 2014
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Standing Committees
Chapter Presidents Committee
CPC
GTAW
TO
Governance
National Office Review
CDECA National Board of Directors
Management Office: DCI
NCR
Finance & Audit
Ethics & Membership Education
Website
Nominating Ambassador
Marketing & Communications
Portfolio Review
Awards
Comms: IDEAS
Shows