Friends,
I have been volunteering for the design center for a long time now, and I get to be a bit more up front as the Board Chair. While the Board will do it's best to organize, create sub-committees and call for volunteers, I'd like you to think about what you can do to help promote your profession. You might be a designer or innovator, but who is your "sub" community?

About a year ago, I met Matthew Werner, a local woodworker. He told me that he and fellow woodworkers had come together to create Santa Cruz Woodworkers. They are 12 incredibly talented designers and together they secured a show at the Museum of Art and History for 2011. After a bit more conversation and a look at their website, I was able to secure window display space at the EC Rittenhouse Building. You have probably stopped by and looked at the work since it is some of the best window real estate downtown. Long story short, they took the initiative to come together, support each other professionally, and promote themselves as a GROUP of designers. Smart.

So, who are your fellow professionals? Take the initiative to look at our member profiles and find out, reach out, make a connection. Don't see anyone doing what you do? Tell your friends to put up a profile, start posting in the discussion group or create a monthly meeting for your people.