Association News
In this issue of UBOnline, you'll find an update on the association's happenings and important information for the 2008 Show. Be on the lookout for the June issue of UBOnline featuring Kitchen/Dining furniture in the Product Planner.

Manufacturers-send your product planner submissions as well as your industry and product news to Erik Caplan at ecaplan@ahint.com by June 2, 2008.

NOMINATE A RETAILER
The Unfinished Furniture Association is now accepting nominations for the Distinguished Member Award. The Distinguished Member Award was created to recognize retailers who have had a positive impact on the unfinished furniture industry and UFA. Distinguished Member Awards recipients are individuals who work cooperatively with industry colleagues and selflessly donate their time to the advancement of both the industry and UFA. Recipients will be recognized at the 2008 Real Wood Furniture Finished Your Way� Trade Show in addition to a press release and coverage in UBOnline.
 
If you would like to nominate a UFA retailer for the 2008 Distinguished Member Award, or would like more information, simply send an email to Nicole Stifnagle, nstifnagle@ahint.com by June 1, 2008.  

FEATURED LINKS
www.sketchup.com
SketchUp is a free software you can use to create, modify and share 3D models.
Submitted by: Fred Edington

At the last board meeting, Randy Sain introduced us to Google SketchUp as a free downloadable 3D drawing software. It is an amazing application and ideal for our retailers. This is because we are constantly asked to develop plans for wall systems, plan dining areas, offices, kitchen layouts, etc. Over the years I have spent more time than I could ever be compensated for drawing lay-outs on graph paper to show a customer how we can accommodate their verbal requirements. I have even gone to their homes to make measurements. SketchUp, once you get to know it, is fast and uncomplicated, while producing a professional-looking finished drawing that can be rotated in 3D. It is a retailer's nightmare to have a customer come to pick up their order only to learn that there was a misunderstanding of what the customer wanted. With a sketch to support the plan before placing an order, these errors are eliminated. Also, this sketch will accompany our order with the manufacturer to be certain they understand what our customer wants.

www.jott.com
Jott is a free service that converts your voice into e-mails, text messages, reminders and appointments. It is a great organizational tool-especially when on the go! Check it out and let us know what you think.

www.rememberthemilk.com
This is a great free online organizational tool. Organize your business and personal life, send reminders to yourself and others plus more. This also works well with Jott's services. Tell us if you found this site helpful.

Which Web sites do you utilize in your day-to-day business--perhaps a business tool or a site featuring furniture trends? Please e-mail Michele at mbiordi@ahint.com with any helpful Web sites you would like to share with others. UBOnline wishes to include a regular feature of sites to help you in your business.