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What's New...
Chicagoland Membership Drive Wrap-up!
On July 28th DEMA had its first chapter membership drive event. Our goal is to host at least two events per year to help bolster our membership numbers in each one of our chapters. 
The event was met with much excitement and participation with an evening that was very well attended with approximately 70 guests! So far we have had 9 new Professional Members and two Service Provider Members join as a result of this great event!
The night was topped off with a special presentation by Teresa Leigh from Teresa Leigh Household Risk Management. We would like to thank all of our sponsors that made this FREE event possible: Bernacki & Associates, Hester Painting & Decorating, Montisquieu Wines, Resource Partners Chicago, Terry Dowd Inc. and Teresa Leigh Household Risk Management. Please click on each name to find out more about these great companies!
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Surveys
In an effort to provide the greatest benefit to our members DEMA would like your input.
We have developed two short surveys to gather information that will help us to better serve you. The first survey will collect basic demographic information that allows us to study trends in the Private Service industry, such as the location of jobs, salary ranges, and training opportunities. The second survey asks for member input on a possible DEMA sponsored Private Service Conferences. Your thoughts, ideas and interests will enable us to tailor the conference to the needs of our members. Both surveys should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. We appreciate your time and input.
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New DEMA Chapter Launch!!!
Save the Date!
Please welcome our new chapter in Columbus, Ohio! We will have our chapter launch event on Tuesday August 31st from 7-9pm! Please spread the word if you know anyone in Columbus and the surrounding areas that they now have a chapter to participate in and become a part of.
Details and invitations will be sent out soon.
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Things to Think of When Choosing a School
DEMA recently asked The Charles MacPherson Academy "How do you advise prospective students on how they should consider picking a school?" This is what they had to say:
Deciding on a Butler and Household Management school is a daunting task. Just as a person looking to enter a medical school does their due diligence and researches and compares Harvard to Princeton to state schools, so must future Butlers and Household Managers be thorough and research the schools available to them. Some questions you should consider while making this important decision include:
1. How long has the school been in operation?
2. Is the school registered with a governing body like a government organization?
3. Will the school help facilitate conversations with previous graduates?
4. Compare apples with apples. What is included in tuitions for the different schools?
5. How responsive is the school to requests for more information?
6. Compare curricula. Different schools will have different emphasis. Try and find a school that best suits your requirements.
7. What textbooks does the school use?
8. Who are the instructors and what kind of expertise do they have?
9. What kind of reputation does the school have on the Internet?
10. Does the school assist graduates with job placement? If so, what is the success rate?
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Ambassadors of Service
By Tony Aiardo
July 2010
Butler / Chef / Domestic Professional / Artist
For those of us who have chosen the "fine art" of serving others, we know what a rewarding yet at times challenging path we have stepped foot upon. Yet, through our discretions, we silently command and achieve the trust and respect which makes us not only a valued employee, but also, a confidant and cherished member of the private household, and society as well. Monikers "worth their weight in gold" and "the better part of valor" regularly apply.The "Golden Rule" taught in the words of my late, beloved parents. "Respect what belongs to another; be it their person, their feelings, beliefs or belongings and the door will always be open to you". Guiding words that reared my younger siblings Carrie, Michael and myself. Words, that ring true in our lives yet today and give meaning to the valued practice of discretion.
As Domestic Professionals, we are as privileged as those we serve. We are privileged to see things, hear things and know things that few will ever see, hear or know. Only, by our discretion and respect, do we protect and secure not only our careers and most importantly, the sacred privacy of our individual Clients and their families.
Throughout my personal and professional life, as varied as "apples and oranges", I have traveled many wonderful and fulfilling paths and by practicing and living the "Do unto Others" principle, I have been truly blessed and enjoyed enduring friendships with my clients that have lasted far beyond my employment with them.
Are you an Ambassador of Service? Please feel free to share your stories and comments.
I Faithfully Remain at Your Service,
Tony Aiardo
Private Service Professional
DEMA Member
July 2010
To submit your "Ambassador" story please email info@domesticmanagers.com
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Domestic Professional Spotlight
~ Featuring ~
Peter Baysdell
Q: How did you get started in the Industry?
A: Growing up I had always wanted to be a butler. I had also wanted to be in the military so I did that for 20 years first. When planning what to do after retiring from the US Air Force, I returned to that early dream. My wife and I mapped out a path: a few years as an Executive Assistant, culinary school followed by butler training in Europe. I then served as an Enlisted Aide to a very senior Air Force General for several years before retiring from the military and officially entering Private Service about three years ago.
Q: Do you have any formal training or degrees for domestic management?
A: I am a graduate of The International Butler Academy (The Netherlands), Baltimore International College (Culinary College), Protocol School of Washington and the Starkey International Institute of Household Management. I also hold certifications as a bartender and Master Certified Food Executive as well as a number of related certifications from my time with the Air Force.
Q: What have been some of the more difficult situations that you have run into on the job?
A: The most difficult situations are almost always the result of a poor fit with the principal. Where there is a good fit with the principal, one can overcome even serious challenges and experience a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction; with a bad fit, there is only frustration for all parties.
Q: What type of principal or homeowner do you prefer to work for?
A: My preference is always to work for principals who understand and can articulate their expectations and then allow me to orchestrate the process necessary to bring those expectations to fruition. I also enjoy working for principals who appreciate their staffs; I typically go out of my way to ensure my principals are aware of the fine work their staffs are doing.
Q: What direction would you like to see the domestic industry go in for the future?
A: I would like to see the industry move towards an industry accepted certification similar to the Chef certifications granted by the American Culinary Federation. This, of course would both require and reinforce a greater level of standardization in training and professional qualifications. The end result would be, and should, be a better defined profession with a clear training path and career track.
Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: As I find myself between positions at the moment, I am endeavoring to broaden my skill set which will allow me to be more competitive as I return to the field. I am also keen on helping get DEMA firmly established here on the East Coast.
Q: What are your interests and hobbies?
A: The honest answer is that my preference is to just spend time with my wife when I am at home. My other interests involve cooking, reading, history and philosophy. My wife says this makes me sound even more boring than I am so I also tell people that I enjoy parasailing, horseback riding and fine art. But not at the same time. |
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Chapter Meetings & Special Events
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Please save these dates in your calendar, individual invitations will be sent shortly.
 Aug. 23rd, Southeast Florida.... Details Coming Soon!
 Aug. 24th, Central Florida.... Details Coming Soon!
 Aug. 24th, NYC, NY.... Details Coming Soon!
 Aug. 24th, Southeast Michigan.... Details Coming Soon
 Aug. 25th, Chicago, IL.... Details Coming Soon!  Aug. 25th Los Angeles, CA.... Details Coming Soon!
 Aug. 26th, San Diego, CA... Details Coming Soon!
 Aug. 26th, Washington D.C... Details Coming Soon!
CHAPTER LAUNCH EVENT FOR COLUMBUS!!!
 Aug. 31st, Columbus, OH.... Details Coming Soon!
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Nanny Academy Annoucement
First Class Care and North Shore Pediatric Therapy have joined together to develop a training program in Behavior Management for nannies.
The program is based on North Shore Pediatric Therapy's award winning Behavior 911™ program, providing families and nannies the opportunity to be professionally trained to successfully handle difficult behaviors and situations.
The training program will cover many aspects of behavior including potty training, tantrums, meal time, sleeping issues, sibling rivalry, non-compliance, following directions, transitions and more. Additional information provided in class will include working with parents on an action plan so everyone is on the same page and using good communication skills. Each class will last 4 hours and allow for each nanny to contribute questions and situations for individual help.
Nanny Classes: 4 hour training - $185
Next Class: August 14th
8am - Noon
Location: 1308 Waukegan Rd. Suite 308 Glenview, IL
Register Today!
877-486-4140
If a nanny is registered with First Class Care and completes the training she will then become a First Class Care Platinum Nanny. This means she has passed all the screening required by First Class Care and completed the Super Nanny Academy Behavior class.
Contact North Shore Pediatric Therapy at 877-486-4140 or info@nspt4kids.com
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First Class Care clients are always looking for the BEST of the BEST nannies. Many clients have children going through difficult changes. Sending them a highly trained nanny with specific knowledge about these issues can be invaluable to them! Set yourself apart from the rest and become a First Class Care Platinum Nanny.
For more information call: 847-733-2700 x410
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First Class Care, Inc.
Chicagoland's Premier Domestic Placement Agency
847-733-2700
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Agency Connection
Alter Ego Concierge is Chicago's premier full-service concierge and domestic staffing agency, specializing in full-time, part-time, and temporary Nannies, Housekeepers, Baby-Nurses, Chefs, Drivers, Personal Assistants, Household Managers, and more. Alter Ego Concierge aims to bring structure and organization to households by altering the way people manage their lifestyle.
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New Membership Dues for Domestic Professionals & Principal Homeowners
Over the last two years DEMA has been offering complimentary trial memberships. We will continue to do so with different offerings, currently we have a three month complimentary trial to help new Members become more familiar with the DEMA movement. Once your trial expires you will receive an invoice with different options for Membership packages.
Our current Membership have been asking for three options when it comes to dues:
One Year - $49.95 Three Year - $119.95 Five Year - $199.95
DEMA will continue to keep our Membership pricing affordable so all professionals in the industry can afford to participate in the Association! We are able to do so thanks to the support of our loyal Affiliates, Sponsors and Service Provider Members!
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Miss a Newsletter?
No Problem! Click here to view past emails in our archive. |
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 To view the entire list of Service Providers and to find one in your area, become a DEMA member and click on the Member Directory tab on the website.
Do you know someone who would benefit from becoming a member of the Domestic Estate Managers Association? Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to them. We always welcome new members!
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