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Julie Vincenti, Editor                                                                    March 2012 

IN THIS ISSUE

 Student Member Profile

Scholarship Deadline Extended

Reaching Out

Some Reading Picks on Leadership

 Conference Scholarship Sponsors

 New Market Event

New Board of Governor's Members

Sync Your Calendar

UPCOMING EVENTS 

WithIt Luncheon 

Thursday, April 19
11:00am-2:00pm
WithIt Office

2125 Eastchester Drive

Suite 103, High Point

RSVP [email protected] 

 

Drinks with the Prez
Friday, April 20

5:30pm-7:00pm

Seasonal Living Showroom

IHFC Innerhall #306


WithIt Educational Breakfast
Lifestyle Panel

Sunday, April 22
7:30am-9:00am
IHFC Green Wing 11th Floor, Int'l Ballroom A

 

Moderator: Kathy Wall, The Media Matters

Panelists: syndicated writer, Elaine Markoutsas, designer and blogger, Jason Oliver Nixon, and Traditional Home senior style editor, Krissa Rossbund

 

More information

RSVP [email protected]

 

Competitive Intelligence/Trends Forecast
Monday, April 23
6:30pm-8:30pm

Natuzzi Americas   

130 W. Commerce Ave.
Networking * Information * Insights  

Must RSVP: [email protected] 

 

WithIt Leadership Development Institute

Thursday, May 17, 2012

9:00am - 5:00pm
Ashford Suites of the Triad
High Point, NC  $325/person - Open to the industry

Maximizing Influence and Leading Through Change  

Full day leadership seminar led by Sara King, Optimum Insights Inc. Gain important personal insight through experiential learning with practical tools and application.

  Get more information

and register at www.withit.org    

 

New York Design Tour
May 19-21, 2012
10:00 am-6:00 pm
More information

Register at www.withit.org

 

WithIt 15th Anniversary Gala

The Parisian Palace
6150 Palmyra Avenue 

 

Las Vegas 
 
More information and ticket sales coming soon. 

 

WithIt Professional Conference

August 14-16

Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel

$200 - Early registration for members

$400 - Early registration for non-members

More information and register at www.withit.org 

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS


Amber Bogle

Goosedown Web Develepment

High Point, NC

 

Joi Flanigan

Brown Jordan

El Monte, CA

 

Cindy Hall

Hooker Furniture Corporation

Martinsville, VA

 

Abigail Hines

High Point University

High Point, NC

 

Rianna Lane

High Point University

High Point, NC

 

Anissa Leatherman

Baker Furniture

Hickory, NC

 

Connie Lineberry

Sandow Media - Furniture/Today

Greensboro, NC

 

Emma Newell

High Point University

High Point, NC

 

Jessica Rose

High Point University

High Point, NC

 

Trey Whitehead

Home Furnishings Business Media

Roanoke, VA

 

 

WITHIT'S SPONSORS 

220 Elm 

Adesso, Inc. 

American Home Furnishings Alliance 

American Leather 

AmericasMart, Atlanta 

Aspenhome 

BDI 

Bassett Furniture 

Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library  

 Braxton Culler 

Brown Jordan 

Circle Furniture 

Cohen Tauber Spievack & Wagner 

Comfort Solutions 

Copeland Furniture 

C.R. Laine Furniture 

Dallas Market Center 

DreamFit 

Ekornes 

Ergo Bedroom 

Four Hands 

Frinier Atelier - Richard Frinier Collection 

Furniture Brands International 

FurnitureDealer.net 

Furniture/Today 

HB2 Resources 

Hickory Chair 

High Point Market Authority 

Home Furnishings Business 

IHFC 

IMRE 

Info Retail 

International Market Centers 

Jena Hall Designs

Judy George Int'l 

Las Vegas Design Center 

Leggett & Platt 

Lexington Home Brands 

LPK International 

Natuzzi Americas 

Norwalk Furniture 

Outer Limits Inc. 

Palliser Furniture 

P.D. Design Studio Ltd.

Phillips Collection 

PROFITsystems 

Rowe Furniture 

Sligh Furniture Company 

Smith Leonard PLLC 

Stickley Furniture  

Stir Creative Group 

Sunbrella 

Sustainable Furnishings Council 

The Media Matters, Inc. 

Tempur-Pedic 

Thomasville Home Furnishings of NJ 

Twin-Star International 

Valdese Weavers 

Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company 

ViewIt Technologies 

Wray Ward 

Wright of Thomasville 

 

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StudentMEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Victoria Valentinas
Victoria Valentinas

While other kids delighted in the rides, shows and attractions at Walt Disney World and Disney Vacation Club resorts, WithIt member and High Point University student Victoria Valentinas was realizing a different dream each time her family checked into a new hotel room or suite: she wanted to be an interior designer.

 

"I loved the grand lobbies, restaurants, lighting and accessories on the walls," Valentinas said. "My friends thought I was crazy, but I loved checking out the cool bathrooms."

 

One's academic career is not unlike a winding roller coaster--a ride filled with exciting and unexpected twists and turns. Some of Valentinas' most thrilling moments she said she owes to WithIt; by tapping into the network's professional leaders, Valentinas has landed coveted internships with some of the most impressive brands in the business.

 

"While I had been to WithIt events at High Point University, it was this past summer when I received a phone call informing me that I had become a WithIt scholar that I really become involved with the group," Valentinas said. "I was one of eleven students who was able to attend the [August 2011] Professional Conference in Raleigh.

 

"It was an amazing experience," she continued. "I was excited to meet tons of people."

 

But she gained something even more valuable: "I was always under the impression the interior design profession was so competitive," she said. "But at the WithIt conference, I had the opposite feeling. It was a network of women who were there to help one another."

 

After the annual event, the power of the WithIt professional network kicked into high gear for Valentinas. Through the contacts she made at the conference, she went on to assist WithIt board member Libby Langdon during showroom setup of the Libby Langdon for Braxton Culler Upholstery Collection in October 2011. Next, Valentinas interned with WithIt founder Jena Hall and Bassett Furniture, ultimately providing renderings for the soon-to-launch HGTV� Home Furniture Collection for Bassett Furniture. Valentinas is currently working with WithIt Regional Vice President Kassie Smith, Kassie Smith Lifestyle Group, and she will assist WithIt Vice President Networking Margi Kyle, The Designing Doctor, in the near future.

 

Meanwhile, Valentinas is gearing up for her college graduation in May, and she is pursuing a career in hospitality design. One day, she said she plans to nurture young home furnishings professional as they embark on their careers. "I've been there, so I know what it's like. Mentoring is important and WithIt is definitely the best group for it."

 

scholarshipSTUDENT NEWS
Scholarship Deadline Extended

Applications for the 2012 WithIt scholarships have been extended to April 30. Jena and Stephen R. Hall Scholarships recognize and nurture the academic endeavors of college students enrolled full-time in fields of study, including decorative accessory design, architectural design, forestry, furniture design, textile design, graphic design, interior architecture, sustainable design or other majors related to the home and furnishing industries.

 

"It is our great privilege to be able to provide these opportunities to

students," said WithIt Scholarship Vice President Violette Forman, Havertys. "We are hoping for a record participation this year."

 

Applicants must be either a full-time college sophomore or junior in good standing at the time of application. Judging is based on the student's academic performance, as reflected by grade point average, SAT/ACT scores and curriculum selected. Subjective judging criteria will include essays, references and statement of personal goals. Special emphasis will be placed on involvement in extracurricular activities and the community. Financial need may be considered.

 

The recipients are announced annually in July. Eligible students can download an application at www.withit.org.

 

reachingoutMENTORING
Stephanie Lowder
Reaching Out

WithIt Chairman Board of Governors Stephanie Lowder, Rare Bird Creative, recently delivered a seminar via Skype to a class of Auburn University industrial design students. Lowder was invited to speak about leadership and the gender gap by Kathleen Chang, a student prot�g� who attended WithIt's October 2012 Student Mentoring Day at High Point Market. Here, Chang reflects on Lowder's presentation:

 

"I'm really glad you talked about the importance of our group and why it is mainly focused on Women," Chang said. "Often our group is questioned on sexism, for having a group mainly focused for the advancement of women. I think the topic of gender equality is something most people here don't like to talk about, and often ignore--by both males AND Females. Some of the female students here don't understand the challenges of the real world, or are so numb to the idea of reaching for anything higher in the industry. Thank you for Skyping with us. We all took valuable advice home with us today and also some thoughts to think about.

 

"I'm currently finishing up this semester and getting ready for my Taiwan study abroad this summer, which will lead me to graduate in August," Chang continued. "I'm not sure what I want to do, but I definitely know I want to make a difference in the world. The pointers you gave today encourages me to keep on running this race, and to never settle for anything less than my ambitious goals."

 

readingRECOMMENDED READING
Lowder's Picks

WithIt Chairman Board of Governors Stephanie Lowder, Rare Bird Creative, offers a few must-reads for WithIt members:

 

Women and The Leadership Gap by Leslie Bennetts  http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/03/04/the-stubborn-gender-gap.html 

 

I'd Rather Be In Charge by Charlotte Beers

http://charlottebeers.com/ 

 

Catalyst

Find research and statistics on female achievement, the business case for diversity in leadership and how to bring change

http://www.catalyst.org/home 

 

 

conferenceSPECIAL THANKS
Conference Scholarship Sponsors

WithIt would like to thank Catherine and Richard Frinier, Sunbrella� and Brown Jordan for their generous sponsorship of WithIt's 2012 Professional Conference Scholarships. These scholarships enable students pursuing studies in home- and furnishings-related fields to attend WithIt's annual professional conference for free. This year's conference, "Pathways to Success: Strategies, Connections and Meaning," will be held Aug. 14-16 at the Renaissance Raleigh Hotel at North Hills, Raleigh, NC. 

 

 

presidentNEW EVENT
President's Night

Kick off spring and fall markets in the company of some of the home and furnishings industries' finest. "Drinks with the Prez," a new event to be held during the semi-annual High Point Market, will be held Friday, April 20, from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the Seasonal Living showroom, IHFC Innerhall, space 306.

 

"Market can be excruciatingly busy for our members, so the evening before the official first day of market is one of the best chances we have to connect with each other," said WithIt 2012 President Julia Rosien, SocialNorth.com. "After all, we're scattered across two countries and [we represent] a wide variety of specialties in the home and furnishings industries."

 

The event is open to all industry professionals, but pre-event sign-up is required. Visit www.withit.org to reserve your spot.

 

BOGBOARD OF GOVERNORS
New Members

Doug Bassett, chief operating officer, Vaughn-Bassett Furniture Company, and Steve Elton, vice president of sales and marketing, Brown Jordan, have joined WithIt's distinguished Board of Governors.

 

Bassett and Elton join an accomplished group of industry executives who embody WithIt's mission to encourage opportunity for top female talents in the home and furnishings marketplace. Continuing their term in 2012 are: Cary Benson, president of sales and marketing, Palliser Furniture; Peggy Burns, "Queen Bee," Circle Furniture; Jerry Cohen, partner with Cohen Tauber Spievack & Wagner PC; Jeff Cook, chief executive officer, A.R.T. Furniture Inc; Jerry Epperson, partner with Mann, Armstead & Epperson; Jena Hall, president, Jena Hall Design; Caroline Hipple, principal at HB2; Kim Knopf, chief executive officer, Innovative Mattress Solutions LLC; Darlene Leonard, managing partner with Smith Leonard PLLC; Stefanie Lucas, president and chief executive officer, Rowe Furniture; Eddie Massood, president and chief operating officer, Thomasville Home Furnishings of New Jersey; Tom Gattis, chair, Furniture Design at Savannah College of Art & Design; Jason Phillips, vice president and designer, The Phillips Company; Rob Sligh, senior vice president of business development, Lexington Home Brands; Ryan Trainer, president, International Sleep Products Assn.; and Margaret (Peggy) Traub, president and chief executive officer, Adesso Inc.

 

WithIt Governors build awareness about and advocate on behalf of WithIt by making recommendations to the Board of Directors; providing access to professionals, resources and business networks; and serving on a task force. Each governor commits to a suggested three-year term; the Board of Governors meet three times a year at times and locations designated at the start of each calendar year.

 

Do you know of another executive who you think should serve on WithIt's Board of Governors? Contact WithIt Chairman Board of Governors Stephanie Lowder, Rare Bird Creative, at [email protected].

 

eventsEVENTS
Sync Your Calendar

Be sure to fill your dance card with one or more of WithIt's cutting-edge and career-focused programs:

 

* APRIL 23 - MARKETING: Have you registered to attend "Power of Pinterest?" Learn about the power of a pin from Crystalyn Stuart, IMRE's Vice President of Social Marketing. She will lead a panel of industry experts as they share their perspective on this popular new photo-sharing tool, and discuss how the Pinterest platform is influencing the design industry. The event, to be held from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Natuzzi Americas Theatre, 130 W. Commerce Ave., High Point, is sponsored by IMRE. There is no cost to attend, but you must reserve a seat by contacting [email protected].

 

* MAY 17 - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Have you registered to attend, "Maximizing Influence and Leadership Through Change," WithIt's inaugural Leadership Institute? The full-day event will feature focused insights from an experienced leadership educator, researcher and author. Sara King, principal of Optimum Insights Inc., will help you to assess and maximize your leadership strengths and potential from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Ashford Suites of the Triad, 3901 Sedgebrook St., High Point, NC. The cost is $325 per person. Register at www.withit.org

 

* MAY 19-21 - DESIGN: Have you secured your place at the New York Design Tour? The highly anticipated event is capped at 40 participants, so be sure to sign up today. Highlights include exclusive studio tours, a trends presentation, a trip to the Brooklyn Flea and much more. The cost is $200 for current members; $325 for non members. Reserve a spot at www.withit.org.

 

* AUG. 14-16 - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Have you reserved your seat for "Pathways to Success: Strategies, Connections and Meaning," WithIt's 2012 professional conference? The event will be held at the Renaissance Raleigh Hotel at North Hills, Raleigh, NC. Early registration is $200 for members and $400 for non-members; after July 9, the cost for members is $250 and $475 for non-members. The student rate is $75. You'll find a conference registration form, programming information and lodging details at www.withit.org.

 

Have a story idea for an upcoming e-newsletter? Submit your idea to Julie Smith Vincenti, Vice President-Media.

 

WithIt, Inc.

PO Box 16264, High Point, NC 27261

Office: 2125 Eastchester Drive Suite 103, High Point, NC 27265

www.withit.org