Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/264715
8 FEDA News & Views Association Highlights Take Advantage of Your Dealer-Focused Membership Benefits Today Ray Herrick Executive Vice President ray@feda.com Grow your Bottom Line at FEDA's 2014 Convention (See the 2014 FEDA Convention bro- chure insert in this issue for speaker and program highlights.) One of the best ways to gain new ideas to boost your bottom line is to attend the FEDA 2014 Annual Convention, March 26 -30 at the beauti- ful Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, Calif. It's true more than ever that "It's the People You Meet; The Relationships You Build; And the Knowledge You Gain That Make the FEDA Convention The Smart Investment." Make an invest- ment in your future by attending the FEDA Convention. Defending Your Right to Supply Design Services As we begin another new year, pro- tecting your right to supply design services should continue to be front and center. The following is an update from Patti Morrow, president of Interior Design Protection Consulting. And do remember to add $250 to your dues check to help support Patti's ongoing work on your behalf. "Reflecting Back" (Patti Morrow pmorrow.idpc@gmail.com): Last year I saw a record number of bills that mentioned "interior design" cross my desk—65 in all. While not all of them required my immediate action, they all require my analysis to make sure they will not negatively harm commer- cial foodservice equipment distributors. My work also includes lobbying and tes- tifying in every state that attempts to enact practice legislation, and to also work against title and bidding bills via coalition letters, and sometimes travel- ing to those states as well. I am happy to report that no legislation to enact new title or practice acts passed last year. "Looking Forward" The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the trade association that's spent millions of dollars lobbying for these anti-competitive regulations over the last 35 years, is not giving up, in spite of IDPC's defeat of more than 150 bills in the past seven years. They are going to double-down and focus on Massachusetts, New York and California since these states would influence the surrounding states. But they will also continue to introduce bills in other states through their state grassroots groups. "Your Part" When you get my alert through the FEDA staff, please take action! It may be writing to or calling legislators, attending a hearing, or even testifying. I am avail- able to assist with all of those activities, as needed. Many bills have been defeat- ed by just a few strong FEDA members who took action when required. Are You Using These Important FEDA Membership benefits? • University of Industrial Administration, ServSafe and CFSP Scholarships from the FEDA Education Foundation • Digital N&V version of FEDA News & Views magazine to share with your key staff • The very popular annual FEDA Profit Survey • Sales training webinars and other FEDA online podcasts on a variety of topics of interest to dealers, plus product education for those new to the industry • Special AutoQuotes features espe- cially for FEDA members. Need more information on how FEDA can help you? Contact me by phone at 800-677-9605 or email.