Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/58508
President's Message continued to rent them from Danny! They are included in your FEDA membership. I'm going to leave it at that. This is incoming FEDA President BradWasserstrom's issue to deal with now. I just thought I'd leave you with something to mull over. I want to thank everyone for allowing me to serve you again as FEDA President over the last 10months. It has been a huge honor and, frankly with Ray and his attentive staff, it has been a true pleasure. I'd also like to thank the FEDA board and excom for vol- unteering their time, energy and creative ideas.To the deal- ers and manufacturers who have emailed me or called me (or called me out) about my articles and industry issues, thank you so much for your direction and insight. In addition, for supporting our efforts with Patti Morrow, the founder and executive director of the Interior Designer Protection Council (IDPC), I would like to say THANKS to the other industry trade associations (NAFEM,MAFSI, FCSI) and their leadership,aswell as all of themajor buying groups (PRIDE,NexGen,CPG, IFED, ABC,SEFA,NAFED).Your finan- cial support is crucial in helping Patti speak out against the practices of theAmerican Society of Interior Design (ASID). Now I hand it over to you Brad,knowing that our industry is in good hands with your leadership.Thank you all again, it has been my pleasure to serve you. Hopefully the economy will continue to improve, as will sales, and we will hear a lot more laughter in our future. Like Danny used to say, "Everything is funny when you're makin' money…." I wish you all the BEST! u Industry Insights continued Yelp, or whatever it may be.They live for this stuff! Want to attract more youth in your industry, start by showing them that you're interested in what they have to offer.Open up your showrooms and get involved with your local high schools and colleges. u Is "Checking itTwice" continued embolden your management team to find even more. Always remember that two steps forward and one step back is still forward progress.Keeping the status quo in this dynamic market will be harmful or fatal if swallowed. Interest rates are at an all-time low right now, but how will your profitability look when they hit 5 percent,10 percent, 15 percent and beyond. If you plan to pass the company to the kids, or sell it before interest rates go up, keep in mind you still have the holidays with the kids or the devaluation hit you take for carrying debt during due diligence.No mat- ter what your current situation, size or unique focus,mak- ing your enterprise a system-driven organization will only strengthen the company's profitability, value and long-term viability. u 44 FEDA News & Views