News from Recent Events -
AWS Program
Orlando, Florida
Event Images
The AWI Florida Chapter’s AWS program in Orlando on November 13th attracted 36 Manufacturing and Supplier Members in addition to one local Architect. During the 6 hour program attendees were educated and entertained by Mike Bell of Kentucky Millwork an AWI National Director, Jeff Vaida of JFV Design and John Tavaglione of Häfele America. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to get inside the Standards and to begin to identify the differences between the content and format of the new Architectural Woodwork Standards and the previous edition of the Quality Standards Illustrated. Those who attended Saturday morning’s session found that actually using the AWS to answer specific questions found on the QCP test was particularly helpful. Special thanks to Mike Bell for his “insider’s” view of how the standards developed and his generous service to our industry.
43rd Annual
Change Over Program
South Seas Island Resort - Captiva, Florida
View Event Images
Your Florida Chapter held one of its most successful Changeover meetings August 28th – 30th at the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island. Manufacturing and Supplier Members got together at the beautiful resort for “Rest and Relaxation plus Education and Celebration” and the weekend was a success on all levels.
The weekend began with a Welcome Reception Friday evening; then Saturday morning we enjoyed a presentation on one of the most requested topics LEED® specifically covering the recent changes to the program. Rob Ziegelmeier from AWI National did a great job explaining this very complex subject. We followed that with a cook out near one of the Resort’s marinas; with burgers and dogs cooked to perfection by Chapter President Ethan Adams.
Saturday evening we enjoyed cocktails while visiting the Table Top Displays of our Supplier Members (Cabinetware, Dixie Plywood – Orlando, Häfele and Resource Engineering) and judging from the animated conversations the displays were a hit. Next we acknowledged the current Board of Directors with plaques and presented two special awards. Toni Tregear was given the “Special Thanks” award for her outstanding service to the Chapter this year: including assembling, editing and printing the Sourcebook; creating and printing the Changeover flyer; designing, printing and assisting in stuffing the gift bags. Incoming President Phyllis Thornberg was awarded the first “Bill Harris Memorial Outstanding Service” plaque. This award was designed to memorialize Bill Harris of Wood-N-Profile who was a great friend of the Chapter and a great resource to many woodworkers throughout the state. It will be used to acknowledge exceptional efforts that benefit and support the Chapter. After a superb dinner with an Asian flair we gave out a dozen door prizes, introduced the incoming Board of Directors and presented our calendar for the coming year.
Sunday morning Teresa McCain from AWI National gave a presentation on the history of AWI, a National update and provided us with an introduction to the new Architectural Woodwork Standards which were released earlier in August. After an animated discussion it was decided that adding a Q&A session to our upcoming AWS Program (November 13th -14th in Orlando) was essential.
All attendees who were able to stay a little longer enjoyed a chartered nature cruise around the Captiva Islands. We had the opportunity to see many of the private residences which are only accessible by boat and enjoyed watching a school of dolphins frolic in the boats wake.
Chapter members enjoyed numerous networking and educational opportunities despite the resorts beautiful setting. If you weren’t able to join us at Changeover this year we hope you will mark your calendars early as we hope to go back to South Seas next year, probably the first or second weekend in October.
Hope to see you there!!
Incoming AWI Florida Chapter President Phyllis Thornberg was awarded the first “Bill Harris Memorial Outstanding Service” plaque.
