nona powers
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
I'm so sorry, I forgot the connection to my computer, so I couldn't use it and could never find time to find another one to use, as I was always on the run from one thing to another so I couldn't post before now.
FACTS is a GO!! FACTS LIVES!!!
It was the most heartwarming thing to be stopped over and over, how's it going? Is it going to work? Did we make it? Ron Eggers said on a Hitchhikers post, Hitchhikers and The Grumble might not be big groups but they are expressive (very!!!) and do represent framers concerns and thoughts. With the help of the Picture Framing Magazine coming out with two editorials and the mailing the National PPFA did plus the local chapters and individual framers and DECOR providing us room for a booth then all of the wonderful people who helped set it up and staff it, and several distributors who sent out letters, how could the manufacturers not see and hear the enthusiasm and the true caring from across the industry? We had just under 500 framers when we went into the room and just over $12,000 but I assured them that just from the notes I had received from the people sending their checks, the passion was there and we could count on a minimum of 1,000 framers helping to support FACTS every year. Those of you who sent money are subscribers to FACTS for a year and after I get all of the names put into a data base, you will be the first to be updated on whatever progress we make. Lots of things are in the works as Ron said, emblems for windows, point of sale help, education about FACTS, work on more standards, so it will become an everyday part of framers lives.
At the beginning of the meeting, I was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and applauded for my work on behalf of FACTS. I told them that I would only accept them on behalf of ALL the people who had sent their checks, written letters, made calls, because they are the ones who saved FACTS. Every one of you who took the time and sent the money, with blind faith, only because you know FACTS is important, you are the reason it will be here for future generations. I applaud every one of you and wish I could send each of you a petal from the flowers.
As Ron said, we are not done. A realistic budget was proposed, with framers carrying their share. If we come up with $30,000 every year, several of the manufacturers will put up the rest needed, BUT only as long as framers care. We started it, now we have to stay involved. I think $30 is a conservative amount once a year, and 1,000 a realistic goal. I would love it if we could get 5,000 framers because it would give us even more money to accomplish all we need to do, but 1,000 is a good goal and will provide enough money to operate and continue on. There will be framers who don't care, but most when they heard what it was, were very enthusiastic about helping keep it alive.
FACTS is going to be a word you are going to hear every day in the future. Ron's tag line he puts on the end of his posts is a very good one. "Stop guessing and get the FACTS!!" When every framer knows what FACTS is and what it does for the industry, how will they not subscribe to it?
One big plus during the show is how FACTS brought so many framers together. My friend, Linda Lewis came with me because my husband couldn't. She was just going to walk the show and help me out but ended up volunteering in the booth, running from box to box collecting money, (the boxes Ron made to put in different booths on the show room floor and by the way, thanks to everyone who hosted a box). She got to work with Sandie Mizerak, hand out badges Ellen and Donald Danier made for us, and meet everyone else who volunteered. She came away totally committed to FACTS, ready to volunteer again and with sound friendships for future shows and is going to join HItchhikers.
I also met more great people. I've always said framers are the best people in the world, it's the main reason I love teaching in the industry and this experience absolutely proves it.
Keep spreading the word about FACTS, plan on volunteering at every show just because it's fun, (we'll figure out jobs to do), and stay involved by asking questions and making suggestions. Most of all, be very proud. WE DID IT!!!!!!
Nona Powers, CPF, GCF
www.nonapowers.com
I will be leaving day after tomorrow for several classes I'm teaching in Denver, but will get the names that gave after I left and at the show posted when I get back. Give me a little time. FACTS has been such a huge part of my life for over two months now and I have to get caught up a bit. I will not let down though. Framers are the base and foundation of FACTS and it will continue to be so. Lots of work ahead, but it's exciting work and will help every framer do their job better and make life easier and that's ultimately what I want.
FACTS is a GO!! FACTS LIVES!!!
It was the most heartwarming thing to be stopped over and over, how's it going? Is it going to work? Did we make it? Ron Eggers said on a Hitchhikers post, Hitchhikers and The Grumble might not be big groups but they are expressive (very!!!) and do represent framers concerns and thoughts. With the help of the Picture Framing Magazine coming out with two editorials and the mailing the National PPFA did plus the local chapters and individual framers and DECOR providing us room for a booth then all of the wonderful people who helped set it up and staff it, and several distributors who sent out letters, how could the manufacturers not see and hear the enthusiasm and the true caring from across the industry? We had just under 500 framers when we went into the room and just over $12,000 but I assured them that just from the notes I had received from the people sending their checks, the passion was there and we could count on a minimum of 1,000 framers helping to support FACTS every year. Those of you who sent money are subscribers to FACTS for a year and after I get all of the names put into a data base, you will be the first to be updated on whatever progress we make. Lots of things are in the works as Ron said, emblems for windows, point of sale help, education about FACTS, work on more standards, so it will become an everyday part of framers lives.
At the beginning of the meeting, I was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and applauded for my work on behalf of FACTS. I told them that I would only accept them on behalf of ALL the people who had sent their checks, written letters, made calls, because they are the ones who saved FACTS. Every one of you who took the time and sent the money, with blind faith, only because you know FACTS is important, you are the reason it will be here for future generations. I applaud every one of you and wish I could send each of you a petal from the flowers.
As Ron said, we are not done. A realistic budget was proposed, with framers carrying their share. If we come up with $30,000 every year, several of the manufacturers will put up the rest needed, BUT only as long as framers care. We started it, now we have to stay involved. I think $30 is a conservative amount once a year, and 1,000 a realistic goal. I would love it if we could get 5,000 framers because it would give us even more money to accomplish all we need to do, but 1,000 is a good goal and will provide enough money to operate and continue on. There will be framers who don't care, but most when they heard what it was, were very enthusiastic about helping keep it alive.
FACTS is going to be a word you are going to hear every day in the future. Ron's tag line he puts on the end of his posts is a very good one. "Stop guessing and get the FACTS!!" When every framer knows what FACTS is and what it does for the industry, how will they not subscribe to it?
One big plus during the show is how FACTS brought so many framers together. My friend, Linda Lewis came with me because my husband couldn't. She was just going to walk the show and help me out but ended up volunteering in the booth, running from box to box collecting money, (the boxes Ron made to put in different booths on the show room floor and by the way, thanks to everyone who hosted a box). She got to work with Sandie Mizerak, hand out badges Ellen and Donald Danier made for us, and meet everyone else who volunteered. She came away totally committed to FACTS, ready to volunteer again and with sound friendships for future shows and is going to join HItchhikers.
I also met more great people. I've always said framers are the best people in the world, it's the main reason I love teaching in the industry and this experience absolutely proves it.
Keep spreading the word about FACTS, plan on volunteering at every show just because it's fun, (we'll figure out jobs to do), and stay involved by asking questions and making suggestions. Most of all, be very proud. WE DID IT!!!!!!
Nona Powers, CPF, GCF
www.nonapowers.com
I will be leaving day after tomorrow for several classes I'm teaching in Denver, but will get the names that gave after I left and at the show posted when I get back. Give me a little time. FACTS has been such a huge part of my life for over two months now and I have to get caught up a bit. I will not let down though. Framers are the base and foundation of FACTS and it will continue to be so. Lots of work ahead, but it's exciting work and will help every framer do their job better and make life easier and that's ultimately what I want.