All of us at the NKBA are excited to see that our most recent Signature Tour of Kitchens was a big success. Not only did we raise significant cash for our charity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grand Rapids, we also received very positive feedback from the participating members. Everyone who submitted a home reported that many potential customers viewed each kitchen. They also suggested that there were no “tire kickers”. Everyone who visited, was not only a qualified consumer lead, but also had plans for a new kitchen project in the near future.
Our goal from the beginning was to create a format that allowed end users to view completed kitchen projects from NKBA member firms. This one day event not only created this atmosphere, but also stimulated creative thinking throughout our membership. The weather held out, we had over 100 people through some of the homes, and all in all, we hit a solid double for our first year.
The tour committee is now evaluating all the information that we learned in order to tweak our 2011 tour. This past tour was a large event. We had 32 homes entered, had positive comments and the committee learned a great deal. This knowledge will be taken into next year to assure an even better event, producing larger crowds and more publicity.
If you missed our tour, you missed a great event. If you attended, we thank you for your support.
At this point, I want to personally thank our partners throughout this event. Michigan Home Lifestyles magazine, not only worked through the initial issues surrounding the tour, but they also supported the chapter at every turn. Dennis Stadel, Kay Balk, and Rebecca Eyke, all contributed greatly to the success of this event. Their advice on signage, news coverage, and printing issues, helped all of us master the many tasks that were necessary to make this day a success.
Dianna Stampfler of Promote Michigan was also instrumental in getting out the message. Her firm was responsible for the radio, TV, and print media that covered this event as a “news story”. We were featured for free in the Grand Rapids Press, WOOD radio, Fox TV, WZZM TV, among others, as a feature story. Each of these media outlets helped drive end consumers to each home.
In addition to our sponsors, located below, I would also like to publically thank all of the committee members that put this tour together. Sherrie Sekora, Jeff Diener and especially Paula Allison, all played an instrumental role in getting this tour completed. Paula Allison, who is not a board member, volunteered for the tour committee and was a major asset. Her insight and commitment was second to none, and on behalf of the NKBA board, we all thank you for your efforts. Linda Doty also played a major part in making the “Simply Pink Party” a success. She was a welcome asset during a time of great stress. Linda and her helper took over collecting the cash from the party, and her efforts are greatly appreciated.
On another note, as we proceed through the remainder of 2010, I can personally say that it has been a pleasure serving as president. I personally would like to take this time to thank the entire board of directors for their support throughout the year. Without this, not only would the tour have been impossible, but also a smooth operation of the NKBA’s business structure would have been much more difficult. We have a great outgoing board of directors, and it’s important for everyone to know who they are. When you see one of the following people at our meetings, please take the time to thank them for their support of our industry and our NKBA chapter.
Outgoing board:
John Valente, President Holly Peterson, Treasurer
Jeff Dienter, VP Government Affairs Vanessa Dekoekkoek, VP Programs
Sherrie Sikora, VP Professional Development Tom Doty, Chapter Rep
Jennifer Neeb, VP Technology/Communications Leif Larson, VP Academic Relations
Rachel Harig, Secretary
Our incoming board is just as qualified to bring us into next year. I look forward to serving with our new president, Vanessa Dekoekkoek. Her experiences in our industry will be a valuable asset as she guides us into 2011.
Thanks again,
John Valente
Tour sponsors and partners:
Thank you letter from Susan G. Komen – Grand Rapids
The following letter was sent along with our donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Grand Rapids:
November 12, 2010
Denise Blunk Affiliate Manager
Susan G. Komen for The Cure
710 Kenmoor St. Suite 130
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
Enclosed please find our check in the amount of $2,145.79. This represents half of our ticket sales for our most recent “Signature Tour of Kitchens” which was held on October 23rd, 2010. This tour of recently remodeled kitchens focused on communicating design and remodeling information to the general public.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit organization supporting locally owned kitchen and bath retailers, suppliers, design students, interior designers, and manufacturers representatives. All of our member firms not only support the kitchen and bath industry, but are also active in supporting organization such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Grand Rapids.
The 32 homes in our tour, located throughout Grand Rapids, the Lake Shore, and Kalamazoo, were well attended. We averaged over 42 visitors per home by people all looking for more information on planning their next kitchen remodeling project. These individuals were pleased that our organization utilized this event to benefit a well known charity. We received many pleasing comments from those visiting our homes, regarding our using Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Grand Rapids, as our chosen charity.
In addition, we had one visitor that felt compelled to include an additional check made out directly to your organization, as well as several others that offered additional donations beyond the ticket price. These checks are also included.
Thank you,
John Valente
President – West Michigan NKBA