NKBA honored its Chapter Star winners for exceptional individual performance and outstanding programs and events. By Dianne M. Pogoda

 

NKBA’s 70 chapters across North America are the backbone of the association. In an annual tradition at Chapter Officer Training, NKBA honored its outstanding officers and the achievements of the chapters with Chapter Star Awards in a touching ceremony.

First, two chapters were recognized for milestone anniversaries: Prairie Provinces, marking 25 years, and New York Tri-State, for 50 years.

NKBA launched a philanthropic venture in 2019, the Chapter Restoration Project. Each chapter had the opportunity to submit plans to help restore a community building in their territory that includes a kitchen and/or bath. National provided $25,000 in seed funding to get the project started, and the winning chapter committed to using student workers as part of the labor force, in support of the NKBA NextUp program. It’s a win-win — the community benefits with an improved public building, and local students are exposed to the wonderful career opportunities in various skilled labor professions related to kitchens and baths.

The Rocky Mountain chapter submitted the winning proposal, a heartfelt plan to renovate the kitchen at the Mountain Resource Center, a non-profit, community-based organization. The Mountain Resource Center provides a safe and accessible place for individuals and families to connect with critical services that help them succeed, such as food pantry access, veterans services, healthy living and workforce education, disaster relief,  nutrition and cooking classes.

NKBA presented a new award this year, for Membership Growth, rewarding a chapter for the highest percentage of new members. The winner, with a 16.67% boost in membership, was Southwest Desert.

The Chapter Star awards are split into honors for chapters for events, programs and activities, and individual officers, one for each officer position, plus the Chapter Officer of the year. They were presented by the Chapter Leadership Committee: Antonette Copeland, Georgia Chapter; Kirsten Gable, AKBD, Baltimore/Washington Chapter; Nancy Young, CKBD, Alabama Chapter, and Toni Sabatino, AKBD, Manhattan Chapter. Molly Switzer, AKBD, Columbia River Chapter, is also on the CLC but was unable to attend.

Chapter Star Awards for Chapters, each winning a $1,500 prize:

Best New Member Campaign: This membership drive was a  unique and “outside of the box” event — and it was a hit, right out of the gate. Potential new members gathered to learn more about the value of the NKBA and the chapter, and the chapter also raised awareness among its members about the importance of recruiting and new professionals to join. What better backdrop than a day at the races, at one of the most beautiful racetracks in the country — Churchill Downs. The winning chapter was Kentuckiana.

Best Chapter Program: This event combined education and fun at a celebrity-owned winery. Exciting talks on cooking options and appliances as well as a food and wine pairings topped off the event. It was an example of member partnerships between large industry members and local chapter members. The winning chapter wasNorthern Michigan.

Best Chapter Design Competition: This chapter, which coined the term “Design Excellence Awards,” saw a significant increase in entries in 2019 from the prior year, and they say this competition attracts many new members each year. Judges from neighboring chapters and many volunteers from the membership collaborated to make this event happen, with a special circus theme The winner was British Columbia.

Best Chapter Fundraiser Event:  This chapter took building to another level — or rather, a sweeter one.  Its holiday party/fundraiser included a Gingerbread House contest plus a secret item built into the design, donated by a member company. This benefitted the Girls Build organization, and also brought to light the need to help with the  skilled labor shortage. The winning chapter was Columbia River.

Best Student-Focused Program: This award acknowledges a specific student program. The winning chapter organized “All Aboard the Design Student Bus Tour.” The concept behind this trip was to introduce post-secondary design students to all types of kitchen and bath products by visiting NKBA member showrooms and talking with trade professionals. The chapter raised awareness of NKBA, as well as  the level of professionalism by inspiring, leading, and empowering each member of their community. The students gained knowledge, had fun and won prizes, and the showrooms/industry partners were recognized for giving back to the community. This event gains popularity each year. The winning chapter was Texas Gulf Coast.​

Best NKBA-Themed Event: This award, also new this year, was designed to recognize chapters that have had NKBA-specific information sessions. In support of National’s “Next Up Initiative,” this chapter partnered with a newly opened Carpenter and Millwright training center. They went straight to the source for opportunities to help abate the skilled labor crisis. The goal was to get younger generations involved and interested in careers in the skilled trades. The chapter was educated at the event on how a Regional Council of Carpenters is helping to battle the labor crisis, and how designers, builders and members of NKBA can help in this desperate need. The winner was West Michigan.

Chapter Star Awards for Individual Officers, one for each chapter position, and each awarded a $500 prize:

Best Committee Member: This is a very special award because these winners are nominated by their fellow volunteers, who have observed and appreciated the effort, enthusiasm and dedication these volunteers put forth for our association and its local chapters. It is truly one of the highest compliments to have a peer take the time to write about what sets an individual apart, and ensure the judges understand just how hard that officer has worked and how much it is appreciated.

The winning committee member, according to her nomination, is not afraid to dive into the deep end of any task. “She became part of the team to revamp a competition for the coming school year. A  major change was needed, and she took it upon herself to find a long-term solution — and she accomplishes all this with a calm and positive demeanor,” said her nomination. “The passion and dedication she had shown in this process, for her chapter, and for the industry shines through in her effort to support the next generation of designers. The chapter only  wishes they could clone her.” The Chapter Star for Best Committee Member was Janel Campbell, CMKBD, Columbia River

Best Communications Chair: This Communications Chair’s nomination said his enthusiasm is infectious! He not only furthers the association’s visibility through his publications, but works diligently to include other events throughout the local area that might be of interest to K and B professionals. He was also the M-C for his chapter’s annual Designs of Distinction Awards Gala last October. The Chapter Star for Best Communications Chair was David Leonard, Georgia.

Best Programs Chair: This Program Chair’s mantra is “what can we do better, and how can I help?” She works tirelessly — and without any complaints — to make each and every meeting enjoyable, educational and rewarding, said her nominators. She organized the summer morning meetings for a change, to allow for a shift in schedules. The Chapter Star for Best Programs Chair was Antonette Copeland, Georgia.

Best Membership Chair: This membership chair has increased professional  and student memberships, because, according to her nomination, “She is a great communicator, follows up with all and brings a refreshing vibe to her chapter. She’s raising the level of chapter  professionalism by inspiring, leading, and welcoming each member of the chapter into the organization.” The Chapter Star for Best  Membership Chair was Rima Nasr, Texas Gulf Coast.

Best Secretary/Treasurer: This “efficient, cooperative, dedicated council member has what it takes to tackle this two-pronged position,” praised her nominator. “She maintains excellent records and her money-managing skills have proven to be a great plus to her chapter. She spent many hours working to implement the financial arm of the chapter website, including worry-free financial accounting. She is a true asset and to be sure, her chapter counts on her!” Chapter Star for Best Secretary went to Cynthia Qualia, Texas Gulf Coast.

Best Chapter President: This nominee “radiates a purple glow of enthusiasm for NKBA.” Her advocates praised her efforts to champion collaboration, empower officer ownership, and seek out ways to make her chapter stronger. “No task is too big or too small for her. She infuses everything she does with energy and enthusiasm.” The Chapter Star for Best Chapter President was Molly Switzer, AKBD, Columbia River.

The final award of the day was the Denise Dick Chapter Officer of the Year. This is the first year this highest chapter honor was renamed in memory of Denise Dick, CMKBD, who died on Feb. 14, 2019, just days before the start of KBIS last year. Denise was owner and principal designer of Signature Kitchens By Design in Carrollton, Texas, and a devoted volunteer for NKBA. She served on the Executive Committee, the NKBA Board of Directors, and as an officer for the Texas North Plains Chapter. Her husband, Eric Dick, and daughters, ​Erin and Allison, joined the ceremonies to present the award.

“I know that Denise would be humbled and honored, especially as to the nature of this award,” said Eric. “She was a very strong advocate in pushing for local chapters to be the grass-roots leaders for education, and making the NKBA the best professional association, period.”

In announcing the winner, he related some sentiments from the nomination. Since this individual took office, the chapter has seen a “noticeable shift in energy. She shares her extreme passion for the industry by collaboration and involvement. She mentors Committee Chairs, and members are encouraged to take ownership of their roles and to shake things up. The definition of leadership, her goal is to help everyone work together.” A past Thirty Under 30 honoree, she has also helped to increase the presence of new and young professionals at the chapter. The Denise Dick Chapter Officer of the Year, and winner of a $2,000 grand prize, was Molly Switzer, AKBD.

Chapter Star Award nominations for 2021 will open for the month of October, and winners will be revealed at Chapter Officer Training on Feb. 8, the day before KBIS 2021 opens, in Orlando.