NKBA’s South Florida chapter stays physically distant but socially connected. By Dianne M. Pogoda

 

“As the new president for the South Florida Chapter, it is extremely important to me to show our members that we are truly here to serve them.”

So says Jamie Trotter, architect and design sales manager at Cosentino in West Palm Beach, Fla., of her new role. “While we are all volunteering our time and efforts outside of our daily obligations in business, we have chosen to take on these additional responsibilities in order to bring our industry together and provide opportunities for every member.”

Trotter did a quick pivot to help guide the chapter’s board, which was already well into the planning stages for various events, in converting to an online format once the stay-at-home orders owing to the COVID-19 pandemic took effect. One event that translated well as a virtual chapter meeting offering a CEU was “Best Practices for Designing Kitchen Islands,” with Janet Salls, a representative of Sub-Zero Wolf in Miami.

“Janet was a great person to provide this CEU because she is animated and interactive and she makes the CEU fun and informative — a task not easy to do in person, let alone with a virtual audience,” Trotter recalled.

The presentation, attended by 26 chapter members, was hosted through the Microsoft Teams platform. It was recorded and sent to members, so those who could not attend could still benefit, and those who did could refer back. Trotter said this also allowed the chapter to offer additional content, giving members resources for other CEU offerings and learning opportunities.

“The virtual CEU was a great opportunity to introduce myself as the new president to members who hadn’t met me yet,” said Trotter, “as well as really express our commitment to make the NKBA a valuable and trusted resource for them to be a part of.”

She added that many members reached out afterward with ideas for the chapter, including a study group for designers working toward CKBD certification. She said she’s exploring that option, perhaps partnering with nearby chapters, like Florida Treasure Coast or Central Florida.

“It was not only important for me to reach out to our members and offer my well wishes for healthy and safety,” said Trotter, “but it was also a priority of mine to see how I can best support them and provide them content that would allow them to keep moving through these uncertain times.”