|
|
 |
And the winners are…Trailblazer AwardGrace McNamara as the 2005 Trailblazer Winner Grace McNamara is President and CEO of Grace McNamara Inc. (GMI), based in St. Paul, MN. McNamara founded the company in 1986 with the purchase of Window Fashions magazine. In 1997, she founded FFi- Fine Furnishings International magazine, targeting upscale interior designers and high end retailers. In March 2002, GMI launched Loopreports, a fresh new quarterly trend for the interior design industry. Each of these publications is the leader in its field. In addition to publishing, GMI produces educational seminars, conferences and trade shows for the window coverings industry. In 1997, McNamara launched the International Window Fashions Expo and subsequently partnered with Messe Frankfurt to co-produce the International Window Coverings Expo, the annual window covering tradeshow in the United States. In 2003, GMI purchased Messe Frankfurt’s interest and is now sole producer of the Expo. In 2004, GMI successfully launched the West Coast INTERIORS EXPO. Complementing the trade shows, McNamara developed the Window Fashions Certified Professionals Program™ in 1990, the leading education program for the window fashions industry, featuring CEU accredited seminars. This multilevel program is offered at industry trade shows and at regional conferences throughout the United States and is available on the Internet. More than 1000 individual seminars, in more than 100 locations, have been produced by the McNamara organization. McNamara also launched an ongoing education program for high end designers in 2004 by partnering FFi magazine with the High Point Showroom Association and the Interior Design Society to produce the annual “Event for Designers”, bringing education and resource seminars to designers. FFi is the trade media partner of the 200 Steele Building in High Point, NC, and FFi works with 200 Steele to bring designer educational seminars and events during the Spring and Fall Markets. FFi is also asked to bring educational events to showrooms and design centers around the country, such as NeoCon/ Fine Design, June 2005. Grace McNamara Inc. has published the following titles:
McNamara has been a member of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) since 1987. She is a press member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association. In addition to presiding over Grace McNamara, Inc. and its many publishing and educational endeavors, Grace is raising four daughters. Paulina, Magdalena, Bogusia and Ania are sisters who were living in a Polish orphanage when Grace adopted them several years ago. McNamara graduated in 1977 from St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN with B.A. degrees in Marketing and French. She speaks fluent French and Polish, which enhances enhances and extends her effectiveness in the global market of business and design. Earlier Trailblazers have included: About the Trailblazer Award The IFDA Trailblazer award is presented annually to a person who is responsible for an innovation that meaningfully alters the way some aspect of the furnishings and design industry functions or is perceived. Nominees may be a member or non-member of the association, but who in the last five years has consistently demonstrated leadership qualities who will continue to affect the industry in blazing future trails. A Trailblazer is creative and innovative, an influence on a national/international scale, a recognized leader in the profession and a contributor to the industry at large. Honorary Recognition Recipients2005 Frances Davison, New England 2004 Bonnie Peterson, FIFDA, Carolinas 2003 Nancy High FIFDA, Carolinas 2003 Jean Bateman FIFDA, Arizona About the Honorary Recognition Award Initiated in 1977, the Honorary Recognition Award is given to honor IFDA's own and is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member of the association. It is given to members who have made notable contributions to furnishings, design, education or related fields. 2005 Fellows RecipientsSonja Ashner, FIFDA, North Central Barbara Daher, FIFDA, Northern California Marcia Geoghan, FIFDA, Washington Lorriane Hanson, FIFDA, New England Karen Nelson, FIFDA, North Central John Petro, FIFDA, Washington Marie Saterbak, FIFDA, North Central About Fellows Fellow is the title awarded to a member who is recognized for service to IFDA and for extraordinary civic, educational, and industrial contributions. Each Fellow is nominated by their Chapter, has met the membership requirements of at least eight years of continuous IFDA membership, and acquired the necessary number of points to meet eligibility requirements. For more information on any of IFDA's National or Chapter Awards, contact IFDA Headquarters at tel: 610-535-6422. |
 |
|
