Message from Charlotte Chapter President

Let me begin by thanking all of the attendees to our recent meeting on 1/20. I know the weather was a factor which affected our attendance. All attendees were treated to a very enjoyable and informative program by Mr. John Saparano.

Our chapter is moving in a very positive direction thanks to the assistance of Todd Rowland, Melissa McDougal, and Rich Glenny all with Little. We have spent allot of time recently and have developed a meeting schedule for the entire 2009 year. This I'm sure will be helpful to all which should result in improved attendance. We are also initiating a annual student competion with some local schools and this will be chaired by Rich Glenny rglenny@littleonline.com. We have also had some board member changes as Sue Ramsay and Will Hooker are stepping down for various reasons. They have been replaced by Susan Martin smartininc@carolina.rr.com Treasurer, and Melissa McDougal mmcdougal@littleonline.com Secretary. Also Todd Rowland trowland@littleonline.com will be chairing our meeting schedule and new membership.

Besides our web page you can go to www.retaildesigninstitute.org or hit RDI link on our site. Over the next few months we will be phasing out our site and utilizing the RDI site and under chapters click on Charlotte. As of April 1 we will no longer use our site. In closing we are all excited about the coming year. Spread the word around to associates and anyone in our profession explaining the benefits to join.

Thank you, Sam Musto, President

Welcome Aboard

Upcoming Chapter Events

March 11th, 2009, Wednesday
Student competion kick-off Presentation by Rich Glenny reviewing process and details
Retailers Roundtable: Interactive discussion w/ a mix of retail professionals discussing issues pertaining to current state of today's economical environment.

Location: Little, 5815 Westpark Dr. Charlotte, NC 28217, (707) 525-6350   map   rsvp

Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm (buffet available)

RSVP

May 13th, 2009, Wednesday
Student competion finalists announced
Site visit to IKEA w/ guided tour, review merchandise and services provided which might be a surprise

June 13th, 2009, Saturday
Golf outing @ Emerald Lake Golf Course
RDI members only

July, 15th, 2009, Wednesday
Mohawk Meeting w/ Paige Brice featuring Carolina great B.B.I

September 16th, 2009, Wednesday
Local restaurant tour
Walking tour of Charlotte favorite restaurants w/ restaurant owner
Pierre Bader reviewing concepts

October 14th, 2009, Wednesday
Merchandising concepts
Presented by Charlotte retailers and there in- house Visual merchandisers.

December 19th, 2009
Holiday Social Party