E-news Summer 2015

IDLCPA NEWSFLASH
Issued: Spring 2015

<<Click here for a full color printable PDF>>

A Word from the President - By Jennifer Winters

Greetings to everyone. I would first like to welcome our new members Verica Zelenkov, Carl Ballinger, Lisa Kamphaus, Amanda Bahn and Angela Leigh to IDLCPA, board we are excited to have your new energy and ideas on our board!

We welcome 2015 with refreshed ideas and excitement! IDLCPA has prepared the strategic plan for this coming legislative year. Our restriction problem remains the same as it has been in previous years. We ask that you take the time this winter to contact your senator and state representative and ask for their support.

It is time for everyone including your co-workers, friends and family to contact their senators and request a meeting then ask for their support in protecting and advancing our profession.

Here is what to do:
Please contact your senator at either their Harrisburg office or their “home” office. We would prefer for you to actually visit your senator but we understand that time is precious so if you are unable to visit please call and send an email to them asking to be a co-sponsor. The more voices they hear the better!

A few points that might help you:

• Explain why personally this is important to you and your future.
• Let them know that the legislation language was drafted by Sen. Ward’s team to ensure that there were not trade restrictions.
• This would empower small business owners and operators to expand job growth and responsibilities for many woman owned businesses.

Don’t know how to find your senator?
Click the following link and type your address in the upper right corner: You can find your Senator here.

Why is Interior Design legislation so important?
Interior Designers are currently restricted by the state of Pennsylvania from practicing Interior Design as a code based environment. In the year 2009 UCC revised the IBC codes that adapted section 403.42a Permit Application. This section states the following:

“(c) A licensed architect or licensed professional engineer shall prepare the construction documents under the Architects Licensure Law (63 P.S – 34.1-34.22) or the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law (63 P.S –148-158.2). An unlicensed person may prepare design documents for the remodeling or alteration of a building if there is no compensation and the remodeling or alteration does not relate to additions to the building changes to the building’s structure or means of egress.”

IDLCPA is currently working on legislation seeking Interior Design registration for designers that practice code-driven interior planning and design. Our bill will address registration in a way that will not impact designers currently practicing in residential, kitchen and bath, and decorative markets.

Use your voice and stand up for our professional growth!

Contact Jennifer Winters : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.with any questions or concerns.

PURE Electric Circus! - By Katie Nowak

The cold of a Pittsburgh February was temporarily broken up by the heat of the Electric Circus. IDLCPA’s 9th annual Pure Party was held February 5th at the fabulous Warhol Museum. The Andy Warhol inspired 1960/70’s club culture was recreated for one night and was enjoyed by a group of responsible professionals on a Thursday night!

Over 270 Guests came in from the cold to attend the event, enjoying the museum, DJ, auction items and 50/50 raffle. The food was inspired by Andy Warhol’s art (tomato soup shooters with Campbell's labels decadent chocolate dipped banana’s). A caricaturist captured faces on Clarus’s glass boards and a video ran on several screens depicting past events, sponsors, legislative information and Warhol inspired portraits of members of the industry.

A bitter sweet moment of the night occurred wihen we honored one of our own faithful volunteers, Jim D’Amato of Shaw Contract Group. Jim is retiring and will be going back full time to his home in New York. We will greatly miss Jim for his consistent support of our cause but wish him all the best in this new chapter of his life. AND he better come back to visit and celebrate when our bill goes all the way!!

This annual event raises almost half of the operating expenses for the state coalition and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors, auction donors and the industry members that attend the party! SPECIAL THANKS to this years planning committee: Fran Colby, Richard King, Amanda Bahn, Angie Petcash, Katie Nowak, Brian Fee and Nancy Drew. SPECIAL THANKS to Ashley Mulkin, Natalie Harmon, Alicia Condie and Jennifer Bosack
for their behind the scenes contributions.

This year’s auction included Pitt Basketball tickets, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tickets, Penguins tickets, wine baskets, restaurant gift cards, artwork, guest chairs, task chairs and tickets to the Warhol. The big ticket item was an elegant multi-course dinner personally prepared and served by the members of the committee. Thanks to the winning bidders Tom Garasic and Ed Eisaman who each will be enjoying those dinners!

Congratulations to our winners!

IDLCPA would like to recognize the individuals who have made contributions to Pure Electric Circus. This event would not be possible without the dedicated support of the individuals, schools, companies and organizations listed.