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Letter from the President - Welcome 2024


What a year we had, what a year it will be! Thank you all for your support of the Greater Annapolis Design District (GADD) in 2023.



We’re starting this year with a strong Board of Directors in place - creative, energetic, dedicated and fun.  GADD has been fortunate to retain long serving members on the Board, as well as attract new volunteers excited to participate in the planning and direction of our organization.  We spent the Fall simplifying our mission and prioritizing the value of your membership.  With more opportunities for meaningful networking and educational programs, we hope each and every member will make new connections, learn from each other, refer business prospects and collaborate on projects. We want to really get to know each other, find ways to work together and provide inspiration as we design and build all around our beautiful city.  We are the professionals building the most beautiful and innovative projects in Annapolis and beyond.


We kicked off 2024 with the Miller’s Ale House evening networking event on January 4th. Close to 30 people were treated to a cocktail sponsored by Niermann Weeks.  This event, held the first Thursday of each month, is a perfect opportunity to catch up in a casual atmosphere - pop in for few minutes to hear from the sponsor or stay for a drink and network until 7:30p.m.  On the third Thursday of each month, grab a coffee and join a smaller group, at the Market House at 7:30am.  I truly never leave this meeting without some great ideas and information.  We share news and referrals, with a casual presentation by a Member business.   Put these events on your calendar – the more people who attend, the more opportunity we all have for relationship building.  The GADD Book Study starts on January 23rd when we’ll make plans to discuss those design/build/construct/business books your personal friends have no interest in AT ALL. Lol!  All these events are monthly.  Please check the Events calendar in our newsletter and on the website for additional special events you won’t want to miss.  We have a great year planned and hope to see every member in the near future and more often in 2024.


This year you can expect an updated website with a fresh new look, valuable references and an inclusive calendar to help plan for professional education/networking, as well as your weekend visits to the Building Museum or a local art show .  Our members are already planning their gatherings and happy hours and we look forward to supporting these events throughout the year.  Strengthening our relationship with Anne Arundel Community College through mentorship and guidance within the trade schools is on top of our “to do” list, as well as pulling up a seat at the table to local government issues on development and construction.


In the spirit of connection and relationship building, get involved, throw out ideas, join a committee, propose a  project and head it up. Or simply throw on a nametag and show up at the events.  We’ll be so happy getting to know you.  


Cheers!

Andrea Wheeler

Design Solutions, Inc.

Proud Member and serving as President for the Greater Annapolis Design District (GADD)

GADD Monthly Networking Breakfast (Members Only)

Date: Third Thursday - Upcoming Dates: February 15, March 21

Location: Market House, 25 Market Space, Annapolis, MD 21401

Time: 7:30a.m. - 8:30a.m.

Cost: Free


Members are invited to an early morning networking hour the third Thursday of each month from 7:30a.m.-8:30a.m. at the Market House. Arrive a few minutes early to purchase a coffee and breakfast bite at Rise Up, located inside the Market House. Be ready at 7:30a.m. to connect and collaborate.




GADD Monthly Networking Happy Hour

Date: First Thursday - Upcoming Dates: February 1, March 7

Location: Miller's Ale House, 178 Jennifer Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401

Time: 5:30p.m. - 7:30p.m.

Cost: Free - Members | $10 Non-Members


Let’s get together and get to know each other better! Members and guests are invited to join us the first Thursday of every month for a causal Happy Hour and Networking opportunity. To RSVP, click HERE and specify which date(s) you would like to attend.


Seeking drink sponsors ($350). Sponsors will have an opportunity to discuss their business for a few minutes at the start of the event.  Email annapolisdesigndistrict@gmail.com to sign up to be a sponsor.




Flip Flops in February(Members Only)

Date: February 22

Location: Gabby & Summer Classics, 1910 Towne Centre Blvd., Suite 100, Annapolis, MD 21401

Time: 5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.

Cost: Free


Members are invited to join us for a Flip Flops in February event hosted by member Tim McDonough of TM Designs at Gabby and Summer Classics. Members can enjoy an evening filled with inspiration, design and delightful entertainment. To RSVP, click HERE.



GADD Book Study (Members Only)

Date: February 20

Location: Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library, 1410 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401

Time: 7:00p.m.

Cost: Free


Members are invited to join us to discuss our first book pick, Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr. To purchase the book, click HERE. If you have any questions or have a book recommendation for a future Book Study reading and meeting, please email annapolisdesigndistrict@gmail.com. Let's get to reading! Hope to see you on February 20.



Annual Member Appreciation Luncheon (Members Only)

Date: March 13

Location: Yellowfin Steak and Fish House, 2840 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037

Time: 11:30a.m.-1:30p.m.

Cost: One Complimentary Ticket Per Member, Additional $75/each


All active members who have renewed for 2024 are invited to attend our annual Member Appreciation Luncheon. Members will have an opportunity to mingle while enjoying a beverage and delicious lunch. Cash bar will be available. To RSVP, click HERE.


We are seeking sponsors. If you are interested in being a sponsor for this special event, please email annapolisdesigndistrict@gmail.com.




Hosting (or cohosting) an event is a great way to promote your company's brand, services, or products. If you are interested in holding an Open House, Seminar, Product Learning Event or CEU at your business location/showroom or cohosting an event with another Design District Member, please go to https://www.annapolisdesigndistrict.com/all-events/host-an-event/ or contact us at annapolisdesigndistrict@gmail.com.

Gold Seal Services

PATRON Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Waterworks

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website

AACC - Interior Design Club

Non-Profit Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Annapolis Carpet and Flooring

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Annapolis Home Magazine

Affiliate Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Annapolis Interiors

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Annapolis on the Level

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Bayview Builders

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Bright Light Design Center

PATRON Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Chesapeake Tile & Marble

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Delbert Adams Construction Group

PATRON Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Design Solutions, Inc.

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website

Details and Design

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Divina Lourdes Interior Design

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Fastsigns

Affiliate Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Ferguson

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Fichtner Home Exteriors

PATRON Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


HD Squared Architects

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


In Home Stone

PATRON Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


JELD-WEN, Inc.

PATRON Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Kitchen Encounters

PATRON Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Lauer Construction

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


MAC Studio, LLC

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Minuteman Press

Affiliate Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website

MKS Architecture

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Nielsen Development Group

PATRON Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Pyramid Builders

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


R.E. Robertson Plumbing & Heating

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Second Chance

Non-Profit Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Sew Beautiful

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Skysail Solutions

Affiliate Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Stuart Kitchens

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Spire Architecture

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Systems by Susie

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website


Tina Colebrook Kitchens

Business Member

Click Here To Visit Their Website

January Evening Happy Hour & Networking


We had a fantastic turnout at our January 4th monthly Happy Hour & Networking event at Miller's Ale House. It was wonderful to see several of our new members in attendance!


Thank you to our generous drink sponsor Niermann Weeks!

Ferguson Holiday Hangover Party


Here’s a HUGE shout out to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery who hosted a Holiday Hangover party on January 25th.


Attendees were able to meet and greet while enjoying beverages and multiple stations of appetizers and desserts.


What a great way to kick off 2024!

Member Marketing Benefits

Members are encouraged to utilize these two important GADD Member Marketing Benefits

If you have a project, promotion, or news to share regarding your business, please send one to three sentences with a graphic or image to annapolisdesigndistrict@gmail.com.


We’ll share on the GADD Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages on a Monday.


Include your Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn links and any hashtags.  Member Mondays are a great way to keep everyone informed about your business. 

 

 All posts will be shared in the order received. Hope to hear from you soon!

The Directory on the Greater Annapolis Design District (GADD) website is a useful tool for consumers to locate member architects, builders, interior designers, and a variety of product and service providers and showrooms that support the design and build industry.


Please make sure your member profile is up-to-date including your company logo.


To access your profile, visit www.annapolisdesigndistrict.com and log in using your member ID and password. If you have forgotten your password, click on the reset password link. If you need assistance, email annapolisdesigndistrict@gmail.com.

2024 Woodworking Trends


Click HERE to read an article on 2024 trends in woodworking written by Business Member Blue Star Paint & Property Services.

19 Road-Tested Digital Tools That Save Designers Time and Energy


Most of the design industry has finally moved away from sending faxes—but as we move fully into the digital age, what does it take to keep your business humming? These are the top tech platforms designers love now.


  • PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
  • TASK MANAGEMENT
  • HUMAN RESOURCES
  • CREATIVE SUITE


To keep reading this article that was recently featured in Business of Home and showcases 19 digital tools for designers, click HERE.

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