Connexx Corrections

After corresponding with IDSA, i was brought up to speed as to the correct Connexx procedures and how my last post was interpreted. In order to keep our members completely in the know, i have posted their response. Sorry for the mis-information.

your chapter chair,
James Spaulding

IDSA Indiana Looking for Sponsors
In order to deliver power packed events on our own accord, IDSA Indiana will need sponsors. Under the new structure of IDSA (the Connexx program), all dues from chapter members are held by the national office and distributed on need approved basis.

Chapter dues are not held by IDSA national. On May 1, 2008 all the chapters merged with the Society and we're now a single organization with a single accounting department. All the chapters are now programs under IDSA, just like the sections. As of May 1, members no longer pay chapter dues. Members now pay the same annual dues wherever they are located and $50 of their dues goes to the Connexx fund to enable activities by chapters and sections. You can get sponsorship for events to help cover costs, but that's probably not necessary for every event.

What this means is, under the IDSA guidelines, they are only willing to assist in sponsorship if the the event approved by their board, the event brings in revenue, and the event is IDSA labeled and advertised.

Under Connexx, funding is provided for chapter and section activities. It's funding rather than sponsorship, because we're a single organization now. Events do not need to bring in revenue, but they need to break even and should be budgeted to cover unexpected expenses. The intent is to replenish the fund, rather than just spending down, so that we will be able to continue to fund events.

All IDSA events -- whether chapter, section, district, national or something else - should include IDSA branding, e.g., IDSA chapter logo and link. Your chapter logo should be prominent on your website, blog and any other communications or collateral. There is strength in numbers and we all need to work together to build the IDSA brand and its benefits for members and the industry. Chapter Advertising is not a Connexx requirement, but adequate promotion is key to the success of any event. We are here to work with you and help you promote your events. We have created an omnibus event calendar on idsa.org and promote chapter and section activities through the website, designBytes, design perspectives and we can do email broadcasts. IDSA chapter logos need to include the IDSA logo along with the chapter identification. The old IDSA-IN logo is a perfect example. If you'd like to create a new IDSA-IN logo, you can find hi-res eps files of the IDSA logo on the Connexx Resources page under communications. The zip file also includes logo use information. If you need a different format, please let me know.

As president of this reviving chapter, I feel it is critical that we do not totally isolate ourselves as product designers, but address the design community as a whole. With that being said, the events that we have brainstormed do not fall in line with IDSA national funding requirements.

You can't know that the events you have brainstormed won't be funded under Connexx until you submit them. Just drop the info in the online event proposal form and let's find out. Jonathan and Brian have approved virtually all the proposals so far. And doing collaborative events with other designers and design organizations is one of the things that Connexx encourages. The Connexx requirements are not that stringent. We all have the same goal - quality events that provide real value for our members, the Society and the industry.

Under the bylaws, the elected heads of IDSA chapters hold the title of Chapter Chair and Chapter Vice Chair(s). The only office of President is a member of the Society's Board of Directors.

Also under their structure, we will only be able to have events in three month intervals. My goal is at least a bi monthly interaction, with options for more.

Connexx doesn't mean you can only have one event a quarter. It's actually the opposite - Connexx requires that you have at least four events a year. You can have as many events as you want. Having something every month would be great. There is no limit to the number of event proposals you can submit. Because we've pooled assets in the Connexx fund, chapters and sections can actually have more events than ever before.

So as members I ask that you inquire within your realms of employment to see if there is an opportunity to have our non profit, professional organization sponsored by your company. Thomson is no longer around, so in order to remain strong, other firms and companies must fill that void. To initiate this action and lead by example, JS Design Concepts LLC, my firm, will donate $500 for the month of August.

One of the chores that the national office has taken over for chapters is invoicing and collecting sponsorships. As you receive commitments for sponsorship, please email Jill Richardson (JillR@idsa.org) with the contact, billing information, amount of sponsorship, and how you want the sponsorship referenced on the invoice, e.g. "IDSA Indiana Chapter Model Making Workshop Sponsorship." All sponsorships for the Indiana Chapter are credited to your chapter's budget to cover expenses for your chapter's events, and can not be used by any other chapter or section.

Our next Indiana Chapter event will be held on September 19, 2008. We have been granted access to Impressive Prototypes, a local model making shop, owned by Mr. Michael Squillace.Come and see how the professionals do it. With over 40 years of model making experience, Impressive Prototypes is a full service lab capable of bringing your concepts to life. Join us from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, on Friday.

Mr Squillace and his staff operated as the model making shop for Thomson Electronics, and now have branched off offering their services and capabilities here in Indiana. Join us as the staff of Impressive Prototypes guides us through their shop and conduct a workshop geared towards design professionals and enhancing presentation models.

We look forward to seeing you there!