A year ago, I took up the presidency of the ACSP and predicted challenges, opportunities, and accomplishments. Our all-volunteer board took on the challenges I presented and ran with them. We reorganized the group, focusing on greater clarity of roles and structure. Together, we crafted a vision statement that aligns with our five pillars: Marketing, Education, Best Practices, Product, and Networking.

ACSP encourages collaboration in the home storage industry. This goal is accomplished by sharing best practices and providing learning opportunities. Our efforts elevate each member’s business and the industry.

In addition, we created opportunities for more exposure for our biggest supporters, our supplier partners, culminating in a new media kit featuring ways to partner with ACSP to benefit our members.

A significant accomplishment has been in education and communication. We’ve created a study guide for our certification program, updated the certification tests and design challenges, and created designer spotlights to shed light on our amazing members! A huge debt of gratitude goes out to our Director of Education, Melissa Jane Veinotte of Closet Envy, for her dedication and input throughout the years. We wouldn’t be where we are today without her help. Her term has come to completion, and we wish her continued success in all her endeavors!

Melissa worked hand-in-hand with Mae Haller from Hafele, Director of Communications. I’m sure you’ve seen our increased visibility on social media. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and a new private group on our brand-new platform: CIRCLE! Mae’s term is also ending; we want to thank her for all her contributions. 

Also leaving us this year is Sandy McKee from Inspired Closets Pittsburgh. Sandy has been an integral part of the Membership Committee, working diligently to promote ACSP, and his input and guidance have been invaluable. Thank you, Sandy – best wishes to you, and enjoy your retirement!

As we bid goodbye, we also say hello to new board members: Ariane Brabant of Tag Hardware, Jenna Shock of Inspired Closets Pittsburgh, and Barry Curewitz of Closet Possible. Meet the newbies at Closets Conference & Expo, which will be held April 17-19 in Schaumburg, Illinois.  

Speaking of all things new, have you seen ACSP’s rebranding initiative? Not only did we revamp the logo/colors/certification pins, but we also created a new look for our website, closets.org. I have to thank our executive director, Amanda Conger, and my executive team, Carlissa Montoya (president-elect), Wendy Scott (presidential advisor), and Leland Thomasset (treasurer), for the long Fridays spent reviewing and crafting the site so it not only looks beautiful but functions well.

Lastly, thank you to all our members. You inspire me daily! I’m fortunate to have been able to meet many of you, from installers to designers to business owners. I can report with pride that the more of you I meet, the more I admire your tenacity, creativity, and strength. See you in Schaumburg!