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2008 West Coast Interiors
Seminar Speakers
 Deb Barrett
WFCP Expert, GMI Trend Specialist, Window Dressings
Deb Barrett is the principal of Window Dressings Inc., a custom window-treatment and soft furnishings firm near Chicago, IL. Barrett is an award-winning designer who has built a reputation for cutting-edge couture treatments, professional speaker, columnist, and author. Her fascination with what's around the corner and the constant search for inspiration has led Barrett into her current role as a trend specialist for Grace McNamara Inc.
 Bruce Knott
WFCP Expert, CMG Chair Holder
Bruce Knott has over 35 years in the window-fashions industry. Knott has traveled throughout Canada, Mexico, and the US presenting seminars on solutions and color trends to designers, decorators, and fabricators. He is currently on the board of directors for the WCAA, and also serves on the board of directors for the Color Marketing Group.
 Jim Krengel
CMKBD, Kitchens by Krengel
Jim Krengel, CMKBD, of Kitchens by Krengel, is no stranger to the kitchen and bath industry. A 38-year award-winning industry veteran, speaker, consultant, and author, he began his career in 1966 in St. Paul, MN. Today, that design studio is in its third generation of ownership. As one of the first 10 Certified Bathroom Designers (CBD), he served as NKBA National President from 1989-1990. Krengel earned the NKBA Merit Award every year since its inception, and in 2002 was inducted into the Kitchen and Bathroom Industry Hall of Fame, and was granted status as a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD). Recipient of the 2004 Remodeling Magazine's Foundation Award for Lifetime Achievement, Krengel has been honored in the NKBA Design Competition, CKD Excellence in Design Competition, and was a winner in the DuPont Corian Design Contest. He has served as a consultant to Wilsonart International; Proctor & Gamble, Merillat Cabinetry, Corian, and Dow Corning and he was design director of the Maytag Kitchen Idea Center for 13 years. Krengel has authored two design books and one management book, and has recently completed two design CDs, the first two electronic books on bathroom and kitchen design.
 Maxine Lauer
CEO and President, Sphere Trending
Maxine Lauer, CEO and president of Sphere Trending, began the company in 2000 to fill what she identified as a gap of missing Macro and Micro trend information to provide key implications customized for individual businesses. Her career spans over 30 years including executive management experience in retail and manufacturing with a focus in the areas of design, marketing, and product development. A speaker at national industry events including Coverings, Surfaces, NeoCon, and Las Vegas Market, Lauer has successfully contributed to the growth of each company she has worked with. She currently guides her clientele of Fortune 500 retailers and manufacturers toward energized product development for future innovative growth.
 Grace McNamara
CEO and president, Grace McNamara Inc.
Grace McNamara, CEO and president of her company, Grace McNamara Inc. (GMI), publishes the leading industry publication, Window Fashions magazine, and produces the International Window Coverings EXPO (IWCE), the largest annual window-fashions event in the industry. Quality education for the interior design professional is the cornerstone of GMI, which has offered regional educational conferences since 1987. In 1990, McNamara developed the Window Fashions Certified Professionals Program™, the leading CEU-accredited educational program for the window-fashions industry. She continues to support industry education with GMI's regional events, West Coast Interiors: Windows on the West and Window Fashions Live.
McNamara is a member of the IFDA and a press member of ASID and IIDA. Recipient of the prestigious Trailblazer Award by IFDA in 2005, she was recognized with both the WCAA Industry Achievement Award and the Interiors by Decorating Den Making a Difference Award in 2007. She was selected for her overall commitment to the industry—supporting, training, and motivating other business owners, many of whom are women. McNamara's personal mission is to help educate and make a difference in the lives of others. She lead GMI to hold a related event during IWCE 2007, the Red Ball Charity Gala. From this elegant event, the company donated $10,000 to WomenHeart, a national coalition for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and proper treatment of heart disease. Committed to educating others, McNamara has spoken at various industry events nationally and internationally.
 Susan Schultz
GMI Trend Specialist, Space Downtown
Susan Schultz is a trend specialist for Grace McNamara Inc. (GMI), and presenter at GMI's regional program, INTERIORS Design Intelligence. Schultz has a background in home-fashions product development and marketing, and she is a contributor and former design editor of Window Fashions magazine. She is co-founder and principal of Downtown, an offsite design event that launches new designs in the US.
 Joan Willis
WFCP Expert, Patterns Plus, and Robb & Stucky
For 30 years, Joan Willis has managed the drapery workroom for Robb & Stucky. As owner of Patterns Plus, she has created 80 custom window-treatment patterns. Her books include Patterns Plus: Guide to Exquisite Window Creations, Soft Furnishings Sketchbook, Arched Window Fashions, and Bays, Bows, & Corner Windows.
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