American Society of Interior Designers ASID Los Angeles Chapter

kash.sobhe

November 29, 2007

We had a meeting at the American Society of Interior Designers, ASID Los Angeles Chapter yesterday for the Industry Partners who are the suppliers of goods and services to the designers. This is a monthly meeting in which roughly 30 members participate. The meetings take place in the Pacific Design Center, PDC on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles. This is a huge building with hundreds of offices and showrooms which provide high end products to the design community. There are few Persian and Oriental rug dealers in this blue building which is also called the “Blue Whale”!

We talked about different plans and programs for December and the new year. At the end of the program which is usually between 12:00 to 1:00 pm, each member introduces him/her self and we all exchange our business cards. It is a good networking opportunity for all of us. ASID is a national organization with 38,000 members. The Los Angeles Chapter is one of the biggest and more active chapters with around 1,800 members. Few Oriental rug dealers are also members but they are not active in regards with participating in the programs or in the meetings. They are just silent members who do not want to get involved.

While I was in the meeting, my son sold two 5 x 8 rugs to a customer. In the afternoon, a customer came in and picked up his rug which was left with us for cleaning. At home, I watched CNN for a couple of hours and the debate between the Republican presidential candidates. It is interesting to see how the Internet and Youtube are playing big roles in the election.