January 2005 e-newsletter
www.DWCONLINE.com

This newsletter is sponsored by Trimland (http://www.trimland.com) and Shutter Smart (http://www.shuttersmart.com)

INDUSTRY ADDS TO TSUNAMI RELIEF
The U.S. window coverings industry has responded quickly to help provide relief to survivors of the tsunami in Southeast Asia.

C & M Wood Industries, Hesperia, CA, has donated $10,000 to the International Red Cross to assist those in need of shelter, food and other essential items.

The company also respectfully encourages others—valued customers, vendors and friends—to join it in contributing to the American Red Cross by sending a donation. “In such an overwhelming disaster, no contribution can be considered too small,” said Lisa Altman, C & M national sales director.

Donations may be sent to: American Red Cross International Response Fund, Tsunami Earthquake Fund, P.O. Box 97089, Washington DC 20090-7089; (800) 435-7669.
Norman Shutters, Santa Fe Springs, CA, has reached out to those in need by donating one percent of its total sales in December to Care USA, The American Red Cross and Tzu Chi Foundation.

These contributions will help to ensure that the affected communities in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand can survive the immediate crisis and rebuild their lives and livelihoods in its aftermath.

“Each of us has so much to be grateful for, that is why I am personally challenging the businesses in the window coverings industry, Norman Shutters own customers and vendors to get involved and donate what they can to help those affected by this disaster,” states Norman Shutters President, Morgan Chuang.

IN MEMORIAM: DON LUMBATIS
Window coverings industry veteran Don Lumbatis died suddenly January 8. He was 55. He is survived by his wife, Jane, and six children: Kim, Kelly, Christa, Tyler, Devin and Chandler.

A memorial service was held January 11 at Sugar Hill (GA) United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Hunter Douglas Foundations, Attention: John Harry, 1327 Northbrook Pkwy, Ste. 410, Suwanee, GA 30024.

LOOKING AHEAD
A new year means a fresh start, and there’s no better time than now to set the patterns that will make 2005 one your best years ever! Looking ahead, industry leaders see continued growth with some help along the way.

This month we review what industry leaders see ahead and offer some tips on overcoming the fears of growing your business and steps to take now to increase business throughout the year.

2005: IT'S ALL GOOD
There are indications that the coming year will be one for growth. We have seen the industry grow in 2004, and the expectation is that it will continue. The window coverings industry has weathered remarkably well the economic uncertainties of the recent past, and now it is time to plan ahead. Read what some of the industry leaders have to say about what to expect.

TO GROW OR NOT TO GROW?
One of the questions business owners need to ask themselves is, How much should the business grow this year? It’s a frightening question for many.

Many businesses want to grow, writes Steven Bursten, but are afraid to risk doing something that would lead down a blind alley. They fear losing money and not getting the results they want. And there is another fear: discomfort in meeting people and promoting their businesses at networking groups and marketing activities.

The way to conquer that fear, he says, is through knowledge borne of training and experience.

BEATING THE WINTER BLUES
After the flurry of holiday business, there’s often a lull in business this time of year. This lull is the perfect opportunity to take time to analyze how you and your business are doing, where you are going and where you want to go, writes Cheryl Strickland.

Instead of being depressed over the weather and lack of business, let’s beat these winter blues by focusing on a few positive actions we can take to make sure we have the healthiest and strongest business possible.

TO REMOVE YOUR ADDRESS FROM FUTURE D&WC Newsletters: D&WC newsletter was established to inform our readers of special deals, new products and other third-party offers that we believe they will find helpful in their business or career. To STOP receiving D&WC Newsletters please respond by placing remove in the subject line and hit send.