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Stephanie Lowder of Rare Bird becomes president of WithIt

Group also announces 2010 board of directors

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 13, 2010

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Stephanie Lowder, president and creative director of marketing and communications firm Rare Bird Creative, has taken office as 2010 president of WithIt.

Stephanie Lowder

WithIt, a women's leadership network based in the home and furnishings industries, also announced its 2010 board of directors and outlined its goals for the year.

"WithIt is a brain trust, a learning space, and a growth engine for individuals and companies," Lowder said in a statement. "Those who make their living by connecting people tell us that WithIt may be the best network in the home and furnishings industries. And, this year, we are launching a campaign to expand our service to additional sectors."

She said the organization "will be looking for new ways to help our members and the home and furnishings industries, which it is our honor to serve. We invite all who wish to develop the full potential of female leaders to join the community."

Founded in 1997, WithIt recognizes, connects and supports female leaders, and mentors, teaches and encourages those who aspire to leadership.

WithIt's annual WOW awards recognize and celebrate excellence. This year's winners will be announced during the organization's annual professional conference, called Leadership2: Take It to the Next Level, being held Aug. 17-19. WithIt's New York Design Tour, including exclusive tours of showrooms and residences, is set for May 15-18 during the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.

All those listed below are members of the board of directors.

Executive Committee officers, in addition to Lowder, are:

Chairman of the board of governors: Mary Frye, Home Furnishings Independents Assn.
Chairman: Liz O'Brien, sales representative for Ekornes, Star International, Carter Furniture & Creative Accents.
Vice president and president-elect: Jana Platina Phipps, Home Couture Collective/Classical Elements:
Vice president: Mary Leigh Wallace, RLF Communications.
Secretary: Debbie Beers, Furniture Brands International.
Treasurer: Kira Staggers, Smith Leonard.

Vice presidents/committee chairs are:

Marketing: Mary Eitel, MKE Communications.
Media: Julie Smith Vincenti, Nine Muses Media.
Mentoring: Lorri Kelley, Palliser.
Education: Cathy Smith, De Leo Textiles.
Networking: Maybelline Te, Snug Furniture.
Membership: Cindy Williams, Info Retail.
Scholarship foundation: Cameron Cook, Four Hands.

Vice presidents at large, representing industry niches, are:

Case goods/upholstery: Beverly Kastel, Ekornes.
Showrooms/buildings: Karen Olson, Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.
Supplier: Libby Langdon, Libby Interiors.
Retail: Shelley Parlin, Profitsystems.

Regional vice presidents are:

Atlanta/Southeast: Heather Brown, Bluefish Home.
Florida: Alexia Rouquette, Twin Star International/Classical Flame.
Virginias/Carolinas: Kathleen Holterman, French Heritage.
Chicago/Midwest: Joan Franken, Concepts & Designs.
International: Catherine Smoak, Jigsaw Solutions.

Information on WithIt events is available at withit.org. Contact director@withit.org for membership, leadership and sponsorship opportunities.

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New WithIt President Lowder outlines goals for year

Jan 18, 2010

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