Local Chapters - “where sharing and learning never end”. Our members include decorators, workrooms, designers, installers, retail stores, and educators.

• To provide Opportunity to network, Growth in membership and Growth in business experience.
• To build industry, leadership, knowledge, resources and education at the local level.
• To promote lawfully the window coverings dealer.
• To promote ethical trade practices.
• To disseminate and exchange information regarding all matters pertaining to the industry.
• To promote modern methods of merchandising.
• To promote by all lawful means the right as independent business people to make and retain a profit.
• To promote by all lawful means the concepts of freedom in the marketplace, the freedom exemplified by our American private enterprise economic system, free competitive markets, individual incentive and initiative and effective but limited government.
• To educate, share, and learn about our industry with other window covering professionals

• The WCAA Local Chapters and the National Office work together to promote professionalism and encourage education, to aid in the profitability and success of members, and to be a voice in the industry.
• Raise awareness of local causes by getting involved in local charity projects
• Network with fellow decorators, workrooms, designers, installers and store owners
• Share Resource Info
• Organize Seminars and Instructors
• Hands-on Demonstrations
• Trade Show & Conference Reviews
• Business Speakers – accountant, lawyer, insurance, marketing and advertising, sales, the latest software in our industry
• Vendor Representatives show new products
• Round Table Discussions - i.e. pricing, challenging windows
• Book & Video Library
• Combined Events With Nearby Chapters

• Either one person or a team of two or three is designated as the Chapter Coordinator(s), who will work closely with the WCAA Executive Director and the Chapter Development Manager.
• Together they will gather names, consider locations and dates for meetings, prepare handouts, and begin to contact other window covering professionals in the area.
• A detailed Chapter Handbook is given to the Coordinator(s) to guide them through the first several months of operation.

• The first meeting is when everyone gets to know each other and the benefits of local Chapter and National membership in the WCAA are explained.
• The Chapter Coordinator(s) will give an overview of WCAA and the purpose and vision for starting the Local Chapter.
• The WCAA Executive Director or the Chapter Development Manager will usually attend one of the first few meetings.

• Yes. The WCAA is a non profit 501 c6 organization.
• The National Board has 13 officers and directors who are decorators, workroom owners, educators, installers, and retail store owners, just like you.
• Board members are volunteers who give their time to be our voice in the industry, develop educational programs, maintain contact with large companies and vendors to voice the concerns of members, and develop a networking and educational process that serves the needs of our members at the local level through Chapters.
• Local Chapters elect a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer within the first few months of operation.
• Their duties are to grow the chapter and to plan and facilitate meetings that fill the needs and desires of chapter members. The Chapter Constitution and Bylaws can found on the WCAA website in the Local Chapter section.

• The WCAA has vendors that join at a company level and are referred to as Industry Partners.
• They have been helpful in various ways to start new chapters such as providing names, catalogs or brochures, product samples, and some have even come to meetings to help kick-off a new chapter.
• Partners often visit Chapters upon request to give a full presentation or seminar.
• We find that not only do our Chapters want to hear from our Partners, but the Partners want to hear from the Chapters.

• The Local Chapters are the heart of the association.
• The Executive Director and the Chapter Development Manager keep in touch with chapter presidents on a regular basis and visit the chapters periodically.
• The WCAA website has a page for each chapter to list its officers, meetings, special events, and photos.
• We provide books for chapter libraries at a discount, financial support for new chapters and incentives for chapter growth.
• A newsletter specifically for and about the Local Chapters (Local Loop) is provided to Chapter Presidents and Officers regularly as a means of communicating what all the chapters are doing.
• The WCAA keeps in close contact with its Industry Partners and lets them know about our chapters. Along with the Partners, we help with membership drives and special events.

• Call the WCAA Executive Director, 888-298-9222, info@wcaa.org, to discuss your interest in starting a WCAA Chapter in your area.

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