IAHSP Community Worldwide Staging Service Week
Project:
Team work and a generous spirit united our chapter during this project!
For this year’s World Wide Staging Service Week project we chose a local non profit organization that has promoted the economic growth of our area and worked with organizations to build our community for nearly a century. The Auburn Chamber of Commerce is located in an historic train depot. Earlier this year we discovered they were in the middle of a renovation with plans to move some walls, add on a wing, install new carpeting, and repaint both inside and out. But, that was not enough to complete the transformation of this building. It needed to be de cluttered, some new furniture pieces, new curtains, refreshed landscaping, and artwork that reflects its history and value to the community. It needed to be Staged!
We made detailed report for each area to be Staged including: Exterior with tired flower beds and garden areas; Main Entry with dated and cluttered high counter area, soaring ceiling, and large windows; Media Area, made out of a newly created niche to keep fliers and brochures contained; Conference Room which needed to have many small items removed and replacing with a larger table, new chairs, and some carefully chosen accessories; and Lobby which was a newly built area to be used for waiting guests and required chairs, table, and simple décor.
We broke into teams similar to an ASP class project. Each person could more easily focus on their area’s needs, building a Staging plan, soliciting donations of goods and services, creating artwork, and investing their own resources. Some teams met in between chapter meetings to plan their areas. It was encouraging to know that we had such a high rate of participation from our chapter. Almost every member found a way to invest time, money, or both in this project. Some were more behind the scenes, providing food and other assistance. Some brought neighbors or family members to help too! It was wonderful to receive the many generous donations from the local companies including shrubs, flowers, bark, and pea gravel for the Exterior landscaping, a custom cabinet for the Media area, table and chairs or the Conference Room, services to turn the high white 70’s counter/cabinets into more of a 30’s train depot wood paneled look in the Main Entry, large and small permanent botanicals, material and sewing skills for curtains, artwork, and so much more!
This project provided an opportunity to have chapter members get to know one another, share our skills and ideas with one another, and learn more about our community. It brought unity in a way no standard meeting could. In the end, the staff expressed heart felt appreciation for helping to complete the transformation of this landmark building. This year the Auburn Chamber celebrates their 100th anniversary! We are glad to have shared in this momentous occasion and believe it will have a lasting impact on the Chamber building, the community, and our chapter members.
Thank you to following NCFIR Chapter members, friends and family, local companies, and all who served on this project
Project Ambassador: Gary Gamble
Chapter President: Michelle Beste
For more info on this chapter click here
