"ATTENTION ALL SRBA DECORATORS:  
SRBA NEEDS A DECORATOR TO REPRESENT US"

         Competing in SRBA’s Decorating Competition, and being chosen to go to the national competition was such a privilege.  I started only hoping to get certified, and then after I won for our association, I realized I needed to step it up for nationals. 
         I really enjoyed being there and meeting all the decorators from across the country.  It always amazes me to see how other decorators do things, and how different all of our styles are.  It was hard trying to plan my wedding and also focusing on the competition, but I had Sandy backing me up.
        The best thing about competitions is the new ideas you learn, and take back to use in your shop.  You also learn how you can improve your decorating, which I think is critical in our field.  I had a lot of fun, though it was stressful, and I’m very glad I was able to have this experience. 
        I want to thank the SRBA for the honor of representing them.  I hope each of you will consider      competing in this year’s competition, and I wish the best of luck to the winner, whomever is chosen.

        SRBA’s Creative Decorating Competition is right around the corner.  Are you ready?  Of course you are; you practice everyday.  Now you have the chance to show the entire region, and possibly the nation, your talent.
        This competition is a wonderful way to meet other decorators, learn new techniques and push yourself to new limits.  It provides an opportunity to try new things and perfect everyday designs.  You even get the chance to go to Atlantic City to compete in the national competition, if you win!
       Take it from someone who has done four competitions, it is an experience like no other.  You will get nervous, you will stress, you will decorate, and you will succeed.  At the end, you will feel nothing but pride and accomplishment.  It is not the easiest thing you will ever do, but it may be one of the most rewarding.

                                                                                                                     Erika Young, CD

        You might think your career is on the right track, but you will get run over if you just sit there!!!  SRBA is offering you the opportunity to show your decorating talent at the convention.  I know that there are talented and creative decorators in our region.
        It has been my experience that participants learn new techniques, and by participating, bond with a whole network of friends.  An added benefit is that should you win our local competition, you get the opportunity to represent your region on the national stage, and learn even more and make more friends. I know what our decorators are capable of doing on busy holidays…and this competition is similar stress.  I can honestly tell you, that I have found the rewards are worth all of the effort and stress.
       Come on decorators…Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.