7.16.08 | Washington, DC | AIA released the results of a study it commissioned on Local Leaders in Sustainability: Green Counties. The study looked at 200 of the most populous counties in 2008 representing more than half of the country. Working in conjunction with the National Association of Counties, the AIA spoke to planners, building officials, and sustainability managers across the country, resulting in a total response rate of 88%. The results show:

• 39 counties have a green building program
• 25.6% of the sample population in iin counties with green building programs
• an additional nine counties are in a more advanced stage of developing green building programs

7.15.08 | New York, NY | IIDA Hospitality Forum will take place on July 24, 6-6:45 (cocktails), 6:45-8:30 (presentation), at W New York, The Court, 130 East 39th Street, NYC. Four architects and designers will discuss, The New Age of Hospitality & Retail design, taking turns discussing the branding relationship.  Speakers for the event are:

• Beth Novitsky, Gensler Studio 585
• Aaron Richter, Architecture Ian Schrager Company
• David Ashen, D-Ash Design
• Jay Valgora, Studio V Architecture

CEUs are available. www.iidany.org

7.15.08 | Grand Rapids, MI | CIDA, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, announced two new awards to honor Keith Hooks, founder of Hooks Design+Architecture (now A S D) and a CIDA volunteer for over 20 years. A scholarship fund will honor Mr. Hook's commitment to quality interior design education and the Keith Hooks Award of Excellence will be bestowed annually to one outstanding CIDA volunteer.

7.12.08 | Dallas, TX | METROCON08 will be held August 14-15 at the Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX. METROCON is a tradeshow and convention organized through collaboration between the Texas Chapter of ASID, Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of IFMA, and the Texas/Oklahoma Chapter of IIDA. The event focuses on introducing the latest in products and innovative ideas to the Southwest region’s community of interior designers, facility managers, architects, design students and other essential industry members. All conference information – as well as exhibitor, tradeshow, continuing education, and keynote event registration – is available at www.metrocon.info.