7.17.08 | Dallas, TX | International Interior Design Association,Texas Oklahoma Chapter instated its new 2008-2009 Chapter Board on July 1, 2008. Its new President is Amie Keener, IIDA, Gensler, Dallas, TX and  President Elect is Elizabeth Williams, IIDA, Marmon Mok, San Antonio, TX. All board members are currently active in their respective roles and will be formally inducted later this month. Biographies and contact information of the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter Leaders are available at www.iida-tx-ok.org or upon request from mailto:</a><a">mailto:%3ca="">mailto:">mailto:%3ca=">mailto:mailto:%3ca="">mailto: href="chapter@iida-tx-ok.org">chapter@iida-tx-ok.org

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.