Letter from the President
What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness? —John Steinbeck
Welcome to a freezing beginning to 2026 and the 18th year of the Greater Annapolis Design District (GADD). We hope you, as a member, feel the continued momentum carried over from 2025. The GADD Board remains strong and energetic, continuing its efforts to provide a valuable and supportive organization where our members prosper, celebrate success, and nurture growth.
The GADD Monthly Happy Hour, Good Morning Coffee, and Book Study (presently meeting at 49 West) continue to thrive. Note them on your calendar and try to come or send someone else from your organization – this is where the magic happens! These intimate opportunities for connection result in ideas, collaborations, new clients, and new friends. The more you put into GADD, the more you get out of it. We’d love to have you join a committee and be part of the planning process. Please consider contributing your time as we always encourage involvement and need more hands. Joining the Board as a committee member is a wonderful opportunity for your employees as well. Don’t forget to post the Book Study on your bulletin board-all are welcome to attend.
Looking back at 2025, we had some memorable events – a small group traveled together to the Kip’s Bay Decorator Showhouse in New York and the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. The first Annual GADD Crab Feast and a membership drive with unprecedented attendance took place in 2025! We have plenty in the works for this year, including our Membership Luncheon at Severn Inn on March 6, followed up later in the month with a showroom crawl in collaboration with the regional NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association.) The 2nd Annual Crab Feast is in the planning stages as well.
I recently met with one of our newest members, John Maggio of Hawk Marketing. He is a wealth of information – generous with ideas and motivation. My goal for 2026 is to have a “one on one” coffee engagement, once a week – a simple but proven technique to get more deeply acquainted with colleagues and new members alike. I have a good coffee maker so reach out if you don’t hear from me first. May be a good goal for you as well!
In the spirit of connection and relationship building, get involved, throw out ideas, join a committee, read a book, propose a project and head it up. Or simply throw on a nametag and show up!
Hold tight, the sweetness of summer is ahead.
Andrea Wheeler, President
Design Solutions, Inc
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