ADDA is the Premier Professional Organization for
Drafters - Designers - Engineers - Architects - Illustrators - Graphics Artist
Digital Technicians - Digital Imaging - Visual Communications & Multimedia
                       

                             Greetings from President Floyd McWilliams
     
As we enter into this second decade of the new century, we are excited about the changes within ADDA and the changes within the profession.  We have seen extreme positive changes in the forecast for design and graphic personnel employment projections for the future.  Technology is expanding and the need for our profession is growing.  Most post secondary educational institutions are full and have waiting list.  This is exciting and an opportunity for seasoned professionals and new designers alike.  This is the time to be improving your skills and updating yourselves to keep up with the changes.  ADDA will be offering one of the most innovative conferences we have had in many years.  I encourage you to make plans to attend. 

ADDA is moving forward with many new projects and plans for the association.  We have recently had development meetings on the Apprentice Drafter Examinations for the Mechanical and Architectural disciplines.  It is our intentions to have these examinations ready for Alpha Testing in early January.  Revisions are being made to the existing Mechanical Certified Drafter Examination.  Comments and reviews have been acknowledged and addressed in the Beta version of the Architectural Certified Drafter Examination and these changes are also planned to be released in early January.

You can read more about what has been happening with ADDA in the current edition of ADDA's newsletter the "Design Drafting News" .  This is our first issue in many years.  Our plans are to continue with bi-monthly issues to keep you informed of industry, educational and career items.  We hope you enjoy this revised member benefit and encourage you to submit information for upcoming releases.  Just email them to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

We ask for your patience in this development and correction process.  There are many hurtles we have to jump to release these examinations.  Verifications must be made with numerous standards and oversight organizations to assure the accuracy of the examinations.  When working with these organizations, we must also deal with their timelines which could cause ADDA not to meet our projected time frames. 

ADDA has officially launched our New Corporate Seal to reflect the areas of our professions.  This seal incorporates Design, Drafting, Illustration & Graphics into the realm of our visual identity.  New Corporate Seals, Certification Seals and Membership Pins have been ordered.  We will start using these new items upon delivery. 

Our on-line testing process in now underway.  We are finalizing the structure of the examination data.  ADDA plans to release the Apprentice and Certified Drafter levels of the Architectural and Mechanical Examinations simultaneously.  

 Chapter  Webpage  ADDA has just launched our Chapter Webpage where Chapter Members can learn more about the profession.  Members can also pick up helpful items such as CAD tips, drafting advice and blogs.  This area also give chapters members the ability to communicate to other chapters around the world.   Chapter Home Page

New Professional Membership Categories.   ADDA has created two new professional membership categories.  These are the Elite and Select Membership Titles.  These categories offer a discount on multi-year membership payments and huge discounts on Professional Certification Renewal.  This information is included on the new applications.  Click here for Membership Application

Professional Certification Fees and Renewal.  As of January of 2009 the Professional Certification and Renewal Fees have been revised based on the changing economy and operational expenses.  ADDA has launched a new professional certification renewal category, providing a large discount to those who maintain ADDA Membership throughout the life cycle of the certification.  The new fee schedules and applications are now posted.  

2010 Annual Poster Contest  Congratulations to Christopher Alan Logan from  This years theme is "A Legacy of Excellence"  His poster reflects ADDA's Design Drafting Week which will be held April 12-16-2009.  His instructor is Mr. Mike Geesaman.     View the Poster & Get More Information

2010 Design Drafting Contest Criteria  
Is now available for download   Click Here
View the    Winners 2009 Drafting Design Contest
View the   Winners 2008 Drafting Design Contest 

2010 Educational Technical Conference  -  ADDA is now making plans for our 51st Technical Educational Conference.  The Conference will be held April 13-16, 2010 in Louisville Kentucky at the Hampton Inn Convention Center Hotel on East Jefferson Street.  The location is within a 10 minute walking distance of some of the nations finest restaurants and eateries, Louisville Slugger Factory and some of the most unique architectural designs in the world.

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