NEWH - Winter 2017 - 30

Q&A

ONE-ON-ONE WITH

Bess
Ehmke
How did you become involved in NEWH?

I was initially encouraged to join NEWH when I was working for Samelson-Chatelane
exclusively in 2011 and quickly learned NEWH is a fantastic avenue for networking within
the hospitality industry. I realized then, and I am certain now, that I have met people in
NEWH where our paths may not have crossed otherwise.

What has NEWH done for you both personally and professionally?

After joining NEWH, I was presented with the opportunity to interface with new people,
projects, and companies. I've enjoyed meeting fellow reps and having a very friendly
relationship with my colleagues. A huge part of my education in my job has come from being
a member of NEWH.

In your role, what do you have planned for the rest of the year?

Founder, The Best of Bess,
and North Carolina region
steering committee chair

As the chair of the steering committee, one of our goals is fresh programming for our
regional group, which covers all corners of North Carolina. We are focused on growing our
membership and are energized for the remaining activities we have planned for 2017.

Tell us a bit about your company and what's new.

My career began as a fabric designer with a background mainly in residential upholstery,
and some exposure to commercial. Six years ago I was approached to become a contract
sales representative for Samelson-Chatelane. Three years later, I became an independent
manufacturer's representative. I have the opportunity to work with designers and companies
directly, which allows me to incorporate my product knowledge with my creative side.

What is your business outlook for the next year or two?

The Best of Bess is growing, and I'd like to see that continue. We want to expand the
team in all facets including customer service and sales. Through NEWH, we also have the
opportunity to grow by interacting and partnering together with other organizations in
North Carolina with similar goals.

Trend/movement you are paying attention to in the industry?

Products made locally, especially in the Southeast, are the cornerstone of my business.
Local sourcing has been a movement that has always been on my radar.

When you aren't working or at an NEWH event, where can we find you?

My husband Christopher and I enjoy spending our weekends in the mountains of North
Carolina and traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Time with my family is very important.
My Dad and I cherish fishing trips we take together each year. You can also find me
exploring the occasional farmers market. If I have time, I enjoy some peaceful moments
gardening and curled up with a funny book. ❙❘❚

30 www.newh.org



http://www.newh.org

NEWH - Winter 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - Winter 2017

NEWH - Winter 2017
Table of Contents
Who’s Who
News
Have You Seen?
Scholarships
Q&A: Cindy Andrews
Q&A: Bess Ehmcke
Q&A: Katie Popp
Cover Story: Sem Fim
Project: Watermark Baton Rouge
Project: Four Seasons Houston
Project: Grand Café Krasnapolsky
Chapter Highlights
Save the Date
New Members
Partner Profiles
Ad Index
NEWH - Winter 2017 - NEWH - Winter 2017
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Cover2
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Table of Contents
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Who’s Who
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 5
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 6
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 7
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 8
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 9
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 10
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 11
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 12
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 13
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 14
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 15
NEWH - Winter 2017 - News
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 17
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 18
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 19
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Have You Seen?
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 21
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 22
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 23
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 24
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 25
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Scholarships
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 27
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Q&A: Cindy Andrews
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 29
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Q&A: Bess Ehmcke
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 31
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Q&A: Katie Popp
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 33
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Cover Story: Sem Fim
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 35
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 36
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 37
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Project: Watermark Baton Rouge
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 39
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 40
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 41
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Project: Four Seasons Houston
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 43
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 44
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 45
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Project: Grand Café Krasnapolsky
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 47
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 48
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 49
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Chapter Highlights
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 51
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 52
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 53
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 54
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 55
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 56
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 57
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 58
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 59
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 60
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 61
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Save the Date
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 63
NEWH - Winter 2017 - New Members
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 65
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 66
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 67
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 68
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 69
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 70
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 71
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 72
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 73
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 74
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 75
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Partner Profiles
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 77
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 78
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 79
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 80
NEWH - Winter 2017 - 81
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Ad Index
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Cover3
NEWH - Winter 2017 - Cover4
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