Embroidery University was just a vision in one man's mind many years ago. That one man is Alan Bird, who has been in the embroidery business most of his life and is an industry leader. After building his business, Alan began the Embroidery Mall, wrote books to help other embroiderers, and lectured at trade shows. But that wasn't enough. He also wanted a learning facility that would be for everyone and would involve people throughout the world. Now, Alan's vision has become a reality, with over 50 people who have grasped his dream and made it their own.

Embroidery University has been designed to help people help themselves, through the business and experience acumen of embroiderers and business people. At one time, such help was non-existent; no one would give freely as they will now. Technology has opened the doors in this industry, and today people are willing to share trade secrets and come together to build a better mousetrap.

You may have a competitor down the street that will always seem like your enemy, yet you will soon meet another embroiderer across the country, or the world, who will become your friend. It is comforting to know that there are finally places to go for the answers you need.

EU is evolving daily to suit many people's needs. It is not just for the Home Embroiderer or the large Multi Head Embroiderer. EU is for them, but it is also for everyone in between. Alan has handed his dream to all of us on a silver platter, hoping that together we can help it grow. It is hoped that a solid driving force of embroiderers and business people will continue with the foundation of this learning institution that he has built. This is your University, and your input is what we need to have it develop to your specifications.

Come by often! Every week, you will find new sources of information to help your company become the best that it can be. Maybe you will take a new class, read a new edition of your on-line newspaper, learn more history of embroidery from the resource center, find answers to questions you need help with from other embroiderers, discover special events, and enjoy weekly chats to stay in tune with your embroidery friends across the country. All this, and more, will be at your fingertips.

If you have a question or comment, join the Student Union list and say, "Hey, I don't understand" or "I need help!" Although the list may seem quiet, there are several hundred people just waiting to hear from you. They are busy running their own companies, but when a question is asked, they quickly spring into action with answers!! Try a question of any kind, and you will see! The faculty, staff, and students will be there for you.

Embroidery University will never be finished, not because we are stopping work on it, but because it will undergo constant changes and growth to fit your needs. As technology changes, so will the University. As the world of embroidery changes, so will the University.

It is my vision to see Embroidery University as the glue that binds all the embroiderers and digitizers together -- whether they have one head or a thousand heads, own their own shop or work for an embroidery company, are looking to increase profits or just a better way to make that little lettering look cleaner. Embroidery University will establish camaraderie of embroiderers from all parts of the world. This is only the beginning. All we have to do is step inside and be a part of it.

Embroidery University - that is my vision of the future.

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