About the Promoters, Jim and Sara Burnet

 

The Spring and Fall Chester Craft Shows are promoted and managed by Jim & Sara Burnet.With over 400 exhibitor spaces and an annual attendance of over 20,000, the shows consistently rank as some of the best shows in the country.Jim & Sara have over 26 years of combined experience in promoting festivals and they are well known in the industry for their professionalism and integrity.

 

 

A History of Social Entrepreneurism

For over 20 years, Jim and Sara have been successful business people.During this time, while their family grew, they found themselves becoming active in their community as volunteers and leaders of various organizations.Their desires to help local causes merged with their skills in promotion, marketing and new venture creation and the result is an impressive list of social entrepreneurism projects.

 

Jim Burnet is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 15 years of success in creating profitable, socially conscious ventures.He has a reputation for forging effective partnerships, identifying opportunities and validating markets.Jim is a passionate motivator and proven team leader.He is a persuasive communicator with over 27 years of experience working with staff, clients, team mates and stakeholders.

 

Sara is a talented planner and has been managing successful organizations for over 18 years.he is skilled at staff management and keeping our team focused and on task.She is an adept and detail oriented administrator with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple tasks within a business enterprise.Sara is also extremely effective in recognizing potential projects and new venture opportunities.

 

 

Jim & Saras Joint Projects

 

Art By Design, Madison, NJ and Chester Crafts & Collectibles, Chester, NJ

Owners/Managers, July 1992 - September 2005

The Burnets established, owned and operated two retail craft galleries that promoted the American Crafts movement and small handcraft businesses.They controlled and actively managed all aspects of the venture and successfully grew business to annual sales of over $1 million and a staff of 20.Their galleries showcased the work of over 100 local and regional artists and crafts people.Jim and Sara often mentored artists, helping them to grow their profits through effective marketing, production, pricing and merchandising.ÿ In September of 2005, the galleries were sold after 13 years of successful management.

 

 

Burnet Enterprises, LLC, Madison, NJ

Owners/Managers, October 1997 - Present

In 1997, Jim and Sara launched and currently direct a festival promotion company. They presently manage two craft festivals in Chester, NJ with over 400 exhibitor spaces and total attendance of over 20,000 per year.The Burnets are responsible for all aspects of the show including advertising, marketing, logistics, accounting, business development and operations.Similar to the galleries, these festivals focus on promoting the American crafts movement and small, handcraft businesses.Proceeds from this venture benefit the Historic Chester Business Association and the Chester Borough Recreation Commission.

 

 

Jims Individual Accomplishments

Real Estate Management, Madison, NJ

Owner/Manager, July 1991 - Present

Wholly responsible for managing over $6 million of personal and family owned commercial real estate, including leasing, tenant relations, financial management and maintenance of over 32,000 square feet of retail, office and residential space.Jim is currently reviewing potential sustainable construction/renovation projects for these spaces.

 

May Day In Madison, Madison, NJ

Originator/Chairman October 1997 - June 2001

Board Member June 2001 - Present

Appointed by the Mayor of Madison in 1997 to the Downtown Development Commission.Created and launched May Day in Madison, a town-wide beautification and clean-up event.Every year, over 800 volunteers work on over 80 projects throughout town.Received NJ Clean Communities Volunteer Award in May 2007 for creation of May Day.

 

H.E.Art By Design

Creator/Manager October 1997 - June 2005

Created and developed H.E.Art By Design, Healing, Educational Artby Design.This program recognized children for their empathy, benevolence and artistic talent.Children submit artwork for display in the gallery along with two nonperishable food items. Each year over 800 entries were submitted and over 1.5 tons of food was raised for the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morristown, NJ.

 

Pastor Nominating Committee, Presbyterian Church of Madison, NJ

Nominated by Session of the Church to a committee charged with finding a new Minister. Personally volunteered over 1,000 hours towards developing a job description, creating mission statement and interviewing candidates all culminating in the successful installation of our new minister.

 

 

Saras Individual Accomplishments

 

Junior League Of Morristown, NJ

September 2000 to Present

The Junior League of Morristown is a 500 member volunteer organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism in the local community and assisting woman and children at risk.Sara held various positions including community projects committee member, Nearly New Shop committee member, New Member Advisor and Done In A Day Community Projects Co-Chair all culminating in her election to the 11 woman Executive Board in the position of Community Vice President.In this role, she oversaw approximately 50 women, who served on various committees that coordinate community projects as well as issue grants and scholarships.Sara also led the Community Advisory board, a group of local community leaders that managed various local organizations.

 

Sara received two noteworthy awards for her work on the Junior League.In 2004 she received the Placement Award and in 2005 she received the Volunteer of the Year Award, the most significant award given by the organization.

 

Session Member, Madison Presbyterian Church

March 2003 to February 2006

Session is the governing body of the church.Sara oversaw the Christian Education Department which included leading the Sunday School and Church Nursery as well as various special events.Sara has also been a Lay Reader for the past 7 years.