EDITOR - SUE FERN

2017 - APRIL - CLICK THE HEADLINE BELOW TO GO DIRECT TO ANY STORY IN THIS ISSUE
FROM THE PRESIDENTS  DESK   - JIM MACHOLZ

Dear NARI Members:  NARI Tampa Bay celebrated St. Patrick's Day at the showrooms of McCabinet in Largo. Kevin McKenzie, who is a third generation contractor is really a Scot by heritage but that was fine... 

Everyone enjoyed the festivities... Many got into the Irish mode more than others!!!  We thank Kevin and his team for putting on an outstanding evening with great food and drink...
MAY MEMBER SHOWCASE
Thursday, May 18, 6-9 pm
Ruth Eckerd Hall


GET OUT IN FRONT OF YOUR CUSTOMERS!  Showcase YOUR products and services to  NARI's members  and prospective members.   Click the below for event details.

 

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER PROGRAMS

New exciting programs were announced during the 2017 Spring business meeting. Tom Miller, CR, CKBR, NARI Board President presented a new program to benefit our members and your customers. At last year's meeting in Austin, Texas, Tom shared a sneak peek of how NARI would develop a payment option program. The new program will be offered in partnership with EnerBankUSA. EnerBankUSA is the leading financial provider for home improvement consumer payment options, including same as cash and low interest loans. This new program will provide members with additional benefits to offer customers and help them realize the remodel of their dreams. The program is currently in development and is scheduled to roll out during the summer.

NARI added another exclusive member benefit. David Pekel, MCR, UDCP, CAPS, NARI President-Elect, introduced a new business liability insurance program. NARI HQ organized a working group who researched and tested with NARI members to understand specific needs including the type of coverage, competitive pricing and the flexibility to remain with your current agent. For more information contact marketing@nari.org.
VALUE FROM NARI MEMBERSHIP - KOHLER $400 CERTIFICATION GRANT
"FIRST GRANT RECIPIENT "

Kohler  awards its first scholarship to Ellen Young  of Jamco Unlimited  Inc. she will be getting her project management certification from NARI education. Remember for every $4,000.00 in Kohler product you sell, Kohler will sponsor you or your employees for your choice of NARI Certification. Thank you Kohler for supporting NARI Tampa bay.

Every NARI contractor who sells $4,000 of Kohler products will receive a scholarship to the value of $400 towards a NARI Professional Certification. 

To receive the grant members will be required to submit an invoice together with pictures of the project to Marc Galan of Kohler at marc.galan@kohler.com.

Members should indicate which certification they want and Kohler will pay for that certification. Every member company may receive up to a maximum of two scholarships.
 


LEARN MORE ABOUT NARI CERTIFICATION - CLICK HERE

A certification identifies you as a dedicated professional and acknowledges your personal achievements, improves your level of practice and highlights you as an industry leader.

NARI's certification is also a powerful marketing tool, providing clients with assurance that they're choosing expert professionals with not only years of experience and a commitment to ethical conduct, but also a dedication to ongoing training.


St Pete's own TriplePoint Design Build and 
Strobel Design Build win National Awards

Contractors from seven regions around the country vie for CotY Awards on an annual basis. Earlier this year, NARI named 172 Regional CotY ™ winners with 27 team members who advanced as finalists to the national level. NARI announced a National winner in each of the 37 categories at its Evening of Excellence sm reception, held recently in Scottsdale, Arizona. LEARN MORE.   Please congratulate these talented people when you see them at the  NEXT NARI EVENT


R esidential Bath $50,001 to $75,000:
Strobel Design Build, St Petersburg, FL 


Residential Kitchen $60,001 to $100,000: 
 TriplePoint Design Build, St Petersburg, FL



Renovation Industry Thrives in 2017's First Quarter, Houzz Reports
By Remodeling

For the first quarter of 2017 (Q1 2017), responses from industry experts participating in the the Houzz Renovation Barometer study conclude market activity is increasing, but it is also hindered by labor shortages in the industry.   LEARN MORE  
        
HHGregg to close all 220 stores by May
HHGregg to close all 220 s
Consumer electronics retailer to close all stores
By Marianne Wilson

The bankrupt retailer began liquidating its assets on Saturday, April 8, after failing to find a buyer. The chain said it expects to close all of its 220 stores by the end of May.
LEARN MORE
 
click here
             NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:  
Please give a warm welcome to newest 2017 NARI members.  
Click on each name for website:  


                          Please welcome them when you see them at the next NARI EVENT   
NEW SILVER INDUSTRY PARTNER - MADELI 

As part of our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Madeli is honored to be partnering with NARI. At Madeli, the philosophy comes down to one key concept: Functional Elegance. European influenced, our designs are boldly elegant and stylish, while maximizing the modern functionality demanded by today's educated and discriminating consumers.  DEALER LOCATOR


NARI Goes to Washington:   Rescheduled due to snow!

NARI members will convene on May 17 on Capitol Hill for a day of visits with key lawmakers and their staffs. NARI members will have the opportunity to interact with their Congressional representatives and staff.  Issues that will be discussed include federal overregulation, industry workforce issues, and tax reform for small business.

The event will kick off with a reception on Tuesday evening, followed by a private tour of the Capitol by former Members of Congress. Wednesday, NARI members will get to hear from a number of Congressional representatives and then will spend the afternoon visiting with their Congressional delegations.  REGISTER HERE

DURING DEMO DAY REMEMBER TO
DONATE TO  HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IN YOUR AREA
NARI MEMBER VALUE OPTIONS & DISCOUNTS

Consumers view the  NARI logo as the mark of an ethical professional. Isn't it time your marketing efforts carried this symbol? Contact our office for your  FREE decal for your company  vehicles  for the new year.   
MEMBER DISCOUNTS - to obtain a large number of NARI membership discounts click this link to go to the website page and gain all the information you need to start saving today!   LEARN MORE

PLEASE WELCOME YOUR NEW 
NARI ASSOCIATION MANAGER 

Sandi Lundin
727-942-4503