Primary marketNew Strategic Alliance Brings Remodelers and Electronic Design Pros Together
Home is where the heart is – as are the many fine comforts that exist in today"s 21st Century playground. There"s the home theater system, alarm, lighting and HVAC systems on timers for maximum cost and usage efficiencies, and the remodeled kitchens of the future that make your coffee in the morning and cook your dinner at night, to name just a new. The home is constantly changing and the builders of today, and tomorrow, need to stay one step ahead of the consumer and her needs. A new strategic alliance between the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) will help keep members abreast of the changing needs of today"s consumers and also provide a platform for collaboration, partnership, and exchange of information regarding integrating technology into homes.
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry is honored to forge a strategic alliance with CEDIA. Through this partnership, NARI and CEDIA members can enjoy the reciprocal benefits of networking, business referral, education, training and heightened professionalism," said Mary Harris CAE, executive vice president of NARI. CEDIA"s Industry Outreach programs have established strong partnerships with design and build industry associations, resulting in the development of education and resources for many groups including architects, builders, building designers, interior designers and professional remodelers. To date, CEDIA"s Industry Outreach programs have educated more than 8500 design and build professionals.
In 2005, CEDIA formed a strategic alliance with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), resulting in a unique technology-focused group called the Home Technology Alliance. Similar to the NARI alliance, the Home Technology Alliance provides education, networking opportunities, and tools to foster better collaboration between builders and electronic systems professionals.
“The NAHB and CEDIA partnership through the Home Technology Alliance is a natural fit, said Agustin Cruz, executive director business management department of NAHB. "The Alliance"s greatest success has been bringing together builders and remodelers with electronic systems contractors to discuss areas of mutual concern. The reaction we"ve received from NAHB members to the Alliance has been overwhelmingly positive. Our builder and remodeler members have recognized the importance of installed home technology and are happy to see this collaboration."
“The ongoing outreach efforts by CEDIA are a tremendous benefit not only for CEDIA members but for the members of the respective associations who have identified and understand the value of these partnerships," said Utz Baldwin, CEDIA chief executive officer. "These partnerships provide professionals with accessible technology-based education, business tools, and local experts they can collaborate with to add additional services to their business in order to provide their clients with enhanced lifestyles. CEDIA is thrilled to work with NARI and develop programs that benefit the members of both our organizations." In addition to the NARI and NAHB alliances, design and build professionals have access to education delivered online as well as through CEDIA"s Registered Outreach Instructor program. These courses have been approved by eight organizations for continuing education credit including the American Institute of Architects, the American Institute of Building Designers, International Interior Design Association, Interior Design Educators Council, American Society of Interior Designers, Interior Designers of Canada, NAHB and NARI.
[Note: CEDIA is an international trade association of companies that specialize in designing and installing electronic systems for the home.The National Association of the Remodeling Industry has 61 chapters located in most major metro areas throughout the United States, and over 7,500 member companies, www.NARI.org. The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing more than 200,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction, www.NAHB.org.]