INDIANAPOLIS, IN--The Custom Electronic Design  & Installation Association (CEDIA) and the National Association  of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) have formed a strategic alliance as  part of CEDIA's Industry Outreach efforts. The alliance will help educate  both associations' members and will 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.