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,” NARI executive vice president Mary Harris said.
CEDIA’s Industry Outreach programs have established several partnerships like this one 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 8,500 design and build professionals, according to the association. In 2005, CEDIA formed a strategic alliance with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), resulting in a 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,” executive director of NAHB’s business management department Agustin Cruz said. “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,” CEDIA CEO Utz Baldwin said. “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. A list of approved courses is available at www.cedia.org/outreach/roi_courses-db.php.
Organizations who have interest in collaborating with CEDIA may contact Dave Chic at [email protected].
