Friday, February 10, 2017

A Message from the DPHA President, Cynthia Carter


Dear Fellow DPH Professionals:

I don't think anyone would argue that 2016 was an interesting year and many of us are looking forward to what 2017 brings us both personally and professionally.

It was an exceptional year for the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association, so I wanted to give you a recap, as well as announcing some exciting plans.

Our 2017 Conference will be October 11th -14th at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona. This is the resort where we held our 2013 conference and because of the venue's luxury, great service, and ease of travel, we quickly booked the facility again.

Last year, we sold out of the Product Showcase booths for the Nashville conference just a few days after offering them to the general membership, so if you are contemplating getting a spot in 2017 be on the lookout for the announcement in May and act quickly. One way to increase your ability to get exhibitor space is to become a corporate sponsor. For more information on Corporate Sponsorship offerings and benefits, contact Jim Babbitt at  jbabbitt@dpha.net.

I am also pleased to announce we will be offering a sales seminar at a greatly reduced rate for your staff members who have never attended one of our previous conferences in 2017. As the economy and our industry's business continue to grow, so does the need for trained and passionate sales people. The program for these attendees will include sessions geared toward increasing your bottom line, as well as grooming them to be our future industry leaders.  More details about this exciting new program will be forthcoming shortly. 

Speaking of our conference, the 2016 event at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee was spectacular. Indeed, the location was beyond beautiful, the food and drink gourmet-worthy and the speakers were informative, but more than that was the energy level of our members. Everyone was completely engaged; it was networking and fellowship at its best and of course, the Halloween Party did not disappoint. The level of participation was amazing and the costumes were certainly memorable. We are definitely a professional and fun group.

I recently read in the February 2017 issue of Costco Connection an article by Paul and Sarah Edwards about creating new opportunities for your small business. Their big tip was to constantly network by belonging to a trade association within your industry. Where better to do this than the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association? It was further suggested that participating and making yourself an asset within the association increased your opportunities. So get involved. As the cliche goes, "You only get out of something what you put into it."   Your opinions and ideas are highly valued and add to our success; this is your association so help make it even better by joining a committee. Our committees include Marketing, Awards, Programs & Showcase and Education. If you are interested, please let Jim Babbitt know and he can start including you in any correspondences.

One of my goals this year is to increase communication about our association to the DPH community. Marketing has been my mantra and word of mouth is the best advertising. When you see a great movie or eat at a good restaurant, you let your friends know. I would ask you to do the same about our association. When talking to a manufacturer, representative, or dealer that is not involved, let them know you are a member and the many benefits you get from participating with our group.

It cannot be said enough that our association is exceptional because of its members. We hope you continue to see the benefit of belonging to an industry and association that we all love and are proud be a part of.

Hope to see you in Arizona,
Cyn

Cynthia R. Carter
2015-2017 DPHA President
214-864-5766
cynthia@nextgenerationmarketing.biz

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