Is This Your Last Issue of Connections?

Is this going to be your last issue of Connections?  As you may recall, last year we ran an article titled "This Is the Last Issue of Connections" as an April Fools' joke because that Friday was April 1st.  Remarkably, we received more than 100 complaints via email or phone telling us how disappointed our readers were that the weekly publication was being discontinued, which necessitated response emails and phone calls assuring everyone that we were only kidding.

That being said, since today is March 31st, we assure you that this time our inquiry above is no joke.  Numerous reminders during the past three months advised that membership fees for 2017 are due today, Friday, March 31, so if we haven't received your renewal payment yet, your company's benefits will be terminated tomorrow, which includes receiving the weekly issues of Connections.

If you have not paid your 2017 DPHA dues yet, it is not too late, but you should also be aware that there will be a 3 or 4 day delay now in getting your membership benefits re-established.  As you know, dues are only $715 per year and we believe this is an incredible value given the benefits that the Association offers its members.  If you are unsure as to whether or not you renewed your membership for this year and don't want to take a chance that your issues of Connections will be discontinued and your other member benefits terminated, contact Jim Babbitt now at jbabbitt@dpha.net or via phone at 224-999-0434 (if you get his voice mail, please leave a message).  We truly appreciate everyone's past support, and hope we count on your participation again in 2017.

Don't Worry - Registration for the 2017 Product Showcase at the Annual Conference Hasn't Begun Yet

Our office has been receiving numerous inquiries regarding booth registration for the 2017 Product Showcase at our annual conference in Chandler, AZ from October 12-14, so we just wanted to reassure everyone that no, if you are a DPHA member and interested in exhibiting this year you have not missed anything.  We are working on the floor plan for the Product Showcase and in keeping with our usual process, sometime during the second half of next month (April 2017), we will send out notices for booth sign-ups and selections in the following order:

• Platinum sponsors (and then usually 4 working days later ...)
• Gold sponsors (and then usually 4 working days later ...)
• Silver sponsors (and then usually 4 working days later ...)
• Bronze sponsors (and then usually 4 working days later ...)
• 2017 Conference sponsors (and then usually 3 working days later ...)
• 2016 Exhibitors (and then usually 4 working days later ...)
• General membership

Additionally, when booth registration is open to the general membership, it will be announced in Connections as well as in a separate email blast. Keep your eyes open for more updates and the booth registration announcements.  We only have 72 booth spaces (10' by 10'), and if things go like they did in 2016, the booths will be completely booked within a week or so after registration is open to everyone.

If you have any other questions or need help with something else, don't hesitate to contact Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net or via phone at 224-999-0434.  And for those who are inquiring about our regular conference attendee registration, we will be sending out those notices sometime around the end of May 2017.

There Are Four Revised Tests for Our Recognition Program Testing Participants

The Education Committee, under the leadership of Traci D'Antoni (D'Antoni Sales Group) and Fred Felder (Simon's Supply), along with the extensive colaborative efforts of Jerry Williams (WMS Decoratve Resource) and Susan Sidney (Simon's Supply) have revised the following four Recognition Program testing modules: 

1. Lavatory Faucets (Bath & Kitchen Category)
2. Kitchen Faucets (Bath & Kitchen category)
3. Locks and Latches (Hardware category)
4. Care and Maintenance (General Knowledge category)

These four newly revised tests will be "live" as of Saturday, April 1 (seriously, no joke), and all current participants in the Recognition Program who initially signed up for the testing program prior to January 1, 2017, will need to successfully complete these new tests before being eligible to receive their 2017 category completion certificates.

The DPHA Recognition Program recognizes DPH showroom professionals for their product knowledge and sales expertise. The program is available only to DPHA members. The series of exams are based on information contained in the DPHA Education Program manuals, and each exam relates to an individual product category (e.g. lavatory faucets, tubs, cabinet hardware, etc.). To be recognized in each category, participants must answer 100% of the questions correctly. DPHA will electronically issue certificates to those participants who successfully pass all of the bath and kitchen, hardware and/or general knowledge programs.

For more information on the DPHA Recognition Program, visit the member's
side of www.dpha.net or email Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net.

It Bears Repeating - DPHA's New 17-in-17 Recognition Program

We wanted to make sure that you didn't miss last week's announcement - DPHA is proud to introduce the 17-on-17 Program, which is designed to recognize up-and-coming influencers in the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware business. This program will focus on profiling 17 individuals with 10 or less years of experience among all our membership base of dealers, manufacturers and independent sales agents. Each month from May thru October 2017, two or three members will be inducted into the 17-in-17 club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. To submit your nominations, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax at 866-623-6180.  It takes only a few minutes to complete a nomination form, but isn't that time well spent for recognizing someone who is making an impact on your business and/or our industry?

Did You Know That DPHA Recruiting Efforts are Worth More Than Just Our Thanks?

Did you know that there is a program that rewards you for bringing new members to DPHA? The DPHA Marketing Committee, under the astute leadership of Kim Frechette (Infinity Drain) and Eric Phelps (Victoria + Albert Baths), continue to make it worth your while to recruit new members for our association. Just have any new member list you or your company on the "Referred to DPHA by" line on any of our membership applications, and you will receive credit for that new member joining or rejoining our association.

 

Indeed, the incentive program is simple and straight-forward. Modeled after frequent flyer programs, DPHA awards recruiter credits for every new member who joins or rejoins our association. There is no time limit or expiration on these recruiter credits, and they can be "cashed in" at any time for the following items: 

 

• 1 recruiter credit: $25 certificate
• 3 recruiter credits: Dinner on DPHA up to $100
• 5 recruiter credits: Dues for a year
• 10 recruiter credits: Free conference attendance

 

These recruiter credits have been tracked since January 1, 2014, so if you believe you may already have some credits to your name, just contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net. He will be happy to check his list for you. And thanks for continuing to spread the good word about our association!

Here's an Easy Way to Remind Everyone That DPHA is Now Accepting Applications for the Memorial Scholarship

We know, with so much going on in your lives, many people forget that our association has  a way to help the children or grandchildren of a DPHA member with the cost of college.  Therefore, we have created a poster that can be posted in your lunchrooms or other appropriate areas.  Just click here to download the reminder.

The DPHA Council of Fellows established its Memorial Scholarship in 2008 with two primary goals. The first was to honor the memory of an industry leader and the second was to provide grants to the children and grandchildren of any employee working at a DPHA dealer, manufacturer, representative agency or professional organization.

DPHA is currently accepting applications for the 2017 Memorial Scholarship.

Download the application.

Application Requirements:

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
• Applicant must be the child or grandchild of a DPHA member employee.
• Applicant must be a high school graduate currently enrolled in a college or university.
• Applications must be accompanied by a high school transcript, and if in college, a college transcript.
• Applicant must submit a double-spaced typed essay addressing the topic, "Why I Should Be Considered for the DPHA Memorial Scholarship." This essay should not exceed 1,200 words.
• To be considered for the award during a given year, applications must be received at the DPHA office by the close of business July 31, 2017.

Selection Criteria: 

• Applicant must fulfill all application requirements and complete the DPHA Memorial Scholarship Application Form.
• Essays will be judged on content, writing skills and adherence to accepted grammatical standards.
• Applicants must be well-rounded students, involved in extracurricular and civic activities and sports.
• The DPHA Council of Fellows reserves the right to interview Scholarship finalists prior to selecting a recipient.

DPHA's New 17-in-17 Recognition Program

DPHA is proud to introduce the 17-on-17 Program, which is designed to recognize up-and-coming influencers in the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware business. This program will focus on profiling 17 individuals with 10 or less years of experience amongst all our membership base of dealers, manufacturers and independent sales agents. Each month from May thru October 2017, two or three members will be inducted into the 17-in-17 club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. To submit your nominations, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax at 866-623-6180.  It takes only a few minutes to complete a nomination form, but isn't that time well spent for recognizing someone who is making an impact on your business and/or our industry?

2017 DPHA Dues are Due by March 31

If you have not paid your 2017 DPHA dues, what are you waiting for? Dues are only $715 per year and are due by March 31. This is an incredible value given the benefits that the association offers its members. Second notices were mailed at the beginning of February and Jim Babbitt is currently going through his second round of email notices and phone calls.  If we don't hear back from you soon, please be kind to Jim when he attempts to contact you one last time.  If you are unsure as to whether or not your membership has been renewed for this year, don't hesitate to contact Jim at  jbabbitt@dpha.net or via phone at 224-999-0434 (if you get his voice mail, please leave a message).  We truly appreciate everyone's past support, and hope we count on your continued participation in 2017.

Time is Running Out - The Dealers' Choice Award Voting Ends March 15!

DPHA manufacturers are market and design leaders.  Their offerings represent best-in-class products that DPHA believes are deserving of recognition.  That's why the DPHA Awards Committee has added a new Dealer's Choice Award (aka, the POTY). This new award provides another opportunity for manufacturers to promote their products as award-worthy in front of the staffs of every DPHA dealer.

Every product that was submitted last year for the 2016 Product of the Year is now eligible to win the Dealer's Choice Award.  Voting opened on Wednesday, February 1, and runs through next Wednesday, March 15.  All dealer showroom staff members who have a DPHA login are eligible to vote. One vote per person (unless you live in Chicago - just kidding!).  And in case you don't know your login information to the members-only side of the website, contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 (if you get his voice mail, please leave a message), or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net.  The winner will be announced during the opening session of the 2017 Conference.

If you would like to refresh your memory on the various products that were nominated last year and eligible to win, just click here to download a copy of the 2016 Product of the Year Guide.  Participating in the Dealers Choice Product of the Year (POTY) Award voting is easy and takes just a few minutes of your time. Just look for the voting menu tab (top menu item on the left) on the members-only side of the web site for more details.  The previous award winners were chosen by an industry-wide independent panel of judges, but this time, you have a chance to help determine the winner yourself.  So don't just sit there - vote!  

Thank You 2017 Corporate Sponsors!

There are some that talk the talk; then there are others who walk the walk. The following DPHA members have expressed their commitment to the Association and the industry by becoming a 2017 DPHA corporate sponsor.  Their support enables DPHA to develop new benefits that make our members and industry better. Our heartfelt thanks go to:

Gold Sponsors; 

• Elkay
• Franke
• GRAFF

Silver Sponsors: 

• BainUltra
• Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham
• Keuco
• Lenova
• MTI Baths
• ROHL
• Victoria + Albert

Bronze Sponsors:

• Alno Inc.
• AMBA Products
• Americh
• Axent Corporation
• Baci by Remcraft
• Blanco America
• California Faucets
• Hamilton Sinkler
• Hansgrohe
• Hastings Tile & Bath
• Kartners Bathroom Accessories
• Mountain Plumbing Products
• MrSteam
• Steamist
• Top Knobs
• TOTO USA

DPHA Corporate Sponsors receive a number of promotional benefits, including their name and logo (with active link) appearing in each issue of Connections. They also receive the recognition and gratitude of an industry that understands and appreciates their commitment to advancing the profession. If you are interested in becoming a DPHA sponsor, please contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 or jbabbitt@dpha.net. 

If You are Going to the Architectural Digest Design Show, Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Members

If you are going to the Architectural Digest Design Show, March 16-19, 2017 at Piers 92 and 94 in New York City, please make sure that your tour includes the following DPHA members:

• Brizo - #361
• GlassCrafters - #482
• Native Trails - #168
• Pentair Everpure - TBD
• ROHL LLC - #439
• Ronbow Corporation - #179

You Can Now Reserve Hotel Rooms for the 2017 DPHA Annual Conference

The DPHA Annual Conference returns to the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort in Phoenix, AZ, October 12-14, 2017.  The reason why DPHA is returning to the Wild Horse Pass Resort is obvious to everyone who attended the 2013 Conference there. The place is fantastic.  

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass is a beautiful resort, situated adjacent to the Gila River Indian Community and just 12 miles from Phoenix' Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Everything you would want to see or touch in Phoenix can be reached in just 20 minutes by car.

Amenities?  You betcha and only the finest.  There are two golf courses, an outdoor pool, and plenty of family activities. The Kai restaurant was voted best in Phoenix for its ability to tantalize the palate with a seasonal menu featuring local and indigenous fare. The Aji Spa is the perfect place to wash away the stresses of the day.  

 

There are 500 rooms and suites with Native American-inspired décor plus private balconies or terraces. Technology includes a flat screen TV and High Speed Internet Access. 

It truly is a great property for a great group of members and room reservations are open now.  Click here to make sure you don't miss out.