In Case You Missed It the First Time, Here's a New Member Benefit: Your Chance for a First Page Appearance on Google Searches

Studies over the past few years show that website blogs offer many benefits for those people and companies who post them, including some of the following: 

1. Blogging boosts search engine optimization.  Google loves fresh content and there is no better way to generate frequent content than from blog costs.  The result typically is that your showroom or company shows up on the first page of local market Google searches without having to pay for ad words or other costs.
2. Develop and enhance relationships with potential and existing customers.  Blogging creates connections with web site visitors because the blogs we will develop will answer questions that customers ask most often.
3. Blogging makes you an expert.  It helps to build trust and clout within the industry.
4. Blogging connects people to the company's brand and reflects a personal side of the business.
5. Blogging creates opportunities for sharing.  Every blog post can be shared by your audience with others. 

As we announced originally in our April 6th issue of Connections, DPHA is proud to announce their new Blog-for-Our-Members program.  We offer this new member benefit because we know that many of our members don't have the time to create a consistently issued blog. We do the work and all you need to do is post the blog from your website.  Here is an initial list of some of the topics that will be featured in the weekly blogs we will craft for your use:

• How much does a new master bath cost?
• Budgeting for a bath remodel
• How to use color to create value
• What's trending in the world of plumbing
• How to achieve a luxury look without spending a fortune
• Ensuring the best intentions result in the best outcome
• Everything including the kitchen sink
• I guess that's why they call it the blues (how and why to incorporate blue tones in the bath)
• Creating additional space is an art
• What's trending in bath design?
• Current state of bath design
• How to furnish a bathroom
• The art of placing cabinet hardware
• Open floor plan baths
• The latest kitchen trends
• What is modern design?
• Cabinet hardware is the jewelry of the bath
• The right light
• The only thing you have to fear is fear itself (how not to be afraid to renovate)
• How to select the most used appliance in the home
• Tips for maintaining a white themed bathroom

This new program will begin on May 1st, and those members who subscribe will receive a blog every week.  Subscriber fees are $199 per month - or $999 for 6 months (you get one month of blogs for free) - or $1,899 per year (you get 2 1/2 months of blogs for free).  To sign up for the program, simply contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net or Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net  and let them know the subscriber rate you would like to start with.  

This is a great chance for DPHA members to not only quit complaining about the Internet, but to use it to their advantage.  We know that almost every bath remodel begins on Google.  Here is your opportunity to appear on the first page of Google searches.

Going to the 2018 HD Expo Next Week in Las Vegas? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitors

If you are going to be attending the HD Expo next week at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, May 2-4, 2018, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit halls includes the following DPHA members: 

• AMBA Products - 5175
• American Standard - 4811
• Beyerle US - 2476
• Danze - 2449
• Delta Faucet Co. - 3340
• Duravit USA - 5068
• Easy Drain USA - 5969
• Fairmont Designs - 4620
• GRAFF - 1215
• Hansgrohe - 3336
• Infinity Drain - 5469
• ROHL - 2637
• Sun Valley Bronze - 3082
• TOTO - 4141
• Victoria + Albert Baths - 2069

Your Monthly Reminder About DPHA's Faces-of-Our-Future Recognition Program

In keeping with last year's tradition of the 17-in-17 program, DPHA introduced earlier this year's Faces-of-Our-Future Program to recognize up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware industry. This program will focus on profiling dealers, manufacturers and independent sales agents with 10 or less years of industry experience. Each month from May through October 2018, two or three members will be inducted into the Faces-of-Our-Future 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 it to Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax to 866-623-6180.

Why should you nominate someone for this honor?  Because the number one reason people leave an employer or this industry is a lack of recognition.  They don't believe their work or effort is recognized or appreciated.  Here's a quick, easy and no-cost opportunity to say thank you to top-notch up-and-comers and provide them with an opportunity to have their accomplishments and efforts recognized by the industry's leading trade organization. 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?

Going to the 2018 HD Expo in Las Vegas? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitors

If you are going to be attending the HD Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, May 2-4, 2018, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit halls includes the following DPHA members: 

• AMBA Products - 5175
• American Standard - 4811
• Beyerle US - 2476
• Danze - 2449
• Delta Faucet Co. - 3340
• Duravit USA - 5068
• Easy Drain USA - 5969
• Fairmont Designs - 4620
• GRAFF - 1215
• Hansgrohe - 3336
• Infinity Drain - 5469
• ROHL - 2637
• Sun Valley Bronze - 3082
• TOTO - 4141
• Victoria + Albert Baths - 2069

Once Again, Thank You So Much, 2018 Corporate Sponsors!

Next month we will start a more concentrated promoting of the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase, which is being held October 10-13 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, but right now, we would once again like to take a moment to most gratefully thank our 2018 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 2018 DPHA corporate sponsor.  Their support enables DPHA to develop new benefits that make our members and industry better. Our heartfelt thanks go to:

Platinum Sponsor:

• The House of Rohl

Gold Sponsors:

• Elkay
• Franke
• LACAVA

Silver Sponsors: 

• BainUltra
• Barber Wilsons/Sterlingham
• Keuco
• Lenova
• MTI Baths

Bronze Sponsors:

• Alno Inc.
• AMBA Products
• Americh
• Baci by Remcraft
• Blanco America
• California Faucets
• Fairmont Designs
• GRAFF
• Hamilton Sinkler
• Hansgrohe
• Hastings Tile & Bath
• Hydro Systems
• Kartners Bathroom Accessories
• Mountain Plumbing Products
• MrSteam
• Perrin & Rowe
• Riobel
• ROHL
• Shaws Since 1897
• Top Knobs
• Ultimate Marketing
• Victoria + Albert

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 Rebekah Covay at 630-854-3911 or via email at rebekah@dpha.net.

Going to Salone del Mobile This Weekend? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitors

If you are going to be in Milan, Italy this weekend and are planning to attend Salone del Mobile, April 17-22, 2018, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit halls includes the following DPHA members: 

• Alape - Hall 24, Stand G11 G19
• Dornbracht - Hall 24, Stand G11 G19 and Hall 9, Stand B09 C10
• Duravit - Hall 22, Stand E23 E27
• Franke - Hall 9, Stand G10 G05
• Gessi - Hall 22, Stand G31 H20
• GRAFF - Hall 22, Stand E28
• Hansgrohe - Hall 22, Stand F23 F27
• Laufen Bathrooms - Hall 24, Stand F21 G14
• Samuel Heath - Hall 22, Stand L43
• Victoria + Albert Baths - Hall 22, Stand L23

They're At It Again - Did You Receive This Spam Email?

Well, those mystery bloggers are at it again. If you or your staff received the above email earlier this week, please be advised it was not sent out by DPHA.  On April 3rd and again on April 17th, DPHA Staff was notified of a spam email circulating through the inboxes of our clientele (thanks to those who let us know, since our Apple computers automatically filed it in our Spam folders and therefore we never saw it originally). Please do not engage with those sending these emails to you. "Charlie", "Natalie" and any other emails from ravbina.com or fabbtechs.com (or other such unknown entities, for that matter) are not associated with your DPHA Staff in any way.  And how would they have a DPHA Attendees List for the 2018 Annual Conference since we haven't even started the registration process yet?

The DPHA database, email accounts and contact lists have not been compromised, and rest assured that we do not sell your contact information to others in any form. Please contact Jim Babbitt or Rebekah Covay with any questions or concerns you might have.

Lucky or Not, Here's Our Connections Friday the 13th Issue

Okay, we realize that some of our loyal Connections readers won't open this issue because it is dated Friday, April 13. They are among an estimated 17 to 21 million Americans who fear this day. Some refuse to fly. Others won't buy anything and still more may not leave their homes. Why is Friday the 13th feared by so many?

It has something to do with the number 13, which is viewed as unlucky. Next time you go into a high-rise, look at the elevator pad and see if there is a 13th floor, or at the airport, do you see gate 13? What's behind this superstition and fear of the number 13?

One theory dates back to Greek mythology. Twelve gods were having a dinner party in heaven (aren't you curious as to what was on the menu?).  A thirteenth uninvited guest known as Loki then arrived (we all know a Loki don't we). Loki was a manipulator and convinced Hoder the blind god of darkness to shoot Balder the Beautiful - the god of joy and gladness - (I wonder what they were drinking at this party) with a mistletoe-tipped arrow (how does a blind person shoot someone and consider that unlucky). When Balder died, Earth went dark, causing the entire planet to mourn. It was a bad, unlucky day. From that point on, the number 13 has had negative connotations.

If 13 is associated with bad luck, then why is it only Friday the 13th that causes some heartache? You can thank Chaucer for making Friday deadly. When The Canterbury Tales were published in the 14th century, Chaucer wrote, "And on Friday fell all this mischance." Whoda thunk it?

We, on the other hand, believe Friday the 13th is a lucky day because we get to share Connections with more than 2,600 members of the DPHA community. Happy and lucky reading.

Mark Your Calendars for the Northern California July 21st Regional Meeting

Join your industry peers as they get together for dinner, networking and some Bocce, Bowling and Billiards fun! This is a great opportunity to not only network with fellow association members, but a chance to have fun and exchange ideas with others who work in the DPH industry.

Interested? If you answered yes, don't miss the July 21st Northern California Regional Meeting being held at Plank, 98 Broadway in Oakland, CA. The cost to attend is $50 per DPHA member or spouse, and $70 per prospective member.

Email rebekah@dpha.net with the names of those from your organization who will attend, or click here to download a copy of the registration form. We hope to see you there!

Going to Salone del Mobile Next Week? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitors

If you are going to Salone del Mobile next week, April 17-22, 2018 in Milan, Italy, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit halls includes the following DPHA members: 

• Alape - Hall 24, Stand G11 G19
• Dornbracht - Hall 24, Stand G11 G19 and Hall 9, Stand B09 C10
• Duravit - Hall 22, Stand E23 E27
• Franke - Hall 9, Stand G10 G05
• Gessi - Hall 22, Stand G31 H20
• GRAFF - Hall 22, Stand E28
• Hansgrohe - Hall 22, Stand F23 F27
• Laufen Bathrooms - Hall 24, Stand F21 G14
• Samuel Heath - Hall 22, Stand L43
• Victoria + Albert Baths - Hall 22, Stand L23

TPC Sawgrass It Is - A Bucket List Event for Golfers at the 2018 Annual Conference

You may recall that we asked our readers in our January 26th issue of Connections, "TPC Stadium or not TPC Stadium? That is the question."  Well, we got responses from more than 16 of you (for golfers, that is more than 4 foursomes), and the answer was an overwhelming "heck yes"!  As you are almost certainly aware if you follow the game of golf at all, the TPC Stadium Golf Course hosts the annual PGA Players' Tour Championship, which is considered by most of the professional tour golfers as their "unofficial" 5th major championship.  This particular course has arguably the toughest finishing 3 holes of any golf course in the world, and in particular, the 17th hole - a par 3 with an island green - is an iconic hole for almost anyone who has watched the tournament or swung a golf club.

So to our golfer members who will be attending this year's annual conference, which will be held from October 10-13 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, be sure to mark your calendars for that Wednesday, October 10.  The cost to play the TPC Stadium course that day will be roughly $500 to 550 per player per round (which includes the caddy gratuities and other miscellaneous fees), and we will be sending out sign-up sheets sometime around the first of June.  Just be aware that if you do indeed want to play the course we will have to hear from you no later than September 10th in order to reserve space for you.  Unlike past years, it will be virtually impossible to have last minute sign-ups.  If you would like to get a jump on things, just email Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net to let her know you want to be part of this awesome golf event, and she'll make sure to get you the registration form as soon as we have them available.

And if you missed the announcement about the hotel and the room reservation link that we posted on our website at the beginning of the year as well as mentioned in two or three earlier issues of Connections, here is the information.  

Recently renovated and brimming with amenities, the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa sets the stage for a visit you won't soon forget. Next door to the legendary TPC® Sawgrass golf course, they proudly offer their guests special privileges at the courses. Elsewhere at the resort, you can make a splash in one of their four pools, pamper yourself at the on-site spa or enjoy a meal at their outstanding restaurants. Catch their free shuttle to TPC® Sawgrass, or to the recently renovated private Cabana Beach Club. 

There are 493 rooms and suites that include a flat screen TV and High Speed Internet Access.  It's a first-class resort in every way except the room price. DPHA members will enjoy a $189 per night (plus tax) rate during the DPHA Conference.   Click here to make your hotel room reservations and make sure you don't miss out on staying at this fabulous venue.

New Member Benefit: First Page Appearance on Google Searches

Studies over the past few years show that website blogs offer many benefits for those people and companies who post them, including some of the following: 

1. Blogging boosts search engine optimization.  Google loves fresh content and there is no better way to generate frequent content than from blog costs.  The result typically is that your showroom or company shows up on the first page of local market Google searches without having to pay for ad words or other costs.
2. Develop and enhance relationships with potential and existing customers.  Blogging creates connections with web site visitors because the blogs we will develop will answer questions that customers ask most often.
3. Blogging makes you an expert.  It helps to build trust and clout within the industry.
4. Blogging connects people to the company's brand and reflects a personal side of the business.
5. Blogging creates opportunities for sharing.  Every blog post can be shared by your audience with others. 

DPHA is proud to announce their new Blog-for-Our-Members program.  We offer this new member benefit because we know that many of our members don't have the time to create a consistently issued blog. We do the work and all you need to do is post the blog from your website.  Here is an initial list of some of the topics that will be featured in the weekly blogs we will craft for your use:

• How much does a new master bath cost?
• Budgeting for a bath remodel
• How to use color to create value
• What's trending in the world of plumbing
• How to achieve a luxury look without spending a fortune
• Ensuring the best intentions result in the best outcome
• Everything including the kitchen sink
• I guess that's why they call it the blues (how and why to incorporate blue tones in the bath)
• Creating additional space is an art
• What's trending in bath design?
• Current state of bath design
• How to furnish a bathroom
• The art of placing cabinet hardware
• Open floor plan baths
• The latest kitchen trends
• What is modern design?
• Cabinet hardware is the jewelry of the bath
• The right light
• The only thing you have to fear is fear itself (how not to be afraid to renovate)
• How to select the most used appliance in the home
• Tips for maintaining a white themed bathroom

This new program will begin on May 1st, and those members who subscribe will receive a blog every week.  Subscriber fees are $199 per month - or $999 for 6 months (you get one month of blogs for free) - or $1,899 per year (you get 2 1/2 months of blogs for free).  To sign up for the program, simply contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net or Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net and let them know the subscriber rate you would like to start with.  

 

This is a great chance for DPHA members to not only quit complaining about the Internet, but to use it to their advantage.  We know that almost every bath remodel begins on Google.  Here is your opportunity to appear on the first page of Google searches.

Did You Receive This Spam Email?

If you or your staff received the above email earlier this week, please be advised it was not sent out by DPHA.  On April 3rd, DPHA Staff was notified of a spam email circulating through the inboxes of our clientele (thanks to those who let us know, since our Apple computers automatically filed it in our Spam folders and therefore we never saw it originally). Please do not engage with those sending these emails to you. "Charlie" and any other emails from ravbina.com (or other such unknown entities, for that matter) are not associated with your DPHA Staff in any way.

The DPHA database, email accounts and contact lists have not been compromised, and rest assured that we do not sell your contact information to others in any form. Please  contact Jim Babbitt or Rebekah Covay with any questions or concerns you might have.