DPHA Revises the Bath Furniture Manual

The DPHA Education Committee, under the astute leadership of Fred Felder (Simon's Supply) and Traci D'Antoni (D'Antoni Sales Group) has updated the DPHA Bath Furniture manual. This updated installment in the DPHA Education Program:

• Explains the different types of bathroom furniture items on the market.
• Explains the benefits of selling bath furniture.
• Highlights the reasons for specifying bath furniture through a showroom versus relying on a cabinet maker.
• Explains differences in bathroom furniture styles, composition and construction.
• Offers a style guide.
• Explains the differences between high-end bath furniture and lower priced alternatives.
• Provides guidance to help sales professionals determine client needs,
  preferences and budgets.
• Explains industry nomenclature. 
• Provides sales strategies and suggestions to become a client's trusted advisor.

What's New in the 2017/2018 Edition?

There is an expanded section on bathroom furniture styles and a detailed overview and explanation of the benefits of specifying bath furniture through a DPH showroom as compared to other possible suppliers.

The revised manual is visually stunning thanks to the support of more than a dozen DPHA manufacturer members that submitted beauty shots, schematics and other images that saved thousands of words and helped to explain and visualize concepts and applications.

The DPHA Education Committee will also use the new manual to draft a new Recognition Program test for bathroom furniture. This program is the only one available in the decorative plumbing and hardware industry that recognizes showroom professionals for the product knowledge, technical expertise and sales skills.  

  

The new DPHA Bath Furniture manual is only available to DPHA members, and costs nothing - just log into the members portal of www.dpha.net, and click on the Education Program menu.

2018 DPHA Dues are Due by March 31

If you have not paid your 2018 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 recently and Rebekah Covay is currently going through her second round of email notices and phone calls. If we don't hear back from you soon, please be kind to Rebekah when she 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 Rebekah at rebekah@dpha.net or via phone at 630-854-3911 (if you get her voice mail, please leave a message). We truly appreciate everyone's past support, and hope we count on your continued participation in 2018.

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

If you are going to the Architectural Digest Design Show next week, March 22-25, 2018 at Piers 92 and 94 in New York City, please make sure that your tour includes the following DPHA members:

• Brizo - #241
• Franke Kitchen Systems - #191
• House of ROHL - #439
• Pentair Everpure - #274
• Perrin & Rowe - #439
• Riobel - #439
• ROHL - #439
• Shaws - #439
• THG Paris - #145
• Victoria + Albert - #439

Thank You So Much, 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
• Mountain Plumbing Products
• MrSteam
• Perrin & Rowe
• Riobel
• ROHL
• Shaws Since 1897
• Top Knobs
• 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 Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net.

Don't Forget to "Spring Ahead" Saturday Night!

Don't forget before you go to bed this Saturday night, March 10th (or Sunday morning, March 11th, for those of you who are so inclined to stay up late) to set your clocks ahead one hour since most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.  Those places in the U.S. that do NOT observe Daylight Saving Time are Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and Arizona.

And just because we can't help ourselves, here are a few facts you may not have known about Daylight Saving Time:

• The idea of daylight saving was first conceived by Benjamin Franklin during his sojourn as an American delegate in Paris in 1784, in an essay, "An Economical Project." Some of Franklin's friends, inventors of a new kind of oil lamp, were so taken by the scheme that they continued corresponding with Franklin even after he returned to America.
   
• In September 1999, the West Bank was on Daylight Saving Time while Israel had just switched back to standard time. West Bank terrorists prepared time bombs and smuggled them to their counterparts in Israel, who misunderstood the time on the bombs. As the bombs were being planted, they exploded - one hour too early - killing three terrorists instead of the intended victims - two busloads of people.
   
• Amtrak - to keep to their published timetables, trains cannot leave a station before the scheduled time. So, when the clocks fall back one hour in October, all Amtrak trains in the U.S. that are running on time stop at 2:00 a.m. and wait one hour before resuming. Overnight passengers are often surprised to find their train at a dead stop and their travel time an hour longer than expected. At the spring Daylight Saving Time change, trains instantaneously become an hour behind schedule at 2:00 a.m., but they just keep going and do their best to make up the time.
   
• While twins born at 11:55 p.m. and 12:05 a.m. may have different birthdays, Daylight Saving Time can change birth order  - on paper, anyway. During the time change in the fall, one baby could be born at 1:55 a.m. and the sibling born ten minutes later, at 1:05 a.m. In the spring, there is a gap when no babies are born at all: from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
   
• In the United States, Daylight Saving Time commences at 2:00 a.m. to minimize disruption. However, many states restrict bars from serving alcohol between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. At 2:00 a.m. in the fall, however, the time switches back one hour. So, can bars serve alcohol for that additional hour? Some states claim that bars actually stop serving liquor at 1:59 a.m., so they have already stopped serving when the time reverts to Standard Time. Other states solve the problem by saying that liquor can be served until "two hours after midnight." In practice, however, many establishments stay open an extra hour in the fall.

• In the U.S., 2:00 a.m. was originally chosen as the changeover time because it was practical and minimized disruption. Most people were at home and this was the time when the fewest trains were running. It is late enough to minimally affect bars and restaurants, and it prevents the day from switching to yesterday, which would be confusing. It is early enough that the entire continental U.S. switches by daybreak, and the changeover occurs before most early shift workers and early churchgoers are affected.

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 22-25, 2018 at Piers 92 and 94 in New York City, please make sure that your tour includes the following DPHA members:

• Brizo - #241
• Franke Kitchen Systems - #191
• House of ROHL - #439
• Pentair Everpure - #274
• Perrin & Rowe - #439
• Riobel - #439
• ROHL - #439
• Shaws - #439
• THG Paris - #145
• Victoria + Albert - #439

DPHA's Faces-of-Our-Future Recognition Program

In keeping with last year's tradition of the 17-in-17 program, DPHA is proud to introduce 2018'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 April 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?

Not to Sound Like a Broken Record, but Again, Here is Why We Believe We Deserve Your Support in 2018

Now that we have entered March 2018, we wanted to remind you that all membership benefits will be cancelled at the end of the month if we haven't received your dues renewal.  If you have not paid your 2018 DPHA dues yet, what are you waiting for? Dues are only $715 per year. This is an incredible value given the benefits that the Association offers its members. We are confident that we will continue to deliver the return on your dues investment that DPHA members expect and deserve. Second notices were issued a week or so ago, and if we don't hear back from you soon, please be kind to Rebekah Covay when she attempts to contact you. Here are just some of the things you can look forward to from your DPHA membership in 2018:

• DPHA offers the industry's only showroom recognition program that rewards your sales professionals for their sales knowledge and product expertise.

• Take advantage of daily content on the DPHA Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram feeds and LinkedIn group postings that update our members on new products, new programs and new developments in the DPH industry.

• Keep your fingers on the pulse of your industry. Connections is a weekly communication laser-focused on industry and association news to help improve our DPHA member businesses.

• DPHA plans to update several existing education modules plus possibly expand educational programs to include videos.

• The best annual conference and product showcase in our industry that serves as the venue for introducing new products to the DPH industry.

• Enhanced communication that offers sales guidance to showroom sales professionals in order to better hone their skills while providing them with tools to knock the socks off their competition.

• An energized and dynamic organization that serves as the industry's home to network, exchange ideas and obtain competitive advantages.

• A new web site that is easy to navigate and serves as the go-to resource for staff training tools, industry news and networking.

• The industry's most prestigious awards program that recognizes best-in-class professionals and products.

• A staff and a creative team that understands the industry, is passionate about the Association and is committed to earning your trust and membership.

DPHA has tangible, productive, viable and valuable deliverables that help with daily operations, but we need your support and participation to assure that DPHA continues to develop products, services and deliverables that provide your business with competitive advantages. If you have any questions, give us a call or contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net. We look forward to working with you and helping to make your business even better in 2018.

To Our Association Cheerleaders - 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 continues to make it worth your while to recruit new DPHA members. Have  any new member list your name or company on the "Referred to DPHA by" line on their membership application, and you will receive credit for that new member joining or rejoining our association.

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, 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!

One Last Reminder for Those Interested in Creating the DPHA 2018 Awards - We Need to Hear from You by February 28th

DPHA Members: here's your final reminder.  Do you want to be spotlighted at the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference, October 10-13 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL?  The Awards Committee would like to hear from any firm interested in producing the physical awards presented at this year's conference. All ideas are welcome.

 

Currently, there will be a total of 12 awards to be handed out in the following categories:

1. Showroom Professional of the Year
2. Manufacturer Professional of the Year
3. Representative Professional of the Year
4. Showroom of the Year
5. Representative Agency of the Year
6. Customer Service Department of the Year
7. Plumbing Fixture of the Year
8. Plumbing Water Delivery Product of the Year
9. Furniture Product of the Year
10. Accessory Product of the Year
11. Hardware Product of the Year
12. 2017 Dealer's Choice Award

You have a blank canvas to be as creative as you want to be. Please note however, that the DPHA logo should be incorporated into the award or the engraving. Submit an estimate to DPHA on how much time your company will need to create the physical awards and anything else you can think of that the Awards Committee needs to know or consider.

 

Funds are available to cover the cost of the awards. If you are interested in producing the awards for this year's conference, please contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net by February 28, 2018.

Don't Worry - Registration for the Product Showcase at the 2018 Annual Conference Hasn't Begun Yet

DPHA has been receiving numerous inquiries regarding booth registration for the 2018 Product Showcase at our annual conference, which will be held at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, October 11-13, 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 April 2018, we will send out notices for booth sign-ups and selections in the following order:

• Platinum corporate sponsors (and then usually 4 working days later ...)
• Gold corporate sponsors (and then usually 4 working days later ...)
• Silver corporate sponsors (and then usually 4 working days later ...)
• Bronze corporate sponsors (and then usually 4 working days later ...)
• 2018 Conference sponsors (and then usually 3 working days later ...)
• 2017 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 and on our social media. Keep your eyes open for more updates and the booth registration announcements. We only have 72 booth spaces (10' by 10') again this year, and if things go like they did in 2016 and 2017, the booths will be completely booked within a few weeks after registration is open to everyone. 

If you have any other questions or need help with something else, don't hesitate to contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net or via phone at 630-854-3911. And for those who are inquiring about our regular conference attendee registration, we will be sending out those notices sometime in June 2018.

How Can You Get a Great Bang for Your Buck? Become a 2018 DPHA Corporate Sponsor

Before we get too much further into this new year, DPHA wants to remind our members again of the menu of sponsorship opportunities available to showrooms, manufacturers and representatives. Each level of sponsorship provides different marketing benefits. However, the most significant benefit that you receive when electing to serve as a DPHA corporate sponsor is the statement you make to the industry. Your sponsorship tells the industry that you believe in DPHA's mission and programs. You are not only talking the talk, you are walking the walk to enhance professionalism and improve quality in the decorative plumbing and hardware industry. 

 

PLATINUM ($11,000)

• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Newsleak 
• 25% discount on Newsleak and Connections advertising 
• A corporate/product profile in Newsleak 
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Connections 
• Product spotlight in Connections 
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor on the Web Page 
• Recognition in each updated and new installment of the DPHA Education Program 
• First opportunity to reserve display space at the Product Showcase 
• Two complimentary conference registrations 
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference prospectus 
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference program 
• Profile in the conference program 
• Product spotlight in the conference program 
• Four ads in Connections

GOLD ($6,500)

• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Newsleak 
• 25% discount on Newsleak and Connections advertising 
• A corporate/product profile in Newsleak 
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Connections 
• Product spotlight in Connections 
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor on the Web Page 
• Recognition in each updated and new installment of the DPHA Education Program 
• Second opportunity to reserve display space at the Product Showcase 
• One complimentary conference registrations 
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference prospectus 
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference program 
• Two ads in Connections

SILVER ($3,750) 

• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Newsleak 
• 25% discount on Newsleak and Connections advertising 
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Connections 
• Product spotlight in Connections 
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor on the Web Page 
• Recognition in each updated and new installment of the DPHA Education Program 
• Third opportunity to reserve display space at the Product Showcase 
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference prospectus 
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference program

BRONZE ($1,750)

• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Newsleak 
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor in each Connections 
• Product spotlight in Connections 
• Recognition as a corporate sponsor on the Web Page 
• Recognition in each updated and new installment of the DPHA Education Program 
• Fourth opportunity to reserve display space at the Product Showcase 
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference prospectus 
• Corporate sponsorship recognition in the conference program

Members that are interested in keeping their name and web sites in front of the most influential members of the DPH industry continuously and want to take advantage of DPHA sponsorship opportunities should contact Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net or call him at 224-999-0434. You can also download the 2018 Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities Form simply by clicking here .

DPHA's Faces-of-Our-Future Recognition Program

In keeping with the tradition of last year's 17-in-17 program, DPHA is proud to introduce 2018's Faces-of-Our-Future Program, designed to recognize the up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will focus on profiling individuals with 10 or less years of experience amongst all our membership base of dealers, manufacturers and independent sales agents. Each month from April 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 your nomination to Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax to 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?

2018 Dues Are Due!

If you have not paid your 2018 DPHA dues, what are you waiting for? Dues are only $715 per year. This is an incredible value given the benefits that the Association offers its members. Second notices were issued a week or so ago, and if we don't hear back from you soon, please be kind to Rebekah Covay when she attempts to contact you. If you are unsure as to whether or not your membership has been renewed for this year, please contact Rebekah at rebekah@dpha.net or via phone at 630-854-3911. We truly appreciate everyone's past support, and hope we count on your continued support and participation in 2018.

DPHA is Now Accepting Applications for the Alberto Comini Memorial Scholarship

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 2018 Alberto Comini Memorial Scholarship. Click here to download the application.

Application Requirements: 

• Applicant must be a citizen of a North American country.
• Applicant must be the child or grandchild of anyone who works at a DPHA member firm.
• Applicant must be a high school graduate currently enrolled in a college, university or accredited trade school.
• Applications must be accompanied by a high school transcript, and if in college or trade school, a college or trade school transcript as well.
• Applicant must submit a double-spaced typed essay on "Why I Should Be Considered for the DPHA Scholarship." This essay should not exceed 1,200 words.
• Applications must also include the applicant's photo, which will be used for promotional purposes only after the winners have been decided.
• 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, 2018.

Selection Criteria:

• Applicant must fulfill all application requirements and complete the DPHA 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.

If you have any other questions about the application process, feel free to contact Jim Babbitt at 224-999-0434 or via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net.

2018 Corporate Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors:

 

Bronze Sponsors:

 

 

 

You Are Not Alone

Shortly after Thanksgiving last year, DPHA's Executive Committee (EXCO) met to discuss issues and opportunities facing the Association that were then further expanded upon during the Board of Directors' meeting January 22nd in Dallas, TX.  Several ideas and programs were not only discussed, but acted upon for this year and beyond, not least of which is DPHA's new mission statement, which is also reflected in the Connections header above -

"A network of elite decorative hardware and plumbing professionals striving to create a culture of excellence and education." 

Invariably, one of the discussions led back to the age-old question "Why should someone join DPHA?" Although the answer seems obvious to those of us who are involved, the continual challenge is attempting to put something meaningful down on paper.  After some very animated conversations, here is what the groups came up with:

You are not alone. As a member of DPHA, you belong to the finest association of decorative plumbing and hardware professionals in North America. DPHA is a network of people who are passionate about not only the DPH industry, but its people. This passion drove the creation of DPHA and propels us to keep improving our people, our businesses and our industry.

In this age of technology, it is still people who make the real difference. Yes, DPHA offers a host of programs and deliverables, but we know our real strength is the power and passion of our members. Networking doesn't really describe the informal mentoring, consulting, business creation and peer-to-peer sharing that goes with being a member of DPHA.  Competition is tough and getting tougher, and we can all use a good partner. When you are a member of DPHA, you have a lot of them. You are not alone.

 

Mutual goals for member companies -  

• Create and follow standards for the DPH industry
• Promote professionalism throughout the DPH industry
• Recognize and respect the role of all industry segments
• Strive to create luxury experiences in all areas of business
• Cultivate professional sales and support people through ongoing education and standards
• Commit to adhere to the DPHA Code of Conduct

Goals for our three primary member segments - 

• Manufacturers
• Promote quality of construction and originality of design
• Implement, maintain and enforce clear pricing policies for all channels
• Partner with dealers and representatives to create effective return policies appropriate to our changing industry
• Craft service policies to help keep DPH dealers competitive in today's market
• Support ongoing education to foster excellence of DPH professionals

• Representatives
• Endeavor to be a skilled advocate for both the manufacturer and dealer
• Cultivate and sustain sound business practices in your agency
• Show up with a purpose to always support your manufacturers and respect dealer's time
• Follow a strategy outside the showroom to identify and promote sales opportunity for your manufacturers and dealers
• Deliver great communications in all areas

• Dealers
• Enact an ongoing program of education and training to create and sustain career sales people proficient in luxury sales
• Recognize the role of industry partners to aid your success and respect their time and efforts
• Commit to a consistent refreshment of your displays and showroom in accordance with new designs and product introductions
• Pledge to adhere to manufacturer pricing policies
• Partner with companies that practice policies to grow and support the DPH industry

As a member of DPHA, you are a member of a community, one that is supportive and inclusive.  Indeed, you are not alone!

Reserve Rooms for the DPHA 2018 Conference Now

DPHA members can now reserve hotel rooms for the October 10-13 Annual Conference and Product Showcase at the beautiful Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. The rate is $189 per night plus tax and resort fees, and if you reserve your room now, your credit card will not be billed yet for any portion of the stay and you have up until 72 hours prior to the start of your stay to cancel your hotel room reservation without any penalty. Click here to reserve your room.

The Real Story of Valentine's Day

In honor of the February 14 holiday, Connections wants to re-share the real story of Valentine's Day. It dates back to the third century when Roman Emperor Claudius II ordered all Romans to worship 12 gods. Refusing to do so was punishable by death. You can certainly imagine that Christians did not take too kindly to Claudius' edict. One who refused was named Valentinus, who was subsequently arrested and jailed. Awaiting his ultimate fate, his jailer recognized that Valentinus was an educated man and asked him if he would tutor his blind daughter, Julia.

Valentinus was a good teacher and Julia was a receptive student. After learning math, Roman history, biology and religion, Julia started to see the world through Valentinus' eyes. Then a miracle occurred. When Valentinus and Julia were praying together, there was a sudden brilliant flash of light in the prison cell. Eureka! Julia suddenly could see.

On the eve of his execution, Valentinus sent a note to Julia that he signed, "Your Valentine." He was executed on February 14, 270 AD. However, from that day on, messages of devotion, love and affection are sent around the world.

Now that you know the true story of Valentine's Day, don't you wonder where those heart shaped candies with corny phrases came from?

Again, Here is Why We Believe We Deserve Your Support in 2018

DPHA dues notice were issued two or three weeks ago, and second notices will probably be going out in the mail in the next few weeks.  We are confident that we will continue to deliver the return on your dues investment that DPHA members expect and deserve. Here are just some of the things you can look forward to from your DPHA membership in 2018:

• DPHA offers the industry's only showroom recognition program that rewards your sales professionals for their sales knowledge and product expertise.

• Take advantage of daily content on the DPHA Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram feeds and LinkedIn group postings that update our members on new products, new programs and new developments in the DPH industry.

• Keep your fingers on the pulse of your industry. Connections is a weekly communication laser-focused on industry and association news to help improve our DPHA member businesses.

• DPHA plans to update several existing education modules plus possibly expand educational programs to include videos.

• The best annual conference and product showcase in our industry that serves as the venue for introducing new products to the DPH industry.

• Enhanced communication that offers sales guidance to showroom sales professionals in order to better hone their skills while providing them with tools to knock the socks off their competition.

• An energized and dynamic organization that serves as the industry's home to network, exchange ideas and obtain competitive advantages.

• A new web site that is easy to navigate and serves as the go-to resource for staff training tools, industry news and networking.

• The industry's most prestigious awards program that recognizes best-in-class professionals and products.

• A staff and a creative team that understands the industry, is passionate about the Association and is committed to earning your trust and membership.

DPHA has tangible, productive, viable and valuable deliverables that help with daily operations, but we need your support and participation to assure that DPHA continues to develop products, services and deliverables that provide your business with competitive advantages. If you have any questions, give us a call or contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net. We look forward to working with you and helping to make your business even better in 2018.

 

Want to Make an Impact? How About Creating the DPHA 2018 Awards

DPHA Manufacturers: do you want to be spotlighted at the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference, being held October 10-13 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL?  The Awards Committee would like to hear from any firm interested in producing the physical awards presented at this year's conference. All ideas are welcome.

 

Currently, there will be a total of 12 awards to be handed out in the following categories:

1. Showroom Professional of the Year
2. Manufacturer Professional of the Year
3. Representative Professional of the Year
4. Showroom of the Year
5. Representative Agency of the Year
6. Customer Service Department of the Year
7. Plumbing Fixture of the Year
8. Plumbing Water Delivery Product of the Year
9. Furniture Product of the Year
10. Accessory Product of the Year
11. Hardware Product of the Year
12. 2017 Dealer's Choice Award

You have a blank canvas to be as creative as you want to be. Please note however, that the DPHA logo should be incorporated into the award or the engraving. Submit an estimate to DPHA on how much time your company will need to create the physical awards and anything else you can think of that the Awards Committee needs to know or consider.

 

Funds are available to cover the cost of the awards. If you are interested in producing the awards for this year's conference, please contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net by February 15, 2018.