The 2018 DPHA Award Nominations Are Underway and Run Through July 15th

Everyone wants to be appreciated and recognized for their contributions, but few of us take the time to say thank you to our exceptional peers for what they do for our companies, our organization and our industry. You can change this trend by submitting applications and nominations to the 2018 DPHA Awards program. Nominations are now open and the deadline to submit applications and nominations is July 15 for the following honors: 

• DPHA Showroom of the Year - 2017 winner was Premier Bath & Kitchen in Walnut Creek, CA
• DPHA Showroom Professional of the Year - 2017 winner was Tonya Martin of ProSource Supply
• DPHA Manufacturing Professional of the Year - 2017 winner was Tom Bryant of BainUltra
• DPHA Representative Agency Professional of the Year - 2017 winner was Blake Rivas of TCB Sales
• DPHA Rep Agency of the Year - 2017 winner was Premier Marketing
• DPHA Manufacturer Customer Service Department of the Year - 2017 Winner was Accurate Lock & Hardware
• DPHA Products of the Year (POTY) -
• Plumbing Product, Fixtures (sinks, tubs, toilets) - 2017 winner was Victoria + Albert's Eldon Tub
• Plumbing Product, Water Delivery (faucets, showerheads and valves) - 2017 winner was GRAFF's Sospiro Kitchen Faucet
• Furniture - 2017 winner was The Furniture Guild's Avant 620-0560-OB-B49 Vanity
• Hardware - 2017 winner was Accurate Lock and Hardware's SilentPac Solutions
• Accessories - 2017 winner was Infinity Drain-USG Shower System
• Dealers' Choice Award - 2017 winner was Brizo's Litze Single-Handle Lavatory Faucet

Click on www.dpha.net and log into the members-portal side of the web site. Select the "Awards Program" menu and simply scroll down the page. Some of the links to make online nominations currently are being de-bugged, but rest assured we will let everyone know when they are functional via an email blast. In the meantime, you can download form-fillable pdfs of the different award nomination forms by clicking on the appropriate links. Or if you would like us to send the application forms to you and you are a member of the Association, send an email to rebekah@dpha.net with your request. 

 

For the Product of the Year awards (POTYs), DPHA has again assembled an independent panel of distinguished industry editors, designers and professionals for judging the five different products of the year. Those judges are:

1. Mary Jo Peterson, Mary Jo Peterson Design
2. Alissa Ponchione, Assistant Editor Hospitality Design 
3. Eliot Sefrin, Editor Emeritus of KBDN 
4. Lindsay Crozier, Architect at Made LLC 
5. Nicole Wieland, Builder/Designer at Charleston Building & Development

Additionally, the Awards Committee added the Dealer's Choice Award a few years ago, an award that provides another opportunity for manufacturers and representatives to promote your products as award-worthy in front of the staffs of every DPHA dealer. The Dealer's Choice Award works as follows:

• Every product submitted for the 2018 Product of the Year (POTYs) will be eligible to win the Dealer's Choice Award.
• Voting will take place immediately following the annual conference and will be open for approximately six weeks. 
• All dealer showroom staff members who have a DPHA login will be eligible to vote. One vote per person. 
• The winner will be announced during the opening session of the 2019 Conference.

Manufacturers - when was the last time you were handed a golden opportunity to have your new products analyzed and critiqued by leading journalists of publications that are read and respected by your clients and prospects? DPHA is providing you this opportunity. Be sure to take advantage of it.

Don't Forget to Mark Your Calendar and Register 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 the 2018 HD ICFF Show in New York Next Week? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitors

If you are going to be attending the ICFF Show next week at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, May 20-23, 2018, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit halls includes the following DPHA members: 

• Accurate Lock & Hardware - 2472
• AD Waters - 301
• Axent Corporation - 2063
• Bagues Paris - 1129
• Belwith-Keeler - 2371
• Brizo - 409
• Colonial Bronze Company - 2573
• Dornbracht Americas - 2547
• Duravit USA - 2117
• DXV - 2456
• Easy Drain - 444
• Frank Allart & Co. - 1143
• Franz Viegener - 1757
• Gessi North America - 2307
• GlassCrafters - 477
• GRAFF - 309
• Hamilton Sinkler -2638
• Hastings Tile & Bath - 257
• Houzer USA - 2137
• Infinity Drain - 1967
• Julien Inc. - 1456
• Kartners Bathroom Accessories - 1470
• LACAVA - 657
• Laufen North America - 2933
• Madeli USA - 2833
• Native Trails - 1947
• Oceania Baths - 227
• OMNIA Industries - 1046
• Riobel - 2740
• Samuel Heath & Sons - 1847
• Sidler International - 436
• Stone Forest - 567
• Sun Valley Bronze - 457 and 2739
• The Furniture Guild - 1063
• Turnstyle Designs - 215
• Victoria + Albert Baths - 1557
• Watermark Designs - 2363
• Zitta Products - 2249

Did You Know You Can Find the Helpful Hints Articles on Our Website?

We have heard from many of you over the past several years regarding how much you have enjoyed reading the Helpful Hints (and before that, the 5 Things You May Not Have Known) articles in our weekly eletter, Connections, but did you know that these articles remain available for reading on our new website? These articles are written on a monthly basis (more or less) by members of our Education Committee, and offer unique industry perspectives from our manufacturer, dealer and manufacturer representative members.

There's a place on the members-portal side of the DPHA web site (simply follow the path "Resources to Train the Team > Helpful Hints and 5 Things May Not Have Known Articles) where you can read and/or download past articles.  The cost for DPHA members? Absolutely nothing. Availabiliy? As long as you have your login credentials, these are available 24/7/365 - it's another benefit of membership. So go ahead and check it out, and if you have forgotten your login credentials to the members portal, email Rebekah Covay.

There are Several New Sponsorship Opportunities Available for the 2018 DPHA Annual Conference and Product Showcase

The Program & Showcase Committee, under the leadership of Richard Campbell (Belmont Hardware) and Ryan Paul (Summit Architectural Resource), are pleased to announce five new sponsorship opportunities for the 2018 Annual Conference and Product Showcase:

FRIDAY NIGHT ICE LUGE SPONSORSHIPS ($2,500 each, limit of 2 and must also exhibit in the Product Showcase) (1 of 2 taken in 2018 by Barber Wilson/Sterlingham)

• Recognition as reception sponsor at the reception
• Recognition as reception sponsor in the meeting Newsleak
• Premier signage at the reception
• Ability to show PowerPoint during the conference sign-ups along with the other conference sponsors
• Includes preselected booth space (by staff) prior to exhibitor sign-up

CONFERENCE DEALER GIVEAWAY SPONSORS ($2,000 each, limit of 3 and sponsor is also responsible for the cost of the giveaway item)

• Company's name and logo will appear on the giveaway item
• Recognition as a giveaway sponsor in the meeting Newsleak
• Premier signage at the conference
• Ability to show PowerPoint during the conference sign-ups along with the other conference sponsors
• Must have giveaway approved by staff prior to distribution

SATURDAY MORNING BLOODY MARY BAR SPONSOR ($3,000, and must also exhibit in the Product Showcase)

• Sponsorship is for a Bloody Mary bar set-up on Saturday morning during the Product Showcase
• Recognition as the Bloody Mary bar sponsor in the meeting Newsleak
• Premier signage at the Bloody Mary bar on Saturday
• Ability to show PowerPoint during the conference sign-ups along with the other conference sponsors
• Includes preselected booth space (by staff) prior to exhibitor sign-up

SATURDAY MORNING MIMOSA BAR SPONSOR ($3,000, and must also exhibit in the Product Showcase)

• Sponsorship is for a Mimosa bar set-up on Saturday morning during the Product Showcase
• Recognition as the Mimosa bar sponsor in the meeting Newsleak
• Premier signage at the Mimosa bar on Saturday
• Ability to show PowerPoint during the conference sign-ups along with the other conference sponsors
• Includes preselected booth space (by staff) prior to exhibitor sign-up

CHARGING STATION SPONSOR ($2,000, one sponsor per day)

• Recognition as charging station sponsor at the charging booth
• Recognition as charging station sponsor in the meeting Newsleak
• Premier signage at the conference
• Ability to show PowerPoint during the conference sign-ups along with the other conference sponsors

For a full list of conference sponsorship opportunities (some previously offered spoinsorships have been revised as well), click here, or contact Rebekah Covay at 630-854-3911 or via email at rebekah@dpha.net for more information.

Did You Know About The Job Board Feature on Our Website?

Did you know that DPHA provides members with a service to help recruit best-in-class talent? There's a place on the members-portal side of the DPHA web site where you can post job opportunities with your showroom, manufacturing business or representative agency. The cost for DPHA members to list their job opportunities? $0.00. It's another benefit of membership. If any member has a job opportunity they would like to haveposted on this page, simply send the information to jbabbitt@dpha.net. And if you have forgotten your login credentials to the members portal, simply email Rebekah Covay. 

 

Going to the 2018 ICFF Show in New York This Month? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitors

If you are going to be attending the ICFF Show later this month at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, May 20-23, 2018, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit halls includes the following DPHA members: 

• Accurate Lock & Hardware - 2472
• AD Waters - 301
• Axent Corporation - 2063
• Bagues Paris - 1129
• Belwith-Keeler - 2371
• Brizo - 409
• Colonial Bronze Company - 2573
• Dornbracht Americas - 2547
• Duravit USA - 2117
• DXV - 2456
• Easy Drain - 444
• Frank Allart & Co. - 1143
• Franz Viegener - 1757
• Gessi North America - 2307
• GlassCrafters - 477
• GRAFF - 309
• Hamilton Sinkler -2638
• Hastings Tile & Bath - 257
• Houzer USA - 2137
• Infinity Drain - 1967
• Julien Inc. - 1456
• Kartners Bathroom Accessories - 1470
• LACAVA - 657
• Laufen North America - 2933
• Madeli USA - 2833
• Native Trails - 1947
• Oceania Baths - 227
• OMNIA Industries - 1046
• Riobel - 2740
• Samuel Heath & Sons - 1847
• Sidler International - 436
• Stone Forest - 567
• Sun Valley Bronze - 457 and 2739
• The Furniture Guild - 1063
• Turnstyle Designs - 215
• Victoria + Albert Baths - 1557
• Watermark Designs - 2363
• Zitta Products - 2249

The Timetable for Product Showcase Booth Registration at the 2018 Annual Conference

DPHA continues to receive numerous inquiries regarding booth registration for the 2018 Product Showcase at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, October 11-13.  This is to reassure everyone that if you are a DPHA member and want to exhibit, you probably have not missed anything. The Product Showcase booth registration process just started, and in keeping with our usual processes, we sent/send notices for booth sign-ups and selections in the following order:

• Platinum corporate sponsors  - issued Tuesday, April 24th
• Gold corporate sponsors - issued Monday, April 30th
• Silver corporate sponsors - issued Friday, May 4th
• 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. Watch 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 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.

One Last Reminder - Did You Miss the 2017 Conference? That Doesn't Mean You Need to Miss the Content Though

Before we begin actively promoting the 2018 Annual Conference and Product Showcase in the upcoming months, we wanted to remind you that many DPHA members were so thoroughly impressed with the quality of content presented at the 2017 Annual Conference, they wanted us to help you share the experience and knowledge with you and your coworkers. Here's your chance. DPHA has posted the following videos on the DPHA web site (unfortunately, we were not allowed to video record Doug Stephen's presentation):

• 2017 Product of the Year Awards

• Richard Hadden: Contented Cows Give Better Milk

• Chris Ramey: Five Commandments to be a Customer-Centric Company

• 2017 Saturday Awards Luncheon and Professionals of the Year Awards

To view the videos, log in to the members portal section of our new website, www.dpha.net, follow the path "Member Resources > Resources to Train the Team" and click on the "2017 Conference Videos" link. If you need your login information and/or the password for the videos, please email Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net.

Going to the 2018 HD ICFF Show in New York This Month? Make Sure Your Tour Includes DPHA Member Exhibitors

If you are going to be attending the ICFF Show later this month at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, May 20-23, 2018, please make sure that your tour of the exhibit halls includes the following DPHA members: 

• Accurate Lock & Hardware - 2472
• AD Waters - 301
• Axent Corporation - 2063
• Bagues Paris - 1129
• Belwith-Keeler - 2371
• Brizo - 409
• Colonial Bronze Company - 2573
• Dornbracht Americas - 2547
• Duravit USA - 2117
• DXV - 2456
• Easy Drain - 444
• Frank Allart & Co. - 1143
• Franz Viegener - 1757
• Gessi North America - 2307
• GlassCrafters - 477
• GRAFF - 309
• Hamilton Sinkler -2638
• Hastings Tile & Bath - 257
• Infinity Drain - 1967
• Julien Inc. - 1456
• Kartners Bathroom Accessories - 1470
• LACAVA - 657
• Laufen North America - 2933
• Madeli USA - 2833
• Oceania Baths - 227
• OMNIA Industries - 1046
• Riobel - 2740
• Samuel Heath & Sons - 1847
• Sidler International - 436
• Stone Forest - 567
• Sun Valley Bronze - 457 and 2739
• The Furniture Guild - 1063
• Turnstyle Designs - 215
• Victoria + Albert Baths - 1557
• Watermark Designs - 2363
• Zitta Products - 2249

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.

Is This Your Last Issue of Connections?

Is this going to be your last issue of Connections?  As you may recall, two years ago 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 30th, we assure you that this time our inquiry above is no joke.  Numerous reminders during the past three months advised that membership fees for 2018 are due by tomorrow, Saturday, March 31, so if we haven't received your renewal payment yet, your company's benefits will be terminated on Sunday, April 1st, which includes receiving the weekly issues of Connections.

If you have not paid your 2018 DPHA dues yet, it is not too late, but you should also be aware that there will now be a 3 or 4 day delay 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 Rebekah Covay now 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 participation again in 2018.

April Fool's Day Frolics Through History

Sunday is April 1, a day that is near and dear to your editor. Did you ever wonder why so many people play pranks on others on April 1? Historians are unsure of the exact origins of this special day. Some believe it dates back to ancient Rome when festivals such as Hilaria was celebrated at the end of March. People would dress in disguises during the celebration.

A second theory is that April Fool's Day was tied to the first day of spring when Mother Nature fooled everyone with unpredictable and changing weather.Those in the mid-Atlantic can appreciate this explanation, especially this year.  Seventy degrees in February and snow on the first day of Spring.  Another theory is that this day of pranks dates back to 1582 when France officially changed from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar per mandate from the Council of Trent. Some of the citizens failed to get the message and became the brunt of jokes and pranks.

Most likely, we suspect April Fool's was started in England around 1700 when people began to play practical jokes on one another. It then spread throughout the British Isles. In the 18th century, Scotland had a two-day celebration. On the first day, people were sent on phony errands. The second day, known as Tailie Day, involved such sophomoric acts as pinning tails or "kick me" signs on the rear ends of unsuspecting victims.

The tradition of pranks has continued until today. Some of the great April Fool's day hoaxes include the following:

• In 1996, Taco Bell announced that it had purchased the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and was going to rename it Taco Liberty Bell.

• In 1998, Burger King announced it had developed a left-handed whopper.

• Who can forget Sports Illustrated's immortal Sidd Finch who was reported to be able to throw a 168 mile per hour fastball?

• In 2007, Google announced a new product, Gmail Paper, which would print emails, stack them in a box and ship them to your door.

• In 1998, New Mexicans for Science and Reason published that the Alabama legislature voted to change the value of Pi to a purer biblical version of 3.0.

• In 1957, the BBC reported that Swiss farmers had harvested a record spaghetti crop and showed video of people picking pasta from trees.

What is your favorite April Fool's gag? Please share it with us on the DPHA Facebook Page or LinkedIn Group. And yes indeed, Connections will be back next week if you have renewed your 2018 DPHA annual dues. Happy April Fools!

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.

Now that high school graduations and the end of the college year are rapidly approaching, DPHA is 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.

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

As we have told you in the past few months and 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 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?

DPHA Launches Our New Web Site

Thanks to the ever vigilant leadership of Kate Brady (General Plumbing Supply) and the Website Review Committee, DPHA has at long last launched its new web site.  Some of the immediately noticeable benefits of the new web site include: 

• The new web site is much easier to navigate, with everything accessible through the home page.

• The new web site may now be accessed, and logged into in the Member Portal if you are a member, on any computer, tablet and smart phone!

• Companies may now submit their membership applications, or renew their annual membership dues, on-line via the web site.

• A new search menu of members is not only much simpler to use, but also offers many more filters to help narrow down your search right off the bat.

• Easy access to association documents for our members, including our education manuals.

• The ability for our members to register on-line for the Recognition Testing Program, as well as access to the testing links.

• With the addition of new banners and transition slides at the top of the home page, you can now easily notice important things, as well as upcoming Association events.

There is so much more that we could tell you about the new web site, but we want your insights so go to www.dpha.net and look around for yourself. If you have thoughts you would like to share with us, have questions or you are a current member but have forgotten your login information, feel free to contact Rebekah Covay at rebekah@dpha.net, or simply click on the "Contact Us" menu tab and send us a quick note that way.  Your feedback is appreciated and will help us continue to make this new web site even more effective for our members as well as the general public.  For now though, enjoy! 

If You Like Waiting Until the Last Minute, This Message is for You - 2018 Membership Dues are Due by March 31

If you like waiting until the last minute and have not paid your 2018 DPHA dues yet, then you should be aware that the last minute is now here! Dues are only $715 but are due by March 31. This is an incredible value given the benefits that the Association offers its members. Second notices were mailed several weeks ago and Rebekah Covay is currently going through her second round of email notices and phone calls. If we haven't heard back from you, 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.