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.

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!