Before my term began as your Chapter President, I knew that I wanted to focus on marketing and membership. The two are intertwined. An increase in one area will bring about an increase in the other. There are 2 hard working groups within NARI whose goals are to build brand awareness especially among homeowners. The Show Committee, led by Pat Smith, spends hours putting together the NARI Pavilion at Market Hall for the Dallas Home and Garden Show. They look at every aspect of the show from the floor layout to signage to help participating members showcase their products and projects. One of the most popular enhancements has been the addition of the stage presentations. After the show, the committee goes over the details, what worked and what didn't, and begin planning for the next show. The Spring show will be March 4-6. If you haven't seen the show, come out and take a look. It is a low cost way to brand your company and align yourself with the NARI name.  

The second group I want to tell you about is our newly formed Marketing Task Force, led by Pat Seaman. We have had 2 meetings and have been looking at ways to increase the NARI brand. Did you know we have a monthly consumer newsletter? Ask your friends and customers to subscribe. There is great information in every issue. Did you know we have 2 Facebook pages? You should "Follow" Nari Greater Dallas and "Like" NARI Greater Dallas. Help us out by sharing posts. The most exciting news we have to share is that beginning in the middle of March you will start seeing NARI TV advertising on HGTV, Fox News and TLC. If you see any of the ads, let us know.

All of these marketing efforts add value to your membership but only if you identify yourself as a NARI member. Your listing on our website and in the directory are helpful but do you put the NARI logo in your ads? What about on your trucks or showroom entrance? Your association spends thousands of dollars on marketing. Are you going to insure that your company is identified as a NARI member or leave it to chance?