CEDIA Membership Categories Evolve to Better Serve Current and Future Members
Dec 30, 2011 10:35 AM
If the past few years have taught the industry anything, it is to be adaptable to change. Companies remain successful by being agile and responsive to the changing demands of the market, and CEDIA is no exception.
As the economy began to slow, mandatory certification programs in many industries lost steam, and became a hurdle to membership growth. It’s not because certification programs weren’t valued, but rather they were a casualty in the choice of how to allocate resources, human and financial, both of which had become more constrained. Unfortunately, CEDIA’s certification program didn’t escape this trend and became a barrier to association growth rather than a driver. As a result, the categories of CEDIA membership will evolve.
CEDIA will eliminate membership levels, and certification will no longer be a requirement for full member benefits in 2012. All CEDIA electronic systems contractors (ESC) members will pay the same membership fee and all ESC members will have access to the CEDIA logo in addition to being listed on the Electronic Lifestyles® Finder Service, among the many other CEDIA member benefits.
Additional benefits will be available to CEDIA ESC member companies who employ a CEDIA certified professional. These companies will enjoy a premium listing within the CEDIA Finder Service, as well as one year of free access to CEDIA research reports.
CEDIA is committed to offering benefits that are relevant and provide added value to CEDIA membership. Check out some of the member benefits CEDIA has added this year.
The CEDIA Sales Assessment Tool – Richard James & Partners have created a Sales Assessment Tool customized for CEDIA members. The Sales Assessment Tool assists companies in determining whether a potential employee will perform well in their sales environment. This tool was created based on sales research from the largest sales database in the world.
The Sales Assessment Tool may also be used to establish a fair set of standards for sales staff. This tool normally costs companies $300, but the CEDIA member version is available for $99.
Paychex Discount – Paychex, a leading provider in business payroll services, will now offer CEDIA members a 15 percent discount on their services. Paychex services include payroll, tax filing, Flexible Spending Accounts, 401k, and more.
MicroBilt Discount – MicroBilt offers the small business owner simple, cost-effective solutions and a wide selection of data products for fraud prevention, consumer financing, debt collection, and background screening. CEDIA members enjoy waived set-up fees and a discount of 5 percent to 23 percent. (Discount amount is dependent upon which bureau you use.)
ESC Marketing On-Demand – The 2011 CEDIA Benchmarking Survey found that “Increasing marketing efforts” was the activity most companies reported they would undertake in 2011 to increase profitability. The good news is, CEDIA is prepared to help members with that goal through the ESC Marketing On-Demand program. CEDIA’s ESC Marketing On-Demand program features brochures, postcards, and other promotional materials which members can customize and print at affordable rates.
These professionally designed pieces feature stunning photography and industry-specific messaging. The promotional pieces have been developed to communicate the importance of partnering with a qualified electronic systems professional for successful home technology projects. The professionally designed materials target audiences such as homeowners, architects, builders, and interior designers.
Additional details are available and members can place orders at www.cedia.org/membermarketing. For additional information, email [email protected].
If you have questions about your CEDIA member status, contact Jessica Nelson at [email protected]. To learn more about the benefits of CEDIA membership visit www.cedia.org/join.
