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Unprecedented Growth in the Home Improvement Industry

During a time that has been so challenging for so many individuals, companies in the home improvement business have been hard at work – turning bedrooms into home offices, basements into spas & fitness centers, kitchen islands into classrooms, and creating outdoor living spaces for family and friends to gather safely. Homeowners spent an estimated $400 billion on home improvements in 2021*.

Wisconsin is a leader in the pro remodeling industry, having two of the largest and most widely respected NARI chapters in the nation– NARI Milwaukee and NARI Madison—serving the southeast and southwest quadrants of the state. NARI of North East Wisconsin (NEW NARI) joins their ranks to serve the 18 counties of the NEW North. Its boundaries will be Michigan state line on the north, Lake Michigan on the east, Hwy 23 on the south and I-39 on the west.

Originally started by a small group of Appleton area contractors in 1993 as Fox Valley NARI, the chapter grew to include contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and retailers in Green Bay, Door County, Oshkosh, Campbellsport, Wausau and Stevens Point. Recently, the board of directors petitioned NARI National for a recharter to all of northeastern Wisconsin and a name change to NEW NARI to complement the NEW North.

What is NARI and Why Does It Matter?

NARI serves homeowners by connecting them with home improvement contractors, various trade professionals, suppliers and retailers who uphold NARI’s code of ethics and high standards. Unlike most fee-based trade associations, NARI members don’t just pay dues. They must commit to and exemplify the NARI principles of integrity, fair business practices, continuous education/training, quality craftsmanship and home improvement excellence.

Members hold each other accountable to adhere to the highest safety, quality and professional standards for their clients, employees and colleagues.

NARI provides continuous education and training through guest speakers, local workshops, conferences, seminars, webinars, newsletters and websites filled with valuable information about construction, leading a home improvement enterprise and professional development.

Homeowners have peace of mind when they know the companies that are working on their homes have met NARI’s standards and received what some like to call the “good housekeeping” seal of approval within the home improvement world.

Dedicated to Community Service

Along with the recharter and name change, NEW NARI is creating a separate charitable 501 c 3 entity specifically for community service called NARI in the Neighborhood. This organization seeks to support home-related non-profits by volunteering building skills and expertise to local projects, raising needed funds and providing in-kind donations. Community partners include Habitat for Humanity/ReStore, Rebuilding Together Fox Valley, Wisconsin Veterans Village and Hearthstone Historic House Museum.

Workforce Development

In addition, the group encourages youth to choose a career in the design, construction and trade professions in partnership with Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC). Each year, NEW NARI gives out four separate scholarships for interior design, residential construction, construction management and professional woodworking through FVTC. The members also go out and speak with 8th graders and high schoolers about pursuing a future in the remodeling field.

If you are a remodeling professional in the Northeast Wisconsin North, consider applying to join NEW NARI! There are many opportunities to meet and engage with fellow remodelers, continue your professional development, mentor and develop younger employees and serve your community, as well as grow your business.

For more information, contact executive director Cheryl Kaczmarek at 920.832.9003.

*According to the Qualified Remodeler Magazine, Jan/Feb 2022.