President’s Message
By David Merrick, CR
President, NARI Metro DC
Merrick Design and Build, Inc.

2008 was a challenge and full of uncertainty. Now that a new administration with a dedication to stabilizing our economy and confidence has taken office, we can start planning a path to success. More certainty will give way to organization, planning and confidence.

I am optimistic about the coming year and the future of remodeling. And I am most certain of one thing; NARI will be a part of your success this year.

I have been a member of this organization for 18 years and credit my business success with my affiliation with NARI. If I had not had the opportunity to talk with other NARI members, learn from them, and get advice and share problems, I feel certain that I would have been out of business a long time ago.

We surveyed our membership last year and asked why you were a NARI member, two answers stood out -- networking and education. Those are more important now than ever.

NARI provides a forum for you to get together with other dedicated professionals in this industry. It is a place to share stories-and lessons-about good clients and bad. A place to talk strategy and business, and to learn what's working and what's not. A place to meet new friends and get together with old friends.

All of our NARI meetings are an opportunity to learn. They provide opportunities to meet and learn from industry leaders. This year we will gear our presentations to the topics you need most to succeed.

If you are already a NARI member, this is a year to take full advantage of your membership. If you are not yet a member, now is the time to join. Together we have the support and strength to make it through whatever challenges lie ahead. We are the best in the industry; we are NARI Metro DC.