North American Technician Excellence, the nation’s largest nonprofit certification organization for HVACR technicians, is kicking off a campaign to increase consumer awareness of the quality assurance offered by NATE certification while simultaneously elevating those contractors who demonstrate their commitment to excellence by demanding NATE certification. By obtaining NATE certification, a technician verifies that he or she possesses the skills and knowledge to perform at the highest industry standards, demonstrating value to customers and hiring contractors.

“The overall goal of this program is to educate homeowners about NATE certification; not only is this effort important in terms of consumer protection and quality assurance, but it also ultimately improves the business of those contractors who demonstrate their dedication to superior installation and service,” statedPeter Schwartz,NATE president and CEO.

Through network radio advertisements, mentions on national television and articles in newspapers and magazines, homeowners will be informed of the protection and peace-of-mind that result from hiring NATE-certified HVACR professionals. For example, radio ads will air on programs such as “CBS World News,” “The Dennis Miller Show” and “The O’Reilly Factor,” as well as NCAA and NFL football, driving homeowners to the NATE consumer website (www.hvacradvice.com).

As an increasing number of homeowners learn about NATE and visit the site to find a qualified contactor in their area, it’s important for contractors to include their company information on the Consumer Contractor Connection, NATE’s online locator tool. If 50 percent of a contractor’s technicians are NATE-certified, it is eligible to post a free listing in the Consumer Contractor Connection.

Showcase Your NATE For Success

To further assist contractors in capitalizing on these upcoming efforts, a new dime-sized logo is available for use in contractors’ advertisements. The new NATE logo clearly communicates that the contractor employs certified technicians, while leaving ample space for company information and other important messages. Qualified contractors can visit NATE’s website (www.natex.org) to request the logo for use in their consumer communications.

Since many top contractors actively promote their NATE-certified technicians to highlight their expertise and increase their business, NATE is also launching the new “Showcase Your NATE” Sweepstakes to reward these efforts. To participate, contractors are invited to submit descriptions and pictures of the various ways that they use NATE to build consumer confidence and attract new customers.

With each submission, contractors are entered into a regular drawing for a chance to win $1,000 in free local advertising and/or NATE promotional materials. Many entries will also be featured online, offering contractors additional exposure and recognition for their commitment to quality work.

The entries can be submitted via email to sweepstakes@natex.org or by mailing them to “Showcase Your NATE” Sweepstakes, 2111 Wilson Blvd. #510, Arlington, VA 22201.  Many entries will be featured on NATE’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/natecertification) and in other communication materials.

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