ARLINGTON, Va. - North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is kicking off a campaign to educate homeowners throughout the country about the importance of selecting contractors who hire NATE-certified technicians. By obtaining NATE certification, technicians verify that they possess the skills and knowledge to perform at the highest industry standards, demonstrating their value to both the customer and their hiring contractor.

In 2011, NATE aims to increase consumer awareness of this quality assurance offered by certification, while simultaneously elevating those contractors who demonstrate their commitment to excellence by demanding NATE certification. In addition, NATE is making it easier than ever for contractors to promote their NATE-certified technicians and rewarding these efforts with the new Showcase Your NATE Sweepstakes.

Through network radio advertisements, mentions on national television, and articles in newspapers and magazines, today’s 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,” “Dennis Miller,” and “Bill O’Reilly” as well as NCAA games and NFL football, driving homeowners to the NATE consumer website (www.hvacradvice.com) to find local HVACR contractors who employ NATE-certified technicians.

If 50 percent of a contractor’s technicians are NATE-certified, they are eligible to post a free listing in the Consumer Contractor Connection, helping to attract new customers.

“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,” stated Peter Schwartz, NATE president and CEO.

To further assist contractors in capitalizing on these upcoming efforts and connecting to consumers seeking NATE-certified technicians, 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 their company information and other important messages. Qualified contractors can visit NATE’s website at www.natex.org to request the logo for use in their consumer communication.

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, the contractor is entered into a regular drawing for a chance to win $1,000 in free local advertising and/or NATE promotional materials.

The Showcase Your NATE entries can be submitted via e-mail to sweepstakes@natex.org or by mailing them to Showcase Your NATE Sweepstakes, 2111 Wilson Blvd., #510, Arlington, VA 22201.

For more information about the sweepstakes, visit www.natex.org.

Publication date: 04/04/2011