Membership Benefits - Marketing

NECA has long been aware of the importance of effective marketing in the successful operation of an electrical contracting business. It was the first construction industry association to establish marketing services for its members. Marketing Services works to keep members informed of the many changes in the marketplace and to provide national promotion and member education ensuring NECA contractors expanding opportunities for their services. Marketing Services projects involve market research, a member referral database, marketing education, and inter-industry relations with suppliers and utilities.

Continuing market research efforts are made to identify and develop potential for new business opportunities. In addition to NECA's national research activities, many chapters also undertake studies related to their local markets. Most of this research provides information of direct value to contractors and is immediately passed on the NECA members. Other research data establish the information base from which future Marketing Services projects are planned.

NECA Marketing Services provides members with an opportunity to reach new customers through the NECA Connection, an Internet-based searchable database of NECA members that a prospective customer can research based on their project criteria. It allows the prospect to find an electrical contractor or a list of qualified bidders or a project anywhere in the United States.

NECA Marketing Services provides support for the educational mission of NECA by assisting the Management Education Institute in developing seminars and workshops in marketing, sales, and business development topics. The marketing director presents convention workshops and is available as an occasional meeting speaker for chapter, district, or regional events.

As the electrical industry undergoes rapid change, the staff is constantly alert to the influence the changes have on contractor marketing efforts. When appropriate, special action programs are implemented to take advantage of new market developments.

NECA sponsors targeted advertising and public relations programs designed to inform the general public and specific customer groups of the NECA electrical contractor's professional expertise. NECA initiates and co-sponsors joint promotional projects with trade allies to establish and maintain a merchandising base for the important services electrical contractors provide their customers. The Association also exhibits at national and local trade shows, and maintains a portable exhibit booth for use by local chapters.

Mutual cooperation with other segments of the electrical industry is essential to the improvement of

electrical products and services for the building industry. The national NECA staff conducts a continuous effort to promote effective industry relations in the public interest. Continuous liaison is maintained at national, regional and local levels and others in the industry to keep them informed on NECA activities and position on pertinent issues. This liaison involves manufacturers, distributors, utilities, contractors, architects, and engineers.

The constantly increasing variety and sophistication of electrical systems has created a need for logically presented information on the subject among architects, engineers, and facility owners and managers. The Electrical Design Library is intended to fill that need. EDL is a technical, comprehensive, continuing survey of new technologies, design methods and contracting practices. It provides promotional emphasis on economic installation by qualified NECA electrical contractors. Chapters are highly encouraged to provide the EDL series to local design professionals and facility owners and managers, as well as to chapter members.

The NECA Marketing Services staff is available to advise or assist the local chapter on any issues relating to effective marketing, public relations and communications. Chapters are encouraged to contact the director with specific requests for research, program development, or help with industry contacts.