There is a disagreement happening between certain NARI chapters and NARI’s executive leadership and National Board of Directors. For the people involved, emotions are high. One remodeler close to the situation, a NARI member since 1993 and former national committee chair, said that “'turmoil' puts it mildly” and admits that the relationship may be “irreparable.” It makes facts important, especially as nearly half of NARI’s overall membership may be impacted.
Keeping that in mind, the following is a timeline of simple facts as we know them.
15 Chapter-coaltion Delivers Letter of "Concerns" to NARI's Board
On January 28, 2021, NARI’s National Board of Directors received a letter backed by the boards of 15 local association chapters—claiming to represent 45% of total membership—that detailed collective concerns including an ”unsustainable” $30 dues increase; “unrealistic” requirements for national involvement; a “limited path to directly seek fundamental reforms”; an “alarming” lack of transparency; “actions that conflict with Chapter Agreements”; and a lack of “strategic cohesion between National and local chapters.”
The letter “demanded” a response within “15 days after receipt.”
NARI's Board Responds Requesting Additional Information
On February 26, NARI sent a response to the individual chapters that included an 11-part dissection of the concerns presented in the January 28 letter, with 21 corresponding requests in varying forms described as a measure to reach a “better understanding of each issue” and to “reasonably advance” the discussion prior to an “actionable resolution dialog”—which the Board explains would take place one chapter at a time rather than as a group. The letter concludes that once responses are “collected and examined … an open, honest dialogue, and solutions can be pursued.”
Coalition Seemingly Ignores Request for Information, Invites NARI Board to Zoom Call
On March 12, 2021, Metro DC NARI sent a response seemingly on behalf of the coalition, saying, “As signers of the 1/28 letter, we are united in our quest for an ethical and transparent organization; we are not there today.” The letter doesn’t include responses to the 21 requests but instead invites the Board members to a Zoom meeting to be held on March 25, during which “each chapter that signed the original letter of 1/28 will deliver 2 minutes of prepared comments. Thereafter, there will be an open, moderated discussion up to 90 minutes, and the conversation will close - with action items - promptly at 1:00pm CST,” the letter reads. It concludes that registration for the event ends March 19.
NARI Declines Invite, Asks NARI Metro DC for Decision on "Remaining a Chapter"
On March 19, having not registered for the Zoom meeting, NARI’s Board sent a response reiterating it “would not respond to a group communication,” claiming to have “made earnest attempts to understand the concerns of your individual chapter.” Acknowledging that the chapters had not responded to its request for information, the letter goes on to officially decline the March 25th invitation and further suggests that if the “Chapter Agreement is too onerous” or if the direction and intentions of the “Chapter and the members” no longer “aligns” with NARI National then it may consider “providing your written notice to terminate the Agreement.” The Board requested NARI Metro DC give its decision on “remaining a NARI Chapter” by March 28, 2021, expressing a hope for the chapter to remain affiliated but adding, “we all need to focus our time and resources on attracting, engaging, and retaining members.”
EM NARI Disaffiliates From NARI
On April 28, EM NARI sent a memo to its members officially announcing its disaffiliation from NARI National.
This is an ongoing story and Professional Remodeler will continue to gather, verify, and publish the newsworthy facts as quickly as diligence allows.
If any readers have additional information relevant to this developing story they'd wish to share, we invite you to contact our managing editor at jmcclister@sgcmail.com.
Add new comment
Related Stories
Business Coach Cited in Suit Against Contractor
A New England contractor faces a civil suit alleging his company’s growth was tied to a business coach with a model that “encourages fraud.”
Harvard Says Remodeling Spending Downturn to Slow
Could the drop in remodeling spending from post-COVID levels regulate soon?
Power Home Remodeling Now Offers Subsidized Childcare
The home improvement giant's move seeks to address a greater industry issue
Contractor Facing Lawsuit in ‘Major Case’ by Ohio Attorney General
An Ohio custom builder and remodeler faces a lawsuit after alleged losses exceeding $1 million
Learn from the Best in Home Improvement and Remodeling
This year’s Pinnacle Experience aims to help remodelers stay ahead of their competitors by featuring captivating keynote speakers and subject matter experts, collaborative roundtable discussions, and networking with proven players from across the country.
Registration Open for The Pinnacle Experience 2024
Register today for The Pinnacle Experience 2024 in Baltimore from June 26-28. Join the best and brightest in home improvement and remodeling for insight, advice, and relationship-building that will help you take your business to new heights.
Marvin Releases Switchable Privacy Glass Window
The privacy glass windows can be purchased from Marvin's Direct Glaze windows
Gas Ban in New Construction Considered by Chicago
The mayor-backed ordinance would impact all new construction
Working Toward Affordable, Resilient Homes
A new natural disaster protection act from NAHB aims to support hazard mitigation projects
The Remodeling Market Could Turn in Q4, Says Harvard
Repair and remodeling spending could see an uptick at the end of the year