Milwaukee/NARI Remodeling Professionals and Staff Recognized on National Level

Three representatives of Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc. member companies and an association staff member were recognized with national achievement awards by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) National at the association’s annual Evening of Excellence held April 21, in Grapevine, Tex. The Milwaukee Chapter of NARI has been the area’s leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 50 years.

Kevin Anundson, CR, CKBR, of Owner Assisted Remodeling in Elm Grove, Wis., was honored with the Harold Hammerman Spirit of Education Award. Established in 1978 by the late Harold Hammerman, this award recognizes excellence in training and education in the construction industry.

Anundson was recognized for his work at the local level, including serving as a member of the Certification and Education committee, teaching sections of the Certification program, and assisting students to prepare them for the certification exam. With NARI National, he has served as a member, vice chair, and for the last two years as Chair of the NARI National Certification Board.

Diane Krueger, CR, of Milwaukee, received the Chapter President Award, which is presented to a local chapter president who has demonstrated outstanding leadership capability in the broad range of service to his or her chapter during his or her term of service. Krueger served as the Milwaukee/NARI Chapter president in 2010 and 2011, becoming the first woman to hold the office. During her tenure, the association launched a new strategic plan, started an annual “Remodelers & Suppliers Expo”, and introduced the State of The Art Remodeling Specialists (STARS) training program. In addition, she served two years as NARI National’s Marketing Committee Chair, plus was a member of the NARI National Certification Board for three years.

Jim Pitzen, CR, owner of Pitzen Design, Ltd. in Brookfield, received the Professionalism Award, which is presented to a non-paid NARI member who has shown exceptional leadership, devotion, dedication, and accomplishment through his efforts to promote NARI as a professional organization at the local level. A Licensed Architect and Certified Remodeler, Pitzen specializes in architectural design for residential remodeling and custom homes. He is completing his third year as Spring Home Improvement Showcase chairperson, and he has also served on the association’s Program Committee and Strategic Plan and Vision 20/20 task forces. He is a participant in consumer and technical school panel discussions and seminars, plus he volunteers in the “Ask the NARI Certified Professional” area and the Information Center at the association’s annual consumer shows.

David Feldner, CAE, Milwaukee/NARI Executive Director, was the recipient of a NARI National President's Award, which is bestowed upon individuals who, in the opinion of the president, have done the most to assist the president in reaching the association’s goals. Feldner was recognized by former NARI National president Michael Hydeck, MCR, CKBR, for his leadership at the local and national level, serving as a chapter representative to the National NARI Board of Directors, the NARI Membership and Awards Committees, and serving on the NARI Membership Retention Task Force. Feldner has served as Chair of the NARI Chapter Executives Forum after serving as the group’s Vice-Chair, and he has previously volunteered for the NARI Evening of Excellence Task Force. As a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives (WSAE), he currently serves on the WSAE Board of Directors as President-Elect, as well as being involved in the Innovation Task Force and the organization's strategic plan.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council. In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI ⎯ the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. With over 800 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the largest in the nation.

The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, sound business practices, and professionalism in the remodeling industry have led to the growth of the remodeling industry nationwide and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.

For more information on the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI’s Remodeling Guide,” call 414-771-4071 or visit the Council’s website at www.milwaukeenari.org.