NYC/LI NARI Government Affairs Committee Chairman Ben Jackson, of Ben’s General Contracting Corp, and other chapter members have worked closely with Nassau County Consumer Affairs Commissioner Madalyn Farley to reinstate the Home Improvement Industry Board, and their efforts have proven successful.
One of NARI’s core missions is to encourage ethical conduct, good business practices and professionalism in the industry. “We want to have a voice in local government,” said Jackson, “both for the protection of homeowners and the reputation of licensed and insured contractors.”
Suffolk County Consumer Affairs, led by Commissioner Samuel Chu, currently has an advisory board in place. NYC/LI NARI member Mike Murtha sits on the Suffolk County board and will coordinate efforts with NARI’s Government Affairs Committee/Contractors Council at a future meeting.
Appointed by the commissioner, the board ‘shall be composed of individuals having a personal knowledge and interest in home improvement contracting such as representatives of labor, management, trade or government.’ In addition to NYC/LI NARI members Ben Jackson and Kent Buell, MCR, CKBR of Kentstruction, the Home Improvement Industry Board will be comprised of members of various trade groups such as the Long Island Builder’s Institute (LIBI), the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the Long Island Nursery & Landscape Association (LINLA) and the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP).
The first meeting is slated for November 18th at the Nassau County Consumer Affairs office in Mineola. Proposed items on the agenda for NYC/LI NARI:
• Targeting and prosecuting unlicensed and dishonest contractors
• Education and testing as a requirement for home improvement licensing
• Standardized state licensing
NYC/LI NARI has also worked on an approved contract format for licensed home improvement professionals that will comply with Consumer Affairs’ requirements. The contract will be published on NARI’s website, in the near future. Leading that initiative is Joanne Bechhoff of G.B. Construction, NYC/LI NARI Vice President.
“We are proud to have NARI leadership on the advisory councils for both Nassau and Suffolk Consumer Affairs and are excited to participate in the advancement of best practices in the remodeling industry on Long Island,” said Regina Biondo, NYC/LI NARI Executive Director.
For more information, please contact the NYC/LI NARI office at: 631-673-6274.
