The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has announced that more than 180 retailers and installers will attend educational and training sessions sponsored by the Mobile Electronics Retailers Association's (MERA) National Tour. Attendance at this year's sessions has increased 25 percent from last year. With five stops completed, CEA partnership with MERA continues to provide retailers and installers with the latest information in business and installation techniques. "We want to give retailers and installers the business tools, motivation, and enthusiasm to reach new consumers," explains Loyd Ivey, chair of the CEA Mobile Electronics Division and president of Mitek.
Aimed at 12-volt specialty retail store owners, installers and salespersons in eight cities, the National Tour improves communication between the manufacturers and their representatives. Ivey states, "The mobile electronics industry is committed to providing the specialty retailer with the best in product and technology, along with the business tools necessary to build a stronger business."
"Our industry is changing dramatically, and one of the benefits of networking with industry peers is getting some help in facing those challenges," confirms Bill McDowell of Wild Bill's. "Many retailers left the Atlanta MERA session with specific ideas on how their companies could do a better job of meeting customers' needs."
Harry Massey of the CEA Mobile Electronics Division adds, "The more an installer or salesperson knows, the more likely a customer will be secure and satisfied with their product, and the more likely they will be a repeat customer. That's why we believe that education and certification are the keys to expanding the market."
Tour dates are June 4 in Seattle; July 23 in Chicago; and August 27 in Indianapolis. Sessions already have been held in Houston, Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. CEA estimates that at least 1500 retailers will attend the series.
Courses include How to Work as a Team and the Owners' Forum, as well as salesperson training, including MECP Product Specialist, MECP Installer training, and a manufacturers' representative track. An MECP test session is offered after each tour stop.
The MERA 2000 National Tour is sponsored by CEA and the Mobile Electronics Retailers Association (MERA). MERA, an educational resource and advocate for mobile electronics retailers, improves communication among retailers, manufacturers and representatives by providing a forum to discuss issues held in common. To register for the National Tour, call (800) 949-6372.
Link for more info: www.ce.org
