Dear Members,
As we step into 2026, NEMRA is proud to reflect on a year defined by progress, execution, and alignment. In 2025, we advanced our mission to strengthen the value and relevancy of the independent manufacturers’ representative — delivering programs, resources, and partnerships that empower our members across the channel. This work would not have been possible without the dedication of our Board of Directors, the NEMRA Manufacturers Group (NMG), and our Strategic Advisory Council. I’d also like to recognize the tremendous success of our newly launched NEMRA Lighting Division, led by Jeff Bristol, whose commitment accelerated one of the most important education and specialty initiatives in our history. Thank you for the trust you place in NEMRA to support your business and elevate the rep model.
This year, NEMRA was honored with the NECA Industry Partner Award — one of the highest recognitions in our channel and a powerful symbol of our deepening partnership with the contracting community. This award belongs to every NEMRA member. It is the direct result of your commitment to being and remaining a member because your engagement strengthens our association and builds the pathway ahead for the entire rep community.
Below is a concise, member-focused look at what we accomplished with you and for you.
Strengthening the Value and Relevancy of the Independent Rep
- Rep of the Future™ 2025 (Vision 2030): A five-year roadmap built on the Five Pillars, now guiding rep–manufacturer discussions and long-term planning.
- Manufacturer of the Future Report: Insights on consolidation, technology, and workforce trends that help reps anticipate change and stay ahead.
These initiatives reinforce what you tell us often: the rep remains the channel’s connective tissue, delivering local influence and execution manufacturers rely on.
Expanding Training, Education & Workforce Development
You asked for deeper, more practical development paths — and we delivered:
- NECA × NEMRA Training & Credential: Strengthens rep expertise in codes, standards, and project management to elevate contractor engagement.
- Lighting Division × IES Curriculum: The industry’s first multi-tier online pathway for lighting education.
- VIPER Veteran Recruitment: A new pipeline connecting reps with motivated, skilled veterans.
- Sales & Leadership Mastery Boot Camps: World-class training with Dr. Jeffrey Magee, bringing together reps, manufacturers, and the voice of distribution to strengthen cross-channel collaboration.
- NEMRA University: Now the industry’s most cost-effective platform for education, offering flexible modules and customizable learning tracks — including manufacturer content.
These programs build stronger teams, deepen expertise, and support long-term agency growth.
Introducing Tools That Support Daily Rep Success
We focused on tools that improve alignment and elevate conversations:
- Contractor Engagement Guide: Equips agencies to proactively support contractors — positioning reps as trusted partners who help keep projects on track.
- Distributor Engagement Guide: Gives agencies a clear view of distributor challenges — helping reps align resources, to better support branch performance, and strengthen collaboration.
- Contracts White Paper (in development): With rep and manufacturer collaboration, we advanced research to modernize rep–manufacturer agreements.
- POS Emphasis: Through tailored distributor-focused resources and strengthened service-provider relationships, we continued to champion the critical importance of POS data.
These tools help you strengthen channel relationships and create measurable impact.
Elevating Rep Visibility & Advocacy
- Built Local. Backed by NEMRA: Showcasing U.S.-based manufacturers investing in American jobs, innovation, and community growth — and highlighting the rep’s essential role in amplifying these efforts.
- Policy Collaboration with NEMA, NAED, and NECA: Advancing discussions on tariffs and electrification with a focus on the rep’s evolving role.
Enhancing the NEMRA Conference Experience
Beginning in 2026, several enhancements will elevate conference value:
- New AI and POS Sessions to address major forces shaping the industry.
- Rep of the Future Planning Outline & Framework to guide more productive rep–manufacturer meetings.
- Expanded NEMMY Awards to celebrate excellence across all agency sizes.
These enhancements support the conference’s evolution into a strategic execution platform for alignment and planning.
Looking Ahead
Together, we achieved far more than year-over-year progress — we strengthened the independent rep’s position at the center of the electrical channel. As we move into 2026, NEMRA remains committed to delivering deeper insights, stronger partnerships, practical tools, and meaningful advocacy that help you thrive in a rapidly evolving market.
Thank you for your support, your engagement, and your trust. I look forward to building on this momentum with you in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Jim Johnson
