Quakertown, PA – March 30, 2011 | Understanding the Existing Structure was launched on March 24th, 2011 at The Biltmore in Providence, Rhode Island. This course is one of a four-part series designed to help contractors prepare for their NADRA MDB* Certification exams. (Master Deck Builder)

Over 75 Industry professionals gathered the evening before the big day of education for a networking dinner on the 17th floor of the historic Biltmore hotel. About 40 of those attendees were from NADRA’s very own New England Chapter. Fred Aldrich, NE Chapter President states “It is truly an exciting time in our industry and the NADRA events in Providence are a great example of that excitement.”

With sponsors like Fiberon & TimberTech who are willing to support the Association on these ground level programs, NADRA has been able to bring first-ever events to the industry, such as the annual meeting and cocktail reception, industry deck awards, and now the first-ever industry Certification for Deck Builders along with the new Factory Trained programs that others are sure to follow! Tony Groh, Northeast Regional Sales Manager, TimberTech states, “I was very impressed with the NADRA event in Providence. The quality of the NADRA member contractors is very evident. It is refreshing to participate in presentations where the audience is so engaged and the questions so insightful. It was obvious that those present are on a continuous quest to improve their craft. We look forward to the next NADRA event.”

NADRA focuses on Deck Safety Awareness and raising the bar in the decking industry. Some of the country’s most elite builders have now taken the first step in doing just that; raising the bar. Glenn Mathewson, NADRA’s Technical Advisor, author of “Deck Construction, Based on the 2009 International Residential Code”, and instructor for Understanding the Existing Structure states, “I think the education event in Rhode Island was a success! I’m certain the attendees left with a stronger grasp of how to design and build a deck with a greater respect for the existing structure. For those working towards their MDB certification, I hope the class was an aid to completing their exam. I really enjoyed meeting so many members and guests from the northeast. I look forward to presenting the next class in the series at the next NADRA event”

NADRA Members who passed the test will be announced on NADRA’s website and in this industry weekly brief that is distributed to the very top manufacturers, dealers, distributors, retail stores and builders in North America. Part II of the four-part series will be announced in the coming weeks.

* NADRA MDB Certification requires current NADRA membership and completion of a four-part exam.