One-hundred and forty-eight regional “Contractor of the Year” Winners were named by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry during this year’s regional competition. Judging for the regional projects took place at NARI’s national headquarters in Des Plaines, Ill., in January. Regional CotY Winners will now advance as finalists to the national level.  

Several tying scores in several categories indicate that competition this year was tough. Contractors from seven regions around the country vie for CotY Awards on an annual basis, and all regional winners will now be eligible for National CotY Awards and will be honored at NARI’s Evening of ExcellenceSM on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at the Sheraton Atlanta.

Most projects submitted for judging were an improvement or an addition to an existing structure, with the exception of one category, “Residential Exterior Specialty.” Otherwise, new construction projects were not eligible. In addition, competing projects were completed between July 1 of 2007 and November 30 of 2008 and were not submitted in prior NARI National contests.  An impartial panel of judges who are experts within the industry and associated fields, selected winners based on each entrant’s “before and after” photography and project description. Judging was based on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty and entry presentation.

To be considered for a CotY Award, a company must be a NARI member in good standing. NARI members represent an elite group of the approximately 800,000 companies and individuals in the U.S. identifying themselves as remodelers.

The list of 2009 Regional CotY Award Winners is available on NARI’s Web site.

The Evening of Excellence is widely considered to be the premier event of the year in the remodeling industry. Scheduled for March 28, 2009, the Evening of Excellence will be attended by more than 350 industry professionals and is sponsored by the following NARI National Member companies: Platinum Level: Ferguson Enterprises in partnership with Stock Building Supply, Pella Corp. and The Home Depot; Gold Level: Lowe’s Commercial Services; Pewter Level: GE Money and Moen; and more.