Rent-to-own News - EPA Recognizes Nationwide with 2010 Excellence in Appliance Retailing Award

NMG Executive Panel: Les Kirk, vice president, Ed Kelly, president and vice president Robert Weisner at a press conference Monday.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) with a 2010 Excellence in Appliance Retailing Award for its outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by marketing and promoting energy efficient products.

NMG Executive Vice President Robert Weisner announced the award at the opening session of the Nationwide PrimeTime conference and buying show in Las Vegas Sunday.

"80 percent of customers in America recognize the ENERGY STAR logo and say it was important in their decision making," said Ed Kelly, NMG president. "There are many advantages the independent dealer can have in the marketplace and one is they can take time to tell the ENERGY STAR story to customers.  Let's lead, not follow."

NMG is the nation’s largest buying group for appliance, electronics and furniture for independent dealers. The organization will be recognized for its accomplishments at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2010.

NMG, was named for the award for successfully increasing sales and messaging of ENERGY STAR qualified products, engaging in ENERGY STAR promotional opportunities, educating customers about the benefits of energy efficiency and participating in various ENERGY STAR campaigns.

Nationwide Marketing Group’s contributions to energy efficiency have had national impact.  Last year alone, Americans with the help of ENERGY STAR and its partners, saved nearly $17 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 30 million vehicles. 

“Nationwide Marketing Group and ENERGY STAR have a mission critical partnership,” said Richard Weinberg, Vice President of Appliance Merchandising “More and more of our customers are looking for innovative ENERGY STAR qualified products that save money and protect the environment. By offering products that have earned the ENERGY STAR we are working to fulfill our customers’ needs while helping address climate change.”

The 2010 Excellence in Appliance Retailing Award is given annually to one organization for efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in significant cost savings.  All ENERGY STAR ward winners were selected from over 17,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

“Today, EPA is recognizing Nationwide Marketing Group for its commitment to addressing climate change through greater energy efficiency,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. "Through the sales and marketing of quality products Nationwide Marketing Group is helping customers increase their energy efficiency while reducing our nation’s emissions of greenhouse gases.”

According to Weinberg, selling ENERGY STAR qualified products not only increases sales by giving an outstanding value to consumers, but most importantly, positively impacts our communities and the environment we live in. In 2010, NMG will continue to search for new ways to support ENERGY STAR and increase awareness of the program.