Larry Miller, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 Larry Miller Realty, recently announced that many of the CSRA HOME CONNECTIONS Program's Preferred Providers have attributed a large measure of their success over the past several years to the work generated through their active participation in the program. "We launched CSRA HOME CONNECTIONS in the fall of 2005, when business was still booming," reports Larry Miller. " When the real estate market starting slipping in 2007 and the economy nose-dived in September of 2008 (and ever since then), we have been a steadying, supportive influence for our dozens and dozens of Preferred Providers." Mr. Miller adds: "The CSRA HOME CONNECTIONS Program has evolved into what co-founder and Executive Director Bert Dean and I envisioned way back in March of 2004: a close-knit community of like-minded businesses and professional practices, all dedicated to excellence, exemplary citizenship, and mutual success. "Larry Miller also is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the CSRA HOME CONNECTIONS Local Alliance Co-op Marketing Program, now in its ninth year.

Preferred Providers share what the program has meant to them... 

"It is so rewarding when our Preferred Providers voluntarily tell us how much their membership has benefited them, both personally and professionally," explains Director of Membership Development Caroline Bradshaw. "It is absolutely true that we are more like a 'family' than a business networking group." Here are a few testimonials from Certified Preferred Providers: 

“We saw an almost-immediate increase in our home inspections business from CSRA HOME CONNECTIONS referrals. We're breaking records, growing, and looking forward to even more success in the future.” -- Gerald Hargrove, Founder and CEO, Hargrove Home Solutions * Member since September, 2008 

“Our membership in this program helped us in our decision to move forward with the addition of an entirely new division, Hargrove Pest Control, back in 2011.” -- John Boudreaux, President, Hargrove Home Solutions * Member since September, 2008 

“After over eight years as a Preferred Provider, I can say that a very significant percentage of our new residential business comes from the CSRA HOME CONNECTIONS program. The referrals are either directly from the agents, indirectly from the agents, or from my other CONNECTIONS Partners referring to me.” -- Dwayne Fox, D&D Pest Control * Member since November, 2005 

“Based on our advertising experiences over the past 35 years, our participation in the CSRA Home Connections Program has proved to be a fabulous investment that quickly showed a great return. We enjoy working with the agents and fellow Preferred Providers.” -- Davina Key-Strickland, A&D Carpet and Hardwoods * Member since March, 2007   

“New homeowners are one of our best sources of new business development for auto, life, and health coverage, in addition to property insurance and financial planning. CSRA HOME CONNECTIONS is an excellent business-building program for all of our agents.”-- Ed Ricketson, Ricketson Insurance * Member since November, 2005 

“WOW! That's the word that best describes the CSRA HOME CONNECTIONS Program! Every week I receive calls from either agents or customers they refer, as well as fellow Preferred Providers. I'm a member of two Chambers of Commerce and other networking groups, and this far exceeds any other program I've ever been involved in.” -- Burt Sappenfield, Majestic Floor Care * Member since September, 2010 

“We have seen a 40% increase in our business just from the CSRA HOME CONNECTIONS Program and we've added a full-service shop to complement our mobile service business. This is by far the best return on investment for promoting our business---and the monthly networking breakfast events are great!” -- Jeff Hawn, Beacon Auto Service * Member since April, 2010