November 2024 COU Letter  – NKBA

November 2024 COU Letter 

November 2024
Message from the Chapters Team

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Dear Chapter Officers,

Happy November and cheers to continuing coverage of Kitchen & Bath Month! Next up, it’s all about the Bath. Our Virtual Bath Trends Summit will debut on Thursday, November 21, including NKBA Research and several interesting panel discussions. Be sure to tune in on the 21st! 

All 2025 Chapter Officers should have received an email with your KBIS VIP invitation and travel information. As we shared, we are expecting information on extended stays from our hotel any minute now. In the meantime, if you are attending KBIS and NKBA Chapter Officer Leader2Leader from check in Sunday, February 23 to check out Wednesday, February 26, then please book your flights ASAP.

Last call for our super stars in our spectacular 70 Chapters! NKBA Chapter Star Awards deadline is extended Friday, November 8.

As we look to 2025 and the future of our industry, NKBA will be taking steps to promote Workforce Development and Skilled Labor. I am excited to introduce our newest team member, Melissa Flynn, who will be working closely with the Chapters team and our Chapter Officers in a newly created role focusing on Workforce. Melissa will join our Chapter Officer Zoom calls this month. We’d love to hear how our Chapters are currently promoting and partnering in Workforce – thanks in advance for sharing with us!

Of special note, the Skilled Labor Fund Grant Application is now open. Managed by the National Housing Endowment, the Skilled Labor Fund invites NKBA Chapters to apply for funding up to $3,500 to support local career events. Any 2025 activity intended to introduce high school, middle school, or elementary school students to careers in residential trades will be considered. Application deadline is January 15, 2025.

We’re excited to see our Chapters in action with notable November events. Minnesota State, Eastern Carolina and California Capital are celebrating the season with awesome awards events. Missouri/Southern Illinois will host a chef and culinary experience, and Arizona planned “Around the World in 80 Minutes” vendor fair. Bravo on these and all the other special events our incredible Chapters have planned for year end!

Sending our warmest holiday wishes and deepest thanks to all of our Chapter Officers, families and friends. We are thankful for you all! 

Best,

Kelly

Kelly Buchsbaum

Sr. Manager, Chapter Relations

kbuchsbaum@nkba.org