By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
Miele Upgrades Wine Fridge: Miele has launched an updated model of its under-counter wine refrigerator, now panel-ready and at a standard 33.8-in. (86 cm) height, designed to blend seamlessly into cabinetry. The unit accommodates a variety of bottle shapes and sizes (up to 44 bottles) with four FlexiFrame adjustable wire racks, a pull-out shelf, and NoteBoard chalk labels to help keep track of inventory. To maintain optimal storage conditions, the unit offers individually adjustable humidity control, UV-filtering coating and a vibration-damped compressor. Users may control light intensity, humidity levels, and temperature remotely via the Miele@home App. Learn more here.
Kohler Launches Health Division: Kohler Co. has introduced its latest business unit, Kohler Health, with its inaugural product, the Dekoda toilet accessory. Dekoda, which clamps onto the rim of standard toilets, is linked to a user’s smartphone and identifies and activates a personalized health profile. Using optical sensors and algorithms, the unit analyzes hydration, gut health, and other markers to help users modify habits to improve health. KBB has the story.
LOTTE and Kalacatta in Partnership: LOTTE Chemical, a global leader in advanced chemical and surface solutions and a manufacturer of engineered quartz, has entered a strategic partnership Kalacatta Stone LLC, which will now be responsible for distributing LOTTE’s Belenco quartz. The venture expands access to and speeds lead times for Belenco quartz across the country through Kalacatta’s extensive distribution network and streamlined logistics. Kalacatta is widely known for sourcing premium European surfaces and will inventory a wide range of Belenco designs and finishes. Learn more about Belenco Quartz here.
Rick Atkinson Honored: Richard “Rick” Atkinson, a fourth-generation leader of Stony Creek Quarry in Branford, CT, has been honored as the 2025 Thor Lundh Quarrier Award for his transformative impact on the natural stone industry. The award is presented by the Natural Stone Institute NSI. Described by peers as both a protector and a pioneer, Atkinson has consistently placed safety and sustainability at the forefront of operations. In 2005, Stony Creek Quarry earned an MSHA Certificate of Safety, and in 2018 became the third quarry worldwide to achieve Gold certification for NSI 373 Sustainability of Natural Dimensional Stone. More detail here.
Chapter Updates
BBQ Cookoff in Texas: The Texas South Plains Chapter is hosting its 1st Annual NKBS Alamo City BBQ Cookoff and Scholarship Fundraiser, Oct 24 and 25. The event starts Friday at 5 pm and runs all day Saturday at the Good Bull Ranch, 8415 FM 311, Spring Branch, TX. Four-person cooking teams entering the BBQ competition ($400 per team) will compete in brisket, pork spare ribs, and chicken, with Jackpot entries ($25 each) competing in chili, margaritas, beans, Dutch oven deserts, salsa, bloody marys, queso, and “Cooks Choice.” This event is open to the public for a $10 admission fee, and proceeds benefit the NKBA Scholarship Fund for trade school and design school students. Sponsors include Dacor, Ferguson Home, JennAir, Fisher & Paykel, Moen, Samsung, Toto, Bain Ultra, and Reece. BYOB and chairs. More details here.
Mix it Up With Mid Atlantic: The Mid Atlantic Chapter is hosting a course in cooperation with Freedom Millwork and Emtek on “The Art of Mixing: Metals, Cocktails & Mocktails.” Join the experience on Oct. 29, from 4 to 7 pm, at Freedom Millwork & 6209 Design, 6209 Kellers Church Road in Pipersville, PA. AIA and NKBA members will earn a CEU as they explore the art of mixing metals in design, followed by a lively session on mixing cocktails and mocktails curated by an expert mixologist. Food and beverages will be served. The cost is $25 for members, $35 for non-members. Details and registration here.
Friendsgiving in Oklahoma: Kick off the holiday season at a Friendsgiving celebration with the Oklahoma Chapter, Nov. 6, from 6 to 9 pm at Unique Beginnings, 2905 NW 36th Street in Oklahoma City. Bring an industry friend to learn about NKBA! There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested. Learn more here.
