By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
True Introduces New Columns: Luxury home refrigeration maker True Residential launched four 24-inch column units at KBIS 2025. The new columns are designed for efficient use of space and include a refrigerator, freezer, beverage column, and dual-zone wine column with a 105-bottle capacity. Each column is crafted from 300-series stainless steel inside and out, includes precision temperature control, and environmentally friendly R600a hydrocarbon refrigerant. While compact in size, they offer the same premium features and functions of their larger counterparts and are available in True’s range of colors, finishes and hardware. Learn more here.
Conacher Named to BiKBBI Advisory Board: Mark Conacher has been named Executive Advisor for the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI)’s Strategic Advisory Board. Vancouver-based Conacher is currently Managing Director of Senstec USA, the North American arm of Sestak, a Northern Ireland-based maker of patented non-slip shower trays. BiKBBI is an NKBA Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partner and Senstec is a Global Connect member. BiKBBI is the UK’s only government-sanctioned trade association dedicated to kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom installation, working with professional installers, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. More details here.
Bello Makes North America Debut: British-based Bello Bathrooms has launched in North America with headquarters in Ontario, CA, east of Los Angeles. The luxury plumbing brand’s newest product in its freestanding tub collection is BellocastTM, a proprietary composite high-performance material that’s up to 30 percent lighter than traditional materials. It has a slip-resistant surface and a hydrophobic coating that repels water, grease, and stains. DPHA has more.
Chapter Updates
Meet Maria in Susquehanna: The Susquehanna Valley Chapter will host a special event featuring Maria Stapperfenne, CMKBD, CLIPP, presenting “Cue…THE CLOSER!” on April 15, 5:30 to 8 pm, at sponsor Kountry Kraft, a Fox Plumbing Showroom, 28 E 28th Division Hwy, Lititz, PA. Maria, a former national president of NKBA, will share her top 10 tips to shorten the sales cycle, enhance communication skills, and master the art of closing deals in this CEU-qualified session. NKBA Members are $25, non-members are $35, and students are $5. Register here.
Florida Chapters at Coverings: The South Florida and Central Florida Chapters, co-hosts of this year’s Coverings Global tile & Stone Experience in Orlando, are offering complimentary show passes to the event April 29 to May 2. NKBA-sponsored activities include a UMI “Caribbean Night” After Party on Tuesday, April 29, a show tour with KBB Person of the Year Alena Capra, CMKBD, on Wednesday, April 30, daily NKBA Member Social Hours from 12 to 1, and more. The Central Florida Chapter is also sponsoring a booth with NKBA and Chapter info, snacks and drinks. Visit coverings.com and register using code NKBACF to claim your complimentary pass, and learn more here.
CMW Field Trip To Kohler: The Chicago Mid West Chapter is organizing an overnight trip to Kohler Co. in Kohler, WI, May 8 and 9. Join the chapter to explore Kohler’s latest innovations and trends in kitchen and bath design. The trip includes round-trip bus transportation, dinner and hotel accommodations on May 8, breakfast, lunch and a tour at Kohler on May 9. Registration closes April 18, and the trip is $500 for NKBA members, $600 for non-members. More info here.
Industry News
Harvard Report: Strength Amid Challenges: In its most recent report, “Improving America’s Housing 2025,” the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies said the U.S. remodeling market surpassed $600 billion in the wake of the pandemic, and despite recent softening, remains 50 percent above pre-pandemic levels. The pandemic fueled unprecedented spending on remodeling and this trend is likely to remain “extraordinarily strong,” thanks to aging housing stock and record high property values. However, challenges including inflation, a shortage of skilled labor, and industry fragmentation could hurt the ability to meet demand. Pro Remodeler has more.
High Point Agenda Set: The High Point Market Authority has revealed its programming and events for its spring market, April 26 to 28, and special pop-up venue, The Point, a daily lounge and eatery operating from April 25 to 29 in High Point, NC. Programming includes guided showroom tours, trend presentations, business strategies, and more. KBB has the details.
New Home Sales Rise: Sales of new single-family homes returned to positive territory in February, as they rose 1.8 percent from January, and were up 5.1 percent from February 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This follows a 10.5 percent slide in January from December. Slightly lower median and average sales prices, as well as a dip in mortgage rates, contributed to the boost. Learn more here.
