By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

Poggenpohl Wins a BOY: Cabinet maker Poggenpohl has won a Best of Year(BOY) Award in the kitchen + bath cabinetry category by Interior Design magazine. The German kitchen furniture specialist won for its cabinetry featuring Contour fronts and aluminum frames for precision design and craftsmanship. The line is available in black, bronze, aluminum and stainless steel anodized custom finishes. Learn more at poggenpohl.com.

Gaggenau Opens Flagships: Luxury German appliance maker Gaggenau has unveiled new experiential showcases in Miami and Sydney, Australia. The flagship showrooms, located in Miami’s Design District and Sydney’s tony Surry Hills cultural and culinary neighborhood, feature interactive displays of appliances including the 400 series, and are designed to host events, offer product demonstrations and spotlight local foods, wines and artists. More details here.

Strasser, Grubb in Deal: Strasser, the Woodinville, WA-based maker of luxury vanities, is introducing the Christopher Grubb Collection of architecturally inspired bath vanities in the first quarter of the year. Beverly Hills-based interior designer Christopher Grubb, principal of Arch-Interiors Design Group and a member of NKBA’s Southern California Chapter, designed two groups for the launch — Aldaire and Colville — both featuring clean lines and minimalist style. Aldaire features metal accents and is available in wall-mount and furniture styles, while Colville is wall-mounted. Both contemporary collections include customizable options such as mirrors, built-in outlets and a selection of counters and coordinating hardware and sinks, and expand upon Strasser’s more traditional and transitional groupings. More at StrasserWood.com.

SieMatic Introduces Handle-Free Design: German cabinetry maker SieMatic’s new handle-free S2 Kitchen features clever “hidden” concepts designed to refine and add function to its cabinetry solutions. “Secret Service” is a 3.5 cm slim drawer that’s completely hidden within a sculpted recessed channel and offers a push-to-open mechanism. “Secret Space” is available for base and tall corner units with a rotating feature that spins to reveal elegant shelves for hidden storage or may be left open for display. More here.

Cyncly Taps Faure as CPO: Cyncly, a global provider of software and content solutions for the design industry, named Julien Faure as its Chief Product Officer. In this new role, he will lead the product team and support Cyncly’s product management, strategy and design efforts as the company continues to increase its customer base and solutions portfolio. Faure’s experience includes product strategy and engineering, innovation and delivering market-leading software products serving the manufacturing, architectural engineering and construction (AEC) and retail sectors. For more, go here.

Industry News

Key K&B Trends for ’24: Multifunctioning appliances? A bigger kitchen sink? A walk-in fridge? NKBA members weigh in on 16 key kitchen, bath and appliance trends for 2024, including more induction, quiet luxury, the continuing rise of outdoor kitchens and more, in a story on Martha Stewart.com.

Existing Home Sales Edge Up: Sales of existing homes rose slightly in November, edging up 0.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.82 million, snapping a five-month downward trend, according to the National Association of Realtors®. There were down, however, by 7.3 percent from a year ago. The median sales price for an existing home jumped 4 percent from November 2022 to $387,600, marking five straight months of YOY increases. Visit the National Association of Realtors here for more detail.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

Ferguson Sponsors Women’s Plumbing Group: Ferguson Enterprises is the founding sponsor of Women in Plumbing and Piping (WiPP), an organization dedicated to positive change and empowerment, encouraging women in the skilled trades. Ferguson’s initiative includes mentorship, education, networking and recognition. Women currently make up just 10 percent of U.S. construction workers. KBB has more.

SieMatic Opens Canadian Showroom: Premium German kitchen brand SieMatic has opened a 1,000-square-foot showroom at 1327 Green Avenue in the Montreal suburb of Westmount. This is SieMatic’s only Montreal showroom, and it showcases SieMatic’s SLX and Classic collections. The company has five locations in Canada and 20 in the U.S., including directly operated showrooms and partner showrooms. For more on SieMatic, go here.  

People News

Kleber Tapped for NAHB Global Opportunities Board: Steve Kleber, founder of Kleber & Associates, a marketing and communications agency specializing in home and building products, has been named chairman for the 2023 – 2024 National Association of Home Builders’ Global Opportunities Board. Kleber will lead efforts for global membership through networking forums, education and opportunities for brands seeking recognition in the North American home building market.  Kleber is also president of the National Remodeling Foundation and a past president of NKBA’s Center for Kitchen/Bath Education and Research, and he serves on the board of The Home Projects Council. Learn more about NAHB’s Global Opportunities Board.

Obituary: Pioneering Architect Beverly Willis: Beverly Willis, FAIA, an American architect committed to empowering female design professionals, died Oct. 1 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. She was 95. After starting her career as an artist, she established her own architecture firm in 1966 in San Francisco. She pioneered computer programming for residential land analysis in 1971, and in 1980, she became a founding trustee of the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. After more than three decades leading her own firm, she was dismayed that women were not well represented in the field, and in 2002, she founded the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation to promote and recognize women’s contributions to architecture. She received numerous accolades throughout her career, including The American Institute of Architects’ Lifetime Achievement Award from the AIA’s California Chapter, of which she was the first female president. Architect Magazine has more.

Chapter News

Casino Night in Colorado: Join the Rocky Mountain Chapter for its annual Casino Night Fundraiser and Silent Auction, this year benefitting Caruso Family Charities. The event takes place Nov. 16, 5:30 to 8:30 pm MDT, at Appliance Factory Finelines, 19185 Lincoln Ave #4 in Parker, CO. Food and drinks will be served throughout the evening, which also features prizes, giveaways and a grand prize raffle. Members are $25; non-members, $35; and students are free. Info and registration here.

Sunset Soiree in Arizona: Don your best cocktail formal attire on Nov. 18, 5 to 10 pm MST, for the Arizona Chapter’s Sunset Soiree and Awards Night. Taking place at the Arizona Heritage Center, 1300 N. College Avenue in Tempe, the evening celebrates outstanding achievements of the chapter’s designer members with a cocktail hour, dinner and awards ceremony followed by dancing. The evening is sponsored by Ferguson. Individual seats are $125; a table of 10 is $1,100. More info here.

Industry News

Hope Renovations Wins DOL Grant: Hope Renovations, Chapel Hill, NC, has been awarded a $713,518 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for its efforts to grow women’s participation in residential construction careers. The DOL awarded its largest Women in Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grants this year, totaling $5 million, to seven pre-apprenticeship organizations created to increase the number of women in male-dominated industries. Hope provides pre-apprenticeship training for women seeking careers in construction trades in the Raleigh-Chapel Hill-Durham area. Hope said the grant, dispersed over two years, will help to expand its service area and triple its reach. Pro Remodeler has more.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

Kohler x Studio McGee Debuts: Kohler Co has partnered with designer Shea McGee, founder and creative director of Studio McGee, on six exclusive collections of faucets, fixtures, lighting and vanities for kitchen and bath. The collections are classic, inspired by Kohler’s vintage lines and drawn from the plumbing giant’s 150-year history. Studio McGee, founded in 2014, specializes in all facets of interior design and has a Netflix show, “Dream Home Makeover.” Learn more about the collaboration and the collection at Kohler here.

Fotile Introduces Combi Oven: Fotile, a global supplier of high-end kitchen appliances, has launched its built-in 24-inch Combi-Oven featuring five heating tubes, a platinum-allay temperature sensor and a 3D hot-air circulation system for consistent temperatures and faster cooking. It also has 10 preset cooking modes to take food from defrosting to proofing, baking, grilling and more. Learn more about Fotile and the Built-In Combi-Oven.

Lutron Adds Pico Paddle Remote: Global lighting giant Lutron Electronics has added the Pico paddle remote to its Caséta portfolio of smart lighting controls. The smart remote looks and feels like a classic paddle switch and matches the style and feel of the Diva smart dimmer, Claro smart switch and other paddle-style switches. The wireless devices can be placed on the wall, on a pedestal or controlled by hand, and do not require Wi-Fi, a hub, app or password to function. With its typical, 10-year battery life, little ongoing maintenance is necessary. Learn more about Lutron’s Pico paddle remote here.

People News

Zach Elkin to Retire: Zach Elkin, whose kitchen and bath industry career has spanned more than 40 years, announced his retirement from Beko Home Appliances USA, effective at the end of the year. Elkin, a 2022 NKBA Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame inductee, started his career at Sears Holdings Corp. He served in executive roles at Bosch Siemens Home Appliances Corp., where he oversaw the Thermador, Bosch and Gaggenau brands, and he helped launch LG Electronics’ Signature Kitchen Suite luxury appliances, where he was general manager of SKS and LG Builder Sales. He joined Beko USA as president in 2020.

Cyncly Names Danner SVP: Chuck Danner has joined design software solutions company Cyncly as Senior Vice President of Financial Solutions. In his new role, Danner spearheads efforts to deliver payments technology into the company’s design software. He has more than 25 years of experience in the payment and financial technologies industry, including most recently as General Manager of Payments for Nextech Systems. Cyncly was formed in 2021 with the merger of 2020 and Compusoft design software providers. For more, go here.

Chapter News

Learning With Alabama: The Alabama Chapter will present its annual CEU Day, in which members may earn 0.4 Continuing Education Units, on Oct. 19 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Alabama Power Co., 600 18^th Street North, Birmingham. Topics include Architectural Photography, Hardware Customization, Induction Cooking and Designing for Wellness. Breakfast and lunch, sponsored by Jennifer Thompson, are included. Registration is $10 for NKBA members and $15 for non-members; students are free. The current CEU cycle to maintain certifications runs through next June. More details here.

KBIS News

Early-Bird Rates Still Available for KBIS Registration: NKBA members still have time to register for KBIS at the discounted rate of $50 for a three-day expo pass through Dec. 14. The VFTI package, which includes expo access and all live and on-demand KBIS Voices From The Industry educational sessions is $575 for members. Non-members may register for the expo only for $100 and VFTI package for $775. For more registration packages and to sign up for North America’s most comprehensive show devoted to kitchen and bath design and construction, go here.

Industry News

Microwave Market Seen Exceeding $15 Billion by 2031: The global market for microwave ovens is seen growing at a compound annual rate of 4.6 percent between 2022 and 2031, hitting $15.6 billion, according to Allied Market Research. In 2021, the market was valued at $9.8 billion. Growth is driven by factors including consumers’ rising disposable income, especially in developing regions like China and India, as well as enhanced safety features and increasing demand for energy- and time-efficient cooking methods, the report said. More detail here.

Office Conversions Rising: In a post-pandemic world where many people are increasingly able to work remotely, developers and cities are exploring the glut of office space and how to convert these buildings to help mitigate a housing shortage. Observers say converting commercial buildings to residential use can be expensive, and would likely result in luxury units with numerous amenities to justify high rents or selling prices to make the project worthwhile. Whatever the cost, every one of those converted units will need a kitchen and at least one bathroom. Business Insider has more.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

SKS Opens Showroom Overlooking Manhattan: Signature Kitchen Suite, the luxury appliance brand in the LG Electronics portfolio, has officially opened its Skyline Showroom and Experience Center at its American “Innovation Campus” corporate headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Catering to builders, dealers, designers and influencers, this East Coast immersion hub invites guests to explore SKS’s core philosophy of being “True to Food” through immersive cooking demonstrations, interactive tutorials and hands-on experiences. The Skyline Showroom features two fully equipped kitchen and dining spaces showcasing the latest SKS appliance innovations, including the range with built-in sous vide and the 48-inch refrigerator. Cabinetry and furniture were designed by Molteni & Co. and surfaces by Porcelanosa. Learn more here.

Elmwood Cabinetry Marks 50 Years: Elmwood, a high-end custom cabinetry maker, launched its 50th anniversary celebration in September. Founded in 1973 by Hans Neufeld and Henry Janzen, the company focused on custom craftsmanship during a time when modular cabinetry was emerging. It was acquired in 2016 by Cabico & Co., making Cabico Canada’s largest privately held custom cabinet company and North America’s third largest. Among the activations marking Elmwood’s half-century milestone is the “Five Looks, Five Decades” project that highlights five iconic looks in the company’s evolution. For more, visit the project page here.

True Opens in NYC: True Residential has opened a fully dedicated showroom in the A&D Building in New York. The 1,600-square-foot space showcases the brand’s signature refrigeration solutions in an interactive environment, including full-size, indoor/outdoor and undercounter models in a wide range of colors and finishes. The array includes refrigerators, freezers, columns and ice makers in various configurations. A fully functional chef’s kitchen for live programming includes Wunderwoods cabinetry, cooking and dishwashing appliances by Fisher & Paykel and countertops by Cambria. An outdoor entertaining vignette features a textured biophilic wall, a Caliber grill and a Dekton countertop. More info here.

LOTTE, Doyle Farris Enter Partnership: LOTTE Staron, a global provider of solid surface and quartz products, has formed a distribution partnership with Doyle Farris, a nationwide distributor based in Texas, for the complete range of Staron solid surface acrylic products and colors. LOTTE Staron is a division of LOTTE Chemical, based in Korea with U.S. headquarters in California and manufacturing facilities all over the world. It was founded in 1954 as the parent company of the Samsung Group, and it established its solid surface business in 1992. Doyle Farris is one of the largest manufacturers, marketers and distributors of acrylic solid surface sheet materials, sinks and lavatories in the U.S., with operations in more than 40 states. Click to learn more about LOTTE and Doyle Farris.

People News

Miele Taps Tangredi as VP of Sales: Miele has named Kenneth Tangredi Vice President of Sales in the U.S., reporting to Jan Heck, President and CEO of Miele USA. Tangredi is responsible for guiding and managing all domestic sales divisions for Miele USA, including major cooking and cleaning appliances and floor care, while collaborating with all company departments. Tangredi previously held roles in sales, leadership and operations at global brands including Fisher & Paykel DCS Outdoor, Samsung Electronics America and Dacor. For more on Miele USA, go here.

Bentham to Bluebell: Designer Paul Bentham has joined Bluebell Fine Cabinetry & Design in Wayne, PA. Bentham, a specialist in custom kitchen cabinetry, craftsmanship and mechanical engineering, joins the Bluebell design team with three decades of experience, most recently as a designer and contractor for Tailored Spaces Kitchen & Bath, a custom luxury design and remodeling firm. Bluebell, founded in 1985, specializes in bespoke design, construction and installation of luxury kitchens, baths and interiors. Learn more about Bluebell here.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

Liebherr Launches New Refrigerator Storage: Liebherr, a global pioneer in advanced refrigeration technology, has introduced a new storage system for one of its residential column refrigerators: the OpenStage drawer system. This replaces traditional refrigerator shelving with fully telescopic glass and metal drawers. Food is clearly visible (reducing the likelihood of food being lost in the back of the appliance) and easily accessible with the full-extension drawers. The refrigerator that comes with the OpenStage drawer system is Wi-Fi enabled, and its BioFresh cooling system ensures optimum freshness and food preservation with temperature and humidity control. Learn more about OpenStage here.

IDG Acquires Trajus Surfaces: Trajus Surfaces, parent of legacy brands European Granite & Marble and Marva Marble, has been acquired by International Designs Group (IDG). The acquisition will stretch IDG’s operations to more than 50 locations in the Eastern U.S. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. KBB has the story.

Go Touchless With Olympia: Olympia Faucets has introduced a sensor spray head that converts a standard pull-down kitchen faucet into a touchless spigot. The new spray head is easily activated, and features a three-minute auto-shutoff and a rechargeable battery with a standard USB plug-in (cable included). It’s compatible with all Pioneer and Olympia pull-down kitchen faucets and doesn’t require an adaptor. More info at Olympia Touchless Spray Head.

Tulip Names Two: Tulip Cooking, known for its gas and induction cooktop systems, named two executives to its leadership team. Amir Girgis is now Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, and Elizabeth Nussbaum was named Regional Sales Director. Nussbaum held executive roles in sales and business development for Waterworks and Renovation Angel. She also served as a senior sales associate and designer at Ann Sacks. Girgis was president and owner of Better Distribution, the Canadian distributor for Tulip Cooking and other brands, and he brings a deep understanding of sales network development, brand management and strategic marketing campaigns. He was also Director of Sales & Marketing at Integrated Appliances Ltd. in Toronto and Managing Director of Sales & Marketing at Diva de Provence. Learn more about Tulip Cooking here.

SieMatic, Miele, Cosentino Selected in Miami: A new luxury condo being built in Miami’s North Bay Village has chosen SieMatic cabinetry, Miele appliances and surfaces by Cosentino and Dekton to furnish its 54 units. The 21-story tower is being developed by Pacific & Orient Properties and was designed by architect Juan Azulay. The apartments are corner units, including four penthouses, and offer panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. Custom cabinetry from SieMatic’s Pure collection in sterling gray will define the sleek open-plan kitchens. Units start at $2.2 million and the project is scheduled for completion in early 2025. KBB has more.

Cyncly Names Heydet SVP of Sales: Ashley Heydet was named senior vice president of sales for North America for Cyncly, a design software solutions provider and parent of 2020 and Compusoft. Heydet was a regional sales manager at ADP —  Automatic Data Processing — and has extensive experience building and leading successful teams, pioneering new markets and scaling organizations. Part of her new role at Cyncly will encompass the expansion of Cyncly’s North American client portfolio, with emphasis on the Enterprise segment. Learn more about Cyncly here.

Register for FREE for KBIS! Registration is open for KBIS 2024 in Las Vegas, Feb. 27-29. NKBA members can register for free during September. Also take advantage of early-bird rates for the Voices of the Industry (VFTI) conference and reserve your choice of show hotels. Register at kbis.com.

Industry News

Black Interior Designers Conference Set for LA: The Black Interior Designers Conference will take place for the first time in three years in Los Angeles, Sept. 20-23. The event will be held at 1 Hotel West Hollywood, and feature more than two dozen speakers talking about their career journeys and experiences in the interior design industry. Featured speakers include Justina Blakeney, Jungalow; Michel Smith Boyd, SMITHBOYD Interiors; Ron Woodson, Save Iconic Architecture; Monet Masters and Tavia Forbes, Forbes Masters; and many others. Tickets are $995 per person and include all programming from Wednesday night through Saturday afternoon, plus breakfast and lunch Thursday through Saturday. Sponsors include Kohler, Material Bank, Monogram, Zephyr, Genesis Motor America, High Point Market Authority, The Shade Store, Design Leadership Network, Benjamin Moore and Plant Daddies. More info here.

Chapter Updates

Kicking Off Design Chicago: The Chicago Mid West Chapter will host a kickoff event for Design Chicago on Sept. 26, 5:30 to 8 pm, at sponsor Middleby Residential, 222 West Merchandise Mart Plaza, Ste. 100, in Chicago. Attendees can network, meet NKBA members from around the region, and enjoy food and drink on the evening before Design Chicago (Sept. 27-28). They can also listen to design competition award winners Doug Walter, CMKBD, and Gina D’Amore Bauerle, as they share top tips in their CEU presentation, “How to Enter and Win Design Contests.” Registration is $25 for NKBA members, $35 for non-members and $10 for student members and students enrolled in a design program. More info and registration here.

Carolina Heads to Biltmore: The Carolina Chapter is hosting a two-day event in Asheville, NC, home of the Biltmore Estate, on Sept. 27-28. The festivities start Wednesday evening at 5:30 pm with a wine tasting at the Ferguson Bath Kitchen & Lighting Gallery at 30 Bryson Street, led by a professional sommelier and co-hosted by LIXIL. Thursday morning, breakfast is at the Courtyard Marriott hotel in Biltmore Village, courtesy of Blum Hardware, followed by in-depth Roof Top guided VIP tours of the Biltmore Estate. Dinner is at the Fig Bistro in Biltmore Village, cohosted by Best Tile and Schluter Systems. Pricing, registration and more details here.

On the Links with Northern New Jersey: The Northern New Jersey Chapter will host a day of golf and dinner on Oct. 2. Taking place at the New Jersey National Golf and Country Club, 579 Allen Road in Basking Ridge, NJ, the day begins at 10:30 am with registration, contests, raffle tickets and a putting qualifier. Golf starts at 11:30 am with a shotgun tee-off, and dinner begins at 6 pm. Registration for golf and dinner is $400 for individuals or $1,600 for a foursome, with dinner-only guests at $150. For a foursome plus a hole sponsorship, the cost is $1,800. The registration deadline is Sept. 30. More info here.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

Kohler Releases ESG Report: Kohler Co. has published its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, detailing the company’s progress and goals in environmental sustainability, social impact and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Among the highlights, it achieved a 16 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 10 percent reduction in water and a 23 percent reduction in waste. Additionally, Kohler Kitchen and Bath continued to lead in U.S. EPA WaterSense-labeled offerings by certifying 85 new products across toilets, bathroom faucets and showerheads. KBB has the full story.

NKBA Members See RED: Several NKBA member manufacturers have been honored by Luxe Interiors + Design magazine in its annual Luxe RED Awards. RED — Residential Excellence in Design — recognizes excellence and innovation in various product and design categories. The following members won in the respective categories: Beko Home Appliances, Refrigeration Innovation; Brizo, Bath System; Cosentino, Stone Collaboration; Dacor, Wine Dispenser; Duravit, Bath Mirror; Fisher & Paykel, Induction Cooktop; Gaggenau, Kitchen Ventilation; Hestan Commercial, Kitchen Range; Kohler Co., Bath Faucet and Sustainable Tile Design; and Poggenpohl, Kitchen Island. Click here for all the winning designs.

Rev-A-Shelf Expands in Mexico: Rev-A-Shelf, a leader in kitchen organization and storage solutions, has opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Juarez, Mexico. The new plant is nearly 126,000 square feet with room for future expansion and employs more than 60 workers. It currently produces 54 wood products, including drop-in drawer inserts, dovetail pantry drawers and other wood components and accessories, and it is expected that it will expand manufacturing by an additional 30 products early next year. KBB has more.

Gaggenau Hosts BJS Dinners: Premier appliance maker Gaggenau hosted the first of its 2023 Black Jacket Society dinners in Miami in May, a series celebrating some of the country’s most distinguished chefs. At the Miami event, Chef Alain Verzeroli of the Bastion Collection (L′Atelier de Jöel Robuchon and Le Jardinier) and Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos of Elcielo were inducted into the Black Jacket Society, which recognizes chefs whose restaurants have attained Michelin Guide status and who reflect the principles and philosophy of the Gaggenau brand. Additional 2023 Black Jacket Society events will be in locations in California, New York, Chicago and Washington, DC, and they will be held in conjunction with the Michelin Guide Ceremonies. More on the evening here.

Industry News

EPA May Change WaterSense Criteria: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering changing the requirements for tank-type toilets to earn its WaterSense label. The agency is investigating the maximum flush volume for dual-flush toilets and welcomes comments from interested parties. Contact the agency at watersense-products@erg.com by Aug. 14.

People News

OBITUARY: Drummond Shaw: The founder of Drummonds Bathrooms, Drummond Shaw, passed away on June 28 at his home in Dorset, England. He was 73. After a career as a commodity broker in London, he founded Drummonds in 1988, when he was restoring his period house and had difficulty finding authentic architectural antiques, especially for the bathroom. Drummonds has grown to become a high-end UK-based manufacturer and distributor of classic bathroom products, with three factories producing cast-iron baths, brass fittings and porcelain sanitary ware. It has showrooms in London’s Chelsea and in New York, in the Architects & Designers Building.

Chapter Updates

Cruising With Southern New England: The Southern New England Chapter is taking members on a Connecticut River Cruise this Thursday, July 27, from 5:30 to 8 pm. Journey with RiverQuest to learn about the river’s ecology, history and life, mingle with friends and colleagues and earn 0.1 CEU. The cruise leaves from the Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main Street in Essex, and explores the wildlife and natural beauty around Essex Harbor and Coves, Great Meadow, Hamburg Cove and other areas. Registration is $30 in advance or $35 at the dock — and don’t forget your business cards! More info here.

Deadline Is Monday for Chapter Officer Nominations: There’s still time to self-nominate for a Chapter Officer position, but the July 31 deadline is almost here! Chapter leadership is a great way to influence the direction of your NKBA Chapter and a stepping stone to greater involvement in the association. Three officer positions are open for the current election cycle: President, Programs Chair and Communications Chair. To be considered, any NKBA member (excluding student members) may self-nominate; all elections are conducted at the chapter level. Access the Chapter Officer self-nomination form here, and learn more about the benefits of becoming a chapter leader here.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

Daltile Parent Recognized for Climate Action: Mohawk Industries, parent of leading tile manufacturers Daltile, Marazzi and American Olean, was named to USA Today’s “America’s Climate Leaders” list, owing in large part to its tile brands’ 17 percent reduction in their carbon footprint since 2018. Among their achievements: more than 99 percent of their tile collections contain recycled or reclaimed materials; the factories recover and reuse 84 percent of process wastewater; all tiles are made from exclusively natural materials with no plastics, VOCs, PVCs or formaldehyde; and they recycle an average of 68 tons of cardboard and office paper a year. KBB has more.

LG Earns Sustainability Honors: LG Electronics has been named the most sustainable home appliance brand in the 2023 “Green Builder Sustainable Brand Index.” The top ranking is based on data collected by surveying builders and consumers on how they regard a product and/or a company. Additionally, LG earned two 2023 Green Builder “Sustainable Products of the Year” distinctions, which recognize manufacturing, technology and sustainability innovations, for its LG Multi F MAX with LGRED° multi-zone heat pump HVAC system and LG Studio induction cooktop with a flex cooking zone. It was also named a 20223 Energy Star Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its energy-efficient, cost-saving models across a spectrum of appliances. Learn more about LG’s sustainable efforts here.

Fortune Brands Acquires Hardware, Lock Businesses: Fortune Brands Innovations has completed its acquisition of the Emtek and Schaub premium and luxury door and cabinet hardware business, and the U.S. and Canadian Yale and August residential smart home locks business from ASSA ABLOY, for a purchase price of $800 million. Fortune said Emtek and Schaub have strong distribution networks with leading channel partners and will be a synergistic complement to the House of Rohl suite of brands, allowing the company to expand into adjacent product areas. Fortune’s growing brand portfolio includes Moen, House of Rohl, Aqualisa, Therma-Tru, Larson, Fiberon, Master Lock and SentrySafe. More details here.

Industry News

Survey on Aging in Place: An overwhelming 93 percent of American adults say they plan to age in place, increasing the need for accessible design and health-related home technologies, according to a new national survey from U.S. News & World Report. Among the report’s highlights, 49 percent of respondents who use the technology say general aging is their primary reason for adopting its use, but other reasons — like mobility, hearing or vision impairments and cognition — are close behind. Two of the most widely used technologies include medical or health-related apps (25 percent) and wearable medical or health-related trackers (17 percent), and 88 percent said assistive or health-related technologies have improved their quality of life. KBB has the details.

Pioneering Kitchen Furniture: Ree Drummond, “The Pioneer Woman,” has added to her Walmart collection with a line of kitchen, dining and bedroom furniture. The line features dining chairs and bar stools, a freestanding kitchen island, a hutch and rolling cabinet cart, a dining table and bench, a headboard and a vanity table, all under “The Pioneer Woman” label. Prices range from $158 for a pair of dining chairs to $478 for a hutch. More info here.

Events

Women’s Design + Construction Conference Set for October: Pro Builder and Pro Remodeler have combined their Women in Residential Construction Conference with Building Design + Construction’s Women in Design + Construction convention to form a new event this fall. Women in Residential + Commercial Construction Conference (WIR+CC) will take place in Nashville, Oct. 25 to 27, featuring three days of keynote talks, workshops, roundtable sessions, interactive panel discussions, networking events and more. Get further information here.

Chapter Updates

Soar with the Squirrels and Virginia State: Join the Virginia State Chapter on July 25 for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game and tailgate from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Diamond, 3001N Arthur Ashe Blvd in Richmond. The Squirrels, a Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, will take on the Portland Sea Dogs, a Boston Red Sox affiliate. Tickets are complimentary, courtesy of Richelieu’s generous sponsorship. A buffet tailgate and networking will take place at the Cross Timbers Party Pavilion from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by the game. More info and registration here.

Chapter Officer Nominations Are Open: Chapter leadership is a great way to influence the direction of your NKBA Chapter and a stepping stone to greater involvement in the association. Three officer positions are open for the current election cycle: President, Programs Chair and Communications Chair. To be considered, any NKBA member (excluding student members) may self-nominate. We are accepting nominations through July 31, and all elections are conducted at the chapter level. Access the chapter officer self-nomination form here, and learn more about the benefits of becoming a chapter leader here.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

GE Marks 70 Years in KY: In 1953, GE Appliances shipped its first appliance — a dryer — from its then-new location in Louisville, KY. In the seven decades since, the company has spent more than $800 million in Kentucky, and produced more than 240 million appliances from the Appliance Park hub. It contributes more than $7.4 billion to Kentucky’s gross domestic product, and employs more than 8,500 people in the Louisville area. Learn more at GE Appliances.

BSH Takes “Top Employer” Honors: German appliance giant BHS, parent of the Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau brands, was named a Top Employer in the U.S. by the Top Employers Institute for the eighth consecutive year. The award recognizes the company’s commitment to developing talent, creating a collaborative environment and inspiring employees. KBB elaborates.

Industry News

Strategies That Increase Home Value: It should come as no surprise that the kitchen and bath are key rooms in selling a house. Livingetc asked designers what key upgrades are most likely to increase the value of a home and their best advice included: Optimize storage, upgrade backsplashes and counters, go for a neutral color scheme and add smart features, like wireless charging points or smart lighting. Livingetc has more.

Privacy Concerns With Smart Appliances: Consumer Reports says homeowners have reason to be concerned about an invasion of privacy through their smart appliances. In a story titled, “Smart Appliances Promise Convenience and Innovation. But is Your Privacy Worth the Price?” , the non-profit organization notes that manufacturers are collecting data about users every time they run their washer or open the fridge. The data is used to improve product quality, according to the manufacturers, but it’s also used to create customer data profiles. KBB has the full story.

Trade Events

Market Day at A&D: The A&D Building is hosting Market Day 2023 on June 20 at 150 East 58th Street in New York. The full-day event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring product launches and demonstrations. An open house is available to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., but 15 brands will hold panel discussions and seminars for verified design trade only and require registration. Happy hour in several showrooms is from 4 to 6 p.m. More info here.

CEDIA Registration Open: Registration is open for the CEDIA conference and trade show, which runs from Sept. 6 to 9 in Denver. Early-bird rates are in effect through July 16. CEDIA members may register for an all-access conference pass, which includes three days of educational programming plus the expo, for $449. Non-members are $949 for an all-access pass. For the expo only, members are free and non-members are $195. More info here.

Chapter Updates

Chapter Officer Nominations Are Open: Chapter leadership is a great way to influence the direction of your NKBA Chapter and a stepping stone to greater involvement in the association. Three officer positions are open for the current election cycle: President, Programs Chair and Communications Chair. To be considered, any NKBA member (excluding students) may self-nominate. Nominations are accepted through July 31, and all elections are conducted at the chapter level. Access the chapter officer self-nomination form here, and learn more about the benefits of becoming a chapter leader here.

Hit the Links with Ontario: The Ontario/Canada Chapter is hosting its 42nd golf tournament on June 20 at Granite Ridge Golf Club, 9503 Dublin Line, Halton Hills, Ontario. Festivities kick off with lunch at 11 a.m. and the tournament starts at 12:30 followed by a dinner at 5:30. Tickets are $225, and a team of four can register for $800 (includes a $100 discount). More info here.

Swing for the Fences in Ohio: The Southern Ohio/Kentucky Chapter invites members to a Dayton Dragons game on June 22. Start the evening at 5 p.m. with a chapter meeting, pre-gaming food and beverage, and tour of the new Requarth Co. showroom at 447 East Monument Avenue in Dayton. At 7 p.m., cross the street to see the Dragons take on the Lake Country Captains with Cambria. This event is limited to NKBA members and tickets cost $10 per person. Register here.

Golf with Prairie Provinces: Join the Prairie Provinces Chapter on June 26 for its annual golf tournament at The Ranch Golf & Country Club, 9574 Pinchback Road, Acheson, Alberta. Registration starts at $149.95 (Canadian) for a single player to $529.95 (Canadian) for a foursome. Registration and grab-and-go breakfast start at 7 a.m., with a tournament start at 8 a.m. and lunch in the Event Centre at 1 p.m. Learn more and register here.