By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
LG earns EPA honor: LG Electronics has been named 2023 Energy Star® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. The honor recognizes the company’s commitment to protecting the environment and tackling climate change through the manufacturing and promotion of Energy Star-certified products. Last year, LG saw double-digit growth in the number of its certified appliances. The EPA said LG’s “most efficient 2022” products are expected to save more than 482 million pounds of CO2 emissions. This is the 10th time since 2012 that LG has been named Partner of the Year. More details here.
Cambria opens near Atlanta: Quartz manufacturer Cambria has opened a sales and distribution center in the Atlanta suburb of Duluth. The 22,750-square-foot facility is open to the public and showcases full slabs and a portfolio of more than 1,000 samples, including Cambria’s newest Alloy collection, featuring brass and steel-metallic-looking veining. The new center is the Le Sueur, MN-based company’s 22nd location across the country. KBB has the story.
NKBA members sponsor Kips Bay Show House: After a three-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House will make its 48th return to New York’s Upper West Side this May. The event runs from May 11 through June 6, in the historic River Mansion at 337 Riverside Drive, and will showcase the work of 22 leading interior designers. Sponsors include NKBA members Kohler Co., Benjamin Moore, JennAir and Cosentino. Opening night tickets start at $300, with general admission tickets starting at $40. Proceeds will benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. Learn more here.
Ferguson partners in Pasadena: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery is sponsoring the Pasadena Showcase House of the Arts for the seventh year at the Stewart House — a 1933 grand colonial estate — from April 23 through May 21. Ferguson is providing a range of appliances, lighting and plumbing products in support of six design studios that are decorating the home’s interior and guesthouse. Tickets start at $35. More info here.
Industry News
Boomers outperform millennials in home-buying: For the first time since 2012, baby boomers became the largest share of homebuyers last year, according to the National Association of Realtors. Boomers bought 39 percent of all homes between July 2021 and June 2022, up from 29 percent the year before. Millennials, on the other hand — who are in their peak home-buying, equity-building years — saw their market share shrink to 28 percent from 43 percent during the same period. What does this mean? Remodelers should keep the older crowd in mind when looking for new business. Business Insider has more.
3D design competition: Texas construction technology company ICON is accepting entries for its Initiative 99 global competition. The contest invites architects and designers to compete for a $1 million prize by submitting proposals for homes that can be built using a 3D printer within a $99,000 budget. Learn more at ICON.
Leanne Ford expands Crate & Barrel line: HGTV renovation star Leanne Ford and Crate & Barrel have expanded their successful collaboration with a new line of outdoor furniture, which includes dining and coffee tables, lounges and dinnerware for outdoor kitchens and living spaces. This is the fourth collection between Ford and Crate & Barrel. Learn more here.
Chapter News
Columbus to Columbus: Join the Central Ohio Chapter on a field trip May 5 from Columbus, OH, to Columbus, IN — a city known for its modern architecture and public art — for a walking tour and brunch at the Columbus Pump House, 148 Lindsey Street, Columbus, IN. There is no cost to attend but registration is required, and carpool reimbursement is available. The chapter is also holding a photo contest with cash prizes for the best images from the walking tour. Earn 0.1 CEU for the day, which is sponsored by DeCenzo Co. and Florida Tile. More info here.
Culinary delights in Central Florida: The Central Florida Chapter is hosting “Celebrate Dad, Celebrate Summer,” a Father’s Day culinary experience with guest chef Olivia Clulow. The chef’s speciality is showcasing ingredients through healthy cuisine, and she will be sharing her summer-themed recipes with attendees. The event follows the monthly chapter meeting on May 18 and is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m., at the Epicurean Theater, 1207 South Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL. Hosted by Wolf, Sub-Zero and Cove, attendance is limited to 35. NKBA members are $20, non-members are $25 and students are $18. More info and registration here.
