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.
