Challenges ahead! Widespread layoffs, ever-expanding unemployment, continuing consolidation. Yes, we are facing hard times. This edition was supposed to be dated January 28, 2009, and I'm sorry to say that due to a death in the family (speaking of hard times, my thoughts are with my sister Sandi, on the recent loss of her husband, Ric), this edition is first coming out on Saturday, January 31.There is no magic solution, no easy fix for any of our problems, personal or business. All we can do is think positive and keep plowing ahead, trusting that things will get better.

Kohler Co. recently developed a specialty dealer program with Artisan Group, a nationwide network of stone and granite fabricators.

"Kohler's wholesale channel is ready to connect and build business in this important surface market," said Mally Henne, channel manager for kitchen products at Kohler Co., in a statement.

In a first-of-its-kind program for Kohler, the Artisan Group - as a Registered Specialty Dealer - will have access to KOHLER and STERLING brand kitchen sinks and KOHLER kitchen faucets, aligning with the manufacturer's network of national and regional plumbing wholesalers. Also, Artisan Group showrooms will be equipped with displays and product information on kitchen sinks and faucets. Kohler will offer special training to countertop sales associates and provide the necessary sales tools.

Component Hardware Group announced that Praxis Cos. LLC and Colonial Bronze have joined the SANIGUARD Alliance, a partnership of independent companies that are committed to the use of SANIGUARD, an inorganic, silver-based antimicrobial treatment, which is built in to their plumbing and hardware products for the healthcare market. 

Kay Kocis

In other news, pictured below, Jody Rosenberg (right), Sonia's national sales manager, presented Martin Siwy, western regional sales manager (left), with the Above and Beyond Award at the company's 2008 annual sales meeting in Jamaica. The parameters of this award include superior marketing and advertising of the Sonia product, building product awareness throughout one's territory and creating innovative product presentations.

Tasman Sinkware North America has chosen Gray Sales Inc. to represent the Oliveri line of kitchen sinks in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

Gray Sales is headquartered in Philadelphia and sells higher-end kitchen and bath products to plumbing and heating wholesalers and kitchen and bath dealers.

National Kitchen & Bath Association's newly-elected president, Suzie Williford, will be inaugurated as the 2009 NKBA president by the Gulf Coast chapter of the NKBA on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott at The Woodlands, TX. She has already stated four goals for the NKBA in 2009, including implementing programs that specifically support its members in this down market.

Davis & Warshow, New York, NY, has begun distributing reusable water bottles to customers in an effort to underscore the benefits of tap water vs. bottled water. Each bottle bears a catchy slogan, such as "What Goes In A Landfill, Stays In A Landfill" or "Tastes Great, Less Landfilling." The wholesaler is partnering with 3M Aqua-Pure, which offers home water filtration systems. The water bottle promotion is part of Davis & Warshow's ongoing commitment to going green.

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, at the offices of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson. PMI will partner with four other plumbing organizations - Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the International Code Council and the Alliance for Water Efficiency - to share research on water efficiency.

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating and the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association have joined forces to promote water demand reduction programs among Canadian municipalities. The boards of both associations have supported a joint position statement to encourage the promotion and use of fixtures and supply fittings that have been certified by an accredited certification organization to both Canadian standards and the U.S. EPA-sponsored WaterSense program.

BrassCraft said its Safety+ PLUS gas excess flow valves and connectors are being featured on the Reuters Jumbotron screens in New York City's Times Square, at 10 times life-size (pictured at right). The plumbing products flash 20 feet above the heads of the more than 17,000 people per hour who pass through the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Ave.

Besa Lighting introduced a Low Voltage Monorail System with a broad range of pendant and spotlight options and accessories. The heart of the 12V monorail system is a new ultra-low profile rail that is hand bendable, but with enough "memory" to sustain its shape for a variety of configurations. Four- and eight-foot sections are available in either bronze or satin nickel finish, and are field-cuttable to meet exact specifications.

MTI Whirlpools' Boutique Collection includes solid-surface lavatory sinks that are constructed using MTI's "ESS" (Engineered Solid-Surface) composite material, in a mixture of ground natural minerals and binding agents that are liquefied, poured and then hardened. These solid-surface products are non-porous, stain-resistant, mold- and mildew-resistant. They are designed to mirror the lines and design of many MTI bathtubs, as well as integrate with an array of décor styles.

moderna flooring by BHK has added four colors to its SoundGuard laminate flooring line: Mondovino, Savannah Oak, Nagano Bamboo and (shown here) Zebrano. The sound insulation backer is affixed directly to the flooring panel. This technology affords improved "in room" sound quality, isolates sound transfer from floor to floor and provides excellent insulation, the company says. It also balances out minor floor unevenness and provides optimum walking comfort.

Basco announced that its Celesta luxury shower enclosures now include a limited lifetime warranty. This warranty is now consistent across all Basco product lines. Celesta units feature 3/8-inch glass and a variety of hardware in elegant finishes. They can transform a bathroom into a spa.

 Bath & Kitchen Pro, a publication created for bath-and-kitchen installers, distributors with showrooms and designers, looks at customizing kitchens and baths and profiles a contractor's showroom in the Fall 2008 issue.

Contact Publisher Bob Miodonski at 630-694-4007, e-mail: miodonskib@bnpmedia.com or visit the Web http://www.bathandkitchenpro.com www.bathandkitchenpro.com for more details.

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