An economic upturn? Now that President Barack Obama has signed the $787 billion stimulus bill, people are wondering what its impact will be. Meyda Tiffany introduced the Economic Upturn collection, with names like Benevolent Banker lamps, Honest Wall Street sconces, Hardworking Taxpayer table lamps and Wine Bottle Pendants without the Whine (pictured).

Ferguson (Newport News, VA) will host National Remodeler's Month in all of its showrooms during March with special events. Remodeling now accounts for more than half of Ferguson's showroom business, according to Sam Rose, Wolseley North America showroom manager. Pictured: a Ferguson showroom in Sacramento, CA.

Designer Bath, a division of Salem Plumbing Supply, Beverly, MA, received the 2009 "Best Of Boston Home" award in the bath supplies category from Boston magazine.The showroom recently added the Duravit line of luxury bathroom fixtures. Ralph Sevinor is president of Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply, and his son, Jason Sevinor, is vice president.

Digital edition of 2009 Radiant Flooring Guide! Now you can access the information 24/7 via the Internet! Read more...

Decorative plumbing manufacturer JACLO acquired Texas-based Taps & More LLC, the importers of Hollys of Bath and Steam Valve Original line of faucets and fittings. More ...

The Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition, comprised of five plumbing trade groups, will make drain line transport its first research project. More information ...

Component Hardware Group appointed John J. (Jack) Vresics interim chief executive officer while the company conducts a formal search for a new president and CEO. Most recently Vresics was president and CEO of Technical Concepts. He succeeds Tom Carr, who resigned as president and CEO to pursue other interests but will remain a consultant to the company. CHG manufactures plumbing and specialty hardware products.

The Maryland House of Representatives recently introduced HB 357, Business Occupations and Professions - Plumbers - Lead-Free Materials, which requires that materials used in the installation or repair of plumbing intended to dispense water for human consumption be lead-free. Read more ...

Five Tactics Your Competitors Are Using to Survive the 'New Normal' by Tim Fausch, publishing director of BNP Media's Architecture, Engineering & Construction and Mechanical Systems Groups. Read his blog...

NEW at www.bathandkitchenpro.com! Learn what people are searching for when they enter a keyword into the Google box on our site. Scroll down to the lower right portion of the home page to see the key words entered most often and identified as "Top Searches."

ASA will host NetworkASA 2009: POWER Oct. 14-17 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Dave Kahle, a consultant and sales trainer, will present four 90-minute webinars in April to help companies sell more effectively in a down economy and emerge stronger and more profitable on the other side. For information ...

Quick Drain USA manufactures low profile, unobtrusive linear shower drains for residential and commercial applications, including showers, deck drains, pool drains, public shower trenches and trough drain applications. Its drains allow for immediate installation of any size ceramic, glass or stone tile. Available in seven standard sizes - 30-, 36-, 40-, 44-, 48-, 52- and 58-inch models - all have a visible width of just 1-1/2 inch.  All sizes and models come in a standard brushed stainless steel finish.

Elkay offers Explore fireclay sinks created from natural materials and molded into soft, rounded shapes. They are available in a warm terra cotte matte and white gloss finish in three configurations. The fireclay sinks feature spacious compartments and a surface that is heat-, stain- and chip-resistant. The fireclay sink colors are drawn throughout the entire sink so the vibrancy will not fade.

Everlife by Innovative Stone announced its recent NSF International Certification.The PermaShield protection applied to Everlife countertops involves a proprietary process that covers microscopic staining paths below the surface of granite or natural stone material. These paths are infused with molecular technology causing them to adopt water and oil-repelling properties.

Laufen's Palomba collection offers a suite of bathroom products including eight washbasins, a wallhung and floorstanding toilet, bidet, bathtub and furniture in a Macassar finish. Designers Ludovica and Roberto Palomba were inspired by the sea. The washbasins feature an organic, lagoon-shaped basin. The bidet resembles a pebble that has been gradually smoothed and polished by the tides.

LATICRETE has updated and improved its Architectural Guidebook, designed to be a one-stop source for tile and stone project specification requirements. The Web-based guidebook enables design and specification professionals to create custom specifications based on the latest industry standards for more than 100 types of installations in seconds. An up-to-date industry reference section allows users to reference appropriate codes and national standards for virtually all tile and stone specifications.

 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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History of Plumbing CD  YOUR PRICE: $35.00

 PM magazine's popular History of Plumbing Series is available on CD-ROM. The CD contains 60 pages of articles that cover ancient plumbing, water-borne diseases, early-American innovation, the history of hydronic heating, and more! It includes illustratons and photography. This series is great for the history buff, industry researcher, student or craftsman.