Blog, Blog, Blog

Controlling Call Clusters by Katie Rotella
Marriott Bets $3 Billion on Indy Development by Tim Fausch
A Historical Perspective On Housing Starts by Jim Olsztynski

These are just a few of the blogs you can read and comment on at www.supplyht.com, www.pmmag.com and www.bathandkitchenpro.com. Stop by and browse! We'd love to hear what you think!

Matco-Norca announced that it is ready to meet the new California and Vermont lead free requirements for plumbing products and fixtures. The company's lead free products are now available and contain less than .25 percent weighted average lead content on wetted surfaces. They include lead free valves, fittings, faucets and plumbing specialty items. For now, Matco-Norca will carry dual inventories of standard and lead free products. Its La Palma, CA distribution center has been reorganized with a dedicated lead free section.

GerrityStone, a New England-based interior and exterior custom stonework specialist, received two 2009 PRISM (Prestigious Results in Sales and Marketing) Awards from the Builder's Association of Greater Boston. Dawn Carroll (pictured), director of the Architectural Division at GerrityStone, received the  "Project Manager of the Year" award. GerrityStone teamed up with Michael Kim Architects, Graham Contracting and Chrisicos Interiors to win the Gold award in the "Best Kitchen Remodel Unlimited" category.

U.S. plumbing fixtures and fittings demand is projected to reach about $11 billion in 2013, according to a recent study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland, OH-based industry research firm.  Plumbing Fixtures & Fittings (published 10/2009, 390 pages) is available for $4,900 from The Freedonia Group. More on this.

 Bath & Kitchen Pro, a publication created for bath-and-kitchen installers, distributors with showrooms and designers, looks at Milton Frank Plumbing's "just like home" showroom, describes how consumers are looking to achieve high style at a lower cost, and offers advice on becoming the green expert for kitchens and baths in the Spring 2009 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.

Niagara Conservation offers flapperless toilets that employ a gravity-flush design to control water flow with the use of patented "tipping bucket" technology that eliminates the need for rubber flappers and flexible seals in the tank. Niagara's EcoLogic flapperless models use 1.28 gallons per flush, qualifying them as high-efficiency toilets (HET) that meet EPA WaterSense criteria and HET rebate standards. The toilets are available in round-front, elongated and ADA-compliant models. Their 10-inch by 20-inch footprint and oversized tank make them ideal for retrofits or remodels.

RotoZip 's XCORES diamond hole saws feature quality steel construction to maintain the balance to work at higher speeds and also increase precision, allowing for fast, clean cuts in hard materials such as granite and porcelain. The new line of RotoZip Spiral Saw technology, the RZ2000, uses Constant Speed Control circuitry to maintain speed under load. It's ideal for specialty cuts in a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, Plexiglas, drywall, ceramic wall tile and even porcelain floor tile. The RZ2000's electronic feedback control and low vibration combine to make accessories cut more smoothly at an even speed.

Acryline Spa Baths has released an eight-page full-color "Experience Wellness" brochure to help designers and homeowners make more knowledgeable decisions about spa baths. Acryline says its custom warm air massage system baths promote personal health and well being for people of all ages. From a tactile to forceful massage, users can regulate, vary and change massage intensity to their own individual needs. Acryline Systems include traditional soaking baths and sophisticated warm air hydro massage therapy system baths in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes and colors. All are designed to provide the human form with a contour and surface to achieve full relaxation.

FANIMATION introduced the Cumulos ceiling fan which combines a clean, architectural look with recessed downlight luminaires. Its contemporary look is highlighted with a clean, white frosted base and a pewter finished fan cage with matching accents. The ceiling fan creates strong breezes while its six 25-watt MR16 120-volt GU10 bulbs provide general or accent lighting. The fan offers three speeds and includes a C24 hand-held non-reversing remote control. Optional wall controls are available. Patents are pending.

Status Ceramics says its Madison Park collection of handcrafted ceramic tile draws its name and inspiration from a classic Seattle neighborhood on the shores of Lake Washington. The hand-pressed pieces reflect the timeless style of the architecture, while the color palette exudes the subtle elegance found in its design. Each piece is glazed by hand. The tile is available in a wide range of field sizes. A collection of moldings adds stunning detail. Richard Scott founded Status Ceramics in 1986 on Bainbridge Island, WA, and later moved the studio and offices to Seattle. Since then additional ceramic artists have joined its team, including Zsuzsa Bansaghi, who developed a line of extraordinary glazes to highlight the company's relief tiles.

JUST RELEASED!
"2010" National Plumbing & HVAC Estimator - $69.95

This book covers manhours, labor and material costs for all common plumbing and HVAC work in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Plumbing and HVAC estimators can use the manual's cost estimates to quickly work up a reliable estimate based on the pipe, fittings and equipment required. Also includes sample estimating and bidding forms and contracts. Learn how to handle change orders, letters of intent, and warranties. The book also describes the right way to process submittals, deal with suppliers and subcontract specialty work. View a full description or place your order here.
To order by phone, call Stephanie at 248-244-1275. Visit AECStore.com to view our entire selection of technical resources for the plumbing, architecture, engineering and construction industries!