| |
|
Happy New Year! Best wishes for 2010! In the Dec. 16 edition of Bath & Kitchen Pro eNews, we provided a link to The New York Times' articles on contaminated tap water in the U.S. Since then, the
Water Quality Association has responded to these articles by urging consumers to consider installing final contaminant barriers in their homes. WQA points out that home filtering systems act as a final contaminant barrier and can further purify water for drinking.
Read more.
Also, plumbing contractor Eddie Edwards contacted us regarding our coverage of the articles. His comments are in the News section of this e-newsletter.
  
|
|
| | |
 |
Eddie Edwards, a Southern California plumbing contractor, writes:
Regarding the lead story on water contamination in the Dec. 16, 2009 edition of Bath & Kitchen Pro eNews, I just want to offer a few things to consider:
1. The story is from the New York Times, which in my opinion prints questionable articles.
2. The EPA spokesperson, Ms. Andy, states, "The previous eight years provide a perfect example of what happens when political leadership fails to act to protect our health and environment." These types of "claims" go way past the last eight years. How long will this blaming our past administration last? Another eight years? Am I the only one who is getting tired of hearing this? When does accountability kick in?
This article also mentions that in 2007 Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) asked the EPA for data on Americans exposed to contaminants in drinking water. It is two years later - where is the data? We will always have contaminants in our drinking water. Standards are set by our government with allowable amounts of contaminants in potable water.
I have lived in Southern California for more than 60 years and I drink tap water. I have toured our water treatment facility that receives water from the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is an amazing facility that constantly monitors water quality. I do not have cancer or any other health issues related to drinking water and I have never met anyone else in my area who has any of these issues.
Maybe if articles like these are more specific and clear with reliable data, we can be better educated on "the real deal." Until then, I think we should all buy stock in the bottled water industry, R.O. manufacturers and the water filter industry - they will continue to thrive.
Read the New York Times article addressed by this reader.
Barnett
(Jacksonville, FL), a national supplier of plumbing, electrical and HVAC products, and part of Interline Brands, announced that it has added
Kohler plumbing products to its plumbing offering. Barnett now stocks more than 100 models of Kohler faucets, toilets, urinals and lavatories in its distribution centers across the country.
Read more.
The
Water Quality Association announced
WQA Aquatech USA is scheduled for March 9-12 in Orlando. It will highlight changes and advances in the industry as a result of the recession, as well as legislative challenges.
More on this.
 Tile Redi
, a manufacturer of one-piece, pre-formed shower pan modules (pictured, right), announced a new wholesale distribution agreement with SmartLittleHouse LLC, in Roseland, NJ, 20 minutes west of New York City. SmartLittleHouse also maintains a Web site for online sales of Tile Redi products at
www.neverleaks.com.
Omni Corporate Services Ltd. welcomed two new vendor members to its decorative showroom buying group,
Luxury Products Group (LPG): JACLO
, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing products, luxury grab bars and advanced shower solutions, and PSCBATH
, which offers a collection of decorative plumbing fittings and furniture for the bath, some made of solid wood, crystal and luxury stones, from European-based companies. Created in 2009 by the members of Omni Corporate Services Ltd., Luxury Products Group helps members expand and develop their showroom businesses, as well as view and purchase product from a variety of showroom-oriented vendors worldwide.
Watermark Designs, a decorative fixture, bathroom accessories and hardware manufacturer, has been accepted as a Preferred Vendor in the
Forte buying group. Forte offers a selective range of products sold in more than 250 decorative plumbing and hardware showrooms. Watermark Designs' product mix includes customized bath fittings and accessories, such as faucets, shower systems, cabinet pulls, grab bars and lighting.
InSinkErator, a manufacturer of food waste disposers and instant hot water dispensers, won Graphic Design USA's 2009 American Graphics Design Award for its Evolution PRO Series Throwdown Product Knowledge Training Kit.
Plumbing manufacturer TOTO announced that its U.S.-based holding company, TOTO U.S.A. Holdings Inc., changed its name to TOTO Americas Holdings Inc. effective Jan. 1, 2010.
Read more.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Sloan Valve Co. appointed Sherry Davenport (pictured, left) executive director of marketing. She will direct and manage the strategic development, design and implementation of product positioning and launches, as well as brand and market awareness campaigns, including design and advertising. Most recently she was director of product management and marketing at U.S. Cellular.
Interline Brands (Jacksonville, FL) , a distributor and direct marketer of maintenance, repair and operations products, hired John Ebner
as its chief financial officer and treasurer. He spent 13 years with Alltel Corp., where he served in various financial leadership roles, including treasurer, senior vice president of investor relations and vice president of finance - wireless operations.
Watts Water Technologies appointed
Chad LaCroix as the national market manager for its Watts brand brass and tubular products. Read more.
Exact Millworks, a manufacturer of commercial casegoods and millwork, hired Steve Hulsey as president/CEO. The company is known for its cabinet making, specialty wood manufacturing and custom fabrication. Most recently Hulsey was chief operating officer of Commercial Casework. He has nearly 30 years of experience in the commercial woodworking industry.
|
|
|
Hansgrohe announced that all relevant products under the Axor and Hansgrohe brands are compliant with California's and Vermont's low-lead legislation. Its compliance is indicated with a checkmark on the packaging.
Sustainable Solutions International (SSi), a North American green building products manufacturer, unveiled a new graphically visual Web site to provide in-depth details on its sustainable products.
The WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition (WSI), dedicated to urban water efficiency, will remain in Las Vegas at least through 2012. The third WSI is slated for Oct. 6-8, 2010, at the South Point Hotel and Conference Center in Las Vegas.
Solatube International, a manufacturer and marketer of Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs), commissioned a LEED
2009 Impact Analysis to determine how its products contribute to the achievement of milestones under the 2009 LEED Rating Systems. Solatube Daylighting Systems can qualify buildings to earn LEED points in a variety of categories, including Indoor Environmental Quality, Energy and Atmosphere, Light Pollution Reduction and Innovation in Design.
The Water Quality Association
launched a certification program for companies facing low-lead laws that went into effect Jan. 1 in California. More on this.
Robert Wilkins, president of
Danfoss NA, expressed optimism despite the outcome of the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) held Dec. 7-18 in Copenhagen. Although delegates did not reach agreement on a replacement of the Kyoto Protocol, Wilkins said he believes that modern-day technological advances improve energy efficiency.
Read more.
|
|
|
Kohler Co. recently made a $25,000 contribution to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation in support of the 2010 Kohler/Foundation Seminar Series.
Read more.
Haier America
said it has become a partner for the planned Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The "Haier Experience Store" will be part of the Barclays Center and accessible to the public from outside of the arena during event and non-event days. A range of Haier appliances will be featured exclusively in luxury suites and other areas of the arena.
|
|
|
A recent survey of designers conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) revealed key design trends for 2010. Here are seven kitchen trends:
1. Traditional is the new contemporary.
Traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style in 2010, with contemporary following closely behind, while the Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence. Shades of whites and off-whites will be the most common kitchen colors in 2010, while brown, beige and bone hues will also be popular.
2. Cherry on top.
Cherry will remain the most popular wood for kitchen cabinetry, followed closely by maple, while alder increases in use. As for the finishes placed on those cabinets, medium natural, dark natural, glazed and white painted will all be common. Other colors of painted cabinetry and light natural finishes are in decline, however, as are distressed finishes.
3. Floored by tile.
Ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as natural stone tile, remain popular kitchen flooring options, but hardwood will dominate the kitchen landscape more than ever in 2010. For countertops, granite continues to be the most popular option, but quartz will nearly catch up in popularity. For backsplashes, ceramic or porcelain tile and glass will serve as the primary materials.
4. Flexible faucets.
Standard kitchen faucets will become less standard in 2010 in favor of more convenient models. Pull-out faucets continue to increase their market dominance, while pot filler faucets will also become more prevalent. Kitchen faucets will most often be finished in brushed nickel, followed by stainless steel, satin nickel and - surprisingly - polished chrome.
5. Undercounter refrigeration.
French door and freezer-bottom are the two most popular styles of refrigerators, and side-by-side refrigerators remain a popular option. A surprising trend is the extent to which undercounter refrigerator drawers are being used in the latest kitchen designs. Perhaps even more surprising is that undercounter wine refrigerators have been recently specified by half of kitchen designers.
6. A range of cooking options.
The tried-and-true range continues to serve as the workhorse for cooking, although the combination of a cooktop and wall oven is beginning to overtake it. Gas will maintain its position as the most popular type of cooktop over electric, although induction cooking continues to gain in popularity due to its energy efficiency.
7. Dishwasher-in-a-drawer.
Standard dishwashers, with the traditional door that pulls from the top down, will once again be easily the most common type in 2010. However, an increasing number of dishwasher drawers will be installed in kitchens this year for their convenience and their ability to wash small loads of dishes in each drawer, thereby saving water and electricity.
The
National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association with nearly 40,000 members.
|
|
|
| |
Check out our digital editions!
Can't wait for, or not able to obtain, the print magazine? Our Web sites provide a digital edition of each month's print issue, with all editorial and advertising content.
|
|
|
| | |
JADO
has introduced four kitchen faucet designs named for the cooking spices that served as their inspiration - Basil, Cayenne, Coriander and Saffron. The Basil collection (pictured) suits the transitional style for kitchens. A two-function hand spray makes it easy to change from aerated to spray. Basil Collection kitchen faucets and coordinating bar versions are available in both single-lever and single-function pull-down options. Finish choices include polished chrome, old bronze, brushed nickel and ultra steel.
|
|
 The
Novellini
Cristal tub offers an edgy, futuristic design in bathing vessels. Part of Novellini's Premium Elysium Collection, the Cristal 1 tub features a geometric design where clean lines and angles come together to form an elegant glass cocoon. All sides are made from clear safety glass panels. The long side panels run straight, while the ends angle outwards. The tub measures 78.7 inches by 30.7 inches by 26 inches high and comes with an integrated chrome-finished, floor-mounted faucet. The base and side rails of the tub are available in black or white finishes.
|
|
Delta Faucet Co.
has launched its Foundations line, including two new product suites, Core-B and Windemere, which offer relevant technologies at a lower price point. The Windemere series (pictured), is a full bath suite with an attractive "J-spout" architecture. Among its "smart features" is MultiChoice Universal. Once the MultiChoice rough is installed, future shower function upgrades or style changes can be made without altering the plumbing behind the wall. Windemere features a Monitor 14 series single-function option.
|
|
WarmlyYours
has introduced the Infinity Towel Warmer, available as a plug-in or to be wired directly into the wall. Finished in brushed stainless steel, the Infinity offers the same quality and performance as premier towel warmers but is priced significantly lower. It measures 23-5/8 inches wide by 32 inches high and features 10 sleek towel bars that provide ample space for hanging towels or a bathrobe. Both the hardwired and plug-in models are lightweight and easy to install, and each has a convenient, hidden ON/OFF switch located at the base of the unit. The hardwired model also comes with a timer.
|
|
T&S Brass
launched the ChekPoint EC-3106 electronic faucet, which can be switched from a sensor faucet to a manual faucet. It converts by rotating the top cap of the faucet until it locks into the desired mode. Once engaged in the manual mode, the faucet is turned on and off by rotating the cap on the top of the faucet. The EC-3106 has a one-year warranty and comes with vandal-resistant aerators and reliable electronics. It complies with the CSA B125/ASME 11.18.2 performance standard and has passed rigorous testing. Like other ChekPoint models, it can help qualify towards points needed for LEED certification when in sensor mode.
|
|
AEC Store Corner
2009's Popular Products For BK Pros
Kitchen and Bath Laminate Countertops ‑ DVD $19.95
This 45-minute video provides installation shortcuts for a professional countertop job.
Learn more.
Glass Tile Inspirations For Kitchens And Baths $29.95
View 205 color photos showing high-performance glass tiles both close-up and installed for walls, countertops and floor coverings in kitchens and baths.
Read more.
College of Product Knowledge CD - NOW $89.85
This highly acclaimed product training series is ideal for wholesalers, manufacturers, agents, designers, contractors, technicians, engineers, architects and other pros.
More on this.
Granite Countertop Fabrication & Installation DVD - $42.99
Alpha Professional Tools offers a step-by-step DVD that covers all phases of production including purchasing materials, fabrication techniques, installation and presentation to your client. Read more.
Visit
AECStore.com to view all of our technical resources, CDs and DVDs.
|
|
| BNP Media
2401 W. Big Beaver Rd
Troy, MI 48084
USA |
|
For comments, feedback, or to provide information for this e-newsletter,
contact: Pat Lenius, Editor. | | |
 To find out about advertising in this e-newsletter, contact:
Bob Miodonski |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Delivered twice-monthly, Bath & Kitchen Pro e-Newsletter (formerly Bath & Kitchen e-News) now has more than 10,000 opt-in subscribers.
|
|
 Radiant & Hydronics e-News is a twice-monthly newsletter compiled by the editorial staff of PM, Supply House Times and PMEngineer magazines.
|
|
 A monthly eNewsletter brought to you by the editor's of Environmental Design + Construction magazine on the latest green building news, products and events.
|
|
 Stone World remains the leading publication in the stone industry and continues to stay on the cutting edge of technology by bringing this eNewsletter to its readers.
|
|
 TILE eNewsletters deliver up-to-the-minute information on industry news, market conditions, product developments and best industry practices monthly.
|
|
 Expert plumbing and piping industry news and information from our magazines and eNewsletters.
|
|
 Plumbing & Mechanical is the undisputed leading trade magazine for reaching contractors on the "wet" side (plumbing-piping-hydronic heating) of the plumbing and mechanical market.
|
|
 Supply House Times magazine serves the Plumbing, PVF, HVAC and Hydronics distributors and provides?cutting edge features, news and technology information that's needed to advance the industry and succeed in the 21st-century PHCP business.
|
|
 PM Engineer is the core magazine for reaching design and specification engineers on the wet side of the industry (plumbing-piping-hydronic heating and fire protection).
|
|
 Reeves Journal, the oldest publication in the plumbing industry, addresses the regional opportunities and challenges facing p-h-c contractors, wholesalers and engineers in the 14 western United States.
|
| |
