Supply House Times' 2010 Showroom of the Year Competition
NEW EXTENDED DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2010
Call for entries! Attn: Plumbing wholesaler showrooms! Enter your showroom to be honored as a Supply House Times' 2010 Showroom of the Year. NEW! If you entered in 2009, just submit a nomination form with any updated information (no pictures required) and send an email to both Hank Darlington at darlingtonconsulting@gmail.com and Pat Lenius at leniusp@bnpmedia.com. More information. Nomination form.

Duravit appointed Alexandra Bursac (right) to Duravit NYC showroom manager, overseeing all of the company's Manhattan showroom operations, showroom staff and daily activities. She also will maintain her roles in both public relations and architectural and design specifications.

Bradley Corp. will host the third annual Green Manufacturing Summit, a free half-day event focused on cost- and resource-saving green technologies and strategies, in partnership with Focus on Energy (FOE) the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, on August 31 at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside, WI. More information.

Danze was named a sponsor of The House Designers' first-ever Energy Star-approved house plans. Read more.

BNP Media will host Global Green Expo on August 5, a virtual trade show offering booths to visit, live keynotes and conference sessions, and the opportunity to earn CEUs. Participants can chat in real time with other pros, download product specs and white papers, and network with peers. Register. More information.

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute has unveiled an interactive animated house tour online, which allows users to take a virtual "walk-through" of a family residence while learning about common sources of indoor air pollution. The computer-generated two-story home features a fully-equipped kitchen, living room, den, bathroom, master bedroom, and nursery, as well as a basement that's undergoing renovation.

T&S Brass was recognized by Renewable Water Resources with the Compliance Excellency Award for being an outstanding industrial environmental steward throughout 2009. Read more. 

The Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association will host its 2010 conference and product showcase Oct. 15 - 17 in Hollywood, FL. Register by August 13 to save $100 if you are a DPHA member or $200 if you are a non-member. The event wil include an expert panel presentation, "The Creative Trilogy: Architecture, Design & Application" featuring an architect, designer and builder in an interactive discussion about product development, design and use in a variety of commercial and residential settings.

Top Knobs has launched a new Web site, www.topknobsusa.com , that offers styling and design information in a user-friendly format. The site contains detailed information on more than 3,000 products for specifiers, remodelers and design professionals. Customers can order up to three free samples and with each shipped sample will be a $5 coupon to cover the cost of shipping and handling as part of the company's online free sample program.

Suggestions on how to redesign the bath and kitchen to make more effective use of existing space are included in a book by home editor and industry consultant Gale Steves, "Right-Sizing Your Home." For example, consider a rolling island on casters to provide flexibility for cooking and gathering modes in the kitchen. Visit and learn more on Facebook.

DDI System announced the release of Version 23 of its inform software that now incorporates Transaction Auditing, Visual Financial Reporting, inform Analytics and Advanced Report Writer. Also, DDI System will offer its next demonstration, "inform Software: Proven Results" August 25 at 1 p.m. EST. Register.

Five Tips On Selling Grab Bars

For some people, "grab bar" has a negative connotation, conjuring up images of nursing homes and institutional-looking bathrooms. Great Grabz offers these tips to overcome that perception.

1. Ask questions. For example: Do they plan on staying in their home long-term? Do they have visiting relatives that may require special assistance? Are they active and could they possibly develop a sports-related injury? Do they have knee or back problems?

2. Offer options. Grab bars are now available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any bathroom décor.

3. Change the language. If your client doesn't want a "grab bar," suggest a towel bar that has the strength of a grab bar, or a toilet paper holder that can support someone rising from a seated position.

4. Invest in safety. Remind customers that bathrooms are one of the most dangerous places in the home. Installing a grab bar is an investment for their future well-being.

5. Up-sell as an add-on purchase. Grab bars make a great complementary product. When someone buys a soaking tub, suggest adding a grab bar to assist with entry and exit. When a customer buys a comfort-height toilet, recommend a 10-inch hand hold to use as a toilet paper holder.

Courtesy: Great Grabz

Blog, Blog, Blog

Global Green Expo Promises Expert Sustainable Building Tips

(Free Sign up Ends Aug. 5) by Tim Fausch

When All Else Fails, Try Customer Service by Jim Olsztynski

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.

Neoperl introduced five faucet aerator "mini deals," a compact display box of 12 convenient six-packs that fits small counter areas. It can be used to display the original Spring-Flo 2.2 gpm, Spring-Flo Ultra 2.2 gpm, the lime-resistant perlator 2.2 gpm, water-saving Perlator 1.5 gpm or PCA Spray 0.5 gpm.

Granite Transformations offers an alternative to traditional countertops, backsplashes and floors. Its core product line is Trend Stone, in slabs that are about 95% natural stone mixed with a specially formulated polymer to provide strength and durability. This engineered surface is heat, stain and scratch resistant and backed with a limited lifetime warranty. It can be set in place and permanently bonded to the old countertop with no demolition or downtime required.

Fernco introduced the Wax Free Urinal Seal (patent pending) for use in repairs or new installations. The seals are made of flexible PVC and feature a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive for a water-tight, gas-tight, odor-tight seal. It will not absorb moisture, is impervious to mold and mildew, and fits a standard 2-inch drain pipe.

Symmons Industries unveiled the Museo bath collection - a widespread lavatory faucet, roman tub faucet, hand spray and tub/shower system - featuring a bold, contemporary design and inspired by pieces displayed in museums. The Museo lavatory faucet, with a 9-inch-high center spout and tall handles, complements a contemporary or transitional décor. The collection is offered in polished graphite, a new finish that is somewhere between dark gray and black with a natural reflective quality, and enhanced with chrome detailing. Other finishes offered are chrome and satin nickel.

Reed Manufacturing Co. says its ratchet shears with hardened steel blades are ideal for cutting plastic pipe and are also great for CPVC because of blade thinness and finish. RSP1 shears can also cut PVDF. The pointed blade in the one-hand RSP1 model helps start the cut in tough plastics such as CPVC, and helps avoid bounce in thin wall material. The blades can be sharpened or replaced.

AEC STORE CORNER

Great Bath Ideas - $25.99

This book offers suggestions on how to design or renovate a luxurious bathroom, using fixtures and materials to create a comfortable, upscale retreat. Read about incorporating high-end trends and elements into the bathroom. Learn about a wide variety of fixtures and materials available, such as steam showers with body sprays, rain showerheads, overflow whirlpools with chromatherapy, and mirrors with embedded LCD TVs. Take a "tour" of more than 50 bathrooms from different angles. Purchase this item. View more products at www.AECStore.com. Call 248-244-1275 to order by phone.