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Chapter Newsletter Launch
 Welcome to the first issue of your Chapter's Electronic Newsletter. Each season, your chapter newsletter will include announcements and news from your chapter and the NKBA. Included are a number of timely interesting articles related to our industry.
Your chapter's newsletter is distributed to each individual with a chapter affiliation and a current email address in our NKBA database. If you do not receive this newsletter by email, but would like to, you will need to provide us with a current e-mail address. If you or your company use spam filters to protect your email inbox, please take a moment right now to add this "from" address "feedback@nkba.org" to your email address book, spam software whitelist, or mail system whitelist. This will help ensure that you promptly receive a chapter newsletter and that your email software displays the HTML and images properly.
Should you have any questions, you can call NKBA Customer Service at (800) THE-NKBA (843-6522), Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. |
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Association News (click title for link)
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Industry News (click title for link)
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First Newsletter
WELCOME!
. . . To our first newsletter in the new format!
The National Board stepped up to the plate and gave us the tools to easily create our own quarterly e-newsletter. Information Inc. supplies the software format and industry specific news. NKBA's HQ provides us with all their content-no more cutting and pasting. We provide our own local information and flare.
Quarterly you can now expect an e-newsletter that is world savvy with information that is specific to our industry. The people at HQ of the NKBA disseminates the information that applies to all members and yours truly (VP of C&T) will be sure to get the latest information on our Chapter and Northern New Jersey out to you with YOUR help, of course.
Have a story to share, An award to announce or A professional position to express?
Please e-mail me the particulars and a phone number at newsletter@nkbannj.org.
Together we can make the Northern New Jersey Chapter even stronger!
Thank you,
Barbara Tizio VP for Communications & Technology
Our first story comes from Ricki Makowitz of Ulrich Kitchens
June 4, 2008
It came to the Boards' attention that Morris County Habitat for Humanity was left in a pinch when committed donations fell through for two laminate countertops. In their moment of need they turned to Ricki Makowitz of Ulrich Kitchens for guidance. Ricki's call to long time member and supporter of the NKBA-NNJ, Paul (Max) Le Pera of Marvic Corporation came to the rescue. Paul and his team donated the two countertops despite soaring costs and a tight time schedule.
Thank you, Paul (Max) Le Pera and Marvic Corporation for coming through for an excellent cause, "Habitat for Humanity". And thank you, Ricki, for facilitating the save! Such good will, generosity and camaraderie embody what membership in the NNJ Chapter of the NKBA is all about!
3 Award Winners '08
Stand Tall NNJ!
Our Chapter stole the show at KBIS with 5 National Awards going to 3 of NNJ's own members! Kudos to:
Holly Rickert, Ulrich Inc., 1st Place for Master Suite/Bathroom category
Anthony Passanante, CKD, Peter Salerno Inc., 2nd Place for Open Plan Kitchens AND 3rd Place for Large Kitchen category
Peter Ross Salerno, CMKBD, Peter Salerno, Inc, 1st Place in the Medium Kitchens category AND BEST OVERALL KITCHEN AWARD WINNER
Congratulations and good luck to '09!
NNJ Board News
Please Excuse Our Boasting But. . .
Kitchen Classics LLC is proud to announce Claudia F. McCabe, CKD, CBD has joined the staff as Vice-President. Claudia was recruited to create a new Residential Division. Kitchen Classics LLC is a division of E & S Sales which is a Commercial Kitchen & Bath Company. You can reach Claudia at either 11 Girard Avenue , Vauxhall-Union , NJ 07088 or at 908-964-7101.
Good luck, Claudia, with your new venture.
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Association News |
What is the NKBA Doing About Sustainability?
Don Sciolaro, CEO
It seems as though the world has become aware of the environment overnight. Companies and products have become green, eco-friendly, or energy efficient. You might be wondering what the NKBA has been doing in this important area.
Sara Busby, CKD, 2008 NKBA President, has made sustainable design one of her top priorities for the year. To help you understand this complex issue, we've dedicated a special area on our website that outlines the various tools, programs, and resources that are available.
The site contains a glossary of terms. Let's start with sustainability; the practice of meeting the needs of the present without depleting resources or harming natural cycles for future generations. To me, this is the term that applies to all aspects of this trend currently being taken up by all industries. For instance, green building, a subset of sustainable design, is a building that minimizes its impact on the environment through conservation of energy, water, and other resources, while contributing to the health of its occupants without compromising the aesthetic design.
There are articles written by the top professionals in the industry, as well as classes that the NKBA has developed relating to sustainable design.
Perhaps you should spend some time browsing some of the websites that can help us understand this complex issue. We have always been told to do our homework before we jump into anything; wanting to incorporate sustainable design into our lives is no different. We put a variety of resources together for you.
There are two very good websites provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that helps save money and protects the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. (www.energystar.gov)
Building America is a private/public partnership that develops energy solutions for new and existing homes. The Building America project combines the knowledge and resources of industry leaders with the U.S. Department of Energy's technical capabilities. Together, they act as a catalyst for change in the home-building industry. (www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america)
As you can see, this is a complex issue and there is a great deal to learn if we are all to be responsible professionals and citizens. For more information and a list of other resources, please visit www.nkba.org/green.
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Legislative Updates
Edward S. Nagorsky, Esq.
So far, 2008 has been a very active year for interior design legislation. An unprecedented lobbying campaign to regulate interior design has been initiated by ASID and its coalitions throughout the country. They have been well organized and well capitalized, and all have shared the same goal - to limit the way in which our members do business.
Since January, bills in ten states (CA, IN, WA, MS, NE, NY, TN, SC, CT, and MN) have been given some sort of consideration. To date, NONE have been enacted. Most recently, the California Senate failed to vote on an interior design practice act which would have negatively impacted the ability of our California members to do business in the state. We received a tremendous outpouring of opposition to the bill, and NKBA members were joined by AIA, California Legislative Coalition for Interior Design, the Interior Design Protection Council, the Western Home Furnishings Association, the IDS, the Lumber Association of Northern California and the Community College League of California to fight the restrictive practice act.
Should interior design legislation (or any legislation for that matter) be proposed in your state, NKBA Headquarters will review the bill and where appropriate, send out an email alert to the chapter membership advising of the proposal and the impact it would have on the members. Where necessary, we will mobilize town-hall meetings with affected parties, make chapter presentations, assist in letter writing campaigns to the legislature, meet with key legislators and testify before committees and legislative bodies. Please make sure that NKBA has your email address to facilitate your receiving notices about upcoming legislative issues. |
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| CEU Schedule
The current CEU cycle began on January 1, 2008 and will end on December 31, 2009 . Be sure to continue earning and submitting your continuing education credits, keeping in mind that, all certified individuals are required to earn 1.0 CEU (10 hours) of continuing education every two-year cycle.
Earning CEU credits to maintain your certification is easy to do. In addition to the numerous NKBA functions and programs available, many industry-related educational programs are acceptable. Remember that the NKBA now offers web-based seminars. The "webinars" are one hour in length and worth .1 CEU. They are fast and convenient ways to earn CEUs between now and the end of the 2009 cycle.
Submitting CEU credit is also a simple process. Members are provided with CEU credit submission forms at the beginning of each cycle. Each form must be filled out completely and mailed to the NKBA in order for credit to be processed. A copy should be retained for your records. If a CEU submission is rejected by the NKBA, you will be notified by mail.
For more information on CEUs, visit the NKBA website or contact NKBA's customer service department at (800) THE-NKBA to receive a CEU Handbook.
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2009 Chapter Officer Elections
Each fall, your local chapter encourages its members to self-nominate for a position on the Chapter Board of Officers. It may be time to consider self-nominating for your chapter's Board of Officers for the 2009 election.
As an officer, NKBA chapters across the United States & Canada , can offer you an opportunity to grow in your profession, increase your knowledge and expand your professional credentials. Watch for the upcoming election email that will explain the self-nomination process for the 2009 election.
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Research Notes
The NKBA is currently conducting a number of surveys and invite you to participate.
1) How "green" is your dealership? A survey to determine the extent of sustainable design principles and practices is being conducted at:
Dealers should feel free to participate.
2) How does what you earn stack up against your peers? The NKBA is conducting a 2008 go-round of its Salary and Benefits Survey.
If you own or work at a kitchen and bath dealership and would like to participate; go to: href="http://www.nkba.org/survey/dealersalaryII0308">
If you own or work at a kitchen and bath design-only firm; go to: href="http://www.nkba.org/survey/designers0408">
If you own or work at a k | return to headlines
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| Industry News |
Surprise Increase in Pending Home Sales
New York Times ( 06/10/08 ) P. C5
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that its seasonally adjusted index of pending sales for existing homes rose to 88.2 in April, up from March's readout of 83.0. Wall Street economists polled by Thomson/IFR were expecting the reading to hold at 83, but the index surprised watchers by rising to its highest level since October. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says the rise in pending sales in troubled markets suggests that bargain hunters are active, and Global Insight economist Patrick Newport says banks are offering homes at fire-sale prices. Last April, the index had a reading of 101.5.
Surprise Increase in Pending Home Sales
New York Times ( 06/10/08 ) P. C5
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that its seasonally adjusted index of pending sales for existing homes rose to 88.2 in April, up from March's readout of 83.0. Wall Street economists polled by Thomson/IFR were expecting the reading to hold at 83, but the index surprised watchers by rising to its highest level since October. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says the rise in pending sales in troubled markets suggests that bargain hunters are active, and Global Insight economist Patrick Newport says banks are offering homes at fire-sale prices. Last April, the index had a reading of 101.5.
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Vessel Sinks Add Panache, Style to Bathrooms
Burlington Free Press (VT) ( 06/11/08 ) P. G18; Rand-Watkinson, Elizabeth
A "vessel sink" is a sink that sits above the countertop, or is slightly recessed within the supporting cabinetry. The sink offers a dramatic, artsy alternative for homeowners who want something different. Their shape and setting evoke memories of the old-fashioned pitcher and basin, but their distinct style adds a contemporary flair. "It's sort of an updated step back in time," says Diana Chastain, a McCordsville, Ind. , interior designer with Diana Chastain Interiors. "It gives a new dynamic to a design that you can do in a bathroom," says Hal Weinstein, owner of Atlanta-based Xylem. "When you have sinks that can sit above the counter, it makes for an interesting approach to design." Homeowners are attracted to the multi-dimensional effect, finding that vessel sinks are like adding art to the bathroom. They are available in many different materials, including ceramic, glass, solid rock, granite, and marble. A vessel sink can add up to 6 inches of height to a typical bathroom countertop.
Trends Gather in the Kitchen
Rocky Mountain News ( 05/31/08 ) P. 6; Marshall, Lisa
The National Kitchen and Bath Association reports that approximately 8.9 million homeowners put in new or remodeled kitchens in 2007, spending more than $125 billion. The tough selling market has prompted homeowners to re-design their kitchens to make their homes stand out. The modern-day kitchen is designed to be the hub of entertainment. "If you can provide an integrated kitchen, family room, indoor/ outdoor space - that's what is driving a lot of buyer decisions right now," says Paige Lentz, president of Monarch Cos., a boutique design-build firm. High-quality built-in appliances are also gaining in popularity, as are creative finishes and green building. "We have always built this way, but it just did not have any traction in the market," says Lentz, who makes energy efficiency a priority and uses recycled materials. "Now people are coming to us and saying, 'I want to build green.'" Kitchens should also be designed to be accessible to all ages and physical abilities, including such features as low countertops, a waist-high microwave that can be used without bending or reaching up, and a pot filler on the wall behind the stove.
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The Eco-Kitchen Challenge
Wall Street Journal ( 05/18/08 ) P. W1; Bounds, Gwendolyn
When Wall Street Journal writer Gwendolyn Bounds decided to remodel her home's 300-square-foot kitchen in January 2007, she opted to use environmentally-friendly materials and appliances. For example, the kitchen cabinets Bounds chose were made with a combination of a bamboo plywood called Plyboo and Arreis, a type of recycled wood fiberboard that contains no added formaldehyde. A water-based coating was applied to the cabinets after they were installed instead of the typical solvent-based finish. For the kitchen's paint, Bounds chose brands that contained little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or gaseous pollutants. Concrete was for the kitchen's countertops because of its durability and because two of its main ingredients, sand and water, are in abundant supply. Finally, all of the kitchen's old appliances were recycled and replaced with Energy Star-rated appliances. Although Bounds' desire to "go green" lengthened the project to more than 16 months, it also had a number of benefits. For instance, the renovation cost about $26,000 less than the average upscale, 200-square-foot kitchen remodel last year, according to Remodeling Magazine. In addition, a recent study of real estate listings in Seattle has shown that homes that are certified as being "green" sold for an 11 percent premium per square foot and sat on the market for a quarter less time.
Green Not Yet the New Black
Financial Times ( 05/29/08 ) P. 2; Harvey, Fiona
WWF, a conservation charity, has issued a report saying that luxury firms need to do more to justify their value amid a "resource-constrained and unequal world." The November report on luxury products found that luxury brands are slow to "recognize their responsibilities and opportunities." Non-luxury brands, in comparison, have achieved more green targets. High-end brands might be reluctant to support sustainability because they view it as incompatible. Environmentalists are viewed as low-key and preferring home-grown goods. However, luxury brands can focus on natural materials that are customized for customers, commanding premium prices. Roy Tam, for example, makes eco-furniture in Dorset, United Kingdom, relying on young wood from local trees that have no been dried in kilns. Julian Brooks, managing director of GreenMoves, an estate agent Web site, observes that there are more high-end eco homes than middle- or low-range ones.
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Standing Room Only
Chicago Tribune (04/24/08) P. C1; Brewster, Elizabeth
Today's high-end bathrooms often feature such things as showers that function both as steam showers and regular showers. To create a spa-like feel, homeowners are also using porcelain tiles that resemble limestone. The National Kitchen & Bath Association reports that 32 percent of households that remodeled a full bath in 2007 installed a separate shower, compared to 28 percent in 2006. The typical cost for bathroom overhauls can range from $16,000 to more than $50,000, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2007 Cost Versus Value Report. Janice Costa, author of "Grand Master Baths" and editor of Kitchen & Bath Design News, notes that the shower industry is focusing on delivering instant luxury, unlike whirlpools that take about 20 minutes to fill. Luxury shower stalls take up less room than whirlpools, says Costa, and new innovations minimize the need for special plumbing. Designer Pamela Polvere says new bathrooms often feature such things as small recesses for placing one's toes when shaving, and metal shelves on the shower wall. Community Home Supply President Robert Lando says the price of a stand-alone shower can rise with such things as a custom-made shower stall base, a thicker glass enclosure, and a tank-less water heater.
Kitchen Encounters
New York Daily News (05/16/08) P. 6; Sheftell, Jason
Real estate agents estimate that kitchen renovations can add threefold the value of the dollar amount invested. George Despotopoulos, the owner of Knossos Furniture, notes that cabinets can cost $150 to more than $2,000 per linear foot, while countertops of marble, granite, Corian, and Caser stone range from $65 to $80 per square foot. Knossos is the only New York distributor for Miton Kitchens, an Italian line of pre-made kitchen components. He says Miton's quality is comparable to high-end U.S. lines, but prices are reasonable because the parts are made in an automated factory. The Miton line features cabinets in nearly 150 colors to match Benjamin Moore paints, curved glass cabinets, and round carousels with cabinets for cooking islands. Sheldon Malc, director of showrooms for Davis & Warshow, says kitchens are now becoming more environmentally friendly and favor quality over price. For instance, Dornbracht faucets costing nearly $1,000 are popular as are drawers inside sinks and hidden storage. "Designers and buyers have to stay up on kitchen technology to make sure new kitchens don't outdate themselves too soon," says Malc.
A Bathroom Face-Lift
Louisville Courier Journal (KY) (05/17/08) P. 3E; Gomez, Teena Hammond
Bathroom remodeling can make a house sell quicker, since modern bathrooms are one of the things that potential homebuyers consider prior to making an offer. In the East South Central region of the nation, the typical mid-range bathroom remodeling project in 2007 came to $14,559 and the homeowner earned back $12,155, or 83.5 percent, when selling, Remodeling magazine states. To make improvements without spending that amount of money, smaller changes can be made, such as repainting the walls in a different color. Updated hardware, including towel rods and toilet-paper holders, can also make a bathroom look more modern. Erecting framed mirrors on sinks instead of a single massive one taking up the whole bathroom wall is also popular. A lot of homeowners are getting rid of their oversized bathtubs and are now implementing luxury walk-in showers. The color trend for bathrooms continues to be natural, and tile is popular, also in neutral colors. Glass and travertine provide a spa-like atmosphere, and furniture vanities are in vogue.
Island Innovations: Make the Most of Your Kitchen Space
Imperial Valley News (04/20/08)
Kitchen islands are often regarded as a home's focal point. An island's dimensions should be at least 4 feet long and just over 2 feet deep, says architect Duo Dickinson at This Old House Magazine. Popular features for islands include central island cooktops, sinks/faucets, and butcher blocks. They are also being customized by adding multiple levels. Higher levels can accommodate guests for informal entertaining, while lower levels could provide work space. Islands should ideally have sufficient shelves and drawers to hold key ingredients while cooking, cookbooks, and utensils. Another growing trend it hand-applying custom finishes like circles and waves that add uniqueness to the countertop. Finishing touches for the island area include vertical cabinet and drawer pulls, bar stools, and pendant lighting.
Today's Hot Kitchens Stress Contrast, Clean Lines and a Dash of Whimsy
Detroit News (04/19/08) Markoutsas, Elaine
Homeowners remodeling kitchens are interested in better aesthetics and state-of-the-art appliances that improve operations. Chicago designer Mick De Giulio says his customers are becoming more artistic and reactive, which is more unique than other designs, such as ones with travel themes. He explains the newer styles involve blending elements of a particular style but giving it a twist, sometimes by using traditional materials in an unusual fashion. Some of the newest options include an AvantGarde multimedia hood from Siemens that has a LCD flat screen in the chimney as well as a CD and DVD player. Some of the latest appliances are using oil-rubbed bronze-finished appliances, giving a kitchen a warmer look that stainless steel. A variety of colors are now being used, such as cabinets in matte white or high-gloss red, which give a different feeling than wood-colored veneers. The espresso-colored wood wenge is also appearing in kitchens, as is natural walnut, bamboo, and teak. Another modern design for kitchens is a horizontal system, including long shelves and an incorporated system for hanging utensils.
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