THE WHOLESALER® — JANUARY 2011•


INDUSTRY NEWS K/BIS gets makeover, upgrades (Continued from NKBA, page 1.)


The NKBA and partner Nielsen Exhibitions have enhanced K/BIS with the introduction of mobile applications, interactive and hands-on displays, and an expanded array of conferences and events. “In response to the


rebrand K/BIS to mirror the significant changes in the show.” The new changes will be apparent to attendees


challenges of today’s economy, our members and exhibitors have changed the way they do business to be more pro- ductive,” said Dave Al- derman, president-elect of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. “Our goal at K/BIS is to make sure we provide the most up-to-date tools and trends to help them stay successful.” Beginning in 2010, an extensive research proj-


ect was initiated to help re-define the strategic direction of the show for the future. Focus groups were conducted with hundreds of past and pres- ent exhibitors, attendees and NKBA members, which resulted not only in new exhibits, speakers and education, but in a re-branded strategic po- sition as well. The new logo and tagline, “Col- laborate. Innovate. Inspire.”, developed by show organizer Freeman will debut with the attendee outreach campaign in November. The branding campaign will be seen in advertising and collat- eral materials, as well as on the re-launched www.KBIS.com. “Attendees and exhibitors provided invaluable insights into what they wanted from K/BIS, and they will see those changes reflected on the trade show floor, in the conferences and speakers, and even in the way they can navigate the show and collaborate with each other,” said Brian Pagel, vice president of the Kitchen and Bath Group for Nielsen Expositions. “We felt it was important to


trade show floor, in the conferences and speakers, and even in the way they can navigate the show and collaborate with each other.”


“Attendees and exhibitors provided invaluable insights into what they wanted from K/BIS, and they will see those changes reflected on the


long before they arrive at the show. K/BIS Con- nect, an online scheduling and mapping tool, will allow attendees and exhibitors to plan and update meetings and classes, as well as research and re- view exhibits and prod- ucts. And for the first time, a K/BIS smart- phone app will be avail- able, beginning in January. Attendees will also be able to download a K/BIS QR (quick re- sponse) code to access show guides and materi- als throughout the venue. K/BIS 2011 will be


kicked off by keynote speaker Pat Croce, best- known for leading the Philadelphia 76ers through their dramatic “worst to first” turnaround as the team president. The comprehensive conference and education


schedule has been built around the topics most requested by member and attendees, prominently including, “Moving Your Business Digital,” by kitchen and bath technology specialist John Mor- gan, and “Gen-Now” by nationally-recognized columnist and designer Sarah Reep. The NextGen Home Experience will feature two fully-functioning homes: the Eco-home, featur- ing the latest products and trends in sustainabil- ity, and another featuring universal design. Also new this year will be the Industry Seg-


ment Connection, a networking and educational event targeted to professionals in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry. The conference and education slate has been greatly expanded, with a number of conferences available to view online, another first. Visit www.KBIS.com or www.NKBA.org.


Renewable energy focus of new VP Supply division (Continued from VP Supply, page 1.)


December 6-8, where a 20KW commercial sys- tem was added to an existing 10KW residential system. Contractors attended both classroom and on-site training to educate them in renewable in- stallation practices. VP Supply instituted a Renewable Division in


the beginning of 2009 and has since taken on full lines of wind, solar hot water, solar photovoltaic, geothermal HVAC, rainwater collection and waste water treatment. The department has been a pioneering force towards VP Supply’s goal to become a more “green” conscious company. The department features regular state-of-the-art train- ing courses on all renewable related installations, keeping the contractors of Western New York up to date with the innovative and ever-changing technology. VP Supply has eight locations spanning across


New York State and Pennsylvania, including the major regional areas of Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo and Erie, Pa. The Renewable Energy training courses have attracted contractors as far


as Philadelphia and New Jersey. The department consists of Renewable Energy director Mike Parks, and director of Renewable Energy Dealer Development Jay Didas. VP Supply Corporation is a Rochester-based


company that provides wholesale plumbing, HVAC, kitchen and renewable energy products to both contractors and a retail audience. Since 1965, VP Supply has consistently offered quality products with top-of-the-line customer service to its customers. Visit www.vpsupply.com.


Expansion (Continued from Cash Acme, page 1.) The new facility comes on the heels of a major


expansion in Cullman that was completed in 2009. It will create an additional jobs in Cullman related to continuing growth of the water control product lines marketed by both Cash Acme and SharkBite. Visit www.cashacme.com.


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