The National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) first-quarter Remodeling Business Pulse (RBP) data of current and future remodeling business conditions is reaching new heights, as quarter-over-quarter increases are seen across all sub-components measuring remodeling activity.

As remodelers approach the busy season, overall current business conditions have seen steady increases since March of 2012, now at a statistically significant 5.97 rating compared with the 5.59 rating from one year before.

“Remodelers nationwide are not only experiencing increased activity right now, but many have a backlog of projects well into the fall,” says Tom O’Grady, CR, CKBR, chairman of NARI’s Strategic…

The Heat & Glo® Twilight Modern indoor/outdoor gas fireplace received top honors from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as the winner of the Best in Outdoor Living Award at the International Builders’ Show in January 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Winners were chosen by an independent judging panel made up of editors and building professionals. Products with the best combination of design, functionality, and innovation were recognized in five categories: Best Home Technology Product, Best in Outdoor Living, Best Indoor Feature, Best Kitchen or Bath Product, and Overall Best in Show.

The Twilight Modern is a two…

The people who attended the Vesta Awards in Orlando heard Stan Hays’ story of Operation BBQ Relief, an organization first formed to help feed the victims and first responders in Joplin, MO after the devastating tornado in 2011. Stan and his volunteers are on their way to West, Texas to help the families in need and the first responders after the explosion that rocked the town. They need your help today.

Operation BBQ Relief needs donations. Besides monetary donations, there is an urgent need for: large aluminum pans, aluminum 1/2 pans, large 18 inch wide aluminum foil rolls, extra large…

Pride Family Brands (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) recently relocated its showroom to the 15th floor of the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, Illinois. The move was precipitated by the Mart’s reconfiguration of the casual- furnishings floors in an effort to accommodate outdoor-furnishings buyers better. Previously located on the 17th floor, the showroom for Pride Family Brands, now located at #1576, encompasses over 11,000 square feet of show space for the company’s luxury cast-aluminum furnishings and accessories.

Steve Lowsky, president, says, “Pride Family Brands is happy to have the relocation project completed and to be in our new home on the 15th…

An elite group of shows vaulted over some 4,000 other trade shows in the United States by growing at seven or more times the average growth rate for 2012—and the International Pool/Spa/Patio Expo made the list. The 50 top performers in each of three categories—net square feet, number of exhibiting companies, and attendance—( totaling 96 individual events) will be honored for their elite status at the Trade Show Executive (TSE) Fastest 50 Awards & Summit, May 8–10, 2013, at the Swissôtel Chicago.

Many of the Fastest 50 shows will be honored in more than one category. The International Pool/Spa/Patio…

Treasure Garden has retained Laurie Rudd Public Relations and Marketing (Winterville, North Carolina) to aid it in its public-relations efforts through traditional and new media venues. Rudd will be charged with assisting the company in the creation of publicity strategies for further marketing of the company’s Treasure Garden and Shademaker brands.

Jeff B. Dorough, vice president of sales and marketing for Treasure Garden, says, “We feel Laurie Rudd’s input and enthusiasm with regard to this industry will be an asset to our marketing team, and we look forward to working with her. We look to the association to raise…

Treasure Garden was given the Supplier of the Year Award for 2013 at the Second Annual Casual Living Conference on February 20–22, 2013, in Tucson, Arizona. Established to celebrate the accomplishments of companies in the casual/outdoor-living industry, the Supplier of the Year Award recognizes one company, each year, that has stood out as making an impact on the overall success of the industry. Accepting the award for Treasure Garden were Oliver Ma, president and CEO, and Margaret Chang, COO.

“I am extremely proud to accept this award in recognition of the accomplishments of our company and the work of…

The nation’s leading event for the hospitality industry, the Hospitality Design Exposition & Conference (HD Expo), will take place at its new location at Mandalay Bay Convention Center from May 15 through 17, 2013. During the threeday conference, attendees can gain insight and inspiration while experiencing what’s new and can learn how to maintain success in the ever-evolving and ultracompetitive world of hospitality design. The show will feature idea-generating and fully accredited educational sessions, awards ceremonies, and special events focused on the latest and most innovative products and services.

Liz Sommerville, group show director for The Hospitality Design Group,…