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SUMMER IN THE CITY -- HOT TOWN, COOL EVENTS!

This month is all about summer vacations and outdoor living. Whether you're planning day trips to the shore, enjoying your backyard oasis, or taking an extended getaway. The city is buzzing with excitement, offering an array of events. There's something for everyone, from live concerts in city parks to celebrating America's 248th birthday or DOT’s City Streets program. Sports enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the thrill of Wimbledon, while Francophiles won't want to miss the FIAF NY Alliance's incredible Bastille Day celebration on July 14th on 59 St. & Madison Avenue. Ohh, the unforgettable upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Even non-jocks like me find this inspirational!

Our NYC chapter joins the summer fun with the annual summer social on Wednesday, July 17th. Hosted with our sister organizations, this exclusive event at the Ferguson PH Showroom in the A&D building

showcases the benefits of being part of our vibrant community.

Don't miss the 2024 Technology Designer Magazine Performance Home Awards. The deadline has been extended to July 22nd. The prestigious NKBs Kitchen & Bath Design & Industry Awards deadline is July 26th. And remember to nominate your favorite "30 Under 30" designers by August 31st. 

Explore our events calendar to gear up for exciting activities and updates in the Kitchen & Bath (K&B) industry! Don’t miss Atlanta's highly anticipated  (IWF) this August. Thanks to our generous sponsor, Richelieu, you can enjoy complimentary passes to the IWF. Be sure to join them at the cocktail reception at the Richelieu Atlanta Showroom on August 7th, where a convenient shuttle service will be provided. Free registration links can be found in the article.

We warmly welcome our new NKBA members in our Spotlight column. This month, we’re featuring auxiliary council member Tony Monteleone, celebrating his eclectic career and his leadership in chairing the 25th-anniversary gala and co-chairing the Summer Social.

In this month’s NKBA Anecdotal, past president Kent Brasloff takes us down memory lane to reminisce about 2004.

We’re also thrilled to introduce our new sponsor, FreePower, who brings cutting-edge technology to the K&B industry. A special shout-out to the Membership Committee for doubling our membership since last year. Keep up the excellent work!

Long An Afterthought, Lighting Is Taking Center Stage In K&B Design – NKBA Lighting Summit

Earlier this month, NKBA | KBIS hosted the inaugural NKBA Lighting Summit at Lutron’s Global Experience Center in New York. Members can download the exclusive NKBA | KBIS Lighting in Kitchen & Bath Design Report for free here. Another fantastic NKBA benefit! See the article and fun photos of the afternoon festivities in Events of Interest.

Looking Ahead–Dates to Save

Board officers, council members, committee members, sponsors, and volunteers, mark your calendars for an exclusive gourmet dining experience, cocktails, fine Napa wines, and a seated savory dinner on August 15th! We’re hosting an exclusive dinner at the Wegner PH Showroom to honor and show appreciation for our volunteers and sponsors' dedication and hard work. The evening is sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite & Wegner Cabinetry. By invitation only.

CEDIA kicks-off September with our sponsor, Technology Designer, hosting a “Day of Discovery” on September 5th. And don't miss the 3rd Annual Award-Winning EduDay on Tuesday, October 8th, featuring a full day of fun learning activities. Be sure to read Diana Mosher’s lead article for more details on it and our 25th Year celebrations. 

Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to seeing you at these fantastic events! We hope you have some wonderful plans to enjoy your summer. We welcome our sponsors and committee members to attend our monthly council/ board meetings, either in person or via Zoom. So let Rose, our treasurer, know if you want to attend or join our council. 

Warm regards,

Charlé-John

President, NKBA-NYC Chapter

MEET TONY MONTELEONE, FOUNDER AND CEO, MONTELEONE CONSULTING

By Diana Mosher -- During his 30-plus years as a sales and marketing professional, Tony Monteleone has built great relationships with the technology, custom installation, and interior design communities. His career includes positions as Group Publisher of Dealerscope and Connected Design, Associate Publisher of Metrosource, and Advertising Director of Time Out New York. Now, as Founder and CEO of Monteleone Consulting, he’s striving to push the boundaries of design and technology, creating spaces that meet and exceed client expectations. Tony is also extremely active in the NKBA Manhattan Chapter as a member of the Auxiliary Council.

Tell us about the work you do in the kitchen and bath industry.

A passion for excellence and innovation drives my consulting business. My involvement with the NKBA and other industry organizations allows me to stay at the forefront of trends and advancements, ensuring that I provide the best possible service to my clients and contribute meaningfully to the industry.

I enjoy moderating panels and speaking at key industry events; these engagements allow me to share my knowledge and facilitate discussions on how technology and design intersect to create exceptional kitchen and bath spaces. In addition, I am helping with the sponsorship of the NKBA Manhattan Chapter. I am excited about being the co-chair of the upcoming Summer Social and the Chair of our 25th Anniversary/Holiday party.   

I am committed to continuous learning and professional growth for myself and others in the industry. I mentor up-and-coming designers, guide career development, and support initiatives that foster professional advancement within the kitchen and bath community.

When and why did you join NKBA Manhattan?

I joined the NKBA Manhattan Chapter in 2019 at MaryEllen Oswald's strong suggestion. MaryEllen believed that being part of this esteemed organization would be invaluable for gaining deep insights into the kitchen and bath community. MaryEllen Oswald's recommendation was pivotal. She emphasized the importance of understanding the kitchen and bath industry's intricacies, trends, and community, which the NKBA offers comprehensively. Eventually, I became the Group Publisher of Connected Design.

A defining moment in my journey with NKBA was meeting Toni Sabatino, then President of the NKBA Manhattan Chapter, at ICFF. We collaborated on a smart home project for CE WEEK at the Javits Center. Toni was excellent to work with, and together, we successfully assembled all the home's contents in just one day at ICFF. This experience solidified my appreciation for the collaborative spirit and efficiency within the NKBA community.

What's the best part of NKBA Manhattan membership?

Being part of the Manhattan chapter allowed me to connect with leading industry professionals, including designers, architects, manufacturers, and suppliers. These connections have been instrumental in expanding my professional network and keeping me updated on the latest trends and technologies.

The NKBA provides numerous opportunities for professional development, including leadership roles and committee participation. These experiences have enriched my career and allowed me to contribute to the growth and success of the organization. I am blessed to have moderated panels at CEDIA, Education Day, the National Lighting Summit at our Summer Social, and others to show the bridge of Technology and how wonderful it works with design to keep the client happy.

The camaraderie and support from fellow NKBA members have been invaluable. The sense of community and shared passion for the industry fosters an environment of collaboration and mutual growth. Unfortunately, I lost my mother in 2023, and the support I received from the NYC chapter was beyond heartwarming. I am so happy and proud to join the NKBA family.

Tell us about the intersection of technology and kitchen and bath design. What trends are you watching?

The intersection of technology and kitchen and bath design continues to evolve, offering exciting possibilities for creating more efficient, personalized, and sustainable spaces. Four tech trends that I find particularly intriguing are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT) Integration, Sustainable and Eco-friendly Technologies, and Advanced Materials and Finishes.

By staying at the forefront of technological innovation, embracing new ideas and approaches, and collaborating with industry partners and stakeholders, we can help shape a future where kitchen and bath spaces are not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to homeowners' evolving needs and preferences. It's an exciting journey, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. 

LIGHTING RESEARCH REPORT

NKBA has just released its first-ever Lighting Research Report, packed with valuable insights for the kitchen and bath industry. Click here to read now.

"Lighting has become critical to health and well-being. We live stressful lives and being able to have your home truly be a haven where you feel good and you’re able to rest from stress is important."

— Designer Jennifer McGee, a participant in the NKBA | KBIS 2024 Lighting Report

CELEBRATING OUR 25th YEAR

A LOOK BACK TO 2004

By Kent Brasloff – Boy, does that take me back. This was the NKBA Manhattan Product Fair, Autumn 2003 or 2004, I think. We did the fair for several years before it went out of fashion. It was a huge effort involving up to 30 vendors in a rental loft in the far west 30's. We always had a great turnout and great food. It was so much more "small town" then, with mom-and-pop vendors like Krups and larger companies like Viking, Eastern Marketing, Simon's Hardware, Sub Zero, Dornbracht, and Artistic Tile. Everyone knew everyone else, and it was a great opportunity to be seen and get caught up with the latest trends.

Looking through the photos: (Above) Kent Brasloff, Product Fair Liaison, and his design studio assistant Patti Strauss.

First Row Below: That's Dave Burcher from Quintessentials talking to Marilyn Sher of Viking. Lillian O'Bourke was with Viking. At the table, Tara Anderson (seated) of Quintessentials, Michael Catania (later Chapter president), and Steve Trofumik, both of Quintessentials, are standing.

Bottom Row: at the buffet, Roberta Kravette (middle back R) is also a former chapter president. Renee Pequex. If I'm right, that's Joan Gibbs with her back to the camera. 

STAY CONNECTED! Get Social with the Manhattan Chapter

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

The Communications Committee seeks a co-newsletter chair or editor for outbound marketing to supply or report on relevant industry news. We'd love you to join our team if you have social media or writing skills. Please contact Communications@nkbamanhattan.com.

• Membership Questions: Ask Jeannine! 
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• Learn more about our Sponsor Opportunities. Toni can help!
• Join our Advocacy committee to give back to our local community. Talk with Rose
• Our Manhattan Chapter exists to serve you, our members! Give some love to our social media accounts—the best way to stay in touch. 

THANK YOU to the sponsors of NKBA Manhattan Chapter

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NKBA Manhattan Chapter | nkbamanhattan.org

The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through the creation of certifications, marketplaces, and networks.

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