Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2017 30 I n early May, Vent-A-Hood hosted a special event for the company's 84th anniversary with a one-of-a-kind celebration following their National Distributor Meeting. A STAR-SPANGLED CELEBRATION In celebration of this milestone, Vent-A-Hood hosted an all-day event for their long-standing distributors, retailers and suppliers, starting with a breakfast and special keynote presentation from former First Lady of the United States Mrs. Laura Bush. Mrs. Bush was introduced to the audience by legendary Dallas philanthropist Mrs. Ruth Altshuler, long-time friend to Mrs. Bush and daughter of Vent-A-Hood founder Carr Collins. "I know something about family businesses," Mrs. Bush said about Vent-A-Hood when she addressed the crowd. "Ours was politics." She followed with a wonderful speech, both light-hearted and serious at times, as she shared what it was like in the business of politics. And in addition to her most cherished role today as a grandmother, she shared her new focus with the former President at The George W. Bush Insti- tute, which they oversee at The George W. Bush Presidential Library. With freedom being the overriding focus of the institute's initiatives and the causes it supports around the world, Mrs. Bush included the theme of the free enterprise system — a founding principle for businesses like Vent-A-Hood in America. MANUFACTURING IN AMERICA The event illustrated that manufacturing in America remains a solid foundation upon which to operate a business. The pride that comes with creating jobs, manufacturing products, serving customers, and maintaining a legacy is a role that many brands should continue to champion. America and manufacturing have always been synonymous, but drastic changes have impacted the industry in recent years. There are many examples of manufacturing jobs being moved overseas, doubtful to return. Despite this, there is a sentiment that being made in America still means something, both to consumers and manufacturers alike. And it's a position that Vent-A-Hood and other peer organizations in the U.S. should continue to defend and protect. Vent-A-Hood's dedication to manufacturing in America is unwavering. And in a free economy where competition is welcome, they continue to succeed by their steadfast focus on innovation and staying true to their core values. By catering to customers that are willing to make a lasting investment in their kitchen with the purchase of a premium range hood, Vent-A-Hood has built an incredible history for the brand's reputation. Over 84-years we have kept up with (and created many) design and industry trends. Most recently the introduction of Build-A-Hood, the world's first interactive range hood design portal, has blazed yet another trail in the kitchen and bath industry. The pioneering spirit and entrepreneurial drive that launched the brand more than eight decades ago continues to drive their efforts and the broader made in America initiative ever forward. Respecting a successful history while pushing the boundaries of what lies ahead will ensure a leadership position for manufacturers for decades to come. M A N U F A C T U R E R [ N O T E S ] RO VENT-A-HOOD CELEBRATES 84 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE Keynote presentation from former First Lady of the United States Mrs. Laura Bush

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