Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2018 30 T he National Kitchen & Bath Association revealed that Monogram, a brand of GE Appliances, a Haier company, has generously signed on to sponsor its Students of the Industry program. Students of the Industry cultivates the growth and develop-ment of future industry talent in the kitchen and bath space. All design and tradecraft students in interior design-related programs at two- or four-year colleges, universities, technical institutes or trade schools are invited to join the NKBA at no cost. There are approximately 2,000 student members in the association. NKBA also supports some 30 student chapters throughout its education network, which has been enhanced through the new Affiliated Schools program and now comprises 66 schools — and the list is growing. "We are delighted that Monogram is sponsoring our 2018 Students of the Industry program," said Suzie Williford, vice president of industry relations for NKBA. "Partnerships like this are so important for our industry. This one, in particular, helps to develop a thriving student program, and affords networking for the next generation of kitchen and bath professionals while giving an industry leader like Monogram deeper understanding into their thought process. It keeps the future in sharp focus." "Monogram Appliances is very excited to sponsor the NKBA 2018 Students of the Industry," said Edward Mammorella, marketing manager of Monogram Appliances. "Through this partnership, Monogram feels there will be mutual and significant benefits to both the student participants and Monogram Appliances. We believe having a constructive forum to share ideas, have meaningful conversation, and listen to what's top-of-mind from our next generation of industry leaders is an invaluable opportunity. The insights we gain from events and forums like this help us better understand current market trends and represent an important component of our product development and customer support processes. Monogram feels it's both an honor and a privilege to share ideas with this knowledgeable and important group of individuals. We are looking forward to a great 2018 at KBIS with Students of the Industry." The sponsorship also grants student members a free expo pass to KBIS, which is owned by NKBA, and runs Jan. 9 to 11, 2018, in Orlando, Florida. At KBIS 2018, Monogram will host a coffee-and-donut reception in the NKBA booth for students and educators, and the company will have the opportunity to present at the Educators Forum on Monday, Jan. 8, the day before the show opens. The NKBA has been a key player in promoting education in design and related fields, helping colleges, technical institutes, and vocational and trade schools prepare thousands of students for lucrative careers in design and remodeling. This fall, the association began phasing in a revamped program with an enhanced process to better serve the needs of students, educators and schools. The Affiliated Schools program ultimately will provide an online community tailored to educators with discussion forums, lesson plan repositories, best-practice guides, curriculum and other resources, online forums to network with other educators in similar fields, access to internship, mentorship portals, and more. M A N U F A C T U R E R [ N O T E S ] RO MONOGRAM APPLIANCES TO SPONSOR NKBA STUDENT MEMBERSHIP Monogram, GE's premium appliance brand, will underwrite funding for the Students of the Industry program

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