NKBA: 50
Years of Leadership Through Learning
NKBA is
proud to be celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, marking half a century
of dedication to industry education, networking and raising the professionalism
of our membership. Here are just a few of the milestones in our accomplished
history. See more at Then &
Now.
AIKD (Now
NKBA) Founded April 1963
Inspired by
a letter from Kitchen Kompact rep Leon Raider expressing the need for a dealer
association, a small group of kitchen dealers met in 1963 near Philadelphia,
contributed $463, and formed the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers (AIKD).
Dues were set at $10 a month and H. Dean Church of Custom Kitchens by Church,
Swarthmore, Pa., was elected the first president.
The group
set goals 50 years ago that are still the cornerstone of the association today,
including “Education, Standards and Advertising and Public Relations.”
First CKD
1968
An early founder
of AIKD, Robert Wieland, became the first CKD after the Association spent
several years developing the requirements and applying for a patent on the term
“Certified Kitchen Designer.”
The program
goal was to ensure that “kitchen specialist is a valued and recognized
profession” and to encourage people to “make kitchen design a career.”
First
Kitchen Industry Technical Manuals 1972
In
keeping with its goal of furthering industry education AIKD signed an agreement
with the University of Illinois Small Homes Council to develop the first five
Kitchen Industry Technical Manuals. These became the basis of certification.
First
Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 1981
In 1981, the
AIKD Kitchen Show changed its name to the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show
(KBIS). That show, initially a very small gathering, has grown to be the
largest professional kitchen and bath industry show in the world.
Association
Name Change 1983
In 1983, the American
Institute of Kitchen Dealers changed its name to the National Kitchen &
Bath Association (NKBA) to address the interests of the growing bathroom
industry. That same year, the NKBA created the Ambassadors’ Club to recognize
members who have added to the growth of the Association by recruiting new members.
First CBD
1989
The
Certified Bath Designer (CBD) program was created by NKBA to certify
professionals who specialize in the design, planning, and execution of
residential bathrooms, and prove advanced knowledge of technical and personal communication
skills required to succeed as a design specialist. Martha Kerr became the first
CBD in 1989.
Hall of
Fame Created 1989
To mark its 25th
Anniversary, NKBA created the industry’s first Hall of Fame. It honors
individuals who have contributed to the growth and professionalism of the
Association and the kitchen and bath industry as a whole.
First
Kitchen & Bath Design Guidelines 1992
First
revised in 1992, the Association's 31 Kitchen Guidelines and 27
Bathroom Guidelines now reflect the current industry environment,
future trends, consumer lifestyles, new research, new building codes, and
current industry practices.
First
Lead Generation Program and First Consumer Kitchen & Bath Planners
1995
NKBA began
an ambitious lead generation program for its members in 1995 and offered its
first consumer planners.The “Direct to Your Door” consumer
marketing program generated 4,000 leads that year.
Today the Kitchen
Planner and Bath Planner produce qualified leads of consumers
who are actively researching a kitchen or bath project.
First
PRLs Published 2006
In 2006 NKBA totally
revamped its Kitchen and Bath Industry Technical Manuals, creating instead the
full-color Professional Resource Library. The nine volumes, all written and reviewed
by industry experts, are now being updated and expanded.
First
Kitchen & Bath Career Center and Industry Directory 2011 - 2012
Created in 2012, the
Kitchen & Bath Career Center (KitchenAndBathCareerCenter.com) serves
as the premier electronic recruitment resource for the industry. The
NKBA’s Business to Business Industry Directory offers a way for industry
professionals to conduct targeted searches for products and services.
New
Design and Construction Week Show For KBIS and IBS Announced 2013
Beginning in
2014, the new Design and Construction Week, with KBIS and IBS
side-by-side, will put NKBA at the epicenter of one of the world’s largest
gatherings focused on new ideas, products and technologies to design, build and
remodel homes.
First
Learning Path Program 2013 -2014
Staying true
to its original mission, NKBA enters its 50th year beginning the
roll out of its most robust educational program ever, The Learning Paths, with
career tracks in eight competency areas from beginner through advanced levels.
All are offered conveniently through its new Learning Management System (LMS).
Today, the NKBA is the premier association for kitchen and bath professionals, with nearly 60,000 members.