Industry News

New funding expands foundation’s roster of funded partners to 52 organizations offering scalable training programs in dozens of states

The Lowe’s Foundation  announced nearly $9 million in Gable Grants to strengthen 15 nonprofits on the front lines of a growing skilled trades workforce movement. From Alaska to Mississippi, each organization is helping prepare new tradespeople as rising wages fuel more career opportunities. Over the past 12 months in construction alone, average hourly earnings have risen 4.4%, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.

“We listen closely to contractors and know that many candidates don’t have the necessary skills to fill the wide range of open trades positions,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “Through modern training methods, these nonprofits are unlocking the workforce’s potential while building an economy that rewards skills, not just titles or four-year degrees.”

Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded over $34 million in Gable Grants to help educate and advocate for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The grants support training programs focusing on carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and appliance repair.

“We are grateful for the support of the Lowe’s Foundation and their Gable Grants that will help fund the training of the next generation of skilled trade professionals,” said Jim Tobin, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders. “All of these deserving grant recipients play a pivotal role in helping to strengthen the residential construction workforce, and we stand in support of their efforts.”

The new Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants support the following community-based nonprofits:

Alaska Works (Anchorage, Alaska) will expand its free, hands-on construction training program in Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Mat-Su region. The expansion includes additional funds for carpentry, plumbing and electrical training to include building maintenance and additional support for participants.

Hope Renovations (Carrboro, North Carolina) plans to double its number of skilled trades graduates by offering more cohorts at its Raleigh and Durham locations. Its pre-apprenticeship program empowers individuals to enter the construction industry while offering critical home repairs for adults aging in place.

Latino Academy of Workforce Development (Madison, Wisconsin) will support various cohorts of students through a bilingual skilled trades program featuring industry-recognized safety certifications, blueprint reading, financial education and more. For over a decade, the nonprofit has worked closely with employers and regional workforce development boards to support over 10,000 individuals in south-central Wisconsin.

Moore Community House (Biloxi, Mississippi) will build on its construction program with an electrical 101 course, specific to residential construction. The nonprofit will also grow its pre-apprenticeship course through modules that introduce masonry, flooring, roof framing, HVAC and plumbing.

Next Step of West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Michigan) will equip its new training facility to continue construction on dozens of tiny and small homes through a seven-week training program. The nonprofit offers on-the-job training and employment opportunities in construction, carpentry and wood product manufacturing.

Nontraditional Employment for Women (New York) plans to recruit and train more than 300 individuals annually for building and construction trades careers. The grant will also support individualized employment plans, peer support and mentoring events as the nonprofit expands its size and operations.

North Alabama Homebuilding Academy (Huntsville, Alabama) will reach hundreds of new aspiring skilled trades students across Alabama through new satellite programs and a 16-session course. The course culminates with a job fair featuring local employers who have immediate hiring needs and is supported by the Huntsville Madison County Builders Association, a chapter of the National Association of Home Builders.

SER Metro-Detroit Jobs for Progress (Detroit) will expand ReBuild Detroit, a free eight-week apprenticeship readiness training program licensed by the state of Michigan. The program offers industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA 30, and career pathways in the skilled trades through SER’s extensive network of employer partners.

Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh) will increase the capacity of its 10-week, tuition-free masonry and carpentry training program by 25% while exploring expansion beyond Pittsburgh. The grant will also support new instructors and case managers to help remove barriers to employment through holistic services like life coaching and therapy.

Uncommon Construction (New Orleans) will enhance its alumni Career Pathways program, develop certification curriculum for adults and complete renovations to its new training facility. The organization offers on-the-job training to support safe and affordable housing in the area.

Additionally, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded a Gable Grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) as a new national nonprofit partner. BGCA will use its grant to enhance skilled trades job readiness programs for young adults (ages 16-24) at three pilot club locations in Hobe Sound, Florida; Madison, Wisconsin; and Seattle.

The foundation has also renewed partnerships with national nonprofits Goodwill Industries International, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and SkillsUSA. These partnerships will continue to support a variety of skilled trades training programs, including wraparound services and targeted workforce development in communities impacted by natural disasters.

The next Gable Grant application cycle for community and technical colleges will run from March 1 to March 31. To learn more about eligibility guidelines and the pressing challenges facing the skilled trades, visit Lowes.com/Foundation.

The Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) heat pump line offers maximum comfort, minimal energy use and a gentler environmental impact due to A2L refrigerant R-454B

Bosch Home Comfort, a leading source of high-quality heating, cooling and hot water systems, announces the market launch of its Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) Family (R-454B Version) heat pump product line. Equipped with R-454B refrigerant, the newest IDS Family products meet the criteria for a lower global warming potential (low-GWP) A2L refrigerant.

“Our inverter heat pumps are known for providing quicker, quieter, steadier and more efficient heating and cooling – and with the introduction of the low-GWP R454B refrigerant, consumers can add a reduced carbon footprint to this list of benefits,“ said Shiyu Liu, Senior Product Manager. “This launch is the latest testament to Bosch’s commitment to leading the charge on preparing for the industry-wide shift to A2L refrigerants. We’re proud to be among pioneers advancing the industry in this direction towards a cleaner energy future, spearheading initiatives in contractor education, training, enhanced product lines and more.”

This refrigerant upgrade comes amid the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-mandated phasedown of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants – like the R-410A refrigerant– due to their greater greenhouse gas emissions. As of January 1, 2025, all new residential and light commercial HVAC units must be manufactured with low GWP A2L refrigerants, such as R-454B.

Modulating inverter systems provide customers supremely efficient comfort by adjusting compressor capacity – smoothly ramping up production and using only the energy needed to achieve the desired temperature, resulting in reduced energy consumption and less stress on the system’s life cycle.

The IDS Family R-454B product line is comprised of the following systems:

• IDS Light, a premium inverter technology solution for warmer climates. This 15 SEER2 system delivers the steady energy use and minimal noise expected of an IDS system at an unbeatable price point.
• IDS Plus, an 18-SEER2 system that provides inverter-powered home comfort without breaking the bank. This system combines Bosch’s BOVB18 outdoor unit with its BVA20 two stage x13 ECM style air handler to balance efficiency, comfort and affordability.
• IDS Premium Connected, a 20-SEER2 system that maximizes home comfort while minimizing energy usage. Like its predecessor, the IDS Premium Connected R454B version can be used with the Bosch EasyAir app to enable in-app product registration, simplify installation and troubleshooting, remotely monitor energy usage, and send critical alerts.
• IDS Ultra, the first Bosch air-to-air heat pump designed to provide reliable, energy efficient heating even in sub-zero temperatures. This cold climate heat pump can provide 100% heating down to an outdoor temperature of 5° F at 2.1 COP and will continue to initiate heating even down to -13° F. The IDS Ultra is available up to 5-ton capacities and meets the U.S. Department of Energy’s Cold Climate Challenge.
• BGH96 Gas Furnace, now compatible with the R-454B IDS Family products/systems, delivers 96% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) and is operational with low-global warming potential refrigerants. The BGH96 is a dual fuel system, bringing the ideal solution for comfort and efficiency across seasonal weather changes.
• Cased Coils, which are air source heat pump and geothermal accessories from Bosch. The latest Bosch Cased Coil and Uncased Coil units (BMAC)are compatible with A2L refrigerant R-454B IDS solutions and continue to deliver unmatched performance and efficiency levels.
• R-454B Air Handler Units, which are available for each system type: the BIVA15, BIWA16, and BICA16 for IDS Light; the BIVA20 for IDS Plus and IDS Premium Connected; and the BIVA IDS Ultra air handler.

Bosch’s IDS Family heat pumps featuring the low-GWP R-454B refrigerant are available for purchase now. For more information on the IDS Family and other Bosch Home Comfort solutions, please visit: https://www.boschhomecomfort.com/us/en/ocs/residential/inverter-ducted-split-ids-heat-pump1098929-c/

Trane, American Standard, and Workiz forge ahead with future integrations, empowering small to midsize HVAC companies enabling their business growth

Workiz, the leading provider of field service management (FSM) solutions, announced today a new collaboration with Trane and American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning. The two brands account for a large share of the residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. This strategic relationship marks another significant milestone for Workiz as it continues to grow its market share in the home services space and underscores its commitment to advancing the HVAC business landscape specifically.

Trane and American Standard, brands of Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator, specialize in cutting-edge HVAC systems and controls, with Trane being named America’s Most Trusted Residential HVAC Brand for the 11^th consecutive year by Lifestory Research. Through the collaboration with Trane and American Standard, Workiz aims to empower HVAC contractors with an innovative FSM platform supporting streamlined and easier operations to help support contractors’ business growth.

Trusted by over 120,000 service professionals, Workiz consistently earns the top spot on Forbes lists, G2 and other preferred software review sites, for ease of use, implementation, user adoption, and customer satisfaction. Workiz presents cutting-edge technology and provides industry-unique tools, including an AI-powered communication suite, advanced reporting and data analytics solutions, and a robust automation engine to streamline operational and commercial workflows. The integration of the Workiz price book and equipment tracking solutions presents a comprehensive solution tailored to the unique needs of contractors. Designed for small to midsize businesses, Workiz offers a tailored package for HVAC contractors purchasing equipment through the platform.

“With its easy-to-use platform, Workiz offers our dealers an excellent FSM option. We look forward to collaborating with Workiz through future integrations that will bring further simplification to many of the tasks our dealers have to do day in and day out,” says Mary Beth Kime, Strategic Partnerships Leader at Trane Technologies.

The collaboration between Trane, American Standard, and the Workiz platform will offer far-reaching benefits beyond simplifying the ordering process, ensuring a seamless experience, from delivering immediate insight into contractor inventory status, equipment ordering requirements alongside crucial data on equipment availability, pricing, shipment details, acquiring parts from industry leaders and more. In the long run, the collaboration promises to enhance the industry, offering HVAC professionals greater access to the SaaS platform and equipment, along with valuable discounts.

“This collaboration with Trane and American Standard represents a significant leap forward for Workiz and the HVAC industry. We are honored to be chosen to collaborate with Trane and American Standard, reflecting our dedication to providing the most advanced and user-friendly solutions for HVAC businesses,” said Didi Azaria, CEO at Workiz.

As Workiz invests in the future, the company is set to launch a suite of AI features that will further revolutionize the HVAC industry. The partnership with Trane and American Standard signifies a shared commitment to innovation and convenience.

Welcome to the future of HVAC business management with Workiz – where innovation meets simplicity, transforming how HVAC contractors operate and thrive.

Bemis will showcase innovative products and participate in expert-led panels, reinforcing its position as a category leader

Bemis, a leading manufacturer of quality, innovative bathroom products, today announced its upcoming appearance at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), North America’s largest trade show dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design. During the Feb. 25-27 convention, Bemis will exhibit its upcoming products, including the new Universal Fit™ toilet seat, Empower with Clean Care System and the Bemis Living App.

Empower with Clean Care System

Attracting industry professionals and design enthusiasts alike, KBIS showcases the latest trends, cutting-edge products and breakthrough technologies in kitchen and bath design. Bemis will use this key opportunity to introduce the Universal Fit™ toilet seat — a newly designed seat that will accommodate both round and elongated toilet bowls, saving professionals time and money in inventory, and ensuring they have a toilet seat for the job. Bemis will also highlight the recently launched Empower product, which provides independence to those with limited mobility via the innovative Clean Care system.  The exclusive technology provides thorough and consistent perineal cleansing, reducing caregiver burden in settings where toileting assistance is frequent.

The Bemis Living App will also be showcased, offering bidet users a streamlined experience with a high level of customization via their smartphone.  Users can activate their preferred settings including water temperature, pressure, nozzle position, wash duration, and more with the simple push of a button.  Additionally, Bemis will display its innovative range of products, such as the Haven series bidets, potty training seats, and showroom toilet seats during the convention. Bemis products will also be represented in NKBA panel discussions, supporting Bemis’ expertise in bathroom independence.

Universal Toilet Seat

“KBIS provides a dynamic platform where creativity meets functionality — two qualities Bemis prides itself on, especially with the launch of our Universal Fit™toilet seat,” said TJ Stiefvater, vice president of marketing at Bemis. “We up the ante every time we exhibit at KBIS, and look forward to sharing our insights and showcasing our strongest booth yet of lifestyle vignettes and functional products to attendees who are passionate about transforming their bathroom spaces.”

To learn more about Bemis and its products, please visit the team during KBIS at the Las Vegas Convention Center at booth #N2963.