National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

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.

Las Vegas, NV, January 31 – February 2, 2023 

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) today opened registration for the 2023 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). The annual event, owned by the NKBA and produced by Emerald Expositions, is the largest North American trade expo and networking opportunity for kitchen and bath industry professionals.

“KBIS 2022 staged one of the largest shows globally to serve the industry in the last two years. We are looking forward to building off the success from last year’s show,” said Suzie Williford, NKBA EVP & CSO. “The 2023 show will continue this momentum and be even bigger. KBIS is not only a place for friends and colleagues to catch up, but also a chance for new brands to come to the forefront and grow in the North American market.”

Design & Construction Week® Stronger Than Ever

Design & Construction Week (DCW) continues to be a must-attend event for anyone involved in the design and construction industries.

Founding partners NKBA and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will continue their co-location of KBIS and NAHB’s International Builders’ Show® (IBS) in 2023. DCW 2023 not only marks the 10^th anniversary of the co-location of the KBIS and IBS shows, but the NKBA will be kicking off its 60^th Anniversary as well.

The two shows plan over 985,000 net square feet of exhibit space featuring over 1,300 exhibitors, and nearly 90,000 design and construction professionals are expected to attend.

In addition, the National Hardware Show (NHS) has agreed to show at the Las Vegas Convention Center during Design & Construction Week, giving KBIS, IBS and NHS attendees the opportunity to explore additional products and opportunities to grow their business.

KBIS – Bigger and Better!

The KBIS 2023 show will include over 420,000 net square feet of exhibits and feature more than 400- exhibitors, including industry-leading brands like Beko, Caesarsatone, Cambria, Cosentino, Delta Faucet, ELKAY, Electrolux, GE Appliances, House of Rohl, KOHLER, Miele, Moen, nobilia, Samsung, Signature Kitchen Suite, TOTO and Wilsonart.

Additionally, more than 60 new exhibitors such as TEMPUR+SEALY, SAIENS Inc. and INOXA S.R.L will showcase their latest product launches and innovations. More than 85 global brands from Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Turkey, Spain, China, Mexico and Poland will also be present with unique products not typically found at the event.

“Las Vegas has always proved to be a great host city for KBIS with exceptional attendance turnout in past years, and we are excited to be back,” said Jason McGraw, CAE, CTS, Group Vice President, KBIS and CEDIA Expo, Emerald. “KBIS 2023 is slated to be one of the most impactful events for the industry, filled with the latest innovative products, key trends and educational programming.”

Show Highlights

The 2023 KBIS show will feature diverse programming designed to showcase the latest design trends and topics in kitchen and bath. The NKBA| KBIS Next Stage will feature the industry’s latest trends and insights by leading kitchen and bath experts in a series of engaging panel discussions. Stage favorites Design Bites, Best of KBIS Awards and NKBA’s 30s Choice Awards will return highlighting innovative products at the Show.

More not-to-miss show destinations include the ever-popular Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge, Kickstarter Zone, Global Connect Pavilion, German Pavilion, ICFF Pavilion, the DCW Outdoor Living Pavilion and the new Home Technology Pavilion.

The NKBA kicks off KBIS 2023 with its all-new and much anticipated NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards on Monday, January 31. In addition, show attendees can register to attend nearly 80  educational sessions and workshops as part of the NKBA Voices from the Industry (VFTI). conference.

Register Early and Save

“With the show returning to Las Vegas, there will be high demand for KBIS events and education sessions, so make your plans to participate now,” said McGraw. “We recommend attendees register early and take advantage of discount registration and hotel rates.” 

KBIS registration is here, and NKBA members can sign up for free during the month of September.

Expo Only

• September: FREE registration for NKBA members, $50 for non-members;
• Oct. 1- Dec. 10: Early Bird Rates — $50 for NKBA members, $100 for non-members;
• Dec. 11-Feb. 7: Advance Rates — $100 for NKBA members, $175 for non-members;
• Feb. 8-10: Onsite Rates — $150 for NKBA members, $225 for non-members.

Expo + VFTI Conference

• Expo and 3-day VFTI pass (access to all sessions/workshops plus on-demand program): $350 for NKBA members, $525 for non-members.

Pricing and package details for KBIS and the NKBA VFTI conference are available now. Once attendees register for KBIS, they also can buy tickets to featured events such as NKBA’s Design and Industry Awards, The BASH and Shark Matchmaking.

Registration for KBIS also allows attendees access to the show floors of the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) and the National Hardware Show (NHS).