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Nawkaw wins MIP contest at World of Concrete

March 30, 2009

Photo-engraved formliners are experts’ choice for Most Innovative Product. Bogart, Georgia (Nawkaw Corporation) March 30, 2009 – Winners have been selected for the 2009 Most Innovative Products (MIP) contest held during the World of Concrete in Las Vegas. The contest allows manufacturers an opportunity to spotlight their new product during one of the largest concrete events of the year. Show attendees voted for the products while at the event. In addition, a panel of industry experts reviewed the entries to decide which products they felt were most innovative. Nawkaw’s entry of RECKLI photo-engraved formliners won the Decorative Concrete Category in the Experts’ Choice Division. Nawkaw is the exclusive distributor for RECKLI formliners for concrete, plaster and GFRC throughout the United States and Canada. RECKLI has been the world leader in reusable formliner manufacturing for over 40 years. Setting RECKLI formliners apart is their extreme flexibility. This allows for the creation of intricate and extremely detailed re-usable forms. Photographic images are scanned and translated into a series of grayscale linear areas. This information is then transferred to an electronic code. To engrave the formliners, Reckli uses a computer-based method of transferring this code onto templates utilizing a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine. Once the template is created, casting of the photoengraved formliners can begin. The reusability of each formliner depends upon the depth and detail of the engraved image. The uniqueness of the photoengraving for concrete can best be seen outdoors, where the amount and direction of sunlight can have a dramatic impact on the image’s contrast. Additional interest can be created by combining panels with multiple scanned images to create an entire scene. About Nawkaw Corporation: Applicators and manufacturers of water-based masonry stains designed to permeate brick, block, mortar, pre-cast, concrete, stucco, and manufactured stone. The process is utilized in decorative re-coloring, renovation, restoration, and corrective coloring projects. For over 22 years, Nawkaw has colored the concrete and masonry of educational, healthcare, commercial and historical buildings throughout the world. They stand behind every application with their 25 year product warranty and have won numerous awards for their restoration work on masonry and concrete. Nawkaw offers formliner accessory products such as demoulding materials, adhesives, cleanser, filler and thickener and cement-bound products in addition to the formliners. RECKLI products will continue to produce a quality finished product pour after pour. Liners are available in 50 and 100 reuse materials and can also be used with self-compacting concrete and fiber reinforced concretes. To find a Nawkaw/RECKLI representative in your area or to inquire about our products call 1-866-4NAWKAW, or visit www.nawkaw.com to see available patterns and accessories.
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Project Specification is in Full Swing on TODL.com

March 27, 2009

The economy might be slow but you'd never know it by looking at the amount of specification happening in TODL.com. "Most of the designers I talk to today are working harder than ever to keep their businesses going and that includes doing more specification personally," stated Stacey Tiveron, Founder and CEO of TODL. "That general sentiment helps to explain the exponential growth in activity and email requests from TODL members over the last several months." TODL has always been of great value to designers, architects and facility managers as a password-protected site exclusively for trade, but in this economy, TODL becomes a true solution for design professionals who need to lessen their product research and specification time, and manufacturers who need extremely cost effective options that get their products in front of the design professionals who are looking for them. Here's just a handful of interesting projects currently being specified in TODL: A women's center, a supreme court, a lobby for a suites hotel, a conservatory, a university, a library, an equestrian center, medical offices & reception areas, television station lobby, entertainment studios, a church, a museum, a hospital, a luxury sky box, a building project of 17 custom homes in Costa Rica, a private club, a commercial project in Dubai, two separate golf clubhouses, seven different bars, pubs and lounges, three assisted living facilities across the country, four retail stores of various types, six commercial projects nationwide, five hotels including boutique and major brand hotel chains and three major condominium building projects. Add to these countless private residences, penthouses, condos, apartments, waterfront homes and other residential projects, and you can understand why TODL is the solution for our industry today. While the press continue have a field day with all the bad news, the good news is that our industry continues to design a brighter and better future daily.
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BLUEBEAM RELEASES BLUEBEAM PDF REVU 7.0 FOR PDF MARKUP AND EDITING

March 24, 2009

PDF editor reduces paper usage and distribution with over 20 new features Pasadena, CA (March 24, 2009) - Bluebeam Software, a leader in innovative PDF solutions, announced today the release of Bluebeam PDF Revu 7.0, the latest version of Bluebeam’s professional and affordable PDF solution. Bluebeam continues its quest to improve PDF creation, markup and editing and reduce excessive paper consumption in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry and business community at large. Flexible Options for PDF Creation Bluebeam simplified PDF creation with plug-ins for Microsoft® Office, AutoCAD® and SolidWorks® applications and its PDF printer to convert to PDF from any Windows file. Revu 7.0 takes PDF creation further with Batch for Office, Scan to PDF, and native image conversion. Batch for Office allows users to quickly create PDFs from Word, Excel and PowerPoint files in just a few clicks while Scan to PDF and native image conversion eliminate unnecessary steps when converting various images. Faster Document Review In addition, Bluebeam added spell check and PDF flags to make it easier to review PDF documents. Spell check identifies and suggests changes for misspelled words found in markups, form fields and PDF content. Further, dictionaries can be imported to use with spell check for languages other than English. Bluebeam’s exclusive PDF flag serves as a virtual sticky flag, placing visual markers on PDFs to designate signature lines or other important content. More Markup Tools for AEC Bluebeam continues to focus on the AEC industry with the development of hatch patterns, arcs and curve markups, and improved stamp options. Users can select from a list of hatch patterns included in Revu to fill in markups or takeoffs, create and save custom hatches, and import AutoCAD .pat files into Revu. Plus, AEC professionals can now redline PDF drawings with the arc tool and create custom text stamps with the revised stamp editor. The measurement tool also incorporates curves technology for more accurate area, perimeter and volume calculations. Better PDF Distribution Finally, Bluebeam PDF Revu 7.0 provides new file sharing options to significantly reduce the need to print and ship documents. The Reduce File Size feature gives users more control over PDF compression by estimating the new file size and including an interface to adjust settings such as PDF version, image resolution and embedded fonts. Additionally, Bluebeam now supports PDF packages for organizing multiple files and file types into a single package for archiving or delivering documents to clients. Quick Security uses security profiles to secure sensitive documents with one click while a new batch security feature allows users to apply security to multiple PDFs simultaneously. “In order to be more competitive, business leaders require solutions that make their firms more efficient and sustainable,” said Richard Lee, President and CEO of Bluebeam Software. “Each new feature in 7.0 is designed to do just that - enable our customers to achieve real results - reduce printing and shipping costs by up to 80% and increase productivity by up to 60%.” More information about Bluebeam PDF Revu 7.0 including case studies and a 30-day trial can be found at www.bluebeam.com. Bluebeam Software sells its desktop PDF solutions direct to customers and through a network of over 300 authorized resellers worldwide. Visit www.bluebeam.com or contact Bluebeam Sales at 866.496.2140 or sales@bluebeam.com for more information. About Bluebeam Software, Inc. Bluebeam Software invents, develops, and commercializes PDF software intelligently designed to meet the needs of design, engineering, construction and business professionals. As the trusted standard in PDF technology for architects and engineers, Bluebeam produces high quality, easy to use products that allow project teams to improve communication and collaboration immediately with virtually no learning curve. For more information about the company, latest news, and purchasing information, visit Bluebeam Software at www.bluebeam.com.
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Whirlpool Corporation Named One of 100 Best Corporate Citizens by Chief Responsibility Officer Magazine

March 13, 2009

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (March 10, 2009) – Whirlpool Corporation today announced it has been named one of the 100 best corporate citizens by Chief Responsibility Officer (CRO) magazine. This is the eighth time the company, which ranked 51st this year, has been named to the list. “We're honored to be named one of the 100 best corporate citizens,” said Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and CEO, Whirlpool Corporation. “Whirlpool has a long history of strong corporate citizenship and we believe this recognition reflects the efforts by our company and our employees to conduct business the right way.” CRO’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens List is the only such list based on 100 percent publicly-available information and ranks Russell 1000(R) companies on their performance in seven key areas: Environment, Climate Change, Human Rights, Philanthropy, Employee Relations, Financial and Governance. Over the past nine years, companies on the 100 Best Corporate Citizens List have out-paced the remainder of Russell 1000 companies by an average of 26 percent in 3-year total return. Whirlpool Corporation’s track record as a good corporate citizen recently served as the foundation of its Green Touch(TM) Program for the building community. This program was designed to make green living options a reality by making it easier to design, build and market sustainable homes. It provides builders with a variety of practical solutions, such as sustainable products, design tools and marketing assistance. Additionally, the company manufacturers more ENERGY STAR(R) qualified appliances under its family of brands, including Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid and Amana, than any other appliance manufacturer. Whirlpool Corporation provides numerous appliance packages that save water and energy and promote healthy indoor air quality. First published in 2000 by Business Ethics Magazine, the 100 Best Corporate Citizens List(R) published by CRO Magazine is the most-recognized Corporate Responsibility ranking of Russell 1000(R) companies. The List is based 100 percent on publicly-available information and is compiled for CRO Magazine by Portland, Maine-based IW Financial, a leading provider of SRI rankings to institutional investors. In addition to being included in the “100 Best Corporate Citizens” by Chief Responsibility Officer magazine, Whirlpool Corporation recently was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere magazine, one of the “Top 50 Most Respected U.S. Companies” by the Reputation Institute and one of the “Best Places to Launch a Career” by BusinessWeek. Additionally, the company’s Whirlpool brand was named one of the 10 top greenest brands by U.S. consumers, according to a BrandWeek magazine survey. About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The company’s The Inside Advantage(TM) Program offers Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Targeted Services and Consumer Insight to support building professionals. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, 70,000 employees and 69 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-253-3977.
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EMB in North America Chooses No-Burn® Intumescent Fire Retardant Coatings as Subject of White Paper Written for Insurance Industry

March 05, 2009

The insurance industry has been the driving force behind a great deal of life safety innovation over the years. Items such as automotive safety belts and airbags, as well as smoke alarms for residential structures and many other safety-oriented conventions were originally given widespread acceptance as a result of the support provided by insurance underwriting policies that created a financial incentive for their use. In that spirit, EMB, a well established and well-respected fixture in insurance underwriting circles, has recently completed a position paper that essentially says to insurance underwriting executives that they are missing the boat if they don’t offer the same level of support to another emerging technology – intumescent fire retardant coatings, or IFRC. In this cause, the company has chosen the clear leader in the manufacture and distribution of these products, No-Burn Incorporated of Wadsworth Ohio, as the standard bearer for the IFRC industry. Simply stated, IFRC products manufactured by No-Burn dramatically enhance the life safety potential in the single family, multifamily and commercial arena by providing spray-applied protection designed to eliminate the chance of fire altogether and to dramatically reduce the spread of flame in the event that an unavoidable fire should occur. It is EMB’s position that the industry should offer a substantial discount to its insurance clients who opt to add this level of protection to their structures. They further state in the paper, that there is a high likelihood that most insurance companies already have the ability to offer such discounts pursuant to current “superior construction” parameters found in a majority of their polices. According to Jeff Kucera, a Senior Consultant at EMB in North America and the author of the paper, “I learned about these products through conversations with some highly knowledgeable colleagues at the North American Safety and Preservation Associates, and decided that our firm’s clients could benefit greatly by incorporating the potential for risk mitigation offered by IFRC products into their rate structures while also getting behind products that will continue to dramatically reduce the prospect of fire fatalities and property damage on an increasing basis as the use of this technology is expanded around the world.” The President and CEO of No-Burn Incorporated, Bill Kish, added, “We are honored to have been chosen by EMB in this valuable form of communication to their clients. We work diligently to educate a wide range of parties in various arenas, including structure owners, architectural and construction professionals, insurance and banking leaders, and a host of others about the life safety and property preservation value of IFRC products. The industry leadership and position of respect represented by EMB will provide a great deal of support for our efforts to expand the lives and structures protected by the products our company manufactures.” The most common insurance discount for the use of these products comes in the form of a premium reduction (commonly at or above 15 percent) if the raw wood elements, including framing members, roof and wall sheathing, roof trusses, sub-flooring and similar components have been treated during the construction of a single or multi-family structure. The cost of this treatment will typically be less than one percent of the value of the structure, and the insurance premium discount, combined with other programs, typically result in a “payback period” to the structure owner of less than four years. Additionally, the products applied by certified No-Burn Dealers can also include protection against fire and mold all in one application. As an added bonus, these products contain low to zero voc’s, are not harmful to humans or animals and can contribute to the “green-value” of a structure by improving indoor air quality. To learn more about No-Burn spray applied intumescent fire retardant coatings or to get a copy of the EMB paper, please contact No-Burn at 1-800-989-8577 or info@noburn.com. Established in 1993, EMB (www.emb.com) is a rapidly growing international consulting firm specializing in property and casualty (P&C) insurance. Its services cover personal lines, commercial insurance and reinsurance, which includes the London Market and Bermuda. EMB offers C-Counsel Business Consulting, Actuarial Consulting, Professional Development, Marketing Sciences and Software. Additionally, EMB pioneered the development and use of high-performance actuarial software, which allow businesses to perform tasks that would otherwise be impossible, impractical or hugely time-consuming. EMB employs more than 300 people around the globe covering Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East & Africa and clients include 28 of the top 30 P&C companies in the world. No-Burn®, Inc has been leading the way in the field of fire retardant technology since 1998. By removing the fuel a fire needs to burn, these products dramatically reduce the possibility of a fire ever starting when applied over substrates such as wood, drywall, fabric, carpet, furniture, fiber-reinforced plastic and many other materials. Equally important, No-Burn® can reduce toxic smoke by as much as 80 percent. All No-Burn® products carry a “Class A” rating and are completely non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. Several No-Burn® products also offer a dual level of protection, reducing the risk of fire and inhibiting the growth of toxic-black mold. All No-Burn® products are available exclusively through a network of Dealers, certified for professional application. To learn more, please visit our Web site: www.noburn.com, or contact us at 800-989-8577 / 330-336-1500.
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Robert Bowden, Inc., partners with Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co, Inc.

March 03, 2009

Marietta, GA. (February 23, 2009) - Atlanta area building materials distributor and manufacturer Robert Bowden Inc., selects 63 year industry leader Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co, Inc. as its flagship window line. Homebuilders can now source Kolbe Windows and Doors from a building supply and manufacturing company that's fully capable of providing the entire package, including custom millwork. What began in 1946 has grown into an internationally respected manufacturing company. Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co, Inc. remains a privately held business located in Wausau, Wisconsin. Every window and door is built to order in a one million square foot state of the art facility featuring the latest manufacturing technology. Kolbe offers a full range of products, highlighted by their Ultra Sterling double hung with fully concealed jamb liner. Many wood species are available including cherry, maple, walnut, and mahogany. Other design features and innovative products include: push-out casements, inswing casements, and Lift and Slide folding patio doors. Robert Bowden, Inc., (RBI) is an employee-owned millwork and building supply company based in Marietta, GA with branch distribution centers in McDonough and Duluth. In 2008, RBI celebrated 25 years in business serving the custom home builder. RBI is the only Atlanta area Kolbe distributor who serves as a "single source" for a full array of windows, doors, trim, siding, roofing, garage doors, and custom millwork. To learn more about Kolbe & Kolbe: http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.kolbe-kolbe.com/ To learn more about Robert Bowden, Inc: http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.robertbowden.com/
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Whirlpool Corporation Receives 10th ENERGY STAR(R) Award

March 03, 2009

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (March 3, 2009) – Whirlpool Corporation, the world’s leading home appliance manufacturer, has been recognized with the 2009 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The award recognizes the company’s leadership in offering consumers appliance energy and water efficiency through its portfolio of brands. This is the company’s tenth ENERGY STAR award and fourth consecutive Sustained Excellence win. Whirlpool Corporation will accept the award at ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on March 31, 2009. “Whirlpool Corporation is honored to again receive the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award,” said Mike Todman, president, Whirlpool North America. “At Whirlpool we contribute sustainable solutions that meet consumer needs, generate shareholder value and enhance the welfare of current and future generations. In 2009, Whirlpool will again lead the industry with eco-efficient, functional and design-forward product innovations from our diverse portfolio of brands.” “The ENERGY STAR awards represent achievements the Department of Energy is proud to recognize, as they represent notable progress or sustained excellence in working to secure our energy future,” said Richard H. Karney, ENERGY STAR Program Manager, U.S. DOE. “In 2009, our partners like Whirlpool Corporation receiving these awards demonstrated superb commitment to advancing the adoption of energy efficient products and addressing our environmental challenges.” “EPA is delighted to recognize Whirlpool with the 2009 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award,” said Kathleen Hogan, Director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at the U.S. EPA. “Whirlpool Corporation’s leadership on energy and water efficiency has yielded impressive results for their bottom line and our global environment, showing us all what can be accomplished through sustained commitment and action.” Whirlpool Corporation is the global industry leader in developing high-performance appliances that help conserve the earth's resources and allow homeowners to use energy and water more efficiently. It leads the industry in bringing an “across the board” focus to energy and water conservation, from product design to manufacturing, delivery and end of the product life cycle. A recent Whirlpool Corporation Survey (see http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.whirlpoolcorp.com/features/ecosurvey/) revealed the importance of energy efficiency to consumers. Through its unmatched portfolio – including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana and Gladiator brands – the company offers consumers the largest breadth of ENERGY STAR qualified appliances: · Knowing that 80 percent of consumers believe it is important to save energy, Whirlpool(R) brand leads the way, providing the Eco Kitchen to help consumers integrate environmentally-friendly changes in one of the biggest energy-consuming living spaces of the home. The Eco Kitchen, which includes the Resource Saver(TM) refrigerator, Resource Saver(TM) dishwasher, Velos(R) SpeedCook oven and Energy Save range, is the brand’s most energy-efficient kitchen ever. The refrigerator exceeds federal minimum efficiency standards by 30 percent, making it the most energy efficient side-by-side refrigerator ever to hit the market. · Whirlpool(R) brand’s new French door refrigerator with external ice and water is ideal for those who like to keep their refrigerators stocked with fresh food, at eye level and within reach. Additionally, this ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator exceeds federal efficiency standards by 20 percent. Running this refrigerator uses about as much energy as a simple 60-watt light bulb. · The new Whirlpool(R) brand Cabrio(R) HE CEE Tier III energy qualified washer can save up to $900 in lifetime water and energy costs and features a 5.0 cu. ft. drum capacity – the largest in the industry. No other manufacturer offers more high-efficiency (HE) and ENERGY STAR qualified washers than Whirlpool Corporation. · For a cleanup performance that’s both powerful and quiet, the KitchenAid(R) brand offers the exceptionally powerful and quiet Superba(R) series EQ dishwasher. The line includes best-in-class washing and drying results, energy efficiency and the industry’s lowest sound levels. · With nearly three-quarters of consumers still comfortable with top-load laundry, Whirlpool has taken a full portfolio approach to creating an option for every lifestyle. Maytag(R) Bravos(R) is one of the first CEE Tier III energy qualified top-load washers on the market, delivering 70 percent water and 67 percent energy savings. · Known for its exceptionally robust components and long-term dependability, Maytag(R) brand offers the Maytag(R) Jetclean(R) dishwasher with an exclusive Silverware Blast(TM) feature that ensures silverware and utensils come out clean the first time every time without sacrificing energy efficiency. The Silverware Blast feature has four spray jets targeted specifically at the silverware basket to evenly distribute focused water pressure to remove caked-on food particles. · Jenn-Air(R) brand products are designed for precise performance and with state-of-the-art innovations which instill confidence that culinary excellence will be achieved. The stainless steel commercial-style dishwasher with UltraClean wash system provides energy efficient, enhanced cleaning for results that meet consumers’ higher standards. · Common sense features and smart styling at an affordable price. Amana(R) brand’s new front-load laundry pair offers a fresh approach to doing laundry. Antimicrobial protection component takes freshness even further by inhibiting the growth of mold, mildew and odor-causing bacteria on the door seal. With the washer, consumers will use 10,521 fewer gallons of water each year and save 44 percent on energy use when compared to a standard, non-ENERGY STAR qualifying washer. · The Gladiator(R) Chillerator(R) Garage Refrigerator is the only ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator designed for the extreme humidity and temperatures of the garage environment. Providing the latest and greatest in innovation, space savings and an upscale look that really stands out in the garage, the Chillerator appeals to busy families who need a second refrigerator that also saves money by reducing energy consumption. About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The company’s The Inside Advantage(TM) Program offers Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Targeted Services and Consumer Insight to support building professionals. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, 70,000 employees and 69 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-253-3977.
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