Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2023 - 10

nkba note
January/February 2023
LOOKING AHEAD ... AND BACK
T
he new year opens the door for new opportunities and, yes, challenges.
As I look ahead, I see another year where it's diffi cult to get
a rhythm, given the very fl uid and uncertain economy. Th e word
recession is still commonly heard, however, we seem to be in one,
out of one and back in one - or at times we aren't sure. As even many
economists seem to note, it's a very perplexing time.
Housing and remodeling markets have slowed from the exceptionally
high and unsustainable growth that followed the pandemic, yet our research
indicates that NKBA members are confi dent in their ability to weather
these uncertain economic conditions. Based on the feedback of K&B professionals
from all segments - manufacturing, design, retail and building/
remodeling - our in-depth industry research provides NKBA members
with the insights they need to plan for the future.
Th is includes arranging to have Zonda's Chief Economist Ali Wolf
attend my Executive Forum for industry c-suite at KBIS 2023, where she
will give her thoughts on what the economy holds in the year ahead. In
fact, this is part of our commitment to members that they have free access
to NKBA's research, including the respected quarterly NKBA/John Burns
Kitchen & Bath Market Index that monitors current and future market
conditions and identifi es emerging challenges and opportunities.
And even though our members' confi dence in the economy has certainly
fallen (46% give it a rating of four or lower on a 10-point scale in NKBA's Q3
2022 KBMI), they are sure of themselves and their ability to handle anything
that 2023 throws at them. Unlike other industries, most of our members didn't
expect the unprecedented growth rates experienced post-pandemic to continue.
Th at's why many in the K&B industry became more conservative heading
into the second half of 2022. We started to see this shift with our members,
even though the economy was still pacing ahead. Th at's what makes
our industry diff erent, more resilient and, I'm going to say it, smarter than
most as we head into 2023. I can confi dently say: We've got this.
Which is a good thing because 2023 also kicks off the 60th anniversary of
NKBA, which was founded in 1963 after a letter by Kitchen Kompact rep
Leon Raider inspired a small group of kitchen dealers to start an association.
Th ey called it the American Institute of Kitchen Dealers, elected H. Dean
Church of Custom Kitchens by Church to be the fi rst president and set dues
at $10 a month. In 1983, they changed the name to the National Kitchen &
Bath Association, and the rest, as they say, is history.
It has been six decades, but NKBA continues to thrive and succeed by
following the same core principles set down by its founders, notably education
and standards. Of course, the association wouldn't be where it is today without
the help of a highly engaged membership - or the support of the K&B
community (many of which attend KBIS) that has helped NKBA grow into
one of the most powerful associations in the world.
10
/ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2023
Th is is something that we (myself and the 2023
Board of Directors, announced on page 12) never
take for granted, even after 60 years. I may have
just celebrated a decade at the helm of NKBA - a
decade that has allowed me to really set NKBA on a
long-term path to success - but I'm still making decisions
I know will keep the association healthy and
successful for the decades ahead. Even after working
through the immense challenges of the housing
crisis of 2009-2013 and then the more recent global
pandemic of 2020-2021, the association - and the
K&B industry - has evolved, becoming stronger
and better prepared for what the future may hold.
That's why I know we can look forward to
celebrating NKBA's 60th throughout this year
with special programs and events that showcase
not only our strength but also our ability - like
our members - to weather any storm.
Bring it on 2023!

BILL DARCY
CEO,
NKBA
Twitter: @NKBA_CEO
rudall30 /stock.adobe.com
http://www.twitter.com/NKBA_CEO
Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2023
