The Board of Directors of American Standard Brands today announced the appointment of Jay D. Gould as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, a leading North American manufacturer of branded bath and kitchen products serving both the residential and commercial markets, including the new construction and remodeling markets. “We are excited to have Jay take the helm of American Standard,” said Tom Taylor, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “He brings tremendous experience in enhancing companies’ leading market positions and creating value by leading with a focus on growth, innovation and brand development.” Before joining American Standard, Gould was President of the Home & Family Group of Newell Rubbermaid. Taking an innovative, consumer-driven approach to building demand, he significantly increased revenues for the company’s Levolor, Calphalon, Rubbermaid and Graco brands throughout the economic downturn.  Prior to Newell Rubbermaid, Gould held senior executive roles at The Campbell Soup Company, The Coca-Cola Company, and General Mills, Inc., where he helped drive the growth of world class brands such as Coca-Cola, Pepperidge Farm and Minute Maid. “American Standard is an iconic brand with tremendous potential to inspire do-it-yourself consumers and to partner with professionals,” said Gould. “The Company successfully weathered the challenging business environment over the past several years, emerging as an even stronger business and now prepares for a more assertive growth agenda.  That agenda will certainly build on American Standard’s heritage of products with great design and industry-leading performance.” Gould succeeds Don Devine, who led the successful turnaround of American Standard Brands and is leaving the Company to pursue other interests. Under his leadership, the Company completed the strategic mergers of American Standard, Crane Plumbing, Eljer Plumbing, Safety Tubs and Decorative Panels International. The turnaround effort resulted in sustained profitability and a new capital structure for the Company. “While Don has done an outstanding job in building and repositioning the company, Jay will lead the next phase of the Company’s development, which will focus on growth,” Taylor said. About American Standard Brands: -  American Standard Brands is a leading North American manufacturer of a wide range of high-quality building products, including faucets, fixtures, furniture, vitreous china fixtures, cast iron sinks, whirlpool tubs and other wellness products for the bath and kitchen as well as decorative panels. The company currently offers total project solutions for residential and commercial customers; employs more than 5,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico; and markets products under well known and respected brands, such as American Standard®, Jado®, Porcher®, Safety Tubs®, Crane®, Eljer®, Fiat®and Decorative Panels International®. American Standard Brands is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners. For more information, visit www.americanstandard.com. About Sun Capital Partners, Inc. – Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a leading private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in companies that can benefit from its in–house operating professionals and experience. Sun Capital affiliates have invested in more than 285 companies worldwide with combined sales in excess of $45 billion since Sun Capital’s inception in 1995. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as affiliates in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

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The NAHB International Builders’ Show® 08-11 FEB 2012, Orlando Florida, is the largest annual light construction and residential building industry trade show in the United States and one the largest building industry tradeshows in the world. In 2012 the NAHB International Builders’ Show will be 68 years old, will exceed 500,000 square feet of exhibit space, and will attract well over 50,000 exhibitors and attendees from 100+ countries. In addition to the exhibition, the show offers 200+ educational sessions and is host to construction-related meetings, special events, and workshops. The export potential at the NAHB International Builders’ Show is very high. Every product used in light construction or residential home building is featured at the NAHB International Builders’ Show. Seminars: The NAHB International Builders’ Show will offer more than 200 educational sessions, workshops, and seminars focusing on the business of residential and light commercial construction and current building industry trends. Attendees can also visit demonstration areas located on the show floor, which will include the newest installation techniques and tools for steel and wood framing as well as concrete buildings, structures and foundations. Target Buyers: Home and light construction builders, architects, developers, land use planners, government officials, building owners, consulting engineers, marketing firms, design/build firms, general contractors, and the wholesalers and distributors of construction materials and equipment. “The International Builders’ Show is truly unique,” said Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. “No other event provides such exceptional education and networking opportunities and such a superb showcase of top quality products for the home building industry. We’re expecting more than 50,000 attendees and more than 800 exhibitors at the 2012 show. “The IBS also demonstrates the strength, resilience and tenacity of the home building industry. Housing has been hit much harder by the downturn than any other sector of the economy, and we are very pleased that so many manufacturers and suppliers have recognized the value of exhibiting at the IBS and continue to participate each year,” Nielsen said.  Karen Formico, marketing manager for longtime IBS exhibitor Broan-NuTone explained the value that participating in the show provides for the company, which is North America’s largest producer of residential ventilation products such as range hoods, ventilation fans and indoor air quality products. “In these tough times, Broan-NuTone recognizes that our customers have limited resources and can’t attend multiple events as they may have in the past. Because of this, we have selectively cut back our face-to-face marketing efforts, eliminating those events that don’t provide the greatest return,” Formico said.  “The Builders’ Show remains the single best way for builders and specifiers to find the best solutions to their construction challenges and, as such, continues to be an important part of our marketing efforts. We feel it is still one of the best ways to reach the great majority of our customers in an environment that lets us interact with them on a personal level and, more importantly, lets them interact with our products and learn how we can help solve their challenges. In a world that’s moving toward webinars and online education, there is still nothing better than hands-on and face-to-face contact,” she said.  In addition to an outstanding lineup of almost 200 education programs and more than 400,000 square feet of product exhibits, the upcoming IBS will provide numerous networking opportunities for attendees. “Our members greatly value networking, and we strive to meet that need with innovative, value-added programs,” said Nielsen. “The ‘Centrals’ are a good example. We have designated specific areas of the show as Centrals for various specialties such as custom building, multifamily and remodeling. At the Centrals, attendees can meet others working in their field, get answers to questions, and see presentations that address the issues they deal with on a day-to-day basis. We also organize product tours so that people at each Central can meet with exhibitors showing products suited to their segment of the industry.”   The IBS also provides attendees with perspective on how the housing industry and their own businesses function in the context of the broader national and international economies. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke will speak during a special session of the NAHB Board of Directors meeting on Feb. 10. This is an outstanding opportunity to hear from a man who is at the center of the nation’s efforts to mount an economic recovery. Registered IBS attendees will be welcomed as part of the audience on a first-come, first served basis.   

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As part of Chicago’s city-wide schedule adjustments to accommodate the G-8 and NATO summits in May 2012, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) has moved up its annual tradeshow and conference to April 24 to 26, 2012, at McCormick Place, with the conference beginning on April 23. Owned by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and produced by Nielsen Expositions, KBIS brings together nearly 20,000 of the industry’s top dealers, designers, builders, remodelers, retailers, and other professionals directly involved in the design and remodel of residential kitchens and bathrooms. There will be no impact to hotel rates or availability, and the NKBA and Nielsen do not anticipate any impact on the number of attendees or exhibitors at KBIS based on the date shift. In fact, many KBIS exhibitors have already pointed out that they prefer this new date pattern during the week versus the weekend. Additionally, Candice Olson has already confirmed that she is able to serve as the KBIS 2012 opening keynote speaker on the new opening day of the show on April 24. The National Kitchen & Bath Association and Nielsen Expositions will continue to promote these new show dates to ensure that all potential attendees, exhibitors, media, and partners are aware that KBIS2012 will now take place from April 24 to 26, 2012. The NKBA and Nielsen have also ensured that KBIS does not conflict with other national or international industry events. Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer and 2011 NKBA President David Alderman, CMKBD, said, “In the face of Chicago’s sudden need to alter the city’s entire schedule of spring events due to the scheduling of the G8 and NATO summits, I’m very happy that we were able to secure show dates so close to the original schedule and maintain the show’s hotel blocks and discounted pricing.” Jim Scott, show managing director, said, “Chicago is a world-class city, and on behalf of KBIS and the NKBA, we’re excited to see it showcased on the international political stage. We’re happy to be back in Chicago after our well-attended 2011 show. KBIS will again offer our attendees and exhibitors maximized ROI, exposure and networking, and ultimately the best show experience.” Attendees can look forward to the KBIS 2012 trade show floor featuring the newest and most innovative kitchen and bath products from 500 global manufacturers. KBIS will offer a full conference program led by top industry change-makers, as well as play host to vital networking opportunities. The KBIS and NKBA teams have conducted a full lodging review, and hospitality options remain fully open and space has been secured around the new 2012 dates. They also have secured the commitment of Chicago and the convention bureau to maintain exhibitor moving costs at the level they would have been if the original dates were maintained. The McCormick Place reforms to lower labor costs make the 2012 show even more attractive for exhibiting manufacturers. Looking forward to the future of the show, Scott said, “We are also excited by the opportunity to make Chicago the home for KBIS in 2014. We will be making changes in KBIS to more fully incorporate a Chicago-wide experience in the future, extending the value of attending KBIS beyond the actual three days of this year’s event.” About the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) – The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a nonprofit trade association and owner of KBIS. With nearly 40,000 members, the NKBA has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for more than 46 years. The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide. NKBA members span 11 kitchen and bath industry segments, including builder/remodeler, cabinet shop, dealer, distributor, decorative plumbing and hardware, designer, fabricator, multi-branch retailer, installer, manufacturer and manufacturer’s representative, many of whom attend or exhibit at KBIS each year.  Nothing compares to KBIS for bringing the industry together—and for bringing you the resources you need for current and future projects. It’s the ultimate Kitchen & Bath destination, 300,000+ net square feet of easy-to-navigate exhibits that are literally sparkling with the freshest designs, products and technology from 500 leading manufacturers and suppliers. Tour the show floor for an information-rich, interactive look at top brands, complete lines and new launches. About the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) – Owned by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and produced by Nielsen Expositions, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is the world’s largest international trade show event dedicated to its industry. KBIS brings together global manufacturers and the top dealers, designers, builders, remodelers, retailers, and other professionals directly involved in the design and remodel of residential kitchens and bathrooms. For more information about KBIS 2012, taking place at Chicago’s McCormick Place April 24 to 26, 2012, visit www.kbis.com.
 
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The Hospitality Design Exposition & Conference (HD Expo) was established in 1992 and has become the premier trade show for hospitality design professionals. The HD Expo 15-17 May  2012, Sands Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada connects buyers of design with the newest and most innovative product offerings, as well as provides a venue for industry networking. HD Expo is sponsored by: Hospitality Design magazine, published 10 times a year, is the premier trade magazine serving the field of hospitality design. It connects owners, operators, purchasing agents, designers, plumbing supply and architects involved in the design of hotels, resorts, restaurants, cruise ships, country clubs, night clubs, conference centers, spas, senior living facilities and all other hospitality-oriented projects. Hospitality Design continues its 32-year mission to publish the accomplishments of various design teams that collaborate to bring the most innovative examples of new construction and renovation to the industry. HD Expo is produced by: Nielsen Expositions, a part of the Nielsen Company. Nielsen Expositions is a full service event management company that professionally operates, arranges, organizes and sponsors trade shows, expositions, conferences, conventions and meetings for associations, corporations and government entities. Nielsen is also one of the world’s largest leading publishing and information companies and has leading marketing positions in consumer magazines, directories and information services, business information as well as educational publishing.

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The 2012 Show in Chicago is shaping up to be the largest AHR Expo 64th International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition Big Event ever, hosting more than 2,000 exhibiting companies from over 30 countries from around the globe. AHR Expo 23-25 JAN 2012 is the one event where leading manufacturers and innovative suppliers showcase their latest products: from the most energy efficient systems and more sustainable building technology to state-of-the-art automation and controls, software, innovative tools, services, and much more. Where over 50,000 visitors come to see what’s new – contractors, engineers, facility managers, OEMs, and other HVAC&R industry professionals – from all 50 states and over 120 countries. The drive for greater energy efficiency, greener products and sustainable technologies has accelerated the pace at which new products and innovations are coming to market.  In this challenging economy, HVACR professionals must also be more innovative in their businesses or be left behind.  That’s why AHR Expo is the one event you don’t want to miss.  What You’ll Find … over 1,800 manufacturers and suppliers of the latest HVACR systems, equipment, products and services in these areas: AC, Heating & Refrigeration Systems, Equipment & Components, Building Automation, Controls & Facility Management Products, Specialized Climate Control Systems, Radiant Heating & Hydronic Systems, Plumbing Products, Ventilation, Air Movement & Indoor Air Quality  Products, Labor-saving Tools, Software, Business Support Services, and much more. With over 100 educational sessions, workshops, product presentations and special exhibits, we are sure you will find what you are looking for at this year’s event. Certification Exams – This year, various certification reviews and exams will be held during during the Show – ASHRAE Certification Programs – CxA Workshop and Exam (AABC Commissioning Group), HVAC Review and NATE Testing, AFE Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) Review Course and Exam. Plan now to be at the world’s largest HVAC&R marketplace. www.ahrexpo.com

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Aqua America Inc. (NYSE: WTR) (“Aqua”) and Penn Virginia Resource Partners, L.P. (NYSE: PVR) (“PVR”) has announced that certain of their operating subsidiaries have formed a joint venture, Aqua — PVR Water Services, LLC, to construct and operate a private pipeline system to supply fresh water to natural gas producers drilling in the Marcellus Shale in north-central Pennsylvania.  The 12-inch diameter steel pipeline will largely parallel the trunkline of PVR’s gathering system in Lycoming County and will share PVR’s existing rights-of-way. PVR is constructing the fresh water pipeline and handling negotiation of water pipeline capacity contracts with producers.  Aqua will operate the system when completed and handle water intake supply arrangements.  Aqua and PVR each anticipate investing approximately $12 million for construction of the first segment of the project. The joint venture has entered into an agreement with Range Resources – Appalachia, LLC a wholly owned subsidiary of Range Resources Corporation (NYSE: RRC) to supply fresh water to three of Range’s water impoundments, and negotiations with other area producers for supply agreements are on-going. The joint venture has commenced construction of the fresh water pipeline, and limited water delivery is expected before year-end.  The entire 18-mile long first segment of the system is currently anticipated to be fully completed and begin regular operation during the first quarter of 2012. William H. Shea, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of PVR, said, “We are very excited to join with Aqua America in building a private water pipeline to supply Marcellus producers.  We are also pleased to welcome Range Resources as an anchor customer on the pipeline.  We believe this project is a ‘win-win’ solution that offers tangible benefits to both the contracting producers and the local communities in which we operate.  The pipeline will provide contracting producers with a more reliable fresh water source at a lower delivered cost.  By reducing the number of trucks operating on area highways, area residents will benefit from reduced traffic congestion, noise and delays.” Nicholas DeBenedictis, Chairman and CEO of Aqua, said, “Marcellus Shale offers a critical and challenging opportunity for the State of Pennsylvania.  Critical because the energy needs of the country must be developed domestically and Pennsylvania can be that provider.  Challenging because it must be done in a manner that protects and manages our most precious resource, water.  This project is the first that prudently enables the development of the Marcellus while helping to protect our water sheds and manage our supplies.  Pumping water through pipe, as opposed to trucking water, reduces road traffic and damage that can result in runoff that can negatively impact streams in this sensitive part of the state.  Managing the supply from confirmed reliable sources reduces the potential for over withdrawal from those same streams.” Aqua America (NYSE: WTR) is one of the largest U.S.-based, publicly-traded water utilities and serves almost 3 million residents in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Maine, New York and Georgia. Aqua America is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol WTR. Penn Virginia Resource Partners, L.P. (NYSE: PVR) is a publicly traded limited partnership which owns and manages coal and natural resource properties and related assets, and owns and operates midstream natural gas gathering and processing businesses.  We own approximately 900 million tons of proven coal reserves in Northern and Central Appalachia, and the Illinois and San Juan Basins; our midstream natural gas assets are located principally in Texas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania and include more than 4,200 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines and 7 processing systems with approximately 420 million cubic feet per day of capacity.  Penn Virginia Resource Partners, L.P. (NYSE: PVR) announced the pricing of the public offering of 7,000,000 common units representing limited partner interests in PVR. The common units were priced at $24.55 per unit. In connection with the offering, PVR granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase a maximum of 1,050,000 additional common units to cover over-allotments, if any. PVR closed the sale of the common units on November 18, 2011, subject to customary closing conditions. PVR estimates that the net proceeds from the offering will be approximately $164.6 million (or $189.4 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional common units), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses, and intends to use all of the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility.  BofA Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, RBC Capital Markets and Wells Fargo Securities acted as joint book-running managers and representatives of the underwriters in connection with the offering. Penn Virginia Resource Partners, L.P. on Nov. 18, 2011  announced the closing of the previously announced public offering of 7,000,000 common units representing limited partner interests in PVR.  In connection with the offering, PVR granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase a maximum of 1,050,000 additional common units to cover over-allotments, if any.  PVR intends to use all of the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility. PVR has two major businesses: Coal and Natural Resource Management – Penn Virginia Resource Partners, L.P. coal and natural resource management segment primarily involves the management and leasing of coal properties and the subsequent collection of royalties. Penn Virginia Resource Partners, L.P. proven and probable coal reserves at year-end 2010 were approximately 804 million tons. Coal reserves are located on approximately 497,000 acres in various surface and underground mine seams located in the Central Appalachia, Northern Appalachia Illinois and San Juan Basins. Penn Virginia Resource Partners, L.P. also earn revenues from other land management activities, such as selling standing timber, leasing fee-based coal-related infrastructure facilities to certain lessees and end-user industrial plants, collecting oil and gas royalties and from coal transportation, or wheelage, fees and owns approximately 243,000 acres of forestland, the majority of which is located on properties that also contain their coal reserves, in addition royalty interests in approximately 6.3 Bcfe of proved oil and gas reserves located in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. Natural Gas Midstream Segment – Penn Virginia Resource Partners, L.P. natural gas midstream segment is engaged in providing natural gas processing, gathering and other related services. As of December 31, 2010, owned and operated natural gas midstream assets located in Oklahoma, Texas and Pennsylvania including six natural gas processing facilities having 400 MMcfd of total capacity and approximately 4,263 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines: Penn Virginia Resource Partners, L.P. natural gas midstream business earns revenues primarily from gas processing contracts with natural gas producers and from fees charged for gathering natural gas volumes and providing other related services; in addition owns a 25% member interest in Thunder Creek Gas Services, LLC, or Thunder Creek, a joint venture that gathers and transports coalbed methane in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, and also owns a natural gas marketing business, which aggregates third-party volumes and sells those volumes into intrastate pipeline systems and at market hubs accessed by various interstate pipelines.

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On November 26, we’re asking millions of Americans to Shop Small at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge. Some of the world’s online pioneers are uniting around a common goal: driving more business to local, independent shops for Small Business Saturday 2011. In 2010, Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express to help address small businesses’ greatest need: driving sales. It was also an occasion to recognize the importance of small business and their vital contributions to the economy, job creation, and local communities. The national initiative encourages consumers to shop at small businesses during the holiday season. All small businesses, not just those that use or accept American Express, are able to participate. Small Business Saturday falls on Thanksgiving weekend between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year, Small Business Saturday will be on November 26. June Blunt of A-1 Plumbing Supply Warehouse Store, www.a1ly.com a major New York City plumbing supply distributor has announced ‘We support American Express Small Business Saturday. Last year was an amazing success and we hope customers will take advantage of our fantastic holiday sales to fix that plumbing leak save money on the water and sewer bills.’ Consumer Incentives to Shop on Small Business Saturday – FedEx recently announced it would inject $1 million into the small business economy in support of Small Business Saturday by distributing 40,000 $25 Shop SmallSM American Express® gift cards for use at small businesses on November 26. A total of 30,000 gift cards are available, first-come-first-serve, beginning November 1 on facebook.com/FedEx. FedEx will distribute an additional 10,000 gift cards directly to customers. For the second year in a row, American Express will help drive traffic through the doors of small businesses with a special incentive: a $25 statement credit offer for Cardmembers when they register their Card and spend $25 or more on Small Business Saturday at any qualifying small business that accepts the American Express Card. Cardmembers will be able to register their cards in early November. Lastly, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), a non-partisan organization that advocates for small business issues, has created the Small Business Saturday Coalition. Already, the Coalition has enlisted 200 advocacy organizations to raise awareness for Small Business Saturday and motivate consumers to shop at small businesses this holiday season. About Small Business Saturday – November 26th marks the second annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday (SBS) was created in 2010 by American Express in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: creating more demand for their products and services. A total of 1.5 million Facebook users, 130 public and private organizations, and 41 elected officials declared their support for SBS last year. More than 100,000 small businesses downloaded SBS marketing materials, 10,000 businesses signed up for free Facebook advertising that ran on SBS, and 200,000 consumers registered their American Express cards to receive $25 statement credits when they shopped at a small business on SBS. Small retailers who accept the American Express Card saw a 28% increase in sales on SBS when compared to the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2009. About American Express and American Express OPEN – American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress and youtube.com/americanexpress. American Express OPEN is the leading payment card issuer for small businesses in the United States and supports business owners with products and services to help them run and grow their businesses. This includes business charge and credit cards that deliver purchasing power, flexibility, rewards, savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners and online tools and services designed to help improve profitability. Learn more at OPEN.com and connect with us at openforum.com and twitter.com/openforum.

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Striking Styles and Smart Functionality with Quality Construction Underlies Attractive Designs, Beautiful Finishes in New Offerings Contemporary and Traditional Pot Fillers with the new JADO offering which includes two functional faucet styles to enhance your professional-grade kitchen: the contemporary and traditional pot fillers. The simple geometry of the contemporary model cuts a striking figure in any kitchen with a sleek, modern bent. Meanwhile, the timeless beauty of the traditional tap will coordinate perfectly with classic kitchen décor. Featuring a single-control actuator and an adjustable arm that effortlessly folds out of the way when not in use, each pot filler is designed to be conveniently located over the range, ending the days of lugging heavy pots of water across the kitchen. The arm extends to 22 inches for ease of use. Both pot fillers install with a single-hole wall mount and are designed for a cold water attachment with a flow rate of three gallons per minute (gpm). Available in three attractive finishes – polished chrome, brushed nickel, and ultra steel – the pot fillers comply with all federal and state regulatory standards for “lead free” plumbing fixtures  Suggested list prices for the JADO contemporary and traditional pot fillers range from $695 – $834. ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD BRANDS – American Standard Brands is a leading North American manufacturer of a wide range of high-quality building products, including faucets, fixtures, furniture, vitreous china fixtures, cast iron sinks, whirlpool tubs and other wellness products for the bath and kitchen as well as decorative panels. The company currently offers total project solutions for residential and commercial customers; employs more than 5,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico; and markets products under well known and respected brands, such as American Standard®, Jado®, Porcher®, Safety Tubs®, Crane®, Eljer®, Fiat® and Decorative Panels International®. American Standard Brands is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners.

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Get more out of your kitchen with the smart, stylish, and innovative features of the new “appliance sink” now available from American Standard. The sink is already one of the most functional kitchen fixtures, serving as a place to wash dishes, rinse vegetables, defrost meats, and even wash pets or small children. American Standard has pulled it all together in a new line of stainless steel sinks that includes useful accessories like a cutting board and colander set that integrate seamlessly into the sink itself. The appliance sink features deep, spacious, straight-sided bowls to easily hold large loads of pots, pans, dishes, and glasses. Its brushed stainless steel surface is designed to compliment stainless steel appliances, while the drop-in installation style adds to the clean, contemporary look of the sink. A trio of useful accessories comes standard with the appliance sink: a colander and glass cutting board that slide along the ledge of the sink for increased stability and convenience, and a roll-up stainless steel grid to protect the surface of the sink. The new offering of kitchen sinks also includes a series of traditional single, double, and even triple bowl sinks in both undermount and top mount installation options. Prep sinks, laundry/utility sinks, and unique styles like corner mount sinks and round or oval vanity basins are also available in the same attractive brushed stainless steel. Various faucet and drain configurations can be selected for any sink to accommodate most standard faucets. The solid stainless steel construction of these sinks, in both 18 and 20 gauge, is guaranteed by a limited lifetime warranty. ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD BRANDS – American Standard Brands is a leading North American manufacturer of a wide range of high-quality building products, including faucets, fixtures, furniture, vitreous china fixtures, cast iron sinks, whirlpool tubs and other wellness products for the bath and kitchen as well as decorative panels. The company currently offers total project solutions for residential and commercial customers; employs more than 5,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico; and markets products under well known and respected brands, such as American Standard®, Jado®, Porcher®, Safety Tubs®, Crane®, Eljer®, Fiat® and Decorative Panels International®. American Standard Brands is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners. American Standard® is a registered trademark of American Standard Brands.

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The Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium has announced that American Standard Brands has joined the Consortium as a Founding Member.  A leader in creating high quality bathroom products for the hospitality industry, American Standard’s membership furthers the Consortium’s goals of establishing the Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Index (HSP Index) as the de facto performance measurement solution for the industry. With more than 4.5 million hotel rooms in the U.S., the products that American Standard produces – including faucets, shower systems, furniture, vitreous china fixtures, kitchen sinks, bath tubs, and other plumbing products and accessories – are major investments for all hotels, brands and owners. As an element of in-room bathroom design, they also have a substantial impact on the guest experience and the environmental footprint of a hotel. “Increasingly, hotel guests, as well as property owners and developers, are demanding products that conserve water without sacrificing performance,” said Michele Hudec, vice president for product and business development for American Standard Brands.  “We are looking forward to working with other industry leaders, via the Consortium, to establish the performance criteria that helps make it easier to incorporate sustainable products throughout the hospitality industry.” Twenty-five organizations are now part of the Consortium, including more than a dozen industry-leading suppliers, brands, architects, designers, purchasing firms and sustainability consultants. American Standard and the HSPC – The Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium (HSPC), created and led by MindClick SGM™, is a collaborative organization to help hotel owners purchase products that both reduce their properties’ environmental impact, and contribute to guest comfort, health and well-being. American Standard, along with other Consortium members, will help establish criteria for creation of a new Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Index, which will include measures of corporate social responsibility, environmental and product sustainability.  Product categories covered include furnishings, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), and operating supplies and equipment (OS&E). “We are happy to welcome American Standard to the Consortium,” said JoAnna Abrams, CEO of MindClick SGM™.  “It is important to the success of the HSP Index that the Consortium reflect the depth and breadth of products used to equip hotels, and make them attractive and responsive to guest needs.  The participation of well-established industry suppliers such as American Standard reflects the belief in and recognition of the importance of the Consortium’s efforts to create an industry-wide solution for greening the hotel supply chain. She concluded, “Like other industry innovators, American Standard is taking the lead in the push to balance cost, quality and sustainability.  We look forward to their contribution in shaping the HSP Index.” American Standard joins existing Consortium members Marriott International, Audit Logistics, Aqua Hospitality Carpets, Benjamin West, BYD, Contract Decor International, Delta Faucet Company, Innvision, InterfaceFLOR, Majestic Mirror and Frame, Mark David, PE INTERNATIONAL Inc., Quiltcraft Industries, Richloom Fabrics Group, RTKL, SERA Architects, Shafer Commercial Seating, Simmons Hospitality Bedding and Valley Forge Fabrics. About American Standard Brands – American Standard Brands is a leading North American manufacturer of a wide range of high-quality building products, including faucets, fixtures, furniture, vitreous china fixtures, cast iron sinks, whirlpool tubs and other wellness products for the bath and kitchen as well as decorative panels. The company currently offers total project solutions for residential and commercial customers; employs more than 5,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico; and markets products under well known and respected brands, such as American Standard®, Jado®, Porcher®, Safety Tubs®, Crane®, Eljer®, Fiat® and Decorative Panels International®. American Standard Brands is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners. About the Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium – Established in June 2011 by MindClick SGM™, the Consortiumis comprised of a group of leaders in the hotel industry representing brands, suppliers, architecture and design firms, purchasing companies, owners and sustainability experts.  Led by MindClick, Consortium members are working collaboratively to provide the industry with a unified approach to greening the global supply chain.  The Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Index (HSPI) will set the criteria for sustainable purchasing and create a repository of supplier performance in the areas of corporate social responsibility, product, and environmental sustainability. About MindClick SGM – MindClick SGM, a leading sustainability research and consulting firm, provides clients with performance measurement tools to develop, implement, improve and promote product and company sustainability.  Serving clients ranging from global Fortune 1000 companies in consumer products, automotive, and hospitality, to family owned building products suppliers, to government municipalities, MindClick drives growth through sustainability.  Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in San Francisco and Seattle, MindClick combines a decade of experience in sustainability with 20+ years of research, product development and marketing expertise.  The result is sustainability performance rating services that provide executive decision makers with the knowledge to maximize business success.

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