Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2014 26 Jim Bowman has been involved in AHAM's regulatory and technical efforts related to global climate change for more than 20 years and served as Chair of AHAM's Supplier Division from 2012-2014. Marie Chassot is a key leader in AHAM's market data and research efforts in both the U.S. and Canada. She has served on the U.S. Major Appliance Business Data Council for 10 years and also sits on the Canada Major Appliance Business Data Council, ensuring con- sistency between the two programs. The AHAM Emerging Leader Award is presented to members who, through volunteer service have made important contributions to the industry. The 2014 AHAM Emerging Leader Award was presented to Shane Sanders, Merchandise Manager, Electrolux Home Products NA; and David Kinny, Cooking Products Safety Manager, GE Appliances. AHAM congratulates all award recipients. The 2015 AHAM annual member meeting will take place at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center in Washington, DC, April 27-28. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) is a not-for-profit trade association representing manufacturers of major and portable home appliances, floor care appliances and suppliers to the industry with headquarters in Washington, DC and an office in Ottawa, ON. You can visit the AHAM website at www.aham.org. FRANKE UNVEILS PLANAR 8 SERIES OF HAND-FABRICATED, ITALIAN-MADE KITCHEN SINKS WITH COMPLEMENTARY KITCHEN FAUCET AT ICFF The new Planar 8 Series of handcrafted, Italian-made, stainless steel kitchen sinks from Franke Kitchen Systems made its debut at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York City. In conjunction with this introduction, Franke also unveiled the Planar 8 Flex Semi-Professional Kitchen Faucet as a complement to the new sink series. Both products feature sleek, contemporary designs that are right at home in any modern kitchen décor. PLANAR 8 KITCHEN SINK Designed and hand-fabricated in Italy, the Planar 8 Kitchen Sink Series is made from premium, Grade 304, 18-gauge stainless steel, equipped with sound-dampening pads and Franke's silky luster finish. Other key features include: • Maximized work space: These undermount sinks measure 17 inches from front to back to enhance countertop work space without compromising sink functionality. • Maximized storage space: The drain is placed in the rear of the unit so that drainage piping does not crowd the space inside the cabinet beneath the sink. • Easier cleaning: Keeping a Planar 8 sink bright and clean is easy, given the thoughtful design, according to Brad Kiel, vice president of Franke Kitchen Systems Luxury segment. "Unlike the zero- degree radius corners of other hand-fabricated kitchen sinks, the new Planar 8 is handcrafted with a tight, 8mm radius," he says. "That minimally curved corner makes this new product much easier to maintain beautiful condition." • Enhanced functionality: Custom accessories, such as a bottom grid and a cutting board, are available to create a more productive and enjoyable food-preparation experience. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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