Plastered throughout McCormick Place in Chicago was the slogan for the KBIS 2012 event: “Touch the Future.” With the pace companies are advancing technology in their kitchen and bathroom products the slogan for KBIS 2013 might be “A Touchless Future.”

For years, I have driven by this church. It’s one that reminds me of the old “Little House on the Prairie” schoolhouse church. Yes, I was an avid “Little House on the Prairie” viewer as a kid.

Birmingham, Ala.-based American Pipe & Supply Vice President of Sales Harry Hays likens his long industry career to that of a professional football player.

Central Arizona Supply’s Jeremy Smith talks about the company’s new Phoenix showroom.

The recovery continues. For the second consecutive year, Supply House Times’ Premier survey reveals an increase in sales made by PCHP companies. The annual survey, conducted by Supply House Times and BNP Media Market Research, ranks the Top 125 PHCP wholesalers by their sales from the past year.

Te fact is simple: North Carolina-based plumbing wholesaler Murray Supply Co. made a strong surge in Supply House Times’ Premier 125 survey from 2011 to 2012. The explanations of this rise aren’t so simple.

After 75 years in the plumbing wholesale industry, St. Louis-based Atlas Supply could’ve just patted itself on the back. Instead, the third-generation company opened its first showroom, Immerse, and has made big strides in the St. Louis market. Partner Leigh Suffian recently talked to Supply House Times about Atlas’ history and its future with Immerse.

It is never a good sign when you check the local forecast on your phone and get this message: “This is a tornado emergency for the city of Dallas! Seek shelter now to save your life!”

Cregger Co. is starting to feel it. Blackman Supply hopes it permeates on the floor of McCormick Place in Chicago April 24-26 at the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. The “it” is optimism.