August Monthly Chapter News

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Summer is coming to an end...


Hello Palouse Chapter,


We hope you've all had a fun, safe, and relaxing summer! As the back-to-school season kicks into gear—with kids’ activities, sports, and fall routines ramping up—it’s also a great time to reconnect and re-engage with our local NKBA chapter.


Your involvement is what keeps our community strong. Whether it's attending events, joining a committee, or volunteering a little of your time, every bit of support helps our chapter grow and continue to serve as a valuable resource for designers and industry professionals alike.


We’re especially excited about this month’s event, featuring Cel Demers from Mir, who will be sharing her insight on the Renaissance of Mosaics—a beautiful and timely topic you won’t want to miss.


Check out the full details below, and we hope to see you there!


We also are excited to be sharing our newly elected board members soon. We had interest in each of our upcoming open board positions for 2026. Thank you everyone of you for stepping up to make the next year AWESOME! Keep posted on board member changes in next months news.



Warm regards,


Current Chapter Board Members,

NKBA Palouse Chapter


SueLynn Cole (Outgoing Membership)

Shannon Christensen (Outgoing Communications)

Stephanie Willer (Remaining Secretary/Treasurer)

Sadie Lake (Outgoing President)

Katie LaPoint (Remaining Programs)

(photo: left to right)

 


WE NEED YOU TO VOLUNTEER!!


We’re looking for event volunteers and support for programs like our Great Vendor Adventure, CEUs, and community meetups.


📄 To learn more and inquire about committee opportunities....

Fill out this form



Let’s lead the future of kitchen & bath design in the Inland Northwest—together.


#NKBAPalouse #NKBAElections #KBIS2026 #DesignLeadership #SpokaneDesign #InteriorDesignProfessionals #KitchenAndBathCommunity #LeadWithNKBA

Past Events

Seattle Vendor Tour +

Puget Sound Gala Recap



In June, our Palouse NKBA chapter enjoyed an inspiring and memorable two-day design experience in Seattle.


The event kicked off Thursday morning with a flight to Seattle, followed by exclusive design vendor tours to some of the area’s top showrooms, including Canyon Creek Factory, Seattle Lighting, Roche Bobois, Ann Sacks, and Cosentino City Center Seattle. Participants enjoyed a hosted lunch while networking and exploring the latest in design innovation.


Thursday evening was the highlight—the 2025 Puget Sound Chapter Design Awards Gala, held at The Ruins on Roy Street. Under the theme “Veiled in Design: A Masquerade of Excellence,” guests dressed to impress, enjoyed a festive atmosphere, and celebrated the outstanding talent and projects within our NKBA community.


The following day continued with more vendor tours and lunch before everyone returned home on Friday night, energized and inspired.


A special highlight was welcoming our Local Student Design Competition winners, who were generously sponsored be the Palouse Chapter on this trip to give them a firsthand look at the professional design competition winners and the opportunity to connect with new vendors.


Thank you to all who participated and made this event a great success! We look forward to seeing you at future NKBA Puget Sound events. Special thank you to our sponsors and hosts for this trip!


Look forward to next years trip. Tickets will be on sale early next year. Come join us on this fun adventure!


Check out our Event Photos

Upcoming Events

The Renaissance of Mosaics


Join us for a dynamic and visual exploration of mosaics—from ancient masterpieces to modern design materials.


📅 Date: Thursday, August 21


🕓 Time: 5:30 pm


📍 Location: Stratus Surfaces

13808 E Indiana Ave,

Spokane Valley, WA 99216


🎓 CEU Credit: 1 Hour


🎤 Presented by: Cel Demers - Sales Representative, MIR Collections

Cel Demers is a seasoned industry professional with over a decade of experience in residential building and design. Cel is the Pacific Northwest Sales Representative for Mir Collections, where she partners with designers, builders, and retailers to bring innovative tile and surface solutions to market. She currently serves as President of the North Idaho Building Contractors Association (NIBCA), where she has held leadership roles on many different committees at the local, state, and national levels. She is passionate about fostering the next generation of industry leaders and is known for her hands-on approach, community involvement, and commitment to raising professional standards across the industry.


🔍 What You’ll Learn:

  • The cultural and historical evolution of mosaics
  • Global influences and material innovations
  • Practical design applications in kitchens, baths, and beyond
  • A hands-on look at products from MIR Collections


Who Should Attend:


Kitchen & bath designers, architects, tile specialists, and industry professionals looking to expand their historical design knowledge and material inspiration.


🌟 Bonus: Connect with fellow NKBA Palouse members over refreshments, CEU credit, and a fun, interactive learning experience. Each participant will be able to participate in a hands on mosaic project to take home!


Hosted by: Stratus Surfaces, Chapter Gold Sponsor

RSVP by 8/19

September Events

 

Sep 11

Cue… the CLOSER!

What You Will Learn

Maria Stapperfenne, CMKBD, CLIPP, Division Manager, Tewksbury Kitchens and Baths, focuses on how to close a sale, fast — and how to get greater exposure and more opportunities, learn about and beat the competition and more.

Featured Presenter
Maria Stapperfenne, CMKBD

RSVP by 9/8

 

Free

October Events

SAVE THE DATE!!!


October Event: CEU Emtek

Thursday, October 2


Spokane Hardware Supply, Inc., 2001 E Trent Ave, Spokane, WA 99202, USA




Want NKBA Palouse event reminders straight to your calendar?

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Subscribe HERE

*then click add to Google Calendar


Go to our EVENT PAGE on Chapter Website for upcoming event information and registration links

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