NKBA Moving HQ to Pennsylvania
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is moving its headquarters west … from Hackettstown, N.J., to Bethlehem.
“Why Bethlehem? It’s an emerging ‘creative class’ city with a rich history, world-class colleges, and universities, a diverse population, the amazing Hotel Bethlehem to house out-of-town guests, and access to major transportation hubs,” said Bill Darcy, NKBA CEO.
“We look forward to joining and contributing to the dynamic Bethlehem community while providing an exceptional work environment for our employees.”
The move was inspired by a need to find a location that would support a new philosophy of what the ideal “work environment” comprises. The adoption of hybrid workplace policies, the need for flexibility, and for technical acuity coupled with a desire to connect with makers, artists, technologists, and other creative class contributors in a small urban location made Bethlehem a logical candidate.
“We needed to change how and where we operate to fit the work and technology paradigm,” Darcy, an alumnus of Moravian University in Bethlehem, said. “The new, dynamic space will do just that. 1 W. Broad Street was chosen after an extensive search. Multiple locations of varying sizes and types were considered in various locations across the Lehigh Valley.
“Our global reach connects some of the largest kitchen and bath manufacturers, retailers and design professionals around the world and we are anxious to introduce them to the beauty and unique culture embedded in the Lehigh Valley.”
The NKBA has considered a number of wellness components in the design of its new headquarters and is incorporating the statement further with a “Carry the Keys” cycling initiative.
On Nov. 8, the industry group will hold a bicycle trek from Hackettstown to Bethlehem in to ceremoniously transfer the headquarters. Darcy will be joined by several NKBA staffers and members, including 2022 Chairman of the Board Basil Larkin, 2014 Past President John Petrie, and NKBA/CEDIA member Ryan Herd.
The group will carry the keys from the former HQ to the new location.
A ribbon cutting and tours of the new HQ at 1 W. Broad St, in Bethlehem. will also take place on Nov. 8 from 5 p.m.– 8 p.m.
