Merillat, NAHB name winners of Women of the Future grant

Merillat recently announced the winners of this year’s National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Professional Women in Building “Women of the Future” Grant. Underwritten by Merillat, the grant is helping to further education of women in all aspects of the building industry, including business owners, marketing experts, interior designers and more. Recipients can go on to further their careers by obtaining certifications or continuing their education. 

“Merillat presents this grant to support these outstanding women’s increased involvement in the industry, as they further their careers and serve as role models and mentors,” said Sarah Reep, director of design relations and education at Merillat. “In an industry historically dominated by men, our continued education is especially important as women are increasingly becoming major players. We understand that knowledge about the industry, and a passion for obtaining it, ensures progress with creativity and excitement.”

The 2011 winners of the Women of the Future grant include:

Marilyn Bunce, Professional Women in Building of Cabarrus County, N.C.

Marilyn Bunce’s goal is to be one of the most respected builders in her area. Therefore, Marilyn is pursuing designation as an Accredited Builder and plans to follow that achievement with the Accredited Master Builder designation. According to Bunce, “it is imperative that we get the education and updated information we need to stay informed about new requirements and trends in the industry.”

Kimmi Houston, Central Okla. Building Association Professional Women in Building

Kimmi Houston is a builder and owner of Houston Homes in Edmond, Okla. In this changing economy, she is focusing more on remodeling and working with clients confronting aging in place issues. Houston has earned a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation and is working towards certification as an NAHB approved instructor of CAPS courses. Her goal is to give back to the industry by providing needed information to industry professionals in her area.

Kathie McDaniel, Member at Large, Lakeland, Fla.

Kathie McDaniel, a marketing specialist for Highland Homes, believes in the importance of green and is working to become an expert green resource for her company. A true NAHB professional, McDaniel’s designations include Certified Sales Professional, Certified New Home Marketing Professional and Master in Residential Marketing. She is also working towards certification as an NAHB improved trainer.

Winners of the 2011 grant were chosen for their range of experience and commitment to the industry. Additionally, they demonstrate an interest in advancing their careers and mentoring professional women in the industry as they build their businesses through continuing education.

About Merillat. Merillat knows how meaningful innovation and functional storage can make prepping, cooking, entertaining and living in the kitchen easier. And to demonstrate how Merillat kitchens are highly functional and filled with a variety of smart storage solutions, the company recently launched a national multi-media advertising and public relations campaign centered around the theme of The Dream Kitchen for the Real World. In addition, all Merillat products carry the seal of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer Association (KCMA). A leader in environmental stewardship, Masco Cabinetry has been granted an Environmental Stewardship Program certificate by the KCMA. Merillat is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and part of Masco Cabinetry. www.merillat.com

Professional Women in Building. The NAHB Professional Women in Building Council is the voice of women in the building industry, dedicated to promoting professionalism and supporting its members at the local, state and national levels with networking and educational opportunities, legislative awareness and outreach, and professional and personal development.

Through its publications, awards, scholarships, seminars and programs, the council gives women the advantage necessary to excel and succeed.

About NAHB. The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 160,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct about 80 percent of the new housing units projected for this year.