Innovative new products engineered with the latest advancements in battery technology continue to fuel the power tools industry for the major brands — including DeWalt, Makita and Milwaukee Tool — as they introduce faster, lighter products that provide superior performance for users.

Port Washington, N.Y.-based distributor PACOA reported a double-digit increase in attendance at its Annual Spring Dealer Market at the Queens College Fitzgerald Gymnasium. 

PACOA’s marketing manager Maria Lukac said 500 attendees took part in the March 24 to 25 event, an 11.5% increase over the previous year’s attendance.

LP FlameBlock Fire-Rated Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Sheathing is now included in the CAL FIRE Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Products Handbook, published by the California Office of the State Fire Marshall, for use in roof decking exposed as open eaves.

FlameBlock satisfies the WUI rules for use in the underside of open eaves through its CAL FIRE “low ignition surface” classification, which is granted based on the product’s Class A flame spread rating.

Laticrete, manufacturer of systems for the installation of tile and stone, launched its Laticrete Grout Channel Refurbishment Kit with the environmental benefit of waste reduction.

Benjamin Obdyke has named Tara Murray as its new marketing manager, reporting directly to general manager Michael Coulton. In her new position, Murray will be responsible for the development and implementation of marketing plans supporting all Benjamin Obdyke existing and new products.

Murray comes to the company from CertainTeed Corp., where she worked in the ceilings division and held posts of increasing responsibility in product marketing and marketing communications. She began her career with the print and digital design services agency Warkulwiz Design Associates.

Around the country, in regions where college football has taken on championship dimensions and bowl game invitations, HCN reached out to home improvement and building material industry boosters for color commentary on their local teams. Here's what we heard: