HBSDaily

Held Jan. 19-22, Design and Construction Week brings together builders, general contractors, remodelers, designers, flooring professionals, product specifiers and suppliers from around the world. Highlights include IBS Live, NKBA University Courses and the NAHB Housing Industry Forecast. 

Stay tuned for more live coverage straight from Las Vegas.

The Ace Fall Convention & Exhibits, held Aug. 20-22, included a number of highlights: a motivational general session, the 2015 All Star Retailer award winner Dan Olson of Olson's Ace Hardware and plenty of innovative products.

Orlando -- The 2017 International Builders' Show and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show held here under the moniker of "Design and Construction Week" attracted tens of thousands of housing professionals from across the country.

As usual, many of the booths were impressive works of art. Here are a few more photos representing the tip of the iceberg.

The show runs through Jan. 12.

It takes a little more to be an All Star.

Now in its fifth year, the 2015 All-Star project is designed to recognize retail excellence. After a months-in-the-making review of nominations from vendors, distributors and manufacturers, HBSDealer published a list of 50 All Stars from 50 states. The 2015 All Star project is sponsored by Epicor.

Newell Brands has found a buyer for its tool business, having recently announced that it would divest roughly 10% of its portfolio as part of its new strategic growth plan.

Stanley Black & Decker has agreed to buy the business for $1.95 billion, boosting its already sizable tools and storage business with brands like Irwin and Lenox.

Newell's tool business had sales of $760 million in the last 12 months, and Stanley expects to net cost synergies savings of $80 million to $90 million by the third year after close.

Stanley Black & Decker reported modest but steady growth in the fourth quarter, results that its chief executive said would fortify its position when facing challenges in the year ahead.

PetersenDean Roofing & Solar, a roofing and solar company based in Fremont, California, has promoted Wendi Zubillaga to builder group president.

In her new role, Zubillaga will be responsible for the company's residential construction operations as the company expands into five new states. She will also provide sales and operational guidance.