HBSDaily

Briggs & Stratton's #GrimeToShine photo contest is an examination of the aesthetic relationship between the dirty and the power-washed.

To showcase the power of pressure washers, the company is inviting participants to share their "Grime To Shine" makeover photos for a chance to win a new pressure washer with POWERflow+ Technology, in addition to a $1,000 Lowe's gift card.

Entries are being accepted via Briggs & Stratton's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages using the #GrimeToShine hashtag.

Atlanta-based The Home Depot and Mooresville, North Carolina-based Lowe's are connected by the home improvement industry's biggest rivalry -- as well as the American consumer's enthusiasm and ability to spend money on the house.

With 2,273 stores in operation at the end of the third quarter, Depot brings more firepower to the battle. Lowe's operates 1,849. But they appear to be riding the same tide in home improvement.

Jordan Lumber & Supply Company has become the newest member of the American Wood Council.

Jerry Howard, CEO the National Association of Home Builders, will speak at the Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference. He will join Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) at the Washington Briefing Breakfast April 1.

Howard has worked as a legislative analyst at the National Association of Realtors, the chief lobbyist for the National Council of State Housing Agencies, and tax counsel  for the NAHB. He was promoted to NAHB's executive VP and CEO in February 2001. 

A family-owned San Francisco hardware store is moving to a new location after 30 years.

A new report from The Freedonia Group has pegged the U.S. adhesive and sealant market for slow and steady growth over the next couple of years.

According to the study, titled "Adhesives & Sealants," nationwide demand for the market is forecasted to increase 2.8% annually to 6.4 billion pounds, or $12.8 billion, in 2019. This will primarily be driven by renewed construction activity and a widening in the scope of adhesive and sealant applications.

As of the 2016 lawn & garden season, Briggs & Stratton is trimming down on its production to help cut costs, which will include limiting its Snapper consumer lawn and garden equipment and consolidating its products manufacturing facilities.

The company will also close its McDonough, Georgia location and consolidate production into existing facilities in Wisconsin and New York. 

Rugby Holdings LLC., a subsidiary of Langley, British Columbia-based Hardwoods Distribution Inc., purchased Downes & Reader Hardwood Company Inc. Downes & Reader is a distributor of hardwood lumber with four locations in the US Northeast and annual sales estimated at $25 million.

Downes & Reader services both the wholesale and retail customer segments.