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February 2015 | ForResidentialPros.com | 13 Knoche Named NKBA U Winner Las Vegas — Rhonda Knoche, CMKBD, o f P o r t l a n d , O R - b a s e d Rhonda Knoche Design, has been named the frst-ever NKBA U Professional of the Year. Four fnalists competed for the title at KBIS 2015, held last month at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The four industry profes- sionals shared the importance of professional development, and how NKBA University has contributed to their growth and success in front of a panel of industr y judges, which included Janice Costa, editor, Kitchen & Bath Design News ; Les Petrie, CMKBD, and Peter Salerno, CMKBD. "Throughout the contest and in the finals, Rhonda demon- strated how NKBA U has fueled her growth, and how continuing education shapes her career tra- jectory as she works toward her professional goals," said National Kitchen & Bath Association Direc- tor of Marketing Nancy Barnes. "Continuing education is deeply woven into the fabric of NKBA and this contest. We're thrilled to celebrate Rhonda and the com- mitment that she, our runners-up and NKBA U embody." In the spirit of continuing education, the following prizes have been awarded: » Grand Prize Winner Rhonda Knoche received three all- expenses-paid trips for two from the contest's sponsors: Platinum sponsor Cosen- tino will send Knoche and a guest to Spain to tour its headquarters and manufac- turing facilities in Almeria; Gold sponsor Kohler Co. will provide a tour of its headquarters and manu- facturing facilities in Kohler, WI, and Gold Sponsor GE will provide a tour of its Mono- gram Experience Center in Louisville, KY. » First Runner- Up Sarah Robinson of Jansen, Inc. in Pensacola, FL, received all- expenses-paid trips for two from Kohler Co. and GE. » Runners-Up Melissa Helvey, AKBD of Great Floors in Spo- kane, WA and Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, of Timeless Kitchen Design in Seattle, WA, received all- expenses-paid trips for two from GE. "I made a promise to myself that I would always keep learning," Knoche says. "I credit NKBA and NKBA U's continuing education courses to much of my success, and I am so thrilled to re- ceive the honor of being named the frst NKBA U Professional of the Year. It vali- dates a lesson important for all industry professionals: Constant learning is key for constant growth and continued success." Runner-Up Melissa Helvey, AKBD, was also named the People's Choice winner. w w w. To p K n o b s . c o m 9 0 8 - 3 5 9 - 6 1 7 4 8 0 0 - 4 9 9 - 9 0 9 5 d e s i g n e d f o r c a b i n e t s a n d c o m p l i m e n t s . Circle No. 6 on Product Card