NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith served as the keynote speaker for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2026 Builders Show and KBIS.

Each month in FDMC Magazine, we feature the 'Notable Nine Online,' nine stories that were the most viewed and engaged with from WoodworkingNetwork.com over the past month. The following stories were chosen by our readers by what they were most interested in from January 14 to December 13.

The ChemQuest Group Inc., a global consulting firm for the specialty materials industry, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 1976, ChemQuest has assisted hundreds of clients in thousands of projects and special assignments to identify and implement strategies that enable long-term profitable growth.

CHICAGO — Butler Specialty Company, a provider of furniture in the United States, Canada and Europe, offers a versatile collection of buffet and sideboard cabinets designed to suit a wide array of interior styles. With a history spanning 96 years, the company continues to provide high-quality, stylish furnishings that serve as focal points in residential and commercial settings.

Lowe’s is strengthening its Pro experience through expanded product access with the Pro Extended Aisle, integrated digital tools for quoting and spend management, and MyLowe’s Pro Rewards designed for small- to medium-size Pros and now NAHB member savings.

Persistent affordability challenges, including high housing price-to-income ratios and elevated land and construction costs, helped push builder confidence lower for the second straight month to start the year.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association, owners of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), kicked off the show on Monday, February 16 with the highly anticipated NKBA Design + Industry Awards gala at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The annual celebratory event brought together designers, media and brand executives to recognize top kitchen and bath industry talent.

Metrie, North America’s largest manufacturer and distributor of millwork solutions, has appointed Chris Fearn as vice president, transformation. In this role, he will lead the transformation management office (TMO), sit on the Metrie Executive Leadership Team, and report directly to CEO, Kent Bowie.

Bell Lumber & Pole is expanding its manufacturing facility in De Queen, Arkansas, to accelerate the production of Southern Yellow Pine utility poles in the southern region of the United States. The expansion is expected to create 12 new jobs in De Queen over the next two years.