Back by popular demand, "SustainAbility: design for a better world" will return to the New York International Gift Fair next month. This marks the fourth year for the exhibit and educational series that was created "to inform, promote and recognize green activities and initiatives."

SustainAbility includes a juried exhibit of sustainable gift, home and lifestyle products; the Eco Choice Awards, which were designed to recognize green product innovation; and a two-part seminar series addressing sustainability and fair trade business practices.

Criteria to be considered for the SustainAbility section included eco-friendly products and production processes, as well as socially-responsible, philanthropic or fair-trade business practices. This summer's exhibit will feature nearly 200 products from 125 companies around the world. More on the SustainAbility participants and their products is available online.

For the seminars: check in on Monday, Aug. 15 with Susan Szenasy of Metropolis Magazine and Susan Inglis of the Sustainable Furnishings Council for "Certification, Standards & Compliance," a session that will discuss the evolution of green products and business practices, as well as new developments in certifications, standards and compliance. And on Tuesday, Aug. 16, "The Fair Trade Kitchen" will dive into Fair Trade basics and the benefits of buying high-quality kitchen and table products with societal and cultural impact. The session is hosted by Renee Bowers of the Fair Trade Federation and Anna Wolfe of The Gourmet Retailer. Advance registration is available online.

NYIGF
August 13 - 18
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New York City

Benjamin Moore took top honors in the recent J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Interior Paint Satisfaction Study. The study examines six key factors of "the painting experience: application, product offerings, durability, price, design guides, and warranty/guarantee."

Overall, the study found users were "notably more satisfied with interior paint brands in 2011, compared with 2010." Satisfaction with interior paint brands increased to an average of 770 on a 1,000 point scale in 2011 from 754 in 2010.

Benjamin Moore ranked highest in customer satisfaction with interior paint with a score of 791. It also performed well in the areas of application, product offerings and design guides. Benjamin Moore was followed in the 2011 rankings with Porter (789) and Sherwin-Williams (778).

While the majority of customers indicated they applied the paint themselves, the number of customers who said they hired a professional to do the painting for them increased to 16% in 2011, up from 11% in 2010.

The 2011 study was based on responses from more than 8,900 customers who purchased and applied interior paint within the previous 12 months. The study was fielded between March and April 2011.

A new exhibit is about to hit the Washington Design Center. MADE: In America will be on view July 7 - 28.

MADE: In America is a coalition of business leaders, public policymakers, educators and other citizens, that seeks to recognize and promote American enterprise in the 21st Century. The group also bestows awards upon companies that have made significant contributions to its cause. This year's top honors go to Century Furniture, Keith Fritz, Duralee Fine Furniture, Kindel, Brighton Pavilion, MacKenzie Dow, and McNeilly.

The winners will be honored this weekend at the U.S. Capitol during the annual Take Pride in America celebration on July 4. The event culminates with a viewing of fireworks from the Capitol's West terrace.

Of the honorees, Century gets top billing this year for "its longstanding commitment to making the finest hand-crafted furniture at home in the U.S., in addition to its dedication to employees and contributions to its Hickory, N.C. community."

Keith Fritz, a woodworker whose line is sold through Michael-Cleary, is being honored with a special award for excellence in craftsmanship named for William Thornton, the first architect of the U.S. Capitol.

The four remaining lines, each of which is represented in the WDC, are being recognized with Built It in America awards. These awards are based on the companies sustained U.S. production and commitment to their workers and hometowns. The companies receiving the Built It in America awards are Duralee Fine Furniture; Kindel, which is represented through Robert Allen/Beacon Hill; Brighton Pavilion and MacKenzie Dow, both of which are represented through AmericanEye; and McNeilly, which is represented through Charles Ray & Associates.

It's time again for the New York Home Furnishings and Design Organizations Coalition Summer Social. This marks the fourth year of the design event which has been sold out for each of its previous years. This year's event will take place on Thursday, July 21 at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City.

In addition to networking opportunities, the evening includes a live auction to benefit YAI Network, an organization whose mission is to create hope and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities and their families. George Oliphant, Emmy Award winner and host of NBC's Open House NY will serve as auctioneer. To donate an item for the auctions, contact the IFDA-NY office at 212.686.6020 or ifdanyny@verizon.net.

The organizations participating in the event are the American Society of Interior Designers, New York Metro Chapter; The Decorators Club; Designers Lighting Forum of NY; Executives Working in Home Textiles; Illuminating Engineering Society of N. America, NYC Section; International Furnishings and Design Association, New York Chapter; and the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Manhattan Chapter. Event sponsors include Benjamin Moore & Co., Dornbacht, Lutron and Sub-Zero Wolf.

Pre-event pricing of $45 for members and $55 for non-members is available through Friday, July 1. After July 1 and at the door admission is $90 for members and $100 for non-members. Non-members must be registered by a member. Registration is available online.