HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. and MORROW, GA. (February 8, 2008) - The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) will present the "NKBA Outstanding Student Awards" at ceremonies held at each NKBA Accredited Program throughout North America. Sponsored by TOTO, the awards recognize the student at each NKBA Accredited school who has demonstrated the most exceptional achievement in kitchen and bath design through his or her coursework.

"TOTO is proud to support the NKBA Outstanding Student Awards program," said Mark Abbas, senior director of branding for TOTO USA, Inc. "Students are the future of this exciting and dynamic industry, and recognizing their excellence and the schools that they attend is a tremendous way to elevate awareness of the value of outstanding kitchen and bath design and help ensure a successful future for students and the industry alike."

The NKBA will award each of these students a $450 scholarship. In addition, the school will receive a perpetual plaque with a plate bearing the names of each year's outstanding student at each eligible school. A list of this year's outstanding students and their schools will also be included in Profiles Magazine, the NKBA's quarterly publication.

"By providing the NKBA Outstanding Student Awards, the National Kitchen & Bath Association is able to recognize those students with the most promising futures in our industry, as well as acknowledge their schools, which have worked closely with the Association to provide exceptional kitchen and bath design coursework," said Ron Dolan, director of education for the NKBA.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association's Outstanding Student Award is designed to promote excellence in kitchen and bath design and bring a greater awareness of the NKBA, as well as kitchen and bath career options, to schools accredited by the NKBA. Eligible students are registered in curriculum accredited by the NKBA, demonstrate excellence in kitchen and bath design and have volunteer or work experience that relates to the kitchen and bath industry, such as serving as an NKBA Student Chapter Officer or participating in a local NKBA Chapter. Eligible schools have achieved full accreditation (formerly endorsed) status from the NKBA. For at list of NKBA Accredited Schools, visit www.nkba.org/education. Schools must submit their selections by March 1.

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS®). With over 42,000 members, the NKBA has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for 45 years. The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry. For more information, please visit the NKBA Press Room at www.nkba.org/press or call (800) THE-NKBA.

About TOTO

TOTO is the largest plumbing manufacturer in the world with over $4.3 billion in annual sales and 78 affiliated production facilities globally. Since 1917, TOTO Ltd., Japan, has been a pioneer in high-performance plumbing systems, bringing consumers superbly designed, technologically advanced products. In 1989, TOTO brought its innovative technology and commitment to excellence to the US market. TOTO USA's success derives from its commitment to unsurpassed quality and reliability, which pushes the company beyond industry standards. Winner of numerous domestic and international awards and recognitions, TOTO USA seeks perfection by design with its expanding product line, which is devoted to enhancing lifestyles in man-made environments with the highest level of quality, hygiene, comfort, and luxury. For more information, consumers can visit www.totousa.com or call 1.800.350.8686.