FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	October 26, 2000
Contact: Barbara Miller
Sumner Rider & Associates
(301) 348-2017

New York, NY -- Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) has completely redesigned its website, adding a variety of resource tools for professionals in the building, construction and architectural fields.

Sporting a new design and improved navigation, the site features detailed information on its standards, product numbering system, and certification program . A special "questions?" section allows website visitors to pose general or specific technical questions for e-mail response by the BHMA staff. Typical information requests of BHMA are covered in a "frequently-asked questions" section.

"In revamping the website, we made a concerted effort to provide the kind of information building professionals say they are seeking when they go on-line," explains BHMA Executive Director Peter Rush. "We believe architects and specifiers will find the new site exceptionally useful and easy to use."

Of special note is the website's expanded resource information on current and upcoming ANSI/BHMA performance standards. BHMA is the sole U.S. organization accredited by ANSI to develop and maintain performance standards for builders hardware. The new website includes a tracking chart on the status of standards being revised and developed.

In addition, all standards can be electronically ordered and downloaded from the site. To simplify ordering, standards can be pinpointed by document number or keywords, and brief descriptions of each standard are also provided. Three-by-five inch, sample matchplate finishes can also be ordered from the website.

Another improvement is a unified directory of BHMA certified products, which can be downloaded in PDF format. Previously BHMA published individual directories for each category of certified products. BHMA's website address is www.buildershardware.com.

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