The group conducted its first kitchen design competition in 1965, which drew 30 entries and was judged by a panel that included the editor of "McCall's" magazine. The group merged with the National Kitchen Distributors Association in 1966. That same year, its conference included the first session on use of computers for management and accounting in the kitchen industry. It began certifying kitchen designers in 1968. Robert Weiland, a founding member, was the first "Certified Kitchen Designer". Today, there are approximately 1500. In 1972, the group began collaborating with the University of Illinois Small Homes Council to develop technical manuals for the industry.