MANATEE — A Chinese drywall manufacturer has agreed to be served with a class-action lawsuit to be filed on behalf of homeowners, attorneys in the case said Monday.
Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. agreed to be served under U.S. court procedures and not under international law, which would have taken more time and money, attorneys said. However, KPT’s willingness to do so extends only to an omnibus class-action lawsuit to be filed by Dec. 9.
“It is a huge breakthough,” said Arnold Levin, a New Orleans attorney who is the lead plaintiffs’ counsel in federal suits over Chinese drywall.
KPT and several manufacturers, distributors, shippers and homebuilders are accused of importing and installing defective drywall in thousands of U.S. homes. The drywall has been blamed for causing property damage and health problems.
Those who want to join the omnibus suit must submit proof of KPT drywall in their homes to Levin, Fishbein, Sedran & Berman, 510 Walnut St., Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19106 by Dec. 2.
Prime Outlets launches contest
ELLENTON — Prime Outlets-Ellenton is giving consumers a chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree this holiday season.
Contest entries will be accepted until Nov. 30 at www.primemycloset.com or by texting HOLIDAY3 to 89074.
Crowder’s to host open house
BRADENTON — Crowder’s Gifts & Gadgets will hold its annual holiday open house this month.
The West Bradenton gift shop at 5409 Manatee Ave. W. will host the holiday open house from 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Nov. 11. The Lakewood Ranch gift shop at 2401 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. will host the event from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 18.
Both events will have in-store discounts and raffles.
Economic competitiveness subject of talk
SARASOTA — New College alumnus Robert Atkinson will talk about the risks to the U.S. international economic competitiveness today at 7 p.m. at Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Road.
“Falling Behind: U.S. Competitiveness in a High-Tech World” is the topic of Atkinson’s talk. Atkinson is the founder and president of Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a Washington, DC-based technology policy think-tank.
Reservations are required. Cost is $15. For more information, call (941) 487-4888.
— Herald staff reports
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