Safe Plumbing

12/27/2022

Going forward into 2023, Plumbing Manufacturers International - PMI will discontinue posting on this Safe Plumbing page and will consolidate its Facebook posting to the Plumbing Manufacturers International - PMI page. We encourage you to follow us on Facebook on this PMI page. We will keep the Safe Plumbing page up for now but may decide to discontinue it soon. Thanks and have a happy, healthy and successful 2023!

Supply House Times, Sloan Valve Company, PHCPPros, Plumbing & HVAC Magazine, EPA WaterSense, Ge**er Plumbing Fixtures, American Society of Plumbing Engineers, Bradley Corporation, Fisher Manufacturing, BrassCraft, World Plumbing Council, PM Magazine, CONTRACTOR Magazine, Bathroom Manufacturers Association, PM Engineer

12/20/2022

Working as a commercial shell diver in 1992, Chad Pregracke was appalled by the heaps of garbage he discovered in the Mississippi River. He decided to do whatever it took to clean up the river, he told attendees of Plumbing Manufacturers International’s Manufacturing Success Conference.

Pregracke, who grew up along the river’s banks, overcame many obstacles as he started his journey – from scraping up funding to securing a place to store and recycle tons of trash. Today he runs Living Lands & Waters – what he describes as the only “industrial strength” river cleanup organization in the world. Pregracke thanked Plumbing Manufacturers International members for their water innovations and collaboration, including Elkay Manufacturing for its long-time support of his work. https://bit.ly/3PflIys

12/16/2022

Addressing attendees of Plumbing Manufacturers International - PMI’s Manufacturing Success Conference, megatrends and sustainability expert Andrew Winston, co-author of “Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More than They Take,” said a company’s success comes down to answering one question: Is the world better off because your business is in it?

A decades-long focus on short-term shareholder profits is giving way to becoming “net positive” – devoting more resources to the environment and society than a company takes. PMI members have been stepping up efforts to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies and actions, looking for more ways to help leave the planet a better place. https://bit.ly/3W5EgmC

A big shift is taking place in what it means to be a successful business. A decades-long focus on short-term share holder profits is giving way to becoming “net positive” – devoting more resources to the environment and society than a company takes.

12/14/2022

Plumbing Manufacturers International CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole discusses big data’s effect on manufacturing and reflects on what the industry accomplished in 2022. He thanks industry members for their continued support and confidence in PMI. https://bit.ly/3UIDlHK

12/12/2022

Martin Knieps, Plumbing Manufacturers International Board of Directors president, calls on industry members to take proactive approaches to addressing water challenges as part of PMI’s initiative.

Knieps cites the Seventh Generation Principle – an ancient Iroquois philosophy – in his call to action; decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future, so now is the time for action. Read more: https://bit.ly/3FBDyYZ

12/09/2022

Read and Share the Year-End 2022 Ripple Effect from Plumbing Manufacturers International - PMI!

Read and share this issue, which includes highlights and photos from the Manufacturing Success Conference.

One highlight was the introduction of PMI’s initiative. Read about how the first project of this initiative — legacy product replacement — can potentially save up to 362 billions of gallons of water in California alone!

This issue features summaries of PMI22 keynote addresses delivered by Andrew Winston and Chad Pregracke of Living Lands and Waters. Their stories of how to create success out of environmental responsibility serve as inspiration to us all. In their monthly columns, PMI leaders Martin Knieps and Kerry Stackpole thank all those giving their time and effort to PMI during the past year. Happy holidays to all!

As the spotlight turns to incoming PMI president Sal Gattone and the members of the 2023 PMI Board of Directors, PMI invites all of you to begin the process of exploring PMI leadership opportunities. Leading a committee or serving on the board is a great way of enhancing your career experience. Read more about steps you can take on page 12 of this issue.

This issue features PMI22 Gold Sponsors CSA Group, ICC Evaluation Service and ICC Evaluation Service and LIXIL Global and Silver Sponsors International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, CONTRACTOR Magazine, PHCPPros and Plumbing & Mechanical/Supply House Times! Thanks again for your generous support!

We hope you enjoy the Year-End Ripple Effect!
https://lnkd.in/ex4g7cxS

10/21/2022

Expert Shares Ways to Attract Skilled Workers

The struggle to find skilled talent continues for and other manufacturers. By better understanding the needs and motivations of hourly employees, companies can more successfully attract, engage and retain these critical workers.

Kylene Zenk, director of manufacturing at UKG – an innovative workforce management company – shared creative practices, tools and policies to help PMI members get a leg up on finding during the PMI webinar, “Manufacturing a Winning Talent Management Strategy,” on Sept. 28.

Read more in Plumbing Manufacturers International's Ripple Effect: https://bit.ly/3VESk7c

10/20/2022

New COVID Boosters, Flu Shots Can Protect Workers

U.S. health officials are forecasting continuing COVID cases, as well as an uptick in the flu compared to the past two years. To keep workers prepared and safe, many companies, including Plumbing Manufacturers International members, are offering onsite COVID and flu vaccine clinics.

Several PMI members said they strongly encourage workers to get vaccinated but leave the final decision up to each individual.

“We don’t mandate but encourage employees to get the COVID vaccine,” said Amy Eaton, director of human resources at Ge**er Plumbing Fixtures, a PMI member. “We also respect employees who want to continue wearing a mask. We want them to feel comfortable. This is a judgment-free zone.”

The company will offer its regular onsite vaccines and continue sharing its safety guidelines with employees. The guidelines urge workers to stay home if they’re sick – regardless of whether they have COVID, the flu, or another type of infection, Eaton said.

“We tell employees to weigh your risks when it comes to the COVID and make that call for yourself,” said Diane Rudy, vice president of human resources at PMI member Bradley Corp. “However, we try to remove as many barriers as possible to either offer the vaccines onsite or provide information about where to get them. We also suggest they talk with their doctors.”

Both Eaton and Rudy said their companies handle immunocompromised employees with heightened COVID concerns on a case-by-case basis. Ge**er asks employees with health issues or concerns to work with human resources, Eaton said. Fortunately, most employees can work from home, she added.

“We want everyone to feel comfortable, so we will do whatever is practical,” Rudy stated. She explained that the company has created safety measures, following CDC guidelines, for both prevention and treatment. Preventative measures involve regularly sanitizing offices and manufacturing facilities. When a worker becomes ill, Bradley offers support and information about COVID testing locations and guidance on when to return to work.

Read more in Plumbing Manufacturers International's Ripple Effect:

10/20/2022

Imagine a Day Without Water 2022 Is Today

Imagine a Day Without Water 2022, from the Value of Water Campaign, focuses on those who don’t have to imagine a day without water access. So far in 2022, dozens of communities have experienced devastating impacts to their water supplies due to heavy rains, flooding, drought, and failing infrastructure. This week also marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Learn more about Imagine a Day Without Water and sign up to participate: https://imagineadaywithoutwater.org

10/19/2022

Aspiring Leaders Learn Simple Ways to Unlock Creativity

Many believe that only certain professionals, such as artists and dancers, are naturally creative. However, with the right method, anyone can master – a vital skill for solving business challenges and consistently delivering .

Creativity expert Nir Bashan taught Plumbing Manufacturers International members a repeatable and predictable method of tapping into innovation called “The Trinity of Creativity” during the Aug. 31 PMI Aspiring Leaders Workshop.

“Creativity and innovation are life tools. They are elemental to everything we do and the very nature of our survival,” said Bashan, who has taught Hollywood and music stars such as Woody Harrelson and Rod Stewart, and thousands of business leaders, how to harness the power of creativity.

However, he noted that myths about creativity stop people from honing their creative skills. They say to themselves: “I’m not an artist,” “I won’t be taken seriously,” and “Creativity comes in a flash of insight.”

One participant recalled winning a creativity ribbon in grammar school for designing a poster about pollution. “But I’ve always thought that I don’t have any creativity,” she said. Bashan said that all kids are creative and creativity gets stifled in school, on the job, or somewhere else.

“You can get it back. Creativity is not an art. You’re going to learn how to make it happen today,” he added.

Read more in Plumbing Manufacturers International's Ripple Effect: https://bit.ly/3TbPIfF

Many believe that only certain professionals, such as artists and dancers, are naturally creative. However, with the right method, anyone can master creativity – a vital skill for solving business challenges and consistently delivering innovation.

10/19/2022

Walking in Washington’s Shoes Links History with Leadership

George Washington’s leadership lessons are as fresh and insightful today as they were over 200 years ago. A group of Plumbing Manufacturers International members recently had the chance to “Be Washington” for a day, learning his decision-making skills to help solve challenges facing their companies and the industry.

Held at the George Washington Leadership Institute at historic Mount Vernon, Virginia, the PMI CEO Thinking Forum allowed participants to immerse themselves in Washington’s intellect and ethics while providing time to explore new leadership strategies and learn creative ways to inspire others.

Many of the participants described the forum as a unique experience that opened their eyes to how ahead of his time Washington was – as he faced extraordinary challenges in his military and political career.

“I really enjoyed being George for a day. Until now, I didn’t truly appreciate how worldly he was and what a strong businessperson he became, which was inspirational,” said Todd Teter, president, House of Rohl, Water Innovations EMEAA, and PMI’s immediate past president.

“This was the most intimate leadership forum I’ve ever attended, which led to great conversations and an opportunity for everyone to be heard,” said Kelly Safis, leader of sales, LIXIL Americas, a PMI member. “I’ve never seen this type of format to teach lessons in leadership, ethics and integrity using real-life situations.”

Read more in Plumbing Manufacturers International's Ripple Effect:

George Washington’s leadership lessons are as fresh and insightful today as they were over 200 years ago. A group of Plumbing Manufacturers International members recently had the chance to “Be Washington” for a day, learning his decision-making skills to help solve challenges facing their comp...

10/18/2022

In the October Ripple Effect from Plumbing Manufacturers International, PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole writes that one cannot help but be optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead to address climate change and fashion meaningful solutions that address our future water and energy nexus. "Considering the wide-ranging and clever innovations taking place in the plumbing fixture and fittings business, the world of smart water devices, and our ability to capture and contain energy from a variety of clean power sources leads me to believe that everything is going to be alright. Let’s get busy." Read more: https://bit.ly/3ySCYlX

The flickering neon sign read, “Everything is going to be alright.” Given the country in which I was standing, I couldn’t decide whether this sign was a form of propaganda, mind control, or only an expression of hope by a neon artist to his fellow citizens.