Plumbing Manufacturers Institute “Takes Charge of Change” at Fall Meeting

* PMI will be exhibiting at Greenbuild in booth #357 *

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) hosted its Fall Meeting, Oct. 3-6, 2010, at the Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. “Taking Charge of Change” was the theme for this year’s meeting. “As organizations are tightening their belts in this weak economy, everyone must creatively adapt to changes and challenges in the workplace or be left behind,” says PMI Executive Director Barbara C. Higgens.

The meeting began on Mon., Oct. 4, with an opening keynote presentation by pilot, author and adventurer Lane Wallace, entitled “Taking Charge: Strength Through Adversity.” Higgens notes, “Her presentation spoke to the idea that change sometimes isn’t enjoyable, but we come out at the end of it better for the experience.” Her presentation was followed by Suzanne Fisher of Pratt Industries, who spoke on the issue of sustainability in packaging.

Larry Muller of Chase Brass and Copper Company gave attendees a lesson in the basics of dezincification and Günter Schieweck of International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials’ Research and Testing (IAPMO R&T) in Germany presented a brief description of certification processes for sanitary products in Europe. Chris Di Iorio and Ian McGaw of CADworks offered a demonstration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. Charles White of Repairs, Inc. examined scald and thermal shock issues in American Society of Safety Engineers 1016 and 1017 devices.

The first day of meetings closed with the General Membership meeting. As PMI is expanding its scope of membership, members voted to approve a name change for the organization. The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute will now be known as Plumbing Manufacturers International. In addition to the name change, PMI will roll out a new logo in 2011.

Klaus Fromme of Bradley Corporation was presented with the President’s Award for his outstanding contributions to the plumbing industry. Fromme has been in the plumbing industry for 31 years and has been active with PMI as a committee co-chair.

PMI President Lee Mercer of Moen Incorporated, also welcomed two new committee co-chairs. Mark Malatesta of American Standard is the new co-chair of the Technical Committee and Mike Douglass of Elkay Manufacturing Co. is the new co-chair of the Fair Trade Issue Committee.

The Tues., Oct. 5 meetings opened with updates from PMI’s federal and state lobbyists and were followed by a presentation by Pat Cleary of Fleishman-Hillard on crisis communications.

Elise Owen of the American National Standards Institute spoke on standards and market access in India and China. Gary Stanley and Pat MacAuley of the Department of Commerce spoke on the National Export Initiative.

An international plumbing forum took place on Tues., Oct. 5 to identify mutual goals and solidify partnerships. Representatives of various international plumbing organizations engaged in a lively discussion on the issues they face in their respective countries. The panel included Tim Fisher, Plumbing Products Industry Group (Australia); Yvonne Orgill, Bathroom Manufacturers Association (Great Britain); Günter Schieweck, IAPMO R&T (Germany); Christian Taylor-Hamlin, Bathroom Manufacturers Association (Great Britain) and Ken Tomihiro, Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (Canada).

Retired U.S. Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni was the closing keynote speaker. He spoke of what it takes to weather change on the battlefield and in the boardroom. At the conclusion of his presentation, Zinni autographed copies of his book for attendees, Leading the Charge: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom.

Wed., Oct. 6 featured last minute tips for attendees who were participating in Capitol Hill lobbying visits and a presentation by Neil Swiacki of Environmental Carolinas who spoke on promoting environmental achievements.

For more information about the PMI Fall Meeting, visit www.pmihome.org or call 847-481-5500. The 2011 Spring Meeting will take place March 27-30 at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans.

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