Rolling Meadows, IL — Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) held its 2012 Fall Conference in Washington, D.C., Oct. 7-10. The conference focused on “Promoting Plumbing as a Profession” and in strengthening the partnerships surrounding the industry.

“As a leader in plumbing avocation, we serve as the voice for the industry leading innovation and legislation. We are dedicated to, and serious about, water efficiency, health, safety, quality and environmental sustainability of plumbing products, while maximizing consumer choice and value in a fair and open marketplace,” says PMI’s executive director, Barbara C. Higgens. “This year’s Fall Conference reinforced that direction and aimed to set a tone for moving forward.”

Focused on strengthening the plumbing industry by elevating its perception as both a vital professional and highly skilled industry, PMI and its members used this conference to layout the framework for strengthening the partnerships in the industry. From manufacturing to legislative and regulatory sectors, from engineering to environmental, from professional to public, from domestic and to international — all sectors were considered.

Higgens continues, “PMI and its members are deeply committed to growing the plumbing industry in safe and sustainable ways and in doing it in partnership with others who share those goals.” Member support of this direction is strong — nearly 100 people attended the conference representing PMI’s member companies and prospective new members from 14 states (a 94% attendance rate). Water Pik, Inc., PMI’s newest member company, was also in attendance.

Seventeen speakers and presenters represented the wide range of partners and interests associated with PMI. The keynote speakers included: Donna Brazile, political strategist and analyst, who delivered the opening keynote address; and Annie Longsworth, CEO of Saatchi and Saatchi; and Erin Streeter, senior vice president of communications for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

Also included in the presenters and speakers were representatives from the American Chemistry Council, the Nickel Institute, NSF International, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association. International attendees also were present from both Canada and Australia.

Honored at this event was long-time PMI member Craig Selover, director of plumbing products technology for the Masco Corporation. He received PMI’s prestigious President’s Award presented by PMI’s current president, Stewart Yang, vice president of engineering and global faucets for the Kohler Company. Selover served as president for PMI in 1990 and has been a member of the organization for more than 30 years. Established in 2009, the PMI President’s Award is given in recognition of lifetime achievements and outstanding contributions to the plumbing industry.

Following the close of the conference, PMI and several of its members made visits to Capitol Hill to speak directly with legislators about the issues surrounding the plumbing industry today.

PMI’s Spring Conference is scheduled for April 7-11, 2013 at the Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas.

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