PMI: "The Right Thing to Do"
PMI Convenes its 2005 Spring Meeting
For Immediate Release
April 21, 2005
Contact: Barbara C. Higgens, Executive Director (847) 884-9764
Schaumburg, Ill. — Welcomed by warm spring breezes, and held captive by Savannah’s charms, PMI welcomed members, spouses/companions, guests, and the press to its 2005 Spring Meeting at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort and Spa in Savannah, Georgia.
PMI President John Lauer, who is also Director of International Business Development for Sloan Valve Company, welcomed 90 attendees this year’s meeting. The theme of the meeting was "The Right Thing To Do," which symbolized how PMI membership is a proven benefit to plumbing manufacturers. Below is a brief listing of action items arising from the specific committee and general meetings. Contact PMI for more information on any item.
Among the many action-items growing out of the conference were:
- Continued work on water conservation issues, including the hosting of a water conservation summit this summer (details to follow). The purpose of the conference will be to evaluate plumbing industry challenges and refine PMI’s strategy in addressing the growing demands placed on America’s water supplies and water infrastructure systems.
- Continued building of relationships with allied organizations and associations.
- Continued work with Department of Commerce on Fair Trade Issues.
- Continued efforts to expand the PMI membership base through dues abatement and outreach.
- Continued emphasis on PMI- hosted workshops on such industry topics as codes and standards, information technology and business operations.
- PMI will develop a white paper on fixture fitting backflow protection.
- PMI will update and publish the white paper on the Control and Limitation of Water Temperature.
- PMI will submit comments on the draft United States Standards Strategy developed by ANSI to address plumbing industry challenges in achieving a fully coordinating US standardization system.
- PMI will continue to monitor and provide input to organizations involved in reviewing material content of plumbing products (such as lead).
Sunday, April 10
Following the semi-annual PMI Board of Directors meeting Sunday afternoon, the day concluded with the welcome reception and dinner, where PMI President Lauer announced new member companies Global OEM Corporation, Nikles Inter AG, VitrA, and Whirlpool, introduced seven first-time meeting attendees, and previewed the days to come.
Monday, April 11
PMI convened a full morning of meetings beginning with the Universal Conformity Assessment Issue Committee and guest speaker Eli Szamosi of OnSpex discussing "Managing Risk Through the Supply Chain." The morning continued with the E-Business Issues and Opportunities Standing Committee and a presentation on "A Practical Guide to E-Learning and Remote Learning" by Ruth King, President of ProNetwork TV, Inc.
After a sunshine-filled lunch on the Harbor Terrace overlooking the Savannah River, PMI welcomed China Specialist Michael Colopy for another insightful and captivating presentation on China’s history and its role in the global economy during the Fair Trade Issue Committee meeting. Mr. Colopy, back by popular request following his presentation at the CEO Forum immediately after PMI’s Fall 2004 meeting, explored China’s leadership and the strong family ties of the Chinese people that help us to understand how business is conducted with the Chinese.
Later on Monday afternoon, PMI members explored the lead issue in depth during a special Lead Seminar. Presentations on lead initiatives were given by: Cynthia Dougherty, Director of the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, EPA; Clif Mclellan, Director of Toxicology Services and Stan Hazan, Senior Director Regulatory Relations, NSF International, and Andrew G. Kireta Jr., National Program Manager, Copper Development Association.
The afternoon wrapped up with Showerhead, Handshower/Faucet/Shower, Tub, Tub-Shower Fittings Joint Product Group.
PMI Members eased into the evening with a reception at the Club Terrace, overlooking The Club golf course which was being prepared to host to the Legends of Golf tournament the weekend of April 16th. Following dinner on their own, attendees came back for the late-night reception featuring ghost story teller Christine Troxell, who shared tales of Savannah’s hauntings, history and mystique.
Tuesday, April 12
Committee meetings continued Tuesday morning with the Flushing Devices and Fixture Joint Product Group, followed by the Water Conservation Issue Committee. The Government Affairs Committee wrapped up the morning session with further discussion on the move to reduce the amount of lead in plumbing fixtures.
Tuesday afternoon’s Member Services Standing Committee included a presentation by Carl Cullotta, a frequent and popular presenter at PMI Meetings. Mr. Cullotta discussed "The Impact of Builder Consolidation on the Plumbing Industry."
As is the custom, The Technical Standing Committee had a full plate of issues relating to codes and standards. In addition, the committee discussed the Health Canada initiative which is similar to the lead issue in the United States. Ralph Suppa, President of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating discussed CIPH’s current initiatives and positions.
The afternoon concluded with the General Membership meeting where President Lauer presented to the membership PMI’s new mission statement (see attached) which was constructed by the Board of Directors after the Fall 2004 Meeting. Mr. Lauer also introduced new Board Member Walt Strader of Price Pfister, and new PMI treasurer Rod Ward, of Speakman Company. The 2005 Board of Directors is comprised of John Lauer, as President; Claude Theisen of T&S Brass and Bronze works, First Vice President; Ken Martin, of Delta Faucet Company, Second Vice President; Rod Ward with Speakman Company as Treasurer; and Jim Westdorp with Kohler Company as Immediate Past President. The following individuals are serving as Directors at Large: Bill Axline of Fluidmaster, Inc., Herb Barnhart of Tempress Ltd., Pete DeMarco with American Standard, Inc., Ray Fisher Jr. with Fisher Manufacturing, Walt Strader with Price Pfister, and Tom White with Haws Corporation.
The PMI Membership also reviewed results of the 2004 audit reflecting PMI’s solid financial position, after which PMI Executive Director Barbara Higgens and PMI President John Lauer both gave remarks regarding the state of the Institute and the PMI "wins" in the industry.
After a full day, attendees enjoyed a reception and dinner along with a special keynote speaker, Fox News Economist, Stuart Varney. Discussing "The New Realities of the Global Economy", Mr. Varney’s address was thought provoking, enlightening and outright funny as he offered his point of view as an immigrant to the United States. His efforts at pointing out the diversity of the PMI membership and the sweeping generalizations that are universally shared about products from certain countries kept attendees on their toes with frequent head nods and laughter. Attendees agreed that it was a good way to begin wrapping up the information-packed three-day conference.
Wednesday, April 13
After breakfast, the Spring Meeting was capped off with a Strategic Summit on Lead, facilitated by PMI’s Washington DC lobbyist, Christian Richter. Joining Mr. Richter on the dias were Craig Selover, Masco Corporation; Jack Krecek, Elkay Manufacturing Company, and Lee Mercer, Moen Incorporated. PMI members put their heads together to identify potential challenges in the legislative and regulatory areas, examined existing research, and explored the organizations and agencies involved in this hot issue. PMI will continue to closely monitor and keep the membership informed of lead initiatives.
Plans are underway to hold PMI’s 2005 Fall Meeting October 16-18 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.
The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute is the voluntary, not-for-profit international trade association of manufacturers of plumbing products serving as the Voice of the Plumbing Industry. Member companies of PMI produce a substantial quantity of the nation’s plumbing products. For more information on PMI or its semi-annual meetings, contact the Institute at 1340 Remington Road, Suite A, Schaumburg, Ill., 60173; or via phone (847) 884-9PMI (9764), facsimile (847) 884-9775, or website www.pmihome.org.
Photographs and PMI logos are available via email on request.