PMI Charting the Course
PMI Convenes its 2004 Spring Meeting

For Immediate Release

May 26, 2004

Contact: Barbara C. Higgens, Executive Director (847) 884-9764

Schaumburg, IL — Sonoma Wine Country was the setting for PMI's 2004 Spring Meeting held at the DoubleTree Hotel, Rohnert Park California. The meeting, led by PMI President Jim Westdorp, Kohler Company - president, global faucets, was attended by a record 97 members, spouses/companions, guests, speakers and press. To encourage their attendance, the spouse registration fee was lowered and special gift bags were prepared for them containing a welcome note: a book of photographs of area wineries, Ghirardelli® chocolates, and an extensive list of things-to-do, including a bus tour of the wine country.

Centered on the theme, "Charting The Course" the meeting was deemed a "success" by respondents to the satisfaction survey. The theme reflects PMI's far-reaching impact on the industry, as well as the exciting new initiatives launched to enhance the member benefit quotient, including forums and seminars. Eleven guest speakers provided important information on a variety of topics affecting the plumbing industry.

Sunday, April 25, 2004

PMI held its annual golf scramble Sunday morning on Foxtail's Golf Course, adjacent to the DoubleTree property. Following the PMI Board of Directors' afternoon meeting, PMI President Westdorp introduced new members, Bill Axline and Steve Maple with their wives Barb and Carole from Fluidmaster; and guests Michael McRoberts, McGuire Manufacturing Co; Scott Ramsey, Whirlpool Corporation; and Greg Carlson with his wife Nancy from Briggs Plumbing Products, Inc. at the welcome dinner, and previewed meeting highlights. Immediate Past President Ralph Herrbach of Cifial USA was honored for his service to PMI. In addition to being presented with a commemorative plaque, Ralph received a gift from the organization. Jim Galvin of Symmons Industries also received a plaque in recognition of his completed term on the PMI Board of Directors.

Monday, April 26, 2004

Following breakfast, PMI held a full schedule of committee meetings: Universal Conformity Assessment, Flushing Devices/Fixture Group Products and Showerhead/Hand Shower, Faucet, Shower/Tub-Shower Fittings Group Products in the morning and continuing in the afternoon with Carl Cullotta, Senior Partner; Frank Lynn and Associates, Inc., who gave a presentation, during the Member Services Meeting, on residential remodeling, followed by a special presentation, the proposed EPA on Water Efficiency Product Labeling Program by Ed Osann, President of Potomac Resources, Inc., and a special presentation by Shelley Rappaport, Director of Research and Education, on the results of a study on water intrusion and mold, conducted by the National Council of Housing and the Environment.

Tuesday, April 27, 2004

Tuesday morning kicked off with the Technical Committee, followed by a special presentation by Jim Mallory, executive director of the Non-Ferrous Founders' Society on rising copper scrap prices due to export demand. During the Government Affairs Meeting, Sacramento lobbyist Jerry Desmond provided a humorous and insightful glimpse into California politics now headed up by Gover-nator Arnold Schwarzenegger. Christian Richter, PMI lobbyist briefed attendees on current legislative and regulatory issues. The Trade Show Consolidation committee meeting featured two presentations; the first from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, represented by Larry Spangler executive director of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and Beverly Dalton, 2004 NKBA president and owner of Signature Kitchen & Bath, Inc., and the second from ISH/North America Partners represented by Roland Bleinroth President of Messe Frankfurt, Inc. and Ike Casey, Executive Vice President of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC-NA).

Kevin Price was on hand at the E-Business Issues and Opportunities Committee meeting to present information on ASA's initiative to develop an industry database as well as their efforts to assist manufacturers to comply with the requirements of UCC-Net. The meeting schedule concluded with the General Membership where attendees heard about PMI's solid financial condition from Treasurer Claude Theisen of T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc.. The organization has nearly one years operating expense in reserve.

Capping off the conference was the farewell dinner and keynote speaker Robert Wendover who focused on the challenges of communicating with and managing employees of various generations.

PMI will hold its 2004 Fall Meeting September 19-22 at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute is the voluntary, not-for-profit national 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.