More environmental and health agencies defend safety of granite countertops. The Marble Institute of America reports that several agencies have issued statements that conclude that granite countertops do not place consumers' health at risk, including the Florida Dept. of Health, Texas Dept. of State Health Services, New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection, North Carolina Geological Survey and Washington State Dept. of Health. About 13 agencies are directing consumers to get information on the issue from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which recently updated its position on granite countertops: "Based on existing studies, most types of granite used in countertops and other aspects of home construction are not typically known to be major contributors of radiation and radon in the average home."

ThermaSol unveiled its 50^th anniversary collection of steam bath and shower controls at Hopkins, MN-based Pipeline Supply's 24th annual tent show, which drew more than 600 attendees. The collection, displayed at the Rakieten Sales' booth, includes stylized controls available in 14 finishes. Both a traditional series and a contemporary series of controls are offered. Also included:a Serenity light and music system for the shower stall as well as FastStart and SmartSteam, which address the speed of steam release and steam room temperature.

Besa Lighting has relaunched its Web site, www.BesaLighting.com , with a more contemporary design and enhanced functionality. Visitors can try out product combinations, download product and ordering information, locate retailers and reps, and learn about the company's activities.

City Pipe & Supply Corp. (Odessa, TX ) appointed Brett Lossin as president. He succeeds Bob Glast, who will serve as chairman. In other changes, Bennie Cleveland was named sales manager; Steve Wimberley, vice president - operations; and Leslie Jones, vice president - finance. Employee-owned City Pipe celebrates its 66th anniversary this year.

First Supply

BrassCraft announced the following key appointments: Steve Tokarz, director, New Product Development; Patty Stinson, director, Business Development Gas Products; Mahesh Cheerla, director, Business Development Water Products; and Todd Mapes, director, Packaging Engineering.

Bradford White Corp. promoted Eric M. Lannes to executive vice president and general manager at the manufacturing facility located in Middleville, MI. In addition, he was named president of Niles Steel Tank Co., a subsidiary of Bradford White, after the retirement of former Vice President - General Manager Len Rzepczynski. Also, Michael J. Borinski was promoted to vice president - finance. Formerly, he was the company's controller.

Watts Water Technologies hired Jim Erhardt as national market manager for its line of hydronic heating products. Most recently he was sales and marketing manager for Slant Fin. Also, Cary Wiley was named southeast regional sales manager for Watts Plumbing & Heating Wholesale Division. He had been sales and operations manager for Watts Georgia.

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. promoted Brian Coyle to regional sales manager of the Mid-Atlantic region. He has been a sales representative with the company in the New York area for more than six years.

W.A.C. Lighting named Kirby Underwood southeast territory sales manager. His prior employers include Hagemeyer North America, PadgeWood Electric Co. and Dan Gibson Electric Co.

2007 Residential Bath CLEAReport 
Which residential brands of faucets, toilets and showerheads are preferred by contractors and recommended by wholesalers? To find out, purchase this report. Buy a section on toilets, faucets or showerheads for $1,000 each or the whole report for $3,000. For more information, visit www.clearseasresearch.com and click CLEAReports or contact Lydia White at whitel@clearseasresearch.com. 

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First Supply LLC (Madison, WI) offered continuing education credits, seminars, prizes and food for more than 500 attendees at its annual product show and customer appreciation event held Aug. 14 in La Crosse, WI. Russ Lee, general manager, noted that the GREEN Initiative seminar was especially well attended.
"The First Supply 'GREEN' program identifies the eco-friendly products First Supply offers while highlighting the environmentally responsible manufacturers," Lee said. "The final goal is to not only make First Supply a primary source of green products, but also a primary source of information and knowledge to our customers." 

BrassCraft has introduced streamlined packaging and is developing more energy-efficient manufacturing processes at its plants. Its packaging materials are provided by suppliers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative. An average of 30% recycled materials is used in the production of its shipping cartons. The company has installed state-of-the-art water treatment equipment in its plating operations and is saving about 430,000 kilowatts per year with T5 high-density halogen lighting in its Lancaster, TX, plant.

Duravit announced that more than 160 pieces of its sanitaryware were selected for the bathrooms being built inside BMW Welt, designed to serve as BMW's multifunctional event and vehicle delivery center in Munich. Its products will furnish the bathrooms in the building's lounges, restaurants, shops and the showroom.