Blog, Blog, Blog

Prepare To Go Conferencing by Jim Olsztynski

Breaking Away From The One Thing You Do by Al Levi

Five Reasons to Give Thanks by Tim Fausch

These are just a few of the blogs you can read and comment on at www.supplyht.com, www.pmmag.com, www.bathandkitchenpro.com and www.pmengineer.com . Stop by and browse! We'd love to hear what you think!

American Standard Brands appointed Gerry Messina (left) senior director of marketing, faucets. He will oversee the structure as it focuses on both the channel customers and the product lines for all American Standard, Jado, Eljer and Crane brands.

Fortune Brands named Christopher J. Klein as president and chief executive officer of its home products business, Fortune Brands Home & Security, which includes Moen faucets, MasterBrand Cabinets, Therma-Tru entry door systems, Simonton windows, Waterloo storage and organization products and Master Lock security products, effective Jan. 1. Klein is currently president and chief operating officer of the home products unit. He will succeed Rich Forbes, who previously announced his plans to retire at the end of 2009.

Matco-Norca has issued a dedicated Lead Free Products catalog (right). The 20-page catalog showcases the complete lead free line of valves, fittings, faucets and plumbing specialties offered by the company. It contains a lead free certification statement, an alphabetical index, a quick find reference guide and 14 pages of product information.

Danfoss has become a charter member of the Save Energy Now LEADER program, a new U.S. Department of Energy program providing technical assistance and resources to companies that pledge significant improvements in industrial energy efficiency. Read more.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the WaterSense Single-Family New Home Specification, which works with other voluntary green building programs such as the National Green Building Standard, Energy Star and the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program. More on this.

Bazzèo was granted the Evergreen Assured Standard for its commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices, as well as its ongoing support of community and global environmental issues and causes.  Executive Vice President Kevin M. Henry accepted the Standard for the company.

Caroma, which offers dual flush toilets and bathroom sinks, was chosen by Goodman Realty Group to furnish high-efficiency toilets for the historic Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque, NM. The hotel, which has 107 guest rooms, has been retrofitted with Sydney Smart 270 and Caravelle 270 toilets. The hotel is striving to attain LEED Gold certification.

Duravit's Starck K collection of kitchen sinks (left), designed by Philippe Starck, was honored with a 2009 Innovative Product of the Year award for the Sink and Plumbing category by the Decorative Plumbing &  Hardware Association at its annual conference held Oct. 16-18 in Colorado Springs, CO. DPHA board member Jim Babbitt presented the award to Galen Stump, vice president of Duravit USA.

MGS USA, the North American division of the Italian-based faucet manufacturer, has entered into a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County . For the next six months (and possibly beyond), for every MGS faucet sold, a kitchen faucet (builder-grade brand) will be donated to Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County. Regional showrooms participating in the program will receive name recognition for each faucet they sell that generates a donation and will receive a certificate of collaboration.

The Associated General Contractors of America reported that only five out of 337 metropolitan areas saw an increase in construction employment between October 2008 and October 2009, based on a recent study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More information.

A refinished kitchen or bathroom is higher on a homeowner's wish list than energy-efficient windows or a high-efficiency furnace, according to the latest Energy Pulse survey by Shelton Group . "Anyone selling energy-efficient products must either focus heavily on the aesthetic or comfort aspects of their products or play up their environmental benefits in a big way," says Suzanne Shelton, whose firm conducted the study. Read more.

Moen's 90 Degree chrome one-handle low arc bathroom faucet features ultra-contemporary styling for a clean, minimalist look. The chrome finish creates a bright, highly reflective, cool grey metallic appearance. The low-arc spout design is for conventional styling and the one-handle lever design makes it easy to use. The faucet is ADA-compliant and meets WaterSense criteria to conserve water without sacrificing performance. 

JACLO says its low-flow showerheads and handshowers save water and energy without compromising performance. A low-flow regulator keeps the pressure and flow of the water strong. The technology lowers the average rate of gallons-per-minute from 2.5 down to 1.75. This technology is available on more than 30 showerhead and handshower models, ranging in style from traditional to contemporary.

SFA Saniflo offers the one-piece Sanicompact toilet that saves both water and floor space in a residential bathroom application. It installs quickly and easily anywhere in the home, with no venting required. In addition to handling toilet waste, the Sanicompact can also pump water away from a nearby sink. Operating with only one gallon of water per flush, the self-contained Sanicompact uses about 38% less water than a standard 1.6 gpf toilet.

Tomlinson Industries offers a display stand for its Pro-Flo product line that lets dealers showcase a designer or contemporary RO faucet, along with a color kit that features the nine finishes available for either faucet style.  Each sample piece on the color kit is engraved with the finish name. The display stand measures about 10 inches wide by 5-1/2 inches deep and is manufactured of high-density polyethylene. It has non-skid feet in each corner to hold the base firmly in place. Tomlinson's low-lead Pro-Flo plumbing products are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61 - Annex G. 

Diamond Spas' new Atocha soaking bath features old world charm and clean, simple lines. Its elliptical shape is constructed of 4-inch strips of copper welded together, then ground and polished. The ends of the bath are curved to cradle the shoulders and back. The tub measures 36 inches by 68 inches by 24 inches. Diamond Spas specializes in the custom fabrication of stainless steel and copper aquatic products. Its bath line consists of baths, Japanese baths, whirlpools and air systems, shower pans and lavatories. All products are constructed of stainless steel or copper. The entire Diamond Spas line is fabricated from recycled sheet metal.

JUST RELEASED!
"2010" National Plumbing & HVAC Estimator - $69.95

This book covers manhours, labor and material costs for all common plumbing and HVAC work in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Plumbing and HVAC estimators can use the manual's cost estimates to quickly work up a reliable estimate based on the pipe, fittings and equipment required. Also includes sample estimating and bidding forms and contracts. Learn how to handle change orders, letters of intent, and warranties. The book also describes the right way to process submittals, deal with suppliers and subcontract specialty work. View a full description or place your order here.
To order by phone, call Stephanie at 248-244-1275. Visit AECStore.com to view our entire selection of technical resources for the plumbing, architecture, engineering and construction industries!