PMI hosts Spring Conference.

Press Release Summary:



From March 27-30, PMI hosted Spring Conference, "Let the Good Times Roll...Again," which captured the idea that as the economy picks up speed, good times will come back to manufacturers. Meeting started with opening keynote by political strategist James "The Ragin' Cajun" Carville. Terry Swack spoke on subject of Life Cycle Assessment, while Pat Cleary gave presentation on crisis communications, and Norbert Gannon of U.S. Department of Commerce presented on anti-dumping issues.



Original Press Release:



Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) "Let the Good Times Roll...Again" at Spring Conference



Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) hosted its Spring Conference, March 27-30, 2011 at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. "Let the Good Times Roll...Again" was the theme for this meeting. The theme captured the idea that as the economy picks up speed and member companies see their business expand, the good times will come back to manufacturers.

The meeting started on Monday, March 28, with an opening keynote presentation by political strategist James "The Ragin' Cajun" Carville. Carville spoke on the political environment in Washington, D.C., and offered his opinion on world issues. Terry Swack of Sustainable Minds, LLC followed Carville and spoke on the subject of Life Cycle Assessment. Continuing on the topic of sustainability, Scott McDougall of TerraChoice examined green marketing issues.

Pat Cleary of Fleishman-Hillard gave a spirited presentation on crisis communications and Norbert Gannon of the U.S. Department of Commerce presented on anti-dumping issues. Simone "the Demo Diva" Bruni, whose life changed significantly after Hurricane Katrina when she saw an opportunity to create a new reality for herself in the residential demolition business, offered a lasting impression to close the meeting.

In addition to learning from Bruni's story of rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, PMI members and conference attendees participated in a Habitat for Humanity project in New Orleans' Ninth Ward neighborhoods still recovering from the 2005 devastation. PMI volunteers also saw the progress on Make It Right Foundation's largest, greenest neighborhood of single-family homes in the U.S., as well as the completed success of the New Orleans Habitat Musicians Village. Supporting these efforts, a financial donation was presented to the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity during the PMI 2011 Spring Conference.

The PMI 2011 Spring Conference saw a new feature - a separate marketing track was offered in addition to the traditional, technical track. This new, dual-track system generated a great deal of interest and welcomed 12 first-time attendees.

PMI President Jack Krecek of Elkay Manufacturing Company also welcomed two new Board members, Paul Patton of Delta Faucet Company and Tim Schroeder of Duravit USA; and a new Member Service Committee co-chair, Tom Liebhardt of Moen Incorporated.

Bidding adieu, Sally Remedios of Delta Faucet Company was recognized for her many years in the plumbing industry. Remedios has retired, but will continue with Delta on a consulting basis.

For more information about the PMI Spring Conference, visit www.pmihome.org or call 847-481-5500. Please note that the 2011 Fall Meeting will take place September 18-21 at the Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

About PMI:

Plumbing Manufacturers International is the voluntary, not-for-profit international industry association of manufacturers of plumbing products, serving as the Voice of the Plumbing Industry. Member companies produce a substantial quantity of the world's plumbing products.

For more information on PMI, contact the association at 1921 Rohlwing Road, Unit G, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008; tel.: 847-481-5500; fax: 847-481-5501. Visit www.pmihome.org, www.safeplumbing.org.

PMI Mission Statement:
  • To promote the water efficiency, health, safety, quality and environmental sustainability of plumbing products, while maximizing consumer choice and value in a fair and open marketplace.
  • To provide a forum for the exchange of information and industry education.
  • To represent openly the members' interests and advocate for sound environmental and public health policies in the regulatory/legislative processes.
  • To enhance the plumbing industry's growth and expansion.

    Contacts:

    Barbara C. Higgens, executive director, Plumbing Manufacturers International, bhiggens@pmihome.org, 847-481-5500
  • All Topics