2014 Year in Review

Congressional Visits Scorecard (Currently on record, 2014): Delta Faucet Co. (3); Fisher Mfg. (1); Fluidmaster, Inc. (1); HOLDRITE (1); InSinkErator (1); Kohler Co. (1); Lavelle Products (1); Moen Inc. (1); Symmons Industries Inc. (1); TOTO (1); WCM Industries (1)

2014 Highlights

  • Launched new combined platform website for Safe Plumbing and PMI; conjoined websites create a link between PMI and our important online reference material to raise visibility and credibility as a resource
  • Successful op-ed in Sac-Bee issued to proactively address Investor Owned Utilities (IOU) proposal in CA on residential lav faucets resulting in Commissioner McAllister’s response; combined with submitted PMI technical comments developed with Dr. Marc Edwards (VA Tech) and Dr. Paul Sturman (MT State Univ.); the Commissioner is expected to support California Energy Commission (CEC) Staff’s original position in-line with EPA WaterSense and CALGreen when formal regulation is announced (early 2015)
  • 11 PMI CEO’s participated in an Executive Fly-In to Washington D.C. with visits to 35 congressional offices with lawmakers and staff; co-convened with the American Supply Association
  • Set the 2015 Communication Strategy with PR consultant Ray Valek setting the basis for a target approach to all PMI communications, target goals and analytics; presented to PMI Board and A/O Committee
  • Formed 2 coalitions and the PMI California Task Group to advocate for PMI objectives
  • Took proactive action on key legislative and rule making issues including formal testimony, input, and collaboration. Including:
    • Support of US Senate Bill S.2226 “The WaterSense Efficiency, Conservation, and Adaption Act of 2014” (Udall/Boxer) which includes authorization for the WaterSense Program drafted and sent by PMI with the support of the Plumbing Industry Leadership Coalition (PILC)
    • A coalition letter involving 30 other organizations in support of the “Nexus of Energy and Water for Sustainability (NEWS) Act (S.1971)” circulated by Alliance for Water Efficiency
    • Successful input in guiding Colorado’s new state regulations on Water Efficiency Plumbing Products
    • Input regarding “The Secret Science Reform Act (HR.4012)” with 29 other trade associations led by American Chemistry Council to ensure veracity of science for EPA regulations
    • Successfully suggested changes (at the request of Sen. Barbara Boxer, Chair Senate EPW Committee staff) to the “W2: Water in the 21st Century Act (S. 2771/H.R. 5363);” and issued a letter in support of the same to all members of the US Senate and key members of the House
    • Secured favorable outcome to outdated interpretation of Illinois ADA requirement: no further enforcement of secondary flush control placement on flushometer valves where a sensor-activated flush control is already present

By the Numbers

  • 2 PMI Conferences: Spring= 10 First Timers, 1 Prospects; Fall= record attendance with 131 total including 21 First Timers, 11 Prospects and a sell-out for exhibiting sponsors in new format (14 booths total)
  • Co-convened 2 events: Plumbing Leadership Industry Coalition (PILC) meeting and the International Emerging Technology Symposium (IETS)
  • Identified 12 states suffering from drought conditions to target with retrofit message; social media campaign launched along with direct focus of letters to key officials; more than 500 messages sent
  • PMI crafted articles in print= 32; Articles mentioning PMI= 25; PMI Advertisements= 5; Press Releases= 17 and developed 5 new promotional pieces to enhance communications to policy makers
  • Collaborated with, ASPE, WQA and IAPMO to educate others on product listing and labeling requirements
  • Completed 8 surveys including a 1 pint urinal survey to educational facility managers to gauge satisfaction and current/intended use of such products
  • Continued member visits by PMI staff: 16 visits total
  • Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)

Respectfully submitted, Barbara C. Higgens, PMI CEO/Executive Director