PMI@Work Blog

The PMI@Work blog explores efforts to develop the manufacturing workforce for the future, particularly among Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) members. If you’d like to submit a post for consideration, send a brief synopsis of what you’d like to write about to Ray Valek, email.

110 State Bills Carefully Tracked by PMI’s Radar

Legislative activity affecting plumbing manufacturers continues to heat up across the country – particularly on appliance efficiency, consumer data protection, greywater use, and PFAS. Plumbing Manufacturers International Technical Director Kyle Thompson currently keeps a careful eye on 110 state bills that could impact PMI members.

Useful Ways To Make DE&I Efforts More Purposeful

Many companies, including plumbing manufacturers, are looking for ways to build on their diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) efforts – to make them more intentional. Competition for talent, demands for transparency from investors and consumers, and growing social justice movements have created an urgency for deeper DE&I gains.

Walking in Washington’s Shoes Links History with Leadership

George Washington’s leadership lessons are as fresh and insightful today as they were over 200 years ago. A group of Plumbing Manufacturers International members recently had the chance to “Be Washington” for a day, learning his decision-making skills to help solve challenges facing their companies and the industry.

New COVID Guidelines Place Focus on Personal Responsibility

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated guidance for COVID-related testing, distancing and quarantining in August. The guidance places a greater emphasis on personal responsibility for minimizing the risk of COVID to ourselves and others. The CDC urges that precautions remain in place for vulnerable populations and within community settings where these populations reside or work.

PMI Team Connects with Policymakers at NCSL Summit

Plumbing Manufacturers International staff headed to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in August to build vital relationships with state policymakers while sharing expertise on water-efficient measures and plumbing products.

PMI Annual Report Explores ‘Plumbing Manufacturing Evolution’

Consistently through the years, Plumbing Manufacturers International has fulfilled its vision of “safe, responsible plumbing – always.” But now, “we find ourselves at a time when our social contract is being extended into areas such as climate change mitigation and diversity, equity and inclusion,” PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole states.

Mike Rowe Wants to Help Rewrite the Skilled Trades Story

It’s a question millions of high school seniors face every year: which career should I pursue? Most often, they’re presented with one option: get a four-year degree that carries a potentially high price tag, said Mike Rowe, creator of the TV show “Dirty Jobs.” However, many aren’t aware of another strong choice – a career in the skilled trades – which provides excellent salaries and plenty of opportunities.

Planning, Leader Buy-in Integral to Solid Diversity Efforts

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs have become more important to plumbing manufacturers and businesses – not just because they’re the right thing to do, but because they produce better business results.