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PMI Joins Push For Housing Recovery Plan
The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute has joined Fix Housing First, a coalition of more than 600 organizations, home building companies and manufacturers that is pressing for a major stimulus package to stem the decline in home values, stabilize financial markets and reignite consumer demand. The coalition is urging Congress to support enhancements to the home buyer tax credit and provide below-market 30-year fixed-rate mortgages for home purchases. A similar plan worked in 1975, when the nation was also in the midst of a recession. Congress then passed a short-term $2,000 tax credit for all new homes ($12,000 adjusted for today's median home prices) along with
subsidized mortgage rates. The coalition is calling for significant enhancements to the current $7,500 tax credit for first-time home buyers.
AGC Seeks National Support For Infrastructure Investments 
The Associated General Contractors of America has launched a new national effort to gain national support for new infrastructure investments that help create and preserve construction jobs and serve as a foundation for future economic growth, said Stephen Sandherr, the association's CEO. He said that such investment would have significant, long-term benefits for the U.S. economy: reduced congestion, improved education and health care facilities, clean water supplies and improved levies.
IAPMO to Conduct Training on CA Plumbing Code
The Division of the State Architect of California (DSA) is teaming with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials to prepare California Plumbing Code (CPC) and California Mechanical Code (CMC) training for the DSA Academy. IAPMO instructors will teach 16 classes this year (eight 2007 CPC and eight 2007 CMC)
on behalf of the DSA, which provides design and construction oversight for K-12 schools and community colleges, and develops and maintains accessibility standards and codes utilized in public and private buildings throughout California. |
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KlingStubbins has announced that Richard Lombardi, P.E.,
has joined the firm as chief mechanical engineer of the Washington, DC, office. He is responsible for the technical quality of the documents produced, their adherence to the design intent, interface with clients, research of material requirements, coordination of architectural disciplines, and operational management of the mechanical engineering department. Lombardi's mechanical engineering career spans more than 25 years.
S. Jerry McDanal, CET, CIPE/CPD, CSI, F-ASPE, vice president engineering for Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co., has been inducted into the College of Fellows by the ASPE Board.
 McDanal [photo], along with 19 of his colleagues, was one of the first to receive this accolade. McDanal retains the ASPE Fellow designation for life, and received a special College of Fellows ASPE lapel pin and award plaque announcing his induction.
Viking SupplyNet, welcomes Rich Lambert to the position of regional sales manager for the Northeast region. Lambert will manage the company's total sales efforts in a 13-state region stretching from Maine to Virginia. Lambert brings more than 25 years of experience in the fire sprinkler industry. |
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National Disaster Reconstruction Expo & Conference to Debut In June
National disaster recovery and reconstruction experts headline the first National Disaster Reconstruction Expo's (NDRExpo) conference program, which launches June 17-18, 2009 at the Morial New Orleans Convention Center. The NDRExpo was developed to unite the numerous vertical markets associated with disaster preparation, response, recovery and rebuilding.
Keynote Address
FEMA's Assistant Administrator of Mitigation is scheduled to provide the NDRExpo's keynote address. As part of the agency's National Mitigation Directorate, the Administrator manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and programs designed to reduce future natural disaster-related losses. The keynote address will focus on how, through the National Mitigation Directorate, FEMA seeks to break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction and repeated damage.
General Sessions
AidMatrix Foundation's President and CEO, and former Wisconsin Governor, Scott McCallum is scheduled to lead Wednesday's General Session. AidMatrix Foundation is a nonprofit that uses advanced information technology to create efficiencies between donors and those in need, managing $1.5 billion annually with operations in six continents to 35,000 nonprofits.
Scheduled General Session speakers include Col. Alvin B. "Al" Lee, the New Orleans District's 60th commander and district engineer, and the Restoration Industry Association's (RIA) executive director Don Manger and development adviser & facilitator G. Pete Consigli, CR, WLS.
A full conference schedule and additional information can be found at
www.NDRExpo.com. Conference papers may be submitted until Jan. 31, 2009. |
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Software Program Draws Plumbing Projects
Epiphany Software, Inc. has released a trial version of QuickPlumb that provides 30 days of full functionality. Available through their Web site at
www.QuickPlumb.com, this stand-alone CAD program lets you draw your drainage waste and vent piping "your way" while keeping up with alignment, slope, fittings and code compliance. QuickPlumb features include the ability to produce 3D drawings, create bills of materials, estimates, and pipe cut lists. Also, images of floor plans can be imported into your project to be used as a background for placing walls and fixtures.
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 Multi-Port Tees Increase Design, Installation Flexibility
New EP Opposing-port, Multi-port Tees from
Uponor are ideal for zone plumbing in two directions, offering design and installation flexibility for today's multi-family and residential plumbing applications. These tees make it easier for plumbing professionals to install all-plastic plumbing systems featuring Wirsbo AQUAPEX® tubing and Uponor's advanced engineered plastic (EP) technology. They
are available in six different configurations - a flow-through style with 3, 4 or 6 outlets, and a branch style with 3, 4 or 8 outlets. |
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ADA-Compliant Hand Sink
Advance Tabco's new model 7-PS-41 ADA compliant hand sink includes an AC/DC-operated hands-free faucet, front-loading paper towel dispenser and a deck-mounted soap dispenser. This sink is made with a rugged 16-gauge skirt and an 18-gauge tapered bowl. An optional key lock is available. Strainer drain is included. For more information on Advance Tabco, please contact us at 800-645-3166 or visit us on the Web at
www.advancetabco.com. |
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AEC Store Corner
2008's BESTSELLERS...
... ARE STILL AVAILABLE
History of Plumbing CD - Sponsored by American Standard [$35]
PM magazine's wildly popular History of Plumbing Series is available on CD-ROM. History articles cover informative topics such as ancient plumbing, water-borne diseases, early-American innovation, the history of hydronic heating, and more! CD features more than 60 pages of plumbing and heating history. The articles include illustrations, photography and renderings of ancient fixtures and historical PHC systems.
CLICK HERE for more info.
Piping Materials Guide [$90.40]
This book covers the entire piping process, including the selection of piping materials according to the job, the application of the materials and fitting, trouble-shooting techniques for corrosion control, inspections for OSHA regulations, and even the warehousing, distributing, and ordering of materials. There are books on materials, fitting, OSHA regulations, and so on, but this is the only "one stop shopping" source for the piping engineer on piping materials.
CLICK HERE for more info.
National Plumbing & HVAC Estimator ('09 updated version available) [$63.25]
Manhours, labor and material costs for all common plumbing and HVAC work in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. You can quickly work up a reliable estimate based on the pipe, fittings and equipment required. Sample estimating and bidding forms and contracts also included. Explains how to handle change orders, letters of intent, and warranties. Describes the right way to process submittals, deal with suppliers and subcontract specialty work.
CLICK HERE for more info.
Intro to Pipe, Valves & Fittings [$134]
This course provides employees new to the PHCP/PVF industry with an overview of piping products, fittings and valves. It includes definitions of common industry terms, descriptions of basic types of plumbing systems and explanations of specifications for pipe, valves and fittings. Includes end-of-chapter quizzes with answer keys, final exam, and certificate of completion.
CLICK HERE for more info.
Visit AECStore.com to view more than 800 resources for Industry Pros!
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For more information about sponsoring the pme Enewsletter, please contact publisher Bob Miodonski at (630) 694-4007 or e-mail: 
Virtual encyclopedia on modern hydronic systems.
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