The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute elected Ralph Herrbach (right) of Cifial USA as president of its executive committee at its fall meeting in October. Jim Westdorp of Kohler Co. was elected first vice president; John Lauer of Sloan Valve Co., second vice president; Al Walcutt of MPC Plastics, Inc., treasurer; and Todd Talbot of Brass Craft Mfg. Co., immediate past president. PMI also elected new directors: Jim Galvin of Symmons Industries, Inc. (completing an unexpired term) and Tim Mullally of KWC Faucets Inc. Returning directors include: Claude Theisen of T&S Brass and Bronze Works; Ken Martin of Delta Faucet Co.; Lee Mercer of Moen Inc., Ray Fisher, Jr. of Fisher Mfg. Co.

Among the actions taken at the meeting were:

  • The PMI board approved Sanitary For All Ltd.'s membership application; approved a dues abatement plan to attract new members; and approved the redesign of the Web site.
  • The Faucet and Shower/Tub-Shower Fittings Joint Product Group formed a task group to develop language to eliminate inconsistencies for NSF 61 testing of side sprays on kitchen faucets.
  • The Flushing Devices and Fixture Joint Product Group developed a task group to determine the proper action to the water closet testing done by NAHB Research Center.
  • The Government Affairs Committee reported on issues; the PMI board voted to dissolve the PMI PAC.
  • The Information Technology Committee agreed to send an email of the proposed syllabus to the PMI I.T. members to find out the level of interest in a two-day I.T. workshop. Copies of PMI's "Internet Use" survey were distributed to members. The committee voted to recommend changing its name to "E-Business Committee."
  • The Trade Show Consolidation Issue Committee will track trade show trends such as attendees, exhibitors, location, etc. A meeting was set with NAHB to discuss PMI's revenue-neutral concept.
  • The Universal Conformity Assessment Issue Committee formed a task group to identify new strategies to eliminate the unnecessary duplication of NSF 61 certifications.