As a new school year begins, a survey of 9^th to 12^th graders reveals that unclean school restrooms cause them to have a negative perception of their institution and its leaders.

The industrial pipe, valves and fittings industry is applying the brakes when it comes to talk about the near future. While companies in that patch continue to report positive returns, industry insiders are predicting varying degrees of slowdown ahead.

Houston, Texas-based industrial PVF manufacturers representative firm Armstrong/Weatherly Associates isn’t afraid to take a risk, express an opinion or try something completely new.

MRC Global Senior Vice President-Business Development Robert Stein and Vice President and Chief Information Officer Lisa McClain are pipe, valves and fittings industry veterans with more than 65 years of experience between them.

I must admit I’m but a mere dabbler in this Amazon thing. I’ll order things here and there, almost always using my wife’s Prime account, which I’m fairly sure Amazon is now losing money on due to its frequent, hard use.

Technology has invaded the home. Smart devices are in every room, from the basement to the living room to even the kitchen and bathroom.

Inventory management software, especially one that uses barcode technology, is a key tool to the success of controlling your inventory — but it isn’t the first step.

The phrase “Hire a veteran” has been a staple of the U.S. economy for decades. Business leaders already realize that military veterans are hard workers, team players, ethical, driven and technically skilled. What they may not realize are the 10 hidden reasons that make every veteran a great employee and future business leader.

Funny thing with humans; we get used to seeing things going a certain way and we quickly start to assume that it will always be that way.

Our association is reaching a milestone this year with the celebration of our 50th year as our industry’s national association.  And as the national association, we have a lot to be proud of.