tm AUGUST 2014 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 Join Us! Registration Is Open for the PMI Fall Conference By Dawn Robinson, PMI Communications Manager The 2014 PMI Fall Conference will be held October 27- In addition to its up-scale 30 at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont, IL just outside of meeting space with audi- Chicago. PMI welcomes you to join us for an engaging and torium seating, the Westin exciting conference. This year’s fall conference will continue O’Hare offers guests a brand our tradition of digging into major issues affecting our in- new restaurant concept dustry, offer up some new changes as we begin our transition Benchmark Gastropub, into our new conference schedule and offer some new and full-service Starbucks, pool, unique networking opportunities. fitness center and spa services. The hotel is conveniently Join us in “Setting the Pace.” located a short drive from Chicago’s O’Hare Inter- Registration is available online at www.pmihome.org. national airport and offers shuttle service to and from Monday, October 27 the airport. Visit the PMI The 2014 Fall Conference will kick off on Monday, Octo- homepage to learn more ber 27 with a Board of Directors Meeting (invitation only) about where our conference will be held. followed by a Welcome Reception and Networking Event at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont, IL. Located just outside Tuesday, October 28 Chicago, IL the Westin O’Hare is currently celebrating the Back by popular demand, Tuesday, will open with an Ex- completion of a 22 million dollar renovation. ecutive Panel Discussion featuring representatives from our member companies’ top leadership, including: Michael Sipek, CEO, Bradley Corp.; Jai Shah, President, Delta Faucet Co.; An Acclaimed documentary Chris Baldwin, President, Global Faucets, Kohler Co.; David host and producer, network Lingafelter, President, Moen Inc.; Tim O’Keeffe, CEO, and major market news an- Symmons Industries, Inc.; Claude Theisen, President and chor, multimedia production CEO, T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc.; and Bill Strang, company president, and grass- President, TOTO USA, Inc.. The panel will be moderated by fed cattle rancher, Bill Kurtis acclaimed documentary host, producer and broadcaster Bill is celebrating his 45th anniver- Kurtis. Following the panel discussion will be Bob Weidner, sary in the field of broadcast- CEO of Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) with the Executive Panel Moderator ing. Kurtis began his television presentation “Grass Roots: Energizing the Base!” Bill Kurtis career at WIBW-TV (CBS) in Topeka, Kansas. In 1966, after The Government Affairs Committee will feature updates being recognized for his 24-hour coverage of a devastating from PMI Consultants Stephanie Salmon (Washington, tornado, Kurtis was hired by WBBM-TV in Chicago where D.C. Office) and Jerry Desmond (California Office), and he was a field reporter and later anchor of The Channel Two the Technical and Advocacy/Outreach Committees will News. Kurtis moved on to the network level at CBS where come together to evaluate research priorities. The afternoon he anchored the CBS Morning News and contributed to will conclude with the General Membership meeting where CBS Reports. He returned to Chicago & WBBM-TV as an- elections of new officers will occur, plaques and awards will chorman from 1985-1997 and was reunited with co-anchor be handed out, the budget will be approved and the pass- Walter Jacobson in the fall of 2010-2013. ing of the gavel from current PMI President Tim Kilbane, Continued on page 3 Working With the Leadership to Set PMI’s Strategic Path By Barbara C. Higgens, PMI CEO/Executive Director Last month, Technical Expertise. PMI’s staff, financial • Establish goals and objectives the PMI Board resources and focus are allocated to sup- • Review, enhance and execute the of Directors, port these disciplines equally. Strategic Plan members of the Strategic Another important action item at the • Focus on the outcome, not the Advisory July Strategy session was the evaluation means Council and of candidates for the 2015 Board of In addition, as a steward of the organi- our two lobby- Directors slate. A new process is in place zation’s finances, Board members have ists met at PMI whereby interested candidates from a fiscal responsibility to PMI. Board headquarters PMI Manufacturing Member com- Barbara C. Higgens members may not use their position to to map out our panies must now apply for the roles. advance personal or corporate agendas legislative and regulatory path for 2015. While previous participation in PMI and make a commitment to respect the The group confirmed the results of a Conferences and Committees is not Board governance culture. survey of PMI member CEOs and agreed required, the endorsement and support to keep PMI’s focus pin-pointed on of the candidate’s senior management As an organization, PMI continues to specific plumbing industry “water” issues is. Each candidate is asked to discuss evolve to meet the needs of members rather than adopting a more broad-based the opportunity within their organiza- and the challenges presented by our agenda. Issues including energy, legal and tions. Board service requires commit- industry. PMI staff provides the founda- regulatory reform, healthcare, tax reform, ment in time and focus. It is essential tion and continuity for the organization trade, safety and labor will be left to that the candidate be willing and able to and is responsible for executing initia- larger organizations like the National As- devote extra time to PMI. Candidates’ tives. Representing the membership as sociation of Manufacturers of which PMI applications are reviewed by the Execu- volunteer leaders, the PMI Board of and several PMI companies are members. tive Committee and presented to the Directors provides the spark and inspi- It was acknowledged that PMI may, from membership for a vote at the General ration for our strategic initiatives. The time-to-time, participate as a signatory Membership meeting in October. partnership of the Board and the CEO/ on letters in support or opposition to Executive Director is an important and certain relevant issues, but we will not de- And while we strive to balance the com- powerful one. vote resources to actively work issues that position of the Board of Directors by are outside of the agreed-upon scope. product focus and company size, we are The results of the July strategy session looking for motivated and committed including the proposed 2015 Advocacy Focus has been the key to success for individuals with a demonstrated record and Outreach agenda together with the our small but mighty organization. of strategic thinking and, ideally, past 2015 Slate of Officers will be shared With an operating budget of just over experience of service on other not-for- with you over the coming months and $1.3 million, and a full time staff of profit Boards. We are looking for the specifically at the 2014 Fall Conference four people, each of whom special- best individuals for this important job, October 27-30. Don’t miss it! ize in a different area, our advocacy regardless of corporate affiliation. and outreach activities are currently supported by two lobbyists. Plumbing As outlined in the PMI Board Orienta- A Note of Thanks issues dominate the “plates” of both of tion Materials, the basic function of the our lobbyists: Stephanie Salmon on Board is threefold: Hi Barbara, the Federal level and Jerry Desmond I wanted to thank you for participating in in California (where State activities • Strategic Direction: To determine our 2014 CEIR congress. Your contribu- there are often the source of initiatives the outcomes to be accomplished. tions were excellent (as always) and very which ultimately appear on other State/ valuable! • Stewardship: To ensure the re- Federal agendas.) Adding more topics to sources necessary for achievement an already very full agenda, spreads our Klaus Schneider, are available and used effectively. resources too thin and dilutes both our Managing Director, Laufen efforts and effectiveness. • Accountability: To make sure the desired outcomes are being PMI was thanked for providing input on PMI members have confirmed and our achieved. an international water panel during the strategy map reflects, PMI’s two-pronged The Board’s role is sole focused on the CEIR Congress in Switzerland in May. member value: Advocacy/Outreach and governance of the organization to 2 RIPPLE EFFECT | AUGUST 2014 Join Us! Registration Is Open for the PMI Fall Conference Continued from page 1 Symmons Industries, to 2015 President out on this insightful session. Fernando Fernandez, TOTO, will Victor Post is the Vice Presi- take place (please note that Mr. Kilbane Expanded dent and Managing Partner will remain as PMI President through Sponsorship of GMP Research Inc. He has the end of 2014 and Mr. Fernandez Opportunities been an industry consultant for will take over as President on Janu- Unique this year, will be the last decade, supplying mar- ary 1, 2015). That evening conference an Expanded Sponsorship ket insight to many of the lead- attendees are invited to a cocktail recep- Program which will bring ing companies in the kitchen tion and “Chicago style” dinner and together industry related and bath industry. Prior to networking challenge/event. companies and other being an industry consultant, he spent time at the organizations with an interest Kohler Company, and Gerber Plumbing. Wednesday, October 29 in PMI and its membership. Wednesday’s session will begin with Participants in the Expanded our popular Dual Track session where Sponsorship Program will A popular presenter at attendees will break out into two groups, be available for networking PMI conferences and Advocacy/Outreach and Technical starting at Monday’s widely recognized as Tracks, to address specific industry con- Welcome Reception and the “Voice of the UK cerns.