Registration Now Open for “The Spirit of Collaboration,” the 2017 Plumbing Manufacturers International Conference

Presentations to cover safe water and plumbing, environmental and
economic sustainability, and water and energy policy

ROHNERT PARK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#PMI–In “The Spirit of Collaboration,” current and prospective Plumbing
Manufacturers International (PMI) members will meet from Nov. 13-16
at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Sonoma Wine Country for the 2017
PMI Conference.

This relaxing, yet stimulating venue will be the backdrop for four days
of thought-provoking presentations on issues relating to safe water and
plumbing, environmental and economic sustainability, and water and
energy policy. Register at https://www.safeplumbing.org/pmi/events/calendar/event/pmi-2017-conference.

Monday, November 13

Conference registration begins at 3 p.m., with the all-member welcome
reception starting at 6 p.m. Earlier that day, the PMI Board of
Directors will meet with the PMI Strategic Advisory Council (SAC). A
brief reception for VIPs and first-time attendees will precede the
welcome reception.

Tuesday, November 14

Following opening remarks, the conference’s first keynote speaker, Doc
Hendley, will talk about his Wine to Water non-profit group, which
has dug, repaired and sanitized drinking wells for 25,000 people in five
countries. His presentation will cover how he aims to do more to help
the 1.1 billion people worldwide who lack access to clean water.

In the other morning sessions, PMI’s Water Efficiency and Sustainability
Issue Committee will host Dr. Markus Lenger, the co-founder, CEO and
chief science officer of CleanBlu Corporation. Next, Mary Ann Dickinson,
the president and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE), and
John Koeller, principal, Maximum Performance (MaP) Testing and Koeller
and Company, will provide an update on the PMI/AWE-commissioned
“Saturation Study of Non-Efficient Water Closets in Key States.”

After lunch, PMI’s Commerce Committee will feature Gary Stanley,
director, Office of Materials, U.S. Department of Commerce. Also, Dr.
Paul Sturman, research professor and industrial coordinator, Montana
State University, will provide an update on a study focused on managing
the potential threats from low flow and opportunistic pathogens in the
water supply that he was commissioned to do for PMI.

At 3:30 p.m., buses will begin loading for a trip to the DeLoach
Vineyards for a tour and dinner to conclude the first full day of the
conference. Space is limited for this unique event, which requires the
purchase of a ticket separate from the registration fee.

Wednesday, November 15

This morning’s keynote address will be delivered by Bruce
Vincent, who will bring insights gained as a logger and advocate for
responsible environmentalism and rural communities to the 2017 PMI
Conference.

Following the keynote will be dual track sessions for which attendees
choose to attend either the technical or outreach/communications track,
according to their specific industry concerns.

The technical track panel will include Bob Raymer, P.E., technical
director, California Building Industry Association (CBIA); Paula Kehoe,
director of water resources, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission;
Gary Klein, Gary Klein and Associates; Samir J. Abdelnour, associate,
Hanson Bridgett; and Ralph Suppa, president and general manager,
Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH).

The outreach/communication panel will convene discussions around task
groups assigned to developing communication strategies around various
aspects of PMI value. Ray Valek, president, Valek and Company
Communications, will present on safety culture and thought leadership.

Wednesday’s afternoon sessions will include a report on the technical
and outreach/communications tracks to the entire membership, as well as
a meeting of the allied members. To complete the day, PMI members will
conduct the Annual General Membership Meeting, where new officers and
board members will be elected, members will be honored for their
service, and new members will be recognized. The ceremonial “passing of
the gavel” from 2017 PMI Board President Pete Jahrling, Sloan Valve
Company, to the 2018 PMI Board President will occur. The day will wrap
up with a reception and dinner.

Thursday, November 16

The final day’s keynote speaker will be Commissioner Andrew
McAllister, of the California Energy Commission. The conference will
conclude with the PMI Advocacy/Government Affairs Committee meeting with
PMI government affairs consultants Stephanie Salmon (Washington, D.C.)
and Jerry Desmond (California).

About Plumbing Manufacturers International

Plumbing Manufacturers International is the voluntary, not-for-profit
international industry association of manufacturers of plumbing
products, serving as the Voice of the Plumbing Industry. Member
companies produce 90 percent of the nation’s plumbing products. As part
of its mission, PMI advocates for plumbing product performance and
innovation contributing to water savings, sustainability, public health
and safety, and consumer satisfaction. For more information on PMI or
its conferences, contact the organization at 1921 Rohlwing Road, Unit G,
Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008; tel.: 847-481-5500; fax: 847-481-5501. www.safeplumbing.org.

Contacts

Plumbing Manufacturers International
Ray Valek, 708-352-8695
[email protected]