Industry News
We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this month's sponsor -- Bradford White Corporation. Bradford White Corporation is a full line manufacturer of residential, commercial and industrial products for water heating, space heating, combination heating and storage applications. The company is headquartered in Ambler, PA and has manufacturing facilities in Middleville, MI, Niles, MI and Rochester, NH.
Bradford White was recently ranked highest among water heater and boiler manufacturers in satisfying subcontractors, according to the J.D. Power and Associates/McGraw-Hill Construction 2006 HVAC and Water Heater/Boiler Subcontractor Satisfaction Study released recently. Bradford White ranks highest among water heater/boiler manufacturers, with the highest ratings in four factors: warranty and repair; ordering process; credit/billing and product. This is a positive reflection on the importance Bradford White is placing on satisfying their customers.
To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Phc News sales rep by visiting www.phcnews.com.
MCAA announces first ‘green’ conference
The Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Inc.’s (MCAA) first green conference, “Catching the Next Wave: Seizing the Green Opportunities that Lie Ahead,” will prepare participants to catch the wave and give them real-world-tested tips and techniques for working in this new era for our industry. The conference will take place at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee from September 24–26, 2007. The registration fee is $995 for the first person from an MCAA member company with discounts for additional people from the same company. Non-members may attend for $1,595. For more information, visit www.mcaa.org/education.
Mod-Con boiler installation webcast w/Hot Rod
Wednesday, August 29, 7:00 p.m. CST
Don’t miss the next Phc News webcast featuring noted hydronics columnist, Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr. This next Phc News webcast will feature a hands-on installation of a Lochinvar Knight mod-con boiler and indirect tank. Hot Rod will install the boiler on a PHP Knight stand with Taco components. The installation will include Viega FostaPex tube to pipe the radiant zones and indirect tank. Afterward, attend a live interactive chat with Hot Rod and executives from Lochinvar, Viega and Taco.
You won’t want to miss this one. Register by clicking here today! For those who registered for the June 7 event, your current user name and password will allow you access to the next scheduled webcast; there is no need to register again.
UPDATE!! If you missed the last webcast on a solar panel install with Hot Rod, you’re in luck! You can still access webcast archives on www.phcnews.com.
NAOHSM event draws record crowd
The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) annual convention held its 54th annual event May 20-24.
The first day began with a full day of events. There were management classes throughout the day; and the 2nd Annual Care to Ride Event that benefits Oil Heat Cares raised $75,000. A motorcycle division was added to the event. Later that evening, an opening reception was held, and the officers were recognized with a reception and a cocktail party sponsored by Wilo. Attendees had an opportunity to attend a variety of educational classes. There were technical classes, AC classes, customer service classes and a class just for students and their instructors. Most of the classes earned valuable NORA CEUS for attendees. The halls and two exhibit areas, as well as the outdoor areas, were packed with the latest in oil heating equipment, supplies and services. Attendance at the event was up by 6% over the previous year. Tuesday evening the association hosted its annual Awards Banquet. The 2007 winners included: Instructor of the Year — Nick Domiano, hvac instructor at the North Montco Career Technical Center, Lansdale, Pa.; Associate of the Year — Mark Collins, New Haven Chapter, Oxford, Conn. is a regional technical representative for Burnham Hydronics Corp. Manufacturer of the Year — Buderus; Service Manager of the Year — Ralph Adams, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, employed by Parker Fuel and a vice president of NAOHSM and Hugh McKee Award — Bob Plante, Rhode Island Chapter and a special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to John Griffin, Nassau-Suffolk Chapter. The Dave Nelsen Scholarship awards were announced, and three of the eight winners were present to receive the $2,000 award.
Chicago Faucets offers savings bonds to plumbing contractors
Chicago Faucets has announced a promotion that offers licensed plumbing contractors a $500 U.S. Savings Bond when they purchase and install $5,000 of Chicago Faucet products in a school project. Called “A Lifetime of Value,” the promotion applies to minimum orders of $5,000 that are placed and installed between June 4, 2007 and September 28, 2007. The promotion is only open to plumbing contractors or plumbing contractor companies and is restricted to installations in educational facilities that are for $5,000 or more. While there is no limit to the number of savings bonds a contractor can obtain, the orders must be placed and the products installed between June 4 and September 28, 2007. Entry forms and rules for qualifications are available at participating wholesalers, from Chicago Faucets sales reps or by visiting www.contractorsforeducation.com.
Taco announces contractor program
To help contractors grow their hydronics business using Taco products, Taco, Inc. is launching a new outreach program called the FloPro Team.
Taco’s FloPro Team effort will comprise extensive contractor training, field and technical support, and a range of consumer marketing and promotional materials for contractors who design, sell, install and service hydronic systems. Taco’s new residential training manager John Barba will be involved in all aspects of the FloPro Team program. The FloPro Team provides the contractor new momentum through the delivery of a support program called G.E.A.R.S. consisting of:
- Growth: Use of Taco products will help contractors grow their business. Plus, Taco-supplied homeowner education materials will help sell hydronics to savvy homeowners concerned with energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
- Education: FloPro training opportunities in system design, installation and sales will be led by Taco’s John Barba. Training will be available at different times, locations and formats to meet every busy contractor’s schedule. Participating contractors can earn enough credits to qualify as a Taco FloPro Master in home comfort, which will also qualify them for additional training, rewards and support.
- Assurance: Taco stands behind all of its products so FloPro Team contractors can rely on trusted Taco quality and durability.
- Rewards: Taco will provide FloPro members with special product offers, early access to the newest products and quality promotional items and clothing identifying them as FloPro team participants.
- Support: Consumer education, field support provided by expert team reps, and factory-direct tech support will be provided. As a leading software developer and online resource, Taco will support FloPro Team members will online support resources and a residential hydronics system design software package.
New Products
 |
Typhoon trailer jet The J-2512 Typhoon trailer jet now features an optional variable speed controller for the 400 ft. capacity jet hose reel with electric rewind. The Typhoon delivers 12 gallons a minute at 2500 psi to blast lines clean of grease, sediment and debris in big lines and long runs. A 200-gallon holding tank carries enough water to handle remote applications where access to water is limited. General Pipe Cleaners, a division General Wire Spring. |
 |
Fire rated outlet boxes The Guy Gray FR-12 Series of fire-rated outlet boxes are made of high temperature resin, FR-12 series boxes are Warnock Hersey certified, and have a one- and two-hour fire rating. With the UL listed intumescent pad attached to the back of the outlet box, no special wrapping or sheet fabrication needed. Outlet boxes are available in washing machine, ice maker and gas, AAV and auxiliary outlet boxes. IPS Corp. |
 |
Gas Jetters SGJG 40 Series Offers powerful, portable cart mounted gas jetters with a choice of either 13 HP- 3,000 psi or 16 HP- 4,000-psi models. Both models feature: electric start engines with low oil automatic shutdown; gearbox driven triplex plunger pumps with adjustable pressure control; pressure gauge; and thermal relief valve. Rugged frame features powder coated paint, removable reel, 13" pneumatic tires, trigger-operated spray gun and toolbox. Speedway Drain Cleaning Products. |
 |
3-speed pump offerings Pumps have been designed to provide residential contractors with easy-to-install water circulation solutions. The 00R Radiant Pump, with its high performance motor and highest starting torque in its class, meets the needs of the fast-growing radiant heating market, and the all-purpose 0010 Service Pump, with its four-bolt flange, matches up to any pump to provide contractors with one replacement pump for “no heat” service calls. Taco. |
 |
Speedfit push-in plumbing fittings New line features the added security of patented Twist and Lock technology. Speedfit Twist and Lock fittings require no tools — no sweating or crimping devices to make leak-free, reliable pipe connections. Speedfit Fittings provide faster installation time, even in confined spaces. They are re-usable many times over without compromising the integrity of the connection. Speedfit Fittings are available in 1/2", 3/8" and 1" CTS sizes in a variety of configurations. John Guest. |
Movers & Shakers
 |
Bradford White Corp. announced the promotion of R. Bruce Carnevale to the position of vice president -- sales and marketing. In his new position, Carnevale will continue to be responsible for domestic sales while overseeing both the marketing and product departments. |
 |
Bradley Corp. today announced the appointment of Mike Sipek as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company. As COO, Sipek will focus on day-to-day operational management and overall strategic direction for Bradley, including manufacturing, engineering, customer service, marketing, sales and product development. |
Talbot |
BrassCraft, a manufacturer of plumbing products, announced the pending departure of Todd Talbot, president of BrassCraft. Todd joined BrassCraft in 1988 as a sales manager for the Eastern region. In 1994, Talbot was promoted to vice president of sales with sister company, Alsons Corp. He was named president of Alsons in 1996. Talbot rejoined BrassCraft as president in 2002. In 2005, he assumed the dual presidency of BrassCraft and Alsons. Talbot is returning to his native California where he will be taking on a new challenge, as president of a business within the industrial and commercial building industry. Effective immediately, Don Woody, currently the president of Liberty Hardware, will assume the role of president of BrassCraft/Alsons. |
