Even in the face of one of the most devastating wild fires in Sonoma County, California, members of the Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) association made their way to the DoubleTree Sonoma Hotel in Rohnert Park, California, from Nov 13-16 to network, learn and collaborate for the plumbing industry’s future that is beneficial for all. 

The 2017 PMI Conference offered a stage for paying tribute to past successes, but also one that set the tone for an optimistic industry — one that works together to bring about advances and positive change for everyone involved.

The conference began with the President’s Dinner Honoring Barbara Higgens, who recently retired after 19 years of serving as PMI’s CEO/executive director. It was quite an event that showcased her multiple contributions to the association, as well as to the industry, on an international level. Various members expressed their gratitude for her commitment and vowed to continue to work together and with new CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole to continue the progress.

The evening ended with Elvis and Higgens dancing the night away!

The following day, members were welcomed by keynote speaker, Doc Hendley, who talked about his Wine to Water nonprofit organization, which has dug, repaired and sanitized drinking wells for 25,000 people in five countries. Hendley reminded the group that although it is commendable to have grand ideas of saving the world, there are billions of people around us every single day that we can love and serve. “Start there,” he said. 

Serving through collaboration was definitely the underlying tone of the entire conference. With 115 attendees and 33 of the 36 member organizations represented, there was plenty of opportunities to engage in thought-provoking and valuable networking and discussions.

One of the many topics discussed and analyzed was outreach/communication strategies. Member representatives were able to discuss their specific industry concerns such as promoting the plumbing industry to not only the next workforce, but also to consumers as a valuable and necessary part of everyday lives. Everyone in the room had the chance to voice their concerns and solutions, which gave way to PMI noting actionable steps for the future. Stay tuned for a collaborative effort.

Members also had the opportunity to approve and elect new officers and board members, which include Pete Jahrling, Sloan Valve Co. as president; Nate Kogler, Bradley Corp. as vice president; Joel Smith, Kohler Co. as secretary and treasurer; and Paul Patton, Delta Faucet Co. as past president.

Before the closing of the conference, Jahrling officially introduced the new PMI CEO/Executive director Kerry Stackpole, who took the stage to set the tone for 2018.

“We’re all in it. The board, the strategic advisory committee, the PMI team, we’re all in it. And we will do our best to honor the work that you do every day,” Stackpole said to the PMI members.

The entire PMI group is ready to continue the great work of serving its plumbing manufacturer members in 2018 and to lead the way for growth and advancement.