California Metal-X Receives NSF 61 Nod
NSF International in October announced that California Metal-X is the first brass ingot manufacturer to receive certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 61 (NSF 61)–Drinking Water System Components–Health Effects by NSF International. Brass ingots are materials that are cast into a shape suitable for further processing, such as for plumbing product components. The certification also includes Annex G, which meets the requirements of the California Health and Safety Code 116875 requirements for lead content (commonly known as AB1953). More information about California Metal-X is available online.

ASHRAE Headquarters LEED Platinum
The ASHRAE Headquarters building, a 34,500 squarefoot edifice constructed in Atlanta in 1965, has been awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum Certification by the United States Green Building Council. LEED takes into account five key measurements when evaluating new construction: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Bonus points may be obtained through innovation in design and regional priority. The building now acts as a showcase of energy efficiency and sustainability through its living lab—which provides recourses on building, system and equipment performance—and learning center.

Californians Top Contractor of the Year List
A pair of California contractors teamed up to finish one/two in the Delta/PHCC Plumbing Contractor of the Year. First runner-up in the contest was John Roeber of Castro Valley. And the Delta/PHCC Contractor of the Year was Leslie DenHerder of HPS Mechanical, Inc., in Bakersfield.

New Web Presence for IAPMO
The International Association of Plumbing And Mechanical Officials has launched its new IAPMOnline Web site. IAPMO said the site is where stakeholders in the plumbing, mechanical and building industries can read the latest news concerning their work, the products they use and the codes that govern them. Updated weekly, the site will publish news and feature articles from IAPMO’s media outlets, including Official, and Drinking Water and Backflow Prevention magazines.

RescueRooter.com Now Expanded
ARS/Rescue Rooter said it has recently expanded its RescueRooter.com Web site with more features to assist homeowners: “The redesign makes it easier for customers to contact us 24/7 for in-home service, as well as to receive our expertise via the Web,” said Dave Slott, ARS/Rescue Rooter president and chief operating officer. “We feel it’s important to educate our customers, in addition to fixing their plumbing problems. The new RescueRooter.com helps us better achieve both goals.” The site features easier navigation and access to dozens of new pages containing valuable content including tips on avoiding water damage, how green plumbing can conserve water and energy, and more. In addition to significantly more information on plumbing solutions, it is now easier for consumers to have access to Rescue Rooter’s plumbing experts via the Rescue Rooter Home Connect portion of site.

Registration Opens for KBIS 2010
The National Kitchen & Bath Association has opened registration for the 2010 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show which will be held from Apr. 14-18 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. To register for KBIS 2010, industry professionals should visit this link. Sergio Zyman, who was made the world’s first chief marketing officer while at Coca-Cola, is KBIS 2010’s opening keynote speaker. In addition, Kohler president and chief operating officer David Kohler will speak at the first-ever State of the Industry Address at KBIS.

RIDGID Launches Redesigned WWW Site
The redesigned RIDGID Web site features rotating banners which highlight the latest products and prominent drop down menus, users can quickly navigate to their desired RIDGID tool information. Additionally, visitors can find out about the latest news and events where they can personally participate with RIDGID. From any page, users can join RIDGID social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The updated RIDGID Forum contains a new section called RIDGID Central, from which users can view new product information and request demonstrations. Users can also share their thoughts with the more than 28,000 forum members.

Mr.Steam Announces Incentive Program Winners
Mr.Steam in October to recognized two showroom sales associates—Jill Vincent and Louise Oliveira—as the selected monthly winners of Mr.Steam’s Passport to London Program. Vincent, from Dahl Montrose in Colorado, was awarded a spa gift certificate while Oliveira, at the Creative Bath in Connecticut received a Sony DVD Blue Ray player, which is only awarded in the month of September.

Chicago Faucets Rep Sends Customers to Jamaica
When Kathy Dwyer, president of E.J. Dwyer in Annapolis Junction, Md., earned top billing as Chicago Faucets’ leading sales rep organization, it came with some cash. Dwyer and her associates structured a contest around Chicago Faucets’ products, aimed toward contractors and facility customers. For every purchase of $5,000 or more of Chicago Faucets products, the Dwyer customer would receive one chance at winning the contest’s grand prize: a trip to Jamaica. The promotion ran Jul. 1-Sept. 1, and Justin Hurley from W.E. Bowers was the mechanical contractor who won the contest, and, “he will be going to Jamaica with his fiancée,” Dwyer said.