Donation of new water well first for program partnership Suffolk, Va. — A rural Virginia family displaced from their home after their water well failed are receiving the gift of clean water today, marking the first project of Hometown H2O, a domestic water program aimed at bringing education and access to clean and sustainable water Read more
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Donation of new water well first for program partnership
Suffolk, Va. — A rural Virginia family displaced from their home after their water well failed are receiving the gift of clean water today, marking the first project of Hometown H2O, a domestic water program aimed at bringing education and access to clean and sustainable water to people and communities in need across the United States.
Hometown H2O is an extension of The Chris Long Foundation‘s Waterboys initiative and the result of a partnership announced in December 2019 with Xylem Inc.
“This family’s situation is not an isolated instance of the water challenges facing many lower-income rural communities in the United States,” said Chris Long, two-time Super Bowl champion and founder and chairman of the Chris Long Foundation. “Addressing domestic water needs is an important next step in our work at Waterboys, which is why we created Hometown H2O. Having our first project in my home state of Virginia is special to me, but it is just the beginning of our U.S. work with Xylem to impact lives through the gift of water.”
The family of six in Suffolk, Virginia, bought the property in 2018 and began experiencing water issues about six months ago when the shallow well pump on the property began pumping sand and water into the house. The property needed a new, deeper well, but it would cost thousands of dollars the family did not have.
Without running water, Social Services would not allow the family to live in the house, so they stayed at a hotel for several months until aid ran out, eventually moving in with family out of state. The family applied for assistance through the nonprofit Water Well Trust, and Hometown H2O, Xylem and its partners quickly mobilized.
Waterboys project in Suffolk, VA with the Crawford family.
Xylem coordinated the donation of the water well equipment from among its network of partners,
Noland Supply of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, a WinSupply company, and Creason & Sons Well Service Inc. of Zuni, Virginia. The companies began the prep work at the site about a week ago for the well installation.
In addition to the new well, Xylem and its team of volunteers, activated through Watermark, Xylem’s acclaimed corporate social responsibility program, are completing a number of interior and exterior home improvement projects on the property, including installing a shower in the bathroom and fixing a warped front porch to help improve the family’s overall quality of life.
“Having clean water restored to their home will allow this family to reunite and live safely — it is truly lifechanging,” said Joe Vesey, Xylem senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “We have the opportunity of a lifetime to solve our growing domestic water challenges by bringing individuals and organizations together and leveraging their expertise and resources.”
Xylem and Waterboys, along with nonprofit partner Water Well Trust, seek to raise awareness about domestic water issues, including that 1.5 million people in the U.S. lack access to clean, safe drinking water at home. Working in coordination with Watermark and the company’s Goulds Water Technology brand, this partnership will deliver a series of water well projects to provide rural communities with reliable, safe water access, which can lead to better overall health and improved quality of life.
For more information about the Hometown H2O project, visit waterboys.org/hometown.
Photos by Michael-Simon-Photography
Two of the eight winners will be future trade professionals currently in trade school or an apprentice. Elyria, Ohio – Past winners have called it the trade trip of a lifetime. RIDGID® is again inviting tradespeople to share their passion for their profession via the 2020 RIDGID Experience contest. The contest excitement heightens in May Read more
Two of the eight winners will be future trade professionals currently in trade school or an apprentice.
Elyria, Ohio – Past winners have called it the trade trip of a lifetime. RIDGID® is again inviting tradespeople to share their passion for their profession via the 2020 RIDGID Experience contest. The contest excitement heightens in May, when eight winners will be selected to receive a multi-day all-expense paid VIP trip to RIDGID headquarters. And, new this year: two coveted spots are being offered exclusively to the next generation of trade professionals.
“The RIDGID Experience contest started four years ago as a grassroots effort on our part to recognize our loyal customers. What it’s become is truly a career defining experience for our winners. One look at the Instagram posts about the contest, and it’s clear that our tradespeople take this contest as seriously as they take their RIDGID tools,” said Becky Brotherton, manager, marketing and communications, RIDGID.
Brotherton notes that RIDGID wanted to enhance the experience this year with the addition of two spots exclusively for future tradespeople – those currently in trades school or an apprentice. “For years, we’ve boosted our outreach programs to help attract the next generation of professionals to the skilled trades. This year’s contest reflects our commitment to celebrating people in the industry at all stages of their career,” she said.
RIDGID Experience winners will receive:
- An all-expenses-paid trip to RIDGID world headquarters, July 29-July 31, 2020
- A VIP RIDGID headquarters tour
- A custom RIDGID pipe wrench
- Hero photoshoot, celebrating winners’ dedication to the skilled trades
- Share insights and get one-on-one time with product, engineering, research and development managers
- Suite seats to see the Cleveland Indians
- Fishing excursion on Lake Erie
- And much moreTo enter, visit the RIDGID Facebook page – facebook.com/RIDGIDTools, fill out the entry form and upload a photo or video of you and your favorite RIDGID tool. Deadline to enter is April 24, 2020.
Winners will be announced in May. Visit the RIDGID Facebook page for complete entry details and contest terms and conditions.
The Coronavirus, unrest in the Middle East, the impeachment process, and the presidential election later this year all have had or can have an effect on the markets and people’s confidence in the new year. From everything I’ve heard, the economy still continues trending up, albeit at a bit of a slower pace for 2020 Read more
The Coronavirus, unrest in the Middle East, the impeachment process, and the presidential election later this year all have had or can have an effect on the markets and people’s confidence in the new year. From everything I’ve heard, the economy still continues trending up, albeit at a bit of a slower pace for 2020.
“With the exception of the unknowable effects from election events, we see continued moderate GDP growth with very little likelihood of recession in the near term. From a macro-economic perspective, we see 2020 will be much like 2019, but with the implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the de-escalation of the trade war with China, we anticipate less uncertainty and less volatility,” says Bruce Carnevale, President & CEO, Bradford White Corporation.
According to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), although the economy is slowing slightly, the risk of a recession is low and remodeling should keep pace with inflation into 2021.
“On balance, we are optimistic, and 2020 being an election year historically supports that view. We expect to see moderate growth and opportunity overall,” says Bill Gray, president of Uponor North America.
At this point when the economy seems to be relatively healthy, you almost hate to bring up the “R” word, but Gray says that with commercial construction flat to slightly up currently, a looming recession depends on owner and builder confidence—with development times, size of commercial projects and long lead times to completion increase risk as we move into 2021 and beyond.
Residential is trending upward, says Gray, which is balanced by affordability and consumer debt issues. Commercial is at least holding its own or up slightly from one month to the next. “So confidence is good because of all the projects in the funnel. But if people start to see storm clouds, post-election, that confidence could weaken substantially and quickly, and 2021 could become a challenging year for our industry,” says Gray.
“But even so, we expect more of a correction than a sharp downturn. I state the above with the proviso that the emergence of coronavirus is a threat, with new information surfacing daily. We are a long way from knowing what the impact on 2020 and beyond will be,” continues Gray.
(PRNewsfoto/Fairmont Supply Company)
How does the upcoming presidential election affect the economy? “The lead up to the election might affect projects not yet funded, especially projects with government funding sources, but I don’t anticipate any effect on private sector projects—those might be influenced by the stock market and interest rates, both of which are currently favorable,” says Mark Evans, Sr. Director of North American Sales, Viega.
According to Carnevale, the economy so far seems to have shrugged off the partisan bickering in Washington. “Favorable tax policy had a positive impact on the overall business environment, but we believe that regulatory relief provided an even greater level of economic stimulation. Increases in business taxes or regulatory burden would have a negative impact on overall business performance, investment, and the economy in general.”
For some, naturally, the economy affects those differently in various segments of the country. For example, with a good balance of work across residential, healthcare and commercial sectors, J.C. Cannistraro, Watertown, Mass., sees moderate growth in the short term, “The construction market in Boston is still strong and there does not appear to be any slowdown in the next several years,” says Mark Perrone, purchasing manager, J.C. Cannistraro. “Interest rates are still relatively low, and I think if there is an increase, we could see a change in if/how projects are financed.”
Residential Remodeling
According to experts from the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) at this year’s International Builder’s Show (IBS), spending on residential improvements will continue to grow over the next two years at a gradual pace, citing increased consumer confidence and demand.
“NAHB estimates that real spending on home improvements will even out at a slower place of about -.6% in 2020 and an increase of 1.2% in 2020,” said Paul Emrath, Ph.D., NAHB’s assistant vice president for Surveys and Housing Policy Research. “The biggest factors prohibiting stronger growth is mainly the ongoing labor shortage.”
And that labor shortage is on the list of “things to keep an eye on” for Viega’s Evans, “Consumer debt is a concern, as is a shift in starts from single-family dwellings to multi-family construction, and a lack of skilled labor in some markets.”
Skilled Labor
The number one business challenge in our industry, says Carnevale, is still the lack of skilled labor. “The trades are ‘aging’ and the challenge of bringing young men and women into the trades continues. Many industry organizations are investing time and funding into workforce development and recruitment initiatives, but we still have a long way to go. This is a deeply embedded cultural challenge that will take a significant amount of time to address,” says Carnevale.
To emphasize this concern, according to Stephen E. Sandherr, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)—in regard to findings detailed in the Strong Demand for Work Amid Stronger Demand for Workers: The 2020 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Report, co-produced with Sage Construction and Real Estate, “Contractors are very optimistic about demand for construction in 2020,” said Stephen E. Sandherr. “At the same time, many construction executives are troubled by labor shortages and the impacts those shortages are having on operations, training and safety programs, and bottom lines.”
Adapt and Move Forward
One thing is for certain, the companies that can adapt to today’s issues will be at the forefront of today’s modern contracting. How can contractors ready themselves responsibly? Diversification and a focus on improving business processes and systems, says Evans.
Yet, the technology landscape in construction, and every industry for that matter, is constantly evolving. This can be overwhelming since there always seems to be a new software, AI or robot that can do it faster, cheaper and better. “I believe the companies that can embrace this and find the proper balance between people and technology will be the leaders in industry,” says Perrone.
Enhanced training capabilities—video, VR, etc.—remote diagnostic capabilities, which improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the contractor, and high efficiency products that can provide proactive replacement opportunities can all factor into business growth, says Carnevele. “Train with the goal to be the product experts in your trading area, and train to diversify into adjacent businesses which are of interest to and valued by your customers,” says Carnevale.
AHR Expo Best in Show The annual trek to AHR Expo for me is an opportunity to learn of all the new “stuff” coming our way each year. I go for so many reasons, to see the new products of course but to meet the people behind the design and engineering of this boiler, that Read more
AHR Expo Best in Show
The annual trek to AHR Expo for me is an opportunity to learn of all the new “stuff” coming our way each year. I go for so many reasons, to see the new products of course but to meet the people behind the design and engineering of this boiler, that piping system and even tools. This year the show exhibitors didn’t disappoint.
My partner here at MH John Mesenbrink does an awesome wrap-up coverage from his dozens of face-to-face meetings each year, sometimes in multiple parts even and I only hope to compliment his coverage with another perspective. Here’s my list, paired down as short as I could get it.
Best In Show: Tools
RIDGID RP350 Brushless Press Tool
RIDGID introduced the next generation of standard pistol-grip press tool – the RP 350. Five percent lighter and almost three inches shorter than its predecessor, the RP 350 eliminates service intervals and features 360-degree swivel for the tightest spaces, making it the most advanced, longest-lasting press tool on the market.
Best In Show: Water Heating
Navien NPE A2 Tankless Water Heater
The newly updated NPE A2 model tankless has a totally redesigned internal piping system that is modular and easier to service. The gpm ratings are higher, venting lengths longer, dip switches eliminated and that new control will turn some heads. Check out the video for more details of click the link above.
Best In Show: Innovation Award
Webstone Dual-vent Baseboard Elbow
At first glance you might think what in the world is he thinking by picking a baseboard 90?! This one actually beat out a great looking whole home auto-cleaning water filtration system among other cool innovative products we got our hands on. Its not just a baseboard 90 [or tee as some call it]. Its Webstone once again showing us that they listen to the contractor, take ideas and combine them with unique engineering to produce a component we didn’t even know we were missing out on. Their products have been part of my installs for years but that didn’t give them and edge. This is a cool, time and angst saving fitting. Those valves aren’t too shabby either!
John Thompson caught up with Lance, owner of SolderWeld about creating a brand and what it can do to bring customers to your business. This is special coverage from AHR Expo in Orlando, FL. Follow along as Beyond The Service hosts Devynn and John Thompson discuss all there is to do in running a successful Read more
John Thompson caught up with Lance, owner of SolderWeld about creating a brand and what it can do to bring customers to your business. This is special coverage from AHR Expo in Orlando, FL.
Follow along as Beyond The Service hosts Devynn and John Thompson discuss all there is to do in running a successful service based business in today’s competitive climate. Special thanks to Lance, SolderWeld and all our subscribers to the series on our YouTube channel.