Industry News

Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading American manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, is continuing its commitment to support training the workforce of the future by providing strategic in-kind grant funding to the Center for Employment Training (CET), a national nonprofit technical training school. The grant, which stems from Bradford White’s signature charitable giving Read more

Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading American manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, is continuing its commitment to support training the workforce of the future by providing strategic in-kind grant funding to the Center for Employment Training (CET), a national nonprofit technical training school.
The grant, which stems from Bradford White’s signature charitable giving initiative, Industry Forward®, includes the purchase of nine 50-gallon AeroTherm® heat pump water heaters, which will be used at nine CET training centers across northern and southern California for their training programs.
Additionally, as part of this workforce education grant, Bradford White training experts will lend their expertise throughout the year to CET students by providing in-person and online training to further advance their knowledge and allow them to be prepared for future conversions to this energy-efficient technology in California.
“At Bradford White, we are committed to partnering with organizations that are strengthening our communities and supporting the workforce of the future by helping to create a skilled trades talent pipeline right here in the United States,” said Rebecca Owens, senior manager of communications for Bradford White. “Through Industry Forward®, we are providing these heat pump water heaters and offering CET students new opportunities to gain critical skills in heat pump technology and increase their knowledge through hands-on, real-world learning so they are prepared to compete for good-paying jobs.”
This grant will allow CET to expand its training program capacity as it grows programs in high-demand, high-paying careers to provide economic advancement opportunities to populations that have been marginalized and overlooked.
“Thanks to the generosity of Bradford White, we can offer essential training in heat pump technology, which offers incredible promise in the energy efficiency arena,” said Senobio Aguilera Instructional Resource Coordinator and Trainer with CET. “This donation will empower our students to acquire key skills using the latest industry-relevant equipment and enhance their competitiveness in the workforce upon graduation.”
The heat pumps will be placed at nine of CET’s schools in California: Coachella, Colton, El Centro, Oxnard, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Maria, Soledad and Watsonville. At these sites, students will learn safety, basic electricity, equipment and plumbing/HVAC maintenance, repair and more.
Bradford White partners with nonprofit organizations and technical schools to educate individuals and families on the importance of the skilled trades and the role that industry professionals provide in the health, safety, sanitation and infrastructure of their communities through strategic grant funding, which supports workforce development training and education programs and industry career opportunities, events and partnerships.

RIDGID will select six winners for a VIP Experience at its global headquarters July 31 to August 2 Don’t miss your chance to enter to win a spot at the 2024 RIDGID® Experience, being held July 31 to August 2 at RIDGID global headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio Read more

RIDGID will select six winners for a VIP Experience at its global headquarters July 31 to August 2

Don’t miss your chance to enter to win a spot at the 2024 RIDGID® Experience, being held July 31 to August 2 at RIDGID global headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is accepting entries until March 15 for the seventh annual allexpenses-paid trip that is designed to celebrate the trades and their hard work in our communities.

A sought-after ticket for tradespeople across North America, six grand prize winners will receive RIDGID’s signature VIP treatment that includes:

  • An all-expenses-paid trip to RIDGID global headquarters.
  • A VIP RIDGID headquarters tour.
  • A custom iconic RIDGID pipe wrench.
  • Professional photoshoot, celebrating winners’ dedication to the skilled trades.
  • Suite seats to see MLB Cleveland Guardians.
  • A trip to Topgolf, a sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game.
  • And more.

Winners will also have the opportunity to shape the future of professional tool development by sharing theirexpert insights with RIDGID leadership and the engineering, marketing, research, and product development
teams.

“With each RIDGID Experience the excitement and camaraderie continues to grow and we can’t wait to meet this year’s winners to be able to recognize their hard work with this once-in-a-lifetime trip,” said Becky Brotherton, director of brand and engagement marketing, RIDGID for Emerson.

Entries will be accepted through March 15, 2024. Contest winners will be selected based on their response to questions, trade involvement, enthusiasm for RIDGID tools as displayed in submitted picture or video of them with their favorite RIDGID tool, and originality and uniqueness of entry. How to enter and full 2024 RIDGID Experience official contest rules can be found here.

The newly established non-profit organization, She Built Foundation, encourages and inspires girls to take up building and construction careers The She Built Foundation, a newly established nonprofit organization, is thrilled to announce its official launch and participation at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) during the last week in February. The foundation, founded by Mollie Elkman Read more

The newly established non-profit organization, She Built Foundation, encourages and inspires girls to take up building and construction careers

The She Built Foundation, a newly established nonprofit organization, is thrilled to announce its official launch and participation at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) during the last week in February. The foundation, founded by Mollie Elkman, author of The House That She Built, is dedicated to inspiring girls from a young age to explore careers in the building and construction industry.

Building on the success of Elkman’s book, The House That She Built, the She Built Foundation aims to spark curiosity and excitement in girls by connecting their interests with the idea of shaping physical spaces. By reaching girls at the beginning of their journey, the foundation aims to cultivate a robust pipeline of building and construction talent.

“We are taking action in response to the growing labor crisis facing the entire construction industry,” says Elkman. “While there certainly are solutions further down the pipeline, we recognize the need to engage girls at a young age and plant the seeds of curiosity and excitement. By creating a pipeline of talent through education, representation, and community engagement, we can future-proof the industry and ensure it reflects the diverse communities it serves.”

Challenging tradition: The She Built Foundation focuses on three key program areas: representation, education and skills, and community engagement. Through storytelling and content, the foundation challenges traditional ideas about who construction careers are right for, ensuring girls are aware of the opportunities available to them.

Additionally, the foundation provides curriculum and programs to nurture girls’ excitement and curiosity, allowing them to develop the skills necessary for a career in construction.

Finally, the foundation taps into the industry to establish ambassadors who serve as role models, mentors, and advocates within the community.

To accelerate its work, the She Built Foundation is raising $1 million to distribute copies of The House That She Built to nonprofit organizations across the country, develop curriculum for youth organizations such as the Girl Scouts and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and scale the She Built Foundation Ambassador program to reach more communities nationwide.

“We are excited to invite corporate partners who share our values and vision to join us in our mission,” says Elkman. “With their support, we can continue to drive awareness about the industry, develop an engaging curriculum, and expand our reach to inspire more young girls across the country.”

The She Built Foundation will have a prominent presence at IBS with a booth located at #C30 in the Central Concourse, just outside of Halls C3/C4.

“IBS presents an incredible opportunity to showcase the organization’s mission and engage with industry professionals,” says Elkman.

She Built Foundation Schedule of Events at IBS:

  • Workforce Development Champions Forum – The Power of Women in the Industry: On Tuesday, February 27, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM, Elkman will be moderating this forum and interviewing influential women in the industry. The program will focus on workforce development and take place at LVCC – North 243. Click here for more information.
  • Book Signing at the Oatey Co. Booth: The She Built Foundation is proud to announce a special book signing event in collaboration with Oatey. This event will take place in the Oatey booth (#N3227) on Tuesday, February 27, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Oatey, a proud supporter of the foundation, recognizes the importance of promoting and empowering women within the building and construction industry. Attendees will have the chance to engage with Elkman and receive a signed copy of her book.
  • Panel Discussion at the MiTek Booth: On Wednesday, February 28 at 11:15 AM, Elkman will be part of a panel discussion at the MiTek booth (#C5837), sharing insights and expertise on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. Following the panel discussion, Elkman will be available for another book signing, during which attendees will have the opportunity to receive a complimentary signed copy of The House That She Built.
  • The NationalsSM — National Sales and Marketing Awards: This is NAHB’s largest and most prestigious awards competition, paying tribute to superior sales and marketing achievements by individual professionals, home builders and their associates, and sales and marketing councils. The Nationals Awards ceremony is one of the highlights of IBS, drawing over 700 attendees for this black-tie multimedia celebration.

The She Built Foundation is a proud sponsor of the Nationals awards program. Award winners will also receive a complimentary drink on the foundation. The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, February 28, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. Click here for more information.

The She Built Foundation is calling on industry professionals, organizations, and individuals to support its mission through donations and partnerships. “By joining forces,” says Elkman, “we can cultivate the next generation of builders and trades professionals to create a thriving construction industry that embraces diversity and representation.”

For more information about the She Built Foundation and to become involved, visit its new website at https://www.shebuilt.org/.

The Caleffi Green was introduced to North America at the recently held AHR Expo in Chicago.  The global initative defines a path forward with a multi-faceted plan of action for sustainability. An executive leadership team from the company’s Italian headquarters attended AHR to launch the initiative. Federica Beretta, Brand and Content Marketing Manager from Caleffi S.p.A Read more

The Caleffi Green was introduced to North America at the recently held AHR Expo in Chicago.  The global initative defines a path forward with a multi-faceted plan of action for sustainability.

An executive leadership team from the company’s Italian headquarters attended AHR to launch the initiative. Federica Beretta, Brand and Content Marketing Manager from Caleffi S.p.A. stated, “We have launched a project called The Caleffi Green and we have been spreading it out all over the world.  Sustainability is not only about processes and products, it is also about people.  Every action is important.”

Caleffi’s global commitment to sustainability and resiliency is not new. Manufacturing is accomplished in an energy conscious manner, while prioritizing a healthy work environment for employees.  For example, air pollutant emissions during the brass forging process are maintained 33% below the maximum particulate matter regulations in effect in Italy.  More specifics can be found in the recently published Caleffi Group Sustainability Report.

As a reflection of Caleffi’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint, a North America facility expansion will incorporate photovoltaic panels set to provide over 80% of the building’s electricity demands. In addition, over 90% of the building’s materials and labor will be regionally sourced.

Additionally, the North American group will expand the Caleffi Cares program to include a Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policy. Each member of the team has enormous potential to make an impact in their community. Milwaukee-based and remote employees have paid time to volunteer with the charities and organizations that make a positive impact in their families and communities.  At the end of the year, Caleffi will hold a company-wide Lunch and Learn where employees can report on how they spent their time and share success stories.

Count on Caleffi to continue to support the industry with non-proprietary educational resources in our commitment to Excellence in Education.  To design, install and service the best-case, energy efficient and water conscious systems there is no room for gaps in stakeholder training.  It is in the collaboration of ideas and technologies from design to installation.  We are committed to help all stakeholders achieve these lofty goals with resources such as the semi-annual idronics™ journal and Coffee with Caleffi™ webinar series.

In partnership with Pennsylvania’s Energy Coordinating Agency, company donates eight water heaters to families in need during Random Acts of Kindness Week. Ambler, Pa. — Eight low-income Philadelphia families are receiving new energy efficient water heaters, thanks to a generous donation from Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading American manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks Read more

In partnership with Pennsylvania’s Energy Coordinating Agency, company donates eight water heaters to families in need during Random Acts of Kindness Week.

Ambler, Pa. — Eight low-income Philadelphia families are receiving new energy efficient water heaters, thanks to a generous donation from Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading American manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks.

The donation, which comes during Random Acts of Kindness Week, stems from Bradford White’s signature charitable giving initiative, Industry Forward®. Eight 40-gallon water heaters are being provided to very deserving families who have contacted Philadelphia’s Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) Heater Hotline. ECA is an Industry Forward® partner that has a strong history with Bradford White.

Rich-Tomkins, a manufacturer’s representative for the company, helped coordinate the product delivery and ECA’s trained staff, which helped identify families most in need, will be installing the water heaters.

“At Bradford White, giving back to our communities and providing help to those in need, is part of our mission and core values as a company,” said Rebecca Owens, senior manager of communications for Bradford White. “By providing water heaters to several families in need during Random Acts of Kindness Week we hope to inspire others to show kindness and give back as well so we work together to make a positive impact on people’s lives. We are truly grateful to partner with ECA and provide essential hot water to families who have been without for far too long.”

ECA’s Heater Hotline team receives numerous calls each week from low-income families who have no hot water because water heater replacement is not covered under other low-income programs. Such calls often come from senior citizen homeowners or families who resort to the dangerous practice of heating water on a range for bathing and household cleaning.

The Philadelphia Emergency Water Heater Fund, created by ECA in 2022, has already used its allotted funding for the year and Bradford White stepped up to assist when it heard of the need.

“We are deeply appreciative of the continued partnership with Bradford White and their generosity through their innovative Industry Forward® program,” said Steve Luxton, ECA chief executive officer. “There are so many families in need of hot water and Bradford White’s continued support to lend a hand and give back to families in need is so important. They are a true partner to Philadelphia families, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet.”

Bradford White has partnered with ECA on several recent projects, including a $50,000 Industry Forward® grant to help ECA launch a pilot internship program for young people and emerging workers from Philadelphia’s disadvantaged communities to receive training on heat pump water heater installation and maintenance.