In Brief

support the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation's

"Invest In Your Future" Annual Giving Campaign. New contributions made

to the 2005 fund-raiser will be matched by one-third using the Ferguson gift.

Proceeds of the fund-raiser benefit the Foundation and the PHCC National

Auxiliary Scholarship Program. Ferguson's matching gift complements a

matching program from In-Sink-Erator. Contribution forms are available

from the Foundation at 800/533-7694.

Labor Relations Conference will take place Oct. 20-22 at the Westin Diplomat

Resort in Hollywood, Fla. The program examines the challenges facing the mechanical

contracting industry and the strategies that have been put in place to address

them. Register online at www.mcaa.org/ education. For more information,

contact Sean McGuire at [email protected].

ceased manufacturing operations. Some operations will be moved to company

facilities in Milwaukee and Michigan City, Ind.; others will be outsourced

to third parties. The company said it reached its decision after negotiations

for a new collective bargaining agreement with the International Association

of Machinists and Aerospace Workers were unsuccessful.

commercial kitchens have been updated. The new versions of the product standard

and installation codes will enhance safety and sanitation by requiring that

"commercial-grade" moveable gas connectors (based on ANSI Z21.69/CSA 6.16)

be used for all equipment that is moved on a regular basis for cleaning or

maintenance. Many restaurants had used residential-grade connectors.

Buildings featuring "green" exhibitors and conference sessions by the U.S

Green Building Council.

program for water cooler and fountain products, which the company says will

further optimize supply chain performance. The pilot program was initiated

with Central Supply of Indiana.