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  • January 2024

    • January 2024

    CONTRACTOR Magazine

    The Year Was 1954…

    Jan. 8, 2024
    When it first started publishing CONTRACTOR came out twice a month and cost 50 cents an issue.

    Badger Meter Builds on Smart Water Offerings With Network Monitoring Acquisition

    Jan. 3, 2024
    Badger Meter has acquired the Telog brand of RTUs (remote telemetry units) and Trimble Unity Remote Monitoring software.

    IAPMO’s SCB Earns ISO 14001 Accreditation

    Jan. 3, 2024
    More than 300,000 companies are certified to ISO 14001, an internationally recognized standard that provides a framework for organizations to improve their environmental performance...

    Watts Celebrates 150 Years with Year-Long Sweepstakes for Customers in the US and Canada

    Jan. 3, 2024
    The sweepstakes is open to customers of any brand in the Watts family of brands across the United States and Canada.
    Photo 68903582 © Yuttana Jeenamool | Dreamstime.com

    Construction Job Openings in November Rise to Highest Level Since 2022

    Jan. 3, 2024
    Industry job openings increased by 43,000 last month and are up by 111,000 from the same time last year.

    More content from January 2024

    Photo 173237693 © Panchita Chotthanawarapong | Dreamstime.com

    24 Recruiting and Retention Tactics For 2024

    Jan. 3, 2024
    Here are some simple ways to find, hire and retain the staff you need to take your business to the next level in the new year.
    Photo 160462978 © Khwanchai Phanthong | Dreamstime.com

    Nonresidential Construction Spending Dips 0.1% in November

    Jan. 3, 2024
    Private nonresidential spending increased 0.2%, while public nonresidential construction spending fell 0.6% in November.

    Zoom Drain Appoints New Director of Operations at Philadelphia HQ

    Jan. 2, 2024
    Avery Suelzer to lead the development of home service franchisor's operational strategy.
    Electric Eel

    Electric Eel Celebrates 85th Anniversary

    Jan. 2, 2024
    Widely known as the originator of the Model C dual cable sectional drain cleaner, Electric Eel has been in business since 1939.
    Photo 83317018 © Phongphan Supphakankamjon | Dreamstime.com

    CONTRACTOR’s 2024 Economic Forecast

    Jan. 2, 2024
    It looks like 2024—for good and for bad—might have some surprises in store.
    Triangle Tube

    Weekly Product Gallery: Triangle Tube, in2aqua, Emerson, Watermark, Cortec, Brass Knuckle, Thermasol

    Dec. 29, 2023
    This week's gallery features an indirect water heater, a sturdy kitchen faucet, a position transmitter, a custom kitchen collection, a biological degreaser, protective goggles...
    The Family Plumber

    Contractor of the Year: Mike Prencavage Jr.—The Genuine Article

    Dec. 28, 2023
    For the past two decades, Mike Prencavage Jr. has been passionate about the plumbing trade, and his passion and true dedication to making the industry better is a prime example...
    Photo 93704435 © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

    Greater Boston Plumbing Contractors Association Donates $35,000 to Area Nonprofits

    Dec. 27, 2023
    Plumbing industry trade group issued $5,000 to seven different charities to help the homeless and needy in Boston, Quincy and Brockton
    Photo 101000536 © One Photo | Dreamstime.com

    5 Steps to Get More Online Reviews For Your Contracting Business

    Dec. 26, 2023
    Below are five steps your contracting business can take to secure more positive online reviews that set you apart from the competition.
    Photo 39424265 © F11photo | Dreamstime.com

    AHR Expo 2024 Preview

    Dec. 25, 2023
    50,000 attendees will come to Chicago in January to see the latest technology and listen to the top minds in the industry.
    Photo 293014319 © Tom Wang | Dreamstime.com

    Building a PR Plan for 2024

    Dec. 22, 2023
    CONTRACTOR talks with Heather Ripley, founder and CEO of Ripley PR, a public relations agency specializing in the skilled trades.
    Rheem
    MAXIMUS SUPER-HIGH-EFFICIENCY SMART WATER HEATERS

    Weekly Product Gallery: Rheem, Watts, Bradford White, Victaulic, A. O. Smith, Laars

    Dec. 21, 2023
    This week's gallery focuses on smart water heaters, a coating system for automatic control valves, commercial boilers and volume water heaters, grooved flexible fittings, and ...

    Zoom Drain Appoints New Members, Advisors to its Board of Directors

    Dec. 21, 2023
    The home service franchisor strengthens its franchising and industry knowledge with the addition of new board members.

    NIBCO Promotes Chris Mason to Senior Vice President, Supply Chain

    Dec. 21, 2023
    In his new role, Mason will be responsible for the Matco-Norca, SVF Flow Controls, and Webstone teams.

    Zoom Drain Appoints Joseph Schneeweis Vice President of Franchise Operations

    Dec. 21, 2023
    Schneeweis comes to Zoom Drain after serving several years as the franchise operations manager of ServiceMaster Corporation.
    Photo 145697710 / 1950s Reporter © Stokkete | Dreamstime.com

    Will Decarbonization End Hydronics?

    Dec. 20, 2023
    From the contractor and consumer prospective, the proposed changes could be quite problematic.
    Photo 20521503 © Tan Wei Ming | Dreamstime.com

    Construction Starts Hit 10-Month Low, Declining 15% in November

    Dec. 20, 2023
    Nonresidential starts lead decline, dropping 29%.

    IAPMO Seeks Technical Subcommittee Members for Development of American National Standard IAPMO Z1388

    Dec. 20, 2023
    The Z1388 standard’s scope covers supply stops with integral water hammer arresters.

    2022 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Reveals Disparities

    Dec. 20, 2023
    Black and Hispanic workers who saw the largest increase in workplace fatalities in 2022.
    Plastics Pipe Institute

    New Model Specification Announced for Polypropylene Piping

    Dec. 19, 2023
    The new publication was prepared as a service to the industry by PPI's Building & Construction Division.
    Zenbooker

    Four for the Office and Beyond

    Dec. 19, 2023
    Reviews of Zenbooker scheduling software, the FieldPiece full-service solution, EverConnect Live lead-gen and the Repari-CRM mobile app.

    Department of Labor Announces Proposed Rulemaking to Modernize Apprenticeship Regulations

    Dec. 19, 2023
    The rulemaking seeks to promote equity and innovation, strengthen protections and improve outcomes.

    Sloan Earns Independent WAVE Verification from SCS Global Services

    Dec. 19, 2023
    The Water Council’s WAVE program verification enables Sloan to begin implementing comprehensive water stewardship plan.
    Photo 170824228 © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

    Biden Administration Issues Final Rule Implementing Executive Order on Project Labor Agreements

    Dec. 18, 2023
    Order will require every prime contractor and subcontractor on a federal construction project of $35 million or more to sign a project labor agreement.
    State Water Heater

    Racing Legend Ward Burton Chooses Tankless Heater for Wildlife Foundation

    Dec. 18, 2023
    No standby losses, new scale prevention technology make the retrofit the smart move.
    Marcone

    Marcone Honors Fallen Soldiers

    Dec. 18, 2023
    Employees lay wreaths on 1,000 grave sites around the country.

    AFL-CIO and Microsoft Announce New Tech-Labor Partnership on AI and the Future of the Workforce

    Dec. 18, 2023
    New AI alliance will educate workers, incorporate labor's voice in tech development and help shape policy that supports workers.
    Photo 45719380 © Rawpixelimages | Dreamstime.com

    Get Your Business Finances in Order for 2024

    Dec. 15, 2023
    Getting a company’s financial house in order is a tremendous task that must be implemented over time. Here are a few basic tips to help get the process started.
    Illustration 274168904 © Francesco Scatena | Dreamstime.com

    Green Plumbing is Here to Stay

    Dec. 15, 2023
    Diving into the “green” pool is good way to add an income stream to your shop, as well as moving the cutting edge of our trade into the 21st century.
    Saniflo
    SANIPIT 24GR RETROFIT PUMP KIT

    Weekly Product Gallery: Saniflo, Infinity Drain, Weil-McLain, Zurn, Guardian Fall, Johnson Controls

    Dec. 14, 2023
    This week's photo gallery highlights a retrofit pump kit for 24-in. basins, double-waterproofing center drains, a commercial condensing gas boiler, ADA-compliant stainless-steel...
    BILDSCHÖN / Trenkel

    Industry Association VDMA Sanitary Technology and Design intensifies cooperation with Messe Frankfurt

    Dec. 14, 2023
    Dr. Laura Dorfer, Managing Director of the new Industrial Association will become a member of the ISH Trade Fair Advisory Board.
    Photo 197463424 © Bumbleedee | Dreamstime.com

    Veterans, Military Members are the Answer to the Construction Industry’s Labor Woes

    Dec. 13, 2023
    Here are six simple, effective ways to recruit them.
    Photo 15550220 © Viktor Fiker | Dreamstime.com

    Construction Materials Prices Dip 0.3% in November

    Dec. 13, 2023
    Inputs to construction are still nearly 39% higher than at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Intellihot Hires Chief Operating Officer

    Dec. 13, 2023
    Dave Martin will oversee Intellihot's sales and marketing teams, as well as day-to-day operations.

    Oatey Co. Appoints Patrick Hall Senior Vice President, Retail

    Dec. 13, 2023
    Hall comes to Oatey with significant retail sales experience in the home improvement and hardware retailing industry.
    NTEA

    Work Truck Week® 2024 Expanded with New Training Sessions

    Dec. 12, 2023
    Green Truck Summit schedule extended, breakout session added.
    Photo 18491299 © Digitalpress | Dreamstime.com

    Incorporating Hydronic Heating into Sustainable Building Design

    Dec. 12, 2023
    Here are seven ways to optimize hydronic heating systems for maximum sustainability.
    Photo 16809525 © Sculpies | Dreamstime.com

    ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Inches up in November

    Dec. 12, 2023
    Despite the monthly increase, backlog is currently 0.8 months lower than at July’s cyclical peak.
    Rasmussen Mechanical

    How to Fight Boiler Corrosion

    Dec. 11, 2023
    With the right approach, the effects of corrosion can be minimized and extend the life of your boiler.

    IAPMO Renews MOU with US EPA

    Dec. 11, 2023
    The partners will collaborate on improving the overall performance and management of decentralized wastewater treatment systems.
    John W. Danforth Co.

    Making Spirits Bright: John W. Danforth Company Makes Special Deliveries During Holidays

    Dec. 8, 2023
    Company efforts in Buffalo, Albany and Rochester support neighbors in need.
    Photo 124234271 © Wrightstudio | Dreamstime.com

    Level up Your Marketing – and Customer Service – with AI

    Dec. 8, 2023
    If you're a savvy business owner in the home service industry, the benefits of exploring the potential impacts of AI are too compelling to ignore.
    Photo 41322784 © Bizoon | Dreamstime.com

    Construction Adds 2,000 Jobs in November

    Dec. 8, 2023
    On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has increased by 200,000 jobs, an increase of 2.6%.
    Bradford White

    Bradford White and Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes Celebrate Ribbon Cutting at New Facility

    Dec. 8, 2023
    The Karl & Susan Hascall JA Finance Park will help middle- and high-school students learn about the financial consequences of life choices.
    Photo 27338974 © Smikeymikey1 | Dreamstime.com

    The Smart Flush: Innovating Sustainability in Bathrooms

    Dec. 7, 2023
    The future of bathrooms is not just about having the latest and greatest; it's about making choices that echo our commitment to the planet.
    Jones Stephens
    PEX-A PLUMBING SYSTEM

    Weekly Product Gallery: Jones Stephens, Oatey, RectorSeal, Bemis, Malco, FedPro

    Dec. 7, 2023
    This week's gallery focuses on a PEX-a plumbing system, antifreeze for hydronic closed-loop systems, a condensate neutralizer for HVAC systems, a toilet seat with a microbial ...

    Trade Jobs Launches to Elevate Employment in the Home Service Industry

    Dec. 7, 2023
    Company aims to promote job opportunities in HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing industries as the skilled trade labor shortage continues.
    Photo 49488173 © F11photo | Dreamstime.com

    ABC: Georgia Is the No. 1 State for Construction

    Dec. 7, 2023
    Georgia’s construction industry continues to prosper, and it earned the top spot due to the state’s continued dedication to workforce development.

    General Pipe Cleaners to Showcase Latest Drain Cleaning Technologies At WWETT24 Show

    Dec. 7, 2023
    The Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment and Transport Show will be held Jan. 25-27th at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
    Photo 266347874 © Iryna Melnyk | Dreamstime.com

    Three Ways AI is Powering Contracting Businesses

    Dec. 7, 2023
    There’s three specific ways that AI-powered solutions are helping contractors today that should be considered.

    Leap Partners Acquires Another Company in Chattanooga

    Dec. 5, 2023
    Leap Partners acquires Patriot Services in Chattanooga, TN.
    Photo 45899363 © Spettacolare | Dreamstime.com

    Biden-Harris Administration Proposes to Strengthen the Lead and Copper Rule

    Dec. 5, 2023
    EPA proposal would accelerate progress toward achieving President Biden’s goal of removing 100% of lead pipes.
    Photo 10352714 © 1971yes | Dreamstime.com

    Construction Job Openings Decrease by 4,000 in October

    Dec. 5, 2023
    Even with the decrease, Industry job openings are up by 25,000 from the same time last year.
    Photo 51444879 © Ashraf Jandali | Dreamstime.com

    International Code Council to Highlight Key Role of Building Codes and Standards in Achieving Climate Resilience at COP28

    Dec. 5, 2023
    The International Code Council will provide expertise and solutions for governments and the building sector to help address the changing climate.
    Photo 199504431 | Technology © Michael Vi | Dreamstime.com

    Ford Pro and Xcel Energy Collaborate to Support Installation of 30,000 EV Charging Ports for Business Fleets by 2030

    Dec. 5, 2023
    New 30x30 initiative helps eliminate key obstacles and complexity of charging infrastructure by offsetting costs and simplifying installation for business customers.

    Jones Stephens Welcomes New Vice President of Sales

    Dec. 5, 2023
    Tuff has worked extensively with manufacturers and wholesale distributors in the plumbing industry across the country.
    Powerproject

    Schedule Compression: Invaluable Tool or Necessary Evil?

    Dec. 4, 2023
    To put it in literary terms, it is the Dr. Jekyll and Hyde of the construction industry—alternating between a civilized entity and the embodiment of evil.

    International Code Council’s 44th Annual Building Safety Month Campaign to Kick Off First Week of May

    Dec. 4, 2023
    The annual campaign invites the public to engage with building safety on a collaborative level with this year’s theme of Mission Possible.