A Year of Great Possibility
2012 has come and gone. We have survived the threat of the end of the world, a very contentious election, and some extremely devastating natural disasters. As we begin 2013, people on the east coast continue to rebuild their homes and lives due to the destruction of hurricane Sandy. My heart and prayers go out to all that were affected. It never ceases to amaze me how Americans band together in time of need to help others that have experienced such devastation and loss. I am very thankful to live in a country that has such high standards.
Speaking of standards, as most of you know by now, ASSE has officially become the ASSE International Chapter of IAPMO. I firmly believe this newly formed amalgamation will go a long way in furthering the recognition of the ASSE standards throughout the world by benefiting from IAPMO’s global presence. ASSE becoming part of The IAPMO Group is a natural fit since both organizations focus on protecting the health and safety of society by developing codes and standards to ensure that our safety is maintained. I would like to thank the board of directors and staff representing both organizations for working so tirelessly and harmoniously to bring this monumental initiative to fruition. I would also like to thank the membership that supported this merger for confiding in their leadership to make the right decision in the best interest of their respective organizations. I look forward to working with the ASSE Board and staff over the next year.
The 83rd annual Education and Business Conference was a great success and well attended. I would like to thank all of the members of the various Florida IAPMO chapters for being such wonderful hosts. The keynote speaker, Eric Greitens, a Rhodes Scholar, former U.S. Navy SEAL, and war veteran made a heartfelt presentation. Eric shared with us some of the trials and tribulations that a prospective Navy SEAL must endure, including the infamous “Hell Week,” where men had to test their bodies and minds performing grueling physical and mental tasks. There were several men that did not complete this excruciating trial. But Eric’s real message was to tell us about the men and women who return from duty that are severely wounded or disabled. Through his organization, “The Mission Continues,” he works with veterans to provide them with the challenge and the opportunity to rebuild a meaningful life by serving in their communities here at home. I would like to thank those that put themselves in harm’s way to allow us to have the freedom that we enjoy.
As always, there were several workshops and seminars provided by some of the best instructors in the industry. There isn’t a better way to obtain all of the CEU’s that you need to maintain your license(s) than an IAPMO conference. I would like to congratulate those who received awards. I thank them for their commitment and dedication to our organization and industry; without them we would not be nearly as successful as we are.
In October, I had the pleasure and opportunity to attend the World Plumbing Council General Meeting in Brisbane, Australia. It took place at the offices of the Master Plumbers Association of Queensland. The meeting was well attended and several Australian industry leaders were present. The WPC voting membership approved a motion to create a new “individual” membership category. I believe in and support the WPC’s mission and gladly signed up as an individual member on the spot. I strongly encourage all that can to become a member of the WPC. The yearly membership is a reasonable $55 and will greatly help the organization to further its goals and mission to promote the role of plumbing in improving public health and safeguarding the environment, by uniting the World Plumbing Industry, for the benefit of all. Your membership is a way of giving back to the industry that has given to you.
As part of its drive to gain individual members, the WPC is holding a drawing for a round-trip international economy/coach flight for two people to the 10th World Plumbing Conference in New Delhi, India, to be held Nov. 14-15, 2013. Flights from the nearest international airport, three nights’ accommodations at the Grand Hotel, New Delhi, delegate and partner registration for the 10th World Plumbing Conference, plus travel by train through the desert state of Rajasthan, exploring the colorful town of Jaipur and Amber Fort, before heading to Agra and the majesty of the Taj Mahal, including three nights’ accommodations, transfers and sightseeing. The drawing will be held June 30, 2013. You can find further information at http://www.worldplumbing.org/.
2013 also marks the beginning of a new code cycle. This is your opportunity to make a difference. As an inspector, it is quite often that contractors and journeymen complain to me about various code requirements. I kindly apprise them that there is a process that they can partake in to attempt to add, alter, or delete a code requirement. One person can make a difference. I have seen it done many times over the years. So, if there is something that you think should be included in the code, or possibly removed or altered, now is the time to submit it. Go to http://www.iapmo.org to find the forms.
I am looking forward to serving all of you this coming year. I am certain that 2013 will bring new opportunities for IAPMO and its members. I hope and pray that our economy continues to make a correction and that our industry thrives. I believe when we finally exit from the economic downturn that we have experienced, there will be explosive growth and opportunity for all of us. Here’s hoping 2013 is a happy New Year indeed!