August 1, 2010
Top Story
Theater’s geothermal system cuts energy costs by 50%
EPPING, N.H. — At Verdant Pastures’ Leddy Center for the Performing Arts theater here, a 20-ton geothermal system designed and installed by Intelligent Heat and Power, Stratham, N.H., creates a comfortable theater and office for patrons, actors and staff while decreasing the theater’s heating and cooling costs....
Feature Article
Strength in numbers
The popularity of franchising is growing among plumbing contractors who are looking to take their businesses to the next level during difficult economic times. ...
Articles
Kennedy green house is living laboratory
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife renovated their historic 1920s colonial with a variety of sustainable technologies and products....
Academy renovations will save at least $6.7 million
WOODSTOCK, VA. — Six campus buildings at Massanutten Military Academy are currently undergoing HVAC renovations through a Bundled Energy Solutions project by Linc Services LLC....
St. Regis Atlanta conserves water in style
ATLANTA — At St. Regis Atlanta stylish water conserving plumbing fixtures are in every guest room and public area. ...
Rheem intros tankless-powered combo HVAC, DHW system
ATLANTA — The answer to the question, “Will we heat homes with water heaters?” is “yes.” Rheem has introduced an Integrated HVAC & Water Heating System Powered by Tankless Technology....
Residential fire sprinkler battle continues: now states decide
CHICAGO — California and Pennsylvania, starting Jan. 1, 2011, will require sprinklers in every new home. Other states, however, plan to adopt the residential fire sprinkler mandate but delay its implementation, while others oppose it. ...
Tallahassee offers huge rebates for heat pump water heaters
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — Imagine being able to offer customers a heat pump water heater for little more than the price of your labor. ...
Industry groups firm up positions on Home Star
WASHINGTON — Industry groups continue to establish their positions on the pending Home Star legislation under consideration in the Senate. ...
Franklin adds mobile training facility to technical toolbox
BLUFFTON, IND. — Franklin Electric is pleased to announce the addition of a mobile training facility to its technical toolbox of service and training options....
Green Expo to showcase water conserving products
CAMBRIDGE, MD. — Weinstein Supply/Hajoca is pleased to announce the first annual Eastern Shore Green Expo here, Sept. 15, 2010. ...
Sonnhalter to give tools to Habitat for Humanity
BEREA, OHIO — Sonnhalter, a communications firm marketing to the professional tradesman in the construction, industrial and MRO markets, is partnering with Habitat for Humanity. ...
Kohler Co. pledges $2 million in products to Habitat
ATLANTA — Habitat for Humanity Intl. announced that Kohler Co. has renewed its commitment, pledging an additional $1 million in water-saving products and $25,000 in funding....
NFPA issues safety alert regarding antifreeze in residential sprinklers
QUINCY, MASS. — The NFPA recently issued a safety alert recommending that residential fire sprinkler systems containing antifreeze should be drained and the antifreeze replaced with water. ...
Columns
Estate planning for second, third marriages, etc.
From a tax-planning viewpoint, once the first (could be second, third, etc.) marriage ends, the ex-husband falls into one of three distinct categories. Each category requires different economic and tax strategies. Let’s take them one at a time. ...
To expand or not to expand, that's the question
Your business is doing OK, you've saved up a little cash, and a few competitors have dropped out because of the recession. There’s an opportunity to expand your business and get positioned for the recovery, but it'll mean a serious investment. Should you do it?...
The importance of a biographical job list
I have to admit to you — my loyal readers — and everyone else that I’ve been unemployed for some months now, and if anything, things are getting tougher and grimmer by the week. The most horrific of business cycles is still a cycle. And yes, things will eventually turn around. ...
Building your very own personal board of directors
Not long ago, a company's sales were falling. Team morale was waning, and the owner couldn’t put his finger on the cause, let alone fix it. So he picked up the phone and called an affinity group of other select owners and managers from similar companies to discuss these issues. The owner invited the group to his business for a two-day, in-depth look at his company. They accepted the invitation and came in at no charge to the troubled owner....
A time for renewal at the RPA — Part 3
Editor's Note: This is Part 3 of a four part interview conducted by Mark Eatherton with the new executive director of the RPA, Ted Lowe....
Calculators, apps, software extend functionality
For tallying numbers quickly and accurately in the field, first came a handheld calculator. Then came dedicated programs that turned a generic calculator into a construction calculator. Now if you carry the right kind of Smartphone, you don't even need the calculator to perform fast project-relevant calculations at jobsites, at client meetings, or any place else on the go....
What strings come with stimulus projects?
I haven't talked to many contractors who are seeing a big resurgence in private development yet, but I do know some who have survived because of an American Recovery and Rehabilitation Act (Stimulus) funded project. Small towns that needed but couldn't afford a sewer upgrade or road extension took advantage of federal funds to quickly get a project going. But along with the Stimulus funds are Stimulus rules, and more of them than you might expect. So, you have to decide: is it worth it?...
Stop calling employees salespeople
What do most people do when they hear the word salesman? Run is probably the initial jerk reaction and that's probably followed with hide. The word "salesman" has earned the ill-fated reputation of being someone who can't, or shouldn't, be trusted. Never trust the fast-talking salesman....
Rolling stock: "Yes, we've got that"
Whether your business is service, repair and remodel, residential or commercial construction work, not having the right material at hand can be frustrating and costly. As an employer or business owner, not having enough of, or the right material, on site or in the service truck means the loss of both time and profit....
Finding your niche in the market
The strongest companies — in a good economy or bad — know who they are, and they communicate that clearly to their customers. To find your company's niche in the market, you need to focus on what you do better than other companies. ...
HP water heaters: where the rubber meets the road
The good news, no make that great news, for my friend and competitor who said that: he doesn't need the license to sell and install HP water heaters. The refrigerant circuit is self-contained. The potentially bad news is that failure to follow a few basic guidelines will increase operating costs for his customers and potential for service issues he'll be forced to correct. ...
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