Two Minnesota campuses of Uponor, a GF Building Flow Solutions brand, have earned Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards from the Minnesota Safety Council. The company’s Apple Valley campus won its sixth Achievement Award, recognized at the Gold level, and the Uponor Lakeville Distribution Center won its seventh Achievement Award, also at the Gold level in recognition of excellence in Read more
Industry News
Two Minnesota campuses of Uponor, a GF Building Flow Solutions brand, have earned Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards from the Minnesota Safety Council. The company’s Apple Valley campus won its sixth Achievement Award, recognized at the Gold level, and the Uponor Lakeville Distribution Center won its seventh Achievement Award, also at the Gold level in recognition of excellence in occupational injury prevention throughout 2024.
Since 1934, the annual Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards program has honored Minnesota employers with exceptional safety performance. Applicants are judged on several years of injury data, as the program compares this data with their industry’s national and state statistics, and on applicants’ progress in implementing a comprehensive safety program.
“Keeping the people we work and live with safe is a full-time job,” said Paul Aasen, CEO of the Minnesota Safety Council. “Congratulations to Uponor for investing the time and energy to make work and life safer inside their organization and beyond.”
Safety has always been the top priority across Uponor’s Integrated Supply Chain (ISC) organization. The team’s collective efforts resulted in a significant reduction in the incident rate in 2024. Those efforts have now been applied to all areas of the company, with the launch of a corporate-wide Safety Culture to double down on safety measures and recognize employees for maintaining a safe work environment.
“From the manufacturing floor to the office and everything in between, safety is at the forefront of every project,” says Jon Sillerud, vice president, Integrated Supply Chain. “Our team continues to set new standards by flagging areas of improvement, implementing new procedures and protocols, and truly caring for the wellbeing of others. I couldn’t be more proud of their commitment to safety and leading with safety in their day-to-day tasks. We are on a path of continuous improvement and reaching our goal of Mission Zero, or no lost-time accidents.”
To see a complete list of award recipients, visit MinnesotaSafetyCouncil.org.
Watts has announced the continuation of its Learn + Win Sweepstakes for Q2 2025, running from April 1 through June 30. This quarter’s sweepstakes features an array of prizes designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Participants earn sweepstakes entries by engaging in Watts training opportunities, including eLearning courses, Lunch & Learn sessions, or in-person Read more
Watts has announced the continuation of its Learn + Win Sweepstakes for Q2 2025, running from April 1 through June 30. This quarter’s sweepstakes features an array of prizes designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Participants earn sweepstakes entries by engaging in Watts training opportunities, including eLearning courses, Lunch & Learn sessions, or in-person training at a Watts Learning Center. Each completed training earns tickets, which can be entered into the prize drawing of their choice. The more training completed, the greater the chances of winning.
Participants are encouraged to register for Watts Works Online to take advantage of this opportunity. Beyond the chance to win high-quality prizes, participants will gain valuable knowledge about Watts’ comprehensive product offerings and industry expertise.
Terms and conditions apply. Visit watts.com/learnandwin for official rules.
The commercial washroom manufacturer has been a long-time supporter of S.T.E.M. education in Wisconsin Bradley, manufacturer of commercial washroom and handwashing solutions for 100 years, supported the 2nd Annual Galentine’s Women in S.T.E.M. event, hosted by Hartford Union High School’s (HUHS) Robotics Team 1091. The February 13 event provided an interactive and inspiring platform for female Read more
The commercial washroom manufacturer has been a long-time supporter of S.T.E.M. education in Wisconsin
Bradley, manufacturer of commercial washroom and handwashing solutions for 100 years, supported the 2nd Annual Galentine’s Women in S.T.E.M. event, hosted by Hartford Union High School’s (HUHS) Robotics Team 1091. The February 13 event provided an interactive and inspiring platform for female students in grades 7-12 to discuss opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (S.T.E.M.).
As part of this year’s round-table discussion, attendees from HUHS, Central Middle School in Hartford, and a Hartford homeschool group participated in a fun, collaborative session decorating cookies while listening to local female engineers about their professional journeys. Among the speakers was Bradley’s Quality Engineer, Anna Kinzel, who shared her experiences, lessons learned, and advice for young women considering careers in S.T.E.M.
The speakers and HUHS Robotics team members discussed topics like finding a mentor, beneficial extracurriculars, navigating college S.T.E.M. courses, and overcoming challenges as minorities in the field. Along with the other speakers, Kinzel guided conversations about academic and career opportunities in these fields.
“I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to participate in this event and interact with this enthusiastic group of students,” said Kinzel. “By sharing personal experiences and industry knowledge, my hope is that we were able to encourage these young women and make a positive difference. I feel privileged to have been invited.”
Last year the HUHS Team 1091 created the event to connect students with local professionals who share their interests and gain confidence in their S.T.E.M. interests and aspirations. The team plans to continue this initiative in February 2026.
“Our students thoroughly enjoyed learning first-hand from Anna as well as the other speakers about their experiences and insights on pursuing S.T.E.M. education and careers,” said Rena G. Diem, Business Mentor and Team Mom for HUHS FIRST Robotics Team 1091, HUHS. “Anna was very engaging.”
Bradley Quality Engineer, Anna Kinzel
A long-time advocate for S.T.E.M. education initiatives, Bradley has been a multi-year supporter of FRC Team 1091. Through financial sponsorship and mentorship, including the guidance of longtime mentor Tim Perrin, Bradley’s support has helped cover a portion of the team’s annual competition registration fees, which gives students access to hands-on learning experiences.
“We greatly appreciate Bradley’s support monetarily and in providing inspiration to our youth,” Diem said.
Human-Centered Curriculum Bridges the Skills Gap in the Age of AI, Setting a New Standard for Trade Education While artificial intelligence continues to automate routine tasks across many industries, one Montana-based company is proving that some skills can never be replaced by machines. Plumb-Rite Plumbing has been honored with the 2025 FVCC Business and Industry Read more
Human-Centered Curriculum Bridges the Skills Gap in the Age of AI, Setting a New Standard for Trade Education
While artificial intelligence continues to automate routine tasks across many industries, one Montana-based company is proving that some skills can never be replaced by machines. Plumb-Rite Plumbing has been honored with the 2025 FVCC Business and Industry Award for pioneering an innovative plumbing apprenticeship program at Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC), the first of its kind in the region. This hands-on, human-centered training model emphasizes complex problem-solving and the nuanced service skills that remain beyond AI’s reach.
Kirk Katzenmeyer, Owner and Master Plumber at Plumb-Rite Plumbing, Emily Larsen, Team Manager at Plumb-Rite Plumbing, Jodi D. Smith, Director of Continuing Education at FVCC, Sabrina Komenda, General Manager at Plumb-Rite Plumbing.
“Plumbing combines technical expertise with critical thinking and personalized service—elements that technology alone can’t replicate.”
— Emily Larsen, Team Manager at Plumb-Rite Plumbing
Launched in partnership with FVCC, Plumb-Rite’s apprenticeship program offers a dual-learning approach where students earn wages while mastering real-world plumbing scenarios. Under the guidance of veteran Plumb-Rite professionals, apprentices gain immediate, tangible experience, supplementing their on-campus coursework with invaluable fieldwork.
“By combining academic instruction from master plumber Dave Micone with on-the-job training, we are partnering to prepare students for long-term success in a field that will always require human expertise.”
— Lisa M. Blank, Ph.D., Executive Director, Workforce Development at FVCC
Some Top Line Items
- Filling a Critical Gap: As AI automates routine tasks, industries like plumbing still demand human ingenuity, adaptability, and a hands-on approach.
- Forward-Thinking Workforce Development: The program demonstrates how community colleges and local businesses can collaborate to future-proof the skilled trades.
- Award-Winning Innovation: Recognition by FVCC underscores Plumb-Rite’s leadership in shaping the next generation of plumbers, ensuring the Flathead Valley remains competitive and well-served.
- Programs like these are important and necessary: “The United States is expected to face a shortage of over 550,000 plumbers by 2027. This deficit is anticipated to drive up costs for consumers and hinder business expansions that rely on plumbing infrastructure.” https://onekeyresources.milwaukeetool.com/en/plumber-shortage
About Plumb-Rite Plumbing:
Serving the Flathead Valley and beyond since 2003, Plumb-Rite Plumbing is dedicated to providing high-quality plumbing services with integrity and professionalism. From plumbing repairs to water heater installations, drain cleaning, and sewer line services, the team is committed to delivering reliable solutions and supporting the local community through service and education. Get to know Plumb-Rite Plumbing at https://plumbritemt.com/ and discover their newly released exclusive Done Right! Club Membership.
RIDGID will select six winners for a VIP Experience at its global headquarters August 13th to 15th. Elyria, Ohio — Entries are now being accepted for a chance to win a spot at the 2025 RIDGID® Experience, taking place August 13th to 15th at their global headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. The exclusive experience designed to Read more
RIDGID will select six winners for a VIP Experience at its global headquarters August 13th to 15th.
Elyria, Ohio — Entries are now being accepted for a chance to win a spot at the 2025 RIDGID® Experience, taking place August 13th to 15th at their global headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. The exclusive experience designed to celebrate the trades continues to grow in popularity, with the all-expenses paid trip now in its eighth year. RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is accepting entries until April 14th.
Six winners will have the opportunity to shape the future of professional tool development by sharing their expert insights with RIDGID leadership and the engineering, marketing, research, and product development teams. They will also 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.
• And more.
“We regularly hear from RIDGID Experience winners that their trip was a once-in-a-lifetime event that they won’t ever forget,” said Maddie Suvak, engagement marketing manager, RIDGID for Emerson. “Our team can’t wait to provide that same unforgettable experience to this year’s winners.”
Entries will be accepted through April 14th, 2025. 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 2025 RIDGID Experience official contest rules can be found here.
Emerson’s professional tools business, which includes RIDGID as well as the Greenlee® and Klauke® brands, provides the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced, reliable tools and technologies for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades globally. Visit emerson.com/professionaltools for more information. RIDGID®, Greenlee® and Klauke® are trademarks of Emerson or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks belong to their respective holders.