Uponor

Minneapolis-based Star Tribune ranks the company 29^th in the Top Workplaces large-size company listing

The Star Tribune has named Uponor North America (Uponor) a Top Workplace, ranking 29^th on the large-size company list. This is Uponor’s eighth win as a Top Workplace, with previous recognitions from 2012 to 2018.

Companies in the Top Workplaces listing were ranked based on results from an employee survey conducted by Star Tribune’s partner, Energage. The evaluation measured employee engagement, organizational health, and job satisfaction.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Star Tribune for this significant achievement, which is even more meaningful in these challenging times,” says Bill Gray, president, Uponor North America. “We deeply value our employees, their engagement, and their commitment to make Uponor one of the best companies to work for in the Twin Cities.”

According to the Star Tribune, this year’s survey included a record number of nominations, resulting in 25 more companies meeting the stringent criteria of being designated a Star Tribune Top Workplace. Past listings featured 150 companies, with this year expanding to 175.

“Being recognized as a Top Workplace for an eighth time is a great achievement for the entire Uponor North America team,” says Jennifer Hauschildt, vice president, Human Resources, Uponor North America. “This highlights the strong employee connections and positive culture we have here at Uponor, which helps reinforce our standing as an employer of choice in the community and beyond.”

The official rankings for small, medium, and large companies are showcased in the 12th Annual Top Workplaces special section published at StarTribune.com and in the June 20^th Sunday Edition of the Star Tribune.

In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month to honor the heroic and historic accomplishments of women in all areas of accomplishment. In plumbing, we look to Lillian Baumbach, the first female master plumber in the United States. Women, like Lillian, paved the way for modern female plumbers and other tradeswomen. The best form of honor is respect. There is no better way to respect tradeswomen than acting like a true ally.

What is an ally? An ally is an individual, contractor, manufacturer and/or retailer who stands with and for tradeswomen.

Women constitute a mere 1.5% of the construction trades industry workforce. With numbers so low, it’s easy to feel alone and isolated in your work environment. Below, find some tips to being an ally.

An ally:

• Mentors – Providing sage advice to apprentices and young people in the skilled trades helps them feel welcomed in their work environment. This extends to facilitating networking and social events.
• Does not assume – When in doubt, ask. Also, do not assume stereotypes about women or women who work in the skilled construction trades. Having low expectations of tradeswomen is another gaffe. Do not assume tradeswomen possess less experience or cannot complete the same tasks as a tradesman.
• Isn’t shy – An ally calls people out and does not tolerate inappropriate and demeaning humor or remarks. Additionally, get involved with women’s committees. Both men and women can support women in the trades. An ally can also get involved with policy. Share information about the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, sexual harassment training, and pregnancy discrimination.
• Doesn’t mansplain – This should go without saying.
• Encourages all voices – Keep an open mind. As a leader, create environments where all voices can be heard and appreciated.

It’s not simple, but it’s worth it. Allies, like tradeswomen, come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and creeds. An ally is a powerful tool for recruitment and retention of tradeswomen. Rest assured, tradeswomen will still be here with or without allies. But, they help to improve the workplace for all.

Guest Blogger – Allie Perez founded Texas Women in Trades in 2013, an organization working to bring more women, minorities, and young people to the trades. She also serves as the VP of Marketing and Operations at George Plumbing Co. in San Antonio and on the National Taskforce for Tradeswomen as the Communications Committee Co-Chair. A graduate of New York University, Allie has contributed to trade periodicals for more than seven years. To contact her directly, email texaswomenintrades@gmail.com.

American Red Cross and Water Mission to each receive $15K to help those impacted across the state.

Apple Valley, Minn. — With a purpose of rethinking water for future generations, Uponor North America, the recognized leader in sustainable building and infrastructure solutions, is donating $30,000 to Texas relief efforts.

The American Red Cross Central and South Texas Region along with Water Mission are each receiving $15,000 from Uponor to help support their efforts in providing resources, supplies, and plumbing repairs for the millions of Texans impacted by the deep freeze in mid-February.

To date, the American Red Cross has deployed more than 280 volunteers and has supplied more than 81,000 meals, 16,400 cleaning and comfort kits, 7,700 overnight stays, and 1,300 contacts for those with physical, mental, and spiritual health needs.

In addition to food and shelter services, one of the greatest needs is plumbing repairs in homes and businesses. According to Water Mission Strategic Partnership Director Rogers Hook, P.E., the need for plumbing repairs is dire and the resources are limited.

“I spoke with a CEO of a major plumbing company in Austin, and they were already short on plumbers because of the explosive growth in the area,” says Hook. “They have more than 1,000 jobs on the calendar, which are all emergency calls to get water restored. They’re estimating it will take up to two months to meet the demand.”

To help with the immediate need, Water Mission developed a “do-it-yourself kit” for homeowners to temporarily fix leaks until professional plumbers could arrive and repair the damaged plumbing systems.

“Our hearts go out to those in Texas impacted by the extreme weather and the damage caused to homes and businesses,” says Bill Gray, president, Uponor North America. “We understand the importance of clean, healthy water and proudly stand behind the trade professionals who work hard every day to ensure our plumbing systems are delivering this life resource consistently and reliably. We are honored to financially support the American Red Cross and Water Mission as they help Texans in need and work to reestablish clean-water resources throughout the state.”