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Famous Supply is mourning the loss of second-generation company chairman, Jay Blaushild. He passed away March 10 at the age of 88. Famous has lost a passionate leader, dear friend and an inspiring mentor. The industry has lost a humble man of exceptional character and integrity who carried on his father’s founding principles to be honest and do what you say you will do.

The federal gift and estate tax exemption is currently the highest it has been since the tax was enacted over 100 years ago. President Joe Biden has proposed drastically changing the estate tax in order to raise revenues for his infrastructure plans. 

Supply House Times did a quick spot check with a few valve manufacturers to get their take on the commercial/industrial landscape heading into the new year and beyond.

In terms of trends, Rick Wentzell, marketing division executive at Bonomi North America, says designers, engineers and industrial end-users are now looking to ensure the valves they order are chemically correct.

When a company doubles in size every five years, you know it’s doing something right. At least this is true for Lebanon, Pennsylvania-based APR Supply Co., as it’s celebrating this exponential growth as well as 100 years in business under three generations of family leadership.

There’s an undeniable sense of entrepreneurship that flows throughout the independent distribution industry. PVF master distributor Wayland Industries is a prime example, with 103 years of history behind it; for four generations now, members of the Kurstin family have started master distribution companies within the PVF sector.

A highlight of the group is its annual ELEVATE conference, which has become a crowd favorite, full of top-notch speakers, networking happy hours and fun evening events for the women. The last time ELEVATE was able to happen in person was in 2019 in San Diego, where turnout was at an all-time high and included 91 new attendees. ELEVATE was slated to take place in Charleston, South Carolina in April of 2020, but had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ASA and the Women in Industry executive council provided a virtual meeting in April of 2021, where attendees still gained access to great speakers, educational sessions and virtual networking. But after three years since an in-person ELEVATE conference, the Women in Industry division is itching to get back together.

REHAU Group announced it has suspended operations in Russia, due to the development of the crisis and the suffering of the people in Ukraine. REHAU said its priority is the safety of its colleagues and their families in Ukraine and those that are leaving the country. The company began preparing possible contingency plans some time ago.

January 2022 results of ASA’s monthly sales report reflect another month of robust performance compared to the same month a year ago, though most respondents reported declines in sales when compared to December 2021, noted Industry Insights, ASA’s business intelligence partner that prepares the report each month for ASA member distributors. 

Bradford White and PHCC announced the renewal of their exclusive strategic partnership agreement and confirm their joint commitment to promoting and strengthening the plumbing and HVACR industries. The continuing partnership between two of the PCHP industry’s most trusted organizations reflects their shared mission to support professional contractors and their teams through investments in training, education, recruiting and advocacy resources.

A. O. Smith announced the launch of In Our Element, a monthly live talk show. Hosted by A. O. Smith Senior Technical Trainer, Jerry Winslett, the show will highlight news from A. O. Smith, offer service tips, discuss industry topics, answer common product questions and more.