Valek & Co. Client PMI Leads Response to Flint Water Crisis

Relief effort garners national media attention

March 14, 2016 - Members of Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) teamed with hundreds of union plumbers to assist Flint, Mich., residents affected by a lead-in-water crisis, thereby gaining national media attention.

PMI members donated hundreds of faucets and other plumbing supplies that were installed in more than 1,500 homes. A team of nearly 470 plumbers from local unions of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (UA) installed the faucets and supplies, along with water filters provided by the state of Michigan.

The relief effort was covered by National and Michigan Public Radio; CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox News affiliates in Michigan; CBS national news; People; KABC-Radio Los Angeles; Associated Press; Huffington Post; Crain’s Detroit Business; and many other media outlets. Valek & Co. handled media outreach, along with the PMI team.

“Seeing hundreds of volunteers gathered in one place with all of the donated products under the banners of the PMI members was truly inspiring,” said Barbara C. Higgens, PMI CEO/executive director. “The can-do attitude demonstrated by all the participants was heartwarming, but it is what we’ve come to expect from these outstanding professionals and companies.”

PMI members contributing to the effort were American Standard Brands, BrassCraft Manufacturing Co., Delta Faucet Co., Fluidmaster Inc., Kohler Co., Moen Inc., Pfister, Speakman Co. and Viega.