42•


INDUSTRY NEWS Georgia’s Gov. Perdue honors TOTO


MOrrOW, GA.— Gov. Sonny Perdue of Georgia honored TOTO USA with the Conserve Georgia Water Conser- vation Award, recognizing the company for leading the way in sustainable water use. TOTO has done this by develop- ing water-saving plumbing fixtures, ensuring the highest levels of effi- ciency in its Morrow manufacturing plant, and educating employees, the


community and fellow businesses on water conservation. The Governor began the Conserve Georgia program in 2008 with the goal of encourag- ing a statewide “culture of


conservation” that helps preserve and sustain the state’s natural resources for generations to come. “Georgia is blessed with abundant natural resources,” said Gov. Per-


due. “Businesses like TOTO are leading the way in creating a culture of conservation, and it is my pleas- ure to recognize them for their ac- complishments.” Chris Clark, chair of the Conserve


Georgia Council and Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural resources, affirmed the governor’s statement: “We are proud to recognize TOTO USA with the 2010 Conserve Georgia Water Conservation Award, acknowledging their commitment to


•THE WHOLESALER® — JANUARY 2011


promoting water efficiency in their fa- cility, products and community.” Over the past several years, TOTO


has gathered numerous conservation awards, both local and national, for its commitment to environmental stewardship. Visit www.totousa.com.


Armstrong receives ASPE innovation award


THrEE rIVErS, MICH. – Armstrong International received the coveted Industry Innovation Award from the American Society of Plumbing Engi- neers for The Brain®


— Model DrV80


digital mixing valve. The award is given to companies that have devel- oped technology solutions that have revolutionized the plumbing industry. “We’ve changed the way people


think about re-circulated mixed water temperature control,” said Paul Knight, director of global hot water markets for the Armstrong. “Digital technology re- fines water temperature control across the entire hot water system to a level previously deemed unattainable.” The Brain™ Model DrV80 has thousands of successful installations and is the basis for design at some of the world’s largest and most presti- gious hotel chains, retirement com- munities and consulting plumbing engineering firms. Visit www.arm- stronginternational.com.


OBITUARY


Ralph Mueller, founder of Columbia Winnelson


DAyTON, OHIO – ralph H. Mueller, the founder and former president of Columbia Winnelson Co., in Colum- bia, Mo., passed away Oct. 23 at the age of 71. He was a resident of New Bloomfield, Mo. Mueller had been president of Jef-


ferson City Winnelson Co., also in Missouri, and then founded Colum- bia Winnelson in 1992 where he was president for 15 years. During his tenure, he sponsored the startup of other companies in the Win Group of Companies. In 2007, he transitioned into other roles at Columbia Winnel- son where he could continue to share his experience and enthusiasm for the wholesaling business. He remained on the company’s board of directors. “ralph was a true entrepreneur and


See contact information on page 98 • Be sure to visit www.thewholesaler.com for web exclusive articles and videos! •


highly regarded in our organization. He was an inspiration for all of us,” said Monte Salsman, WinWholesale Inc. chief operating officer. Colum- bia Winnelson is associated with WinWholesale, one of the nation’s largest distributors. An informal memorial gathering was held November 6 in Guthrie, Mo.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100