Masco Corp. announced the promotion of Keith Allman to group president effective immediately.

Plumbing Manufacturers International elected Stewart Yang, VP of engineering, faucet design for Kohler Co., board president for 2012.

A record number of companies entered the competition this year, generating nearly $12,000 in entry fees, which will be donated to a charitable organization in the Chicago area (the location of the 2012 show.)

Increases are effective Dec. 1.

Second- and third-place winners will receive prizes of $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

Among the new initiatives for the RHC is the formation of peer groups specifically for hydronic and radiant contractors, and development of a series of online training modules.

The hires rate in construction jumped to 7.3 percent in September from 5.6 percent in August and 5.9 percent in September 2010.

The U.S. Senate Nov. 10 unanimously approved legislation to repeal a federal mandate that government agencies withhold part of their payments to contractors and added an amendment to provide tax credits to companies that hire veterans.

November is Military Appreciation Month, and Harley-Davidson Motor Co. has partnered with the USO to show its support and gratitude for the men and women in the military.

Although optimism faded, revenues continue to rise.