A.O. Smith Water Products Co. announced the recipients of its 2008 Professional Contractor Association Scholarship Program.

The feat was the center attraction of the company’s annual “Kids Day” outing for company personnel and their families, held July 19 at its North American headquarters in Alpharetta, Ga.

Taco President and CEO John Hazen White Jr. now commutes to and from work most days in his new 2008 Smart fortwo.

Lochinvar Corp. has been recognized by the Department of Defense as one of the best employers for National Guard and Reserve soldiers.

Noritz America Corp. has partnered with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association through its PHCC Partners for Professionalism program.

Congratulations to Darren Jones, who best displayed how he builds his reputations with RIDGID tools and won the manufacturer’s contest.

Masco, which includes brands such as Behr paint, Delta faucet and KraftMaid cabinets, saw North American sales fall 19 percent, while international sales rose 6 percent.

Wolseley, Newport News, VA, announced its North American operating companies, including Ferguson and Stock Building Supply, have opened a combined showroom, one of three “Home Selections Showrooms” to be built in the U.S.

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures announced Warriner Smith Utilities Inc. (Nanuet, N.Y.) as its grand-prize winner for the “75 Years of Professional Performance” campaign, created as a gesture of gratitude to the entire plumbing trade.

Heat pumps could be the answer to today’s energy demands and soaring costs. What’s needed are the trained technicians that can install, service and maintain this equipment.