Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor, Winter 2014 by Blue Water Publishers, LLC

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Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

Find a Michigan propane retailer at usemichiganpropane.com [3]

CONTENTS

Winter 2014 x Volume 10 x Number 4

MPMCA President’s Message - Nancy Cummins �� 6 Plumbing / Heating / Ventilating / Air Conditioning / Refrigeration

Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor Magazine

The Official Publication of the Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association PO Box 13100 Lansing, MI 48901 517-484-5500 Fax 517-484-5225 Email: info@mpmca.org Website: www.mpmca.org

Edited and published quarterly under the direction and supervision of the Board of Directors of the MPMCA. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement of products, services, or statements, nor does the publisher assume any responsibility for claims made by the advertisers. Copyright 2014 Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association. MPMCA has reserved the right to refuse any and all ads. For inquiries concerning this publication contact the following: Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association, PO Box 13100, Lansing, MI 48901. Some products advertised may not meet Michigan Plumbing Code requirements. Executive Director Cynthia H. Maher, CAE Editor Cynthia H. Maher, CAE MPMCA Executive Committee President: Nancy Cummins Vice President: Chad Myers Secretary: James Dornbrock Treasurer: James Bruner

MPMCA Board of Directors Bay Area Association: Mark Katz Flint: Greg Pfeiffer Greater MI PMCA: Jim Dornbrock MCA Detroit: James Bruner Mid-MI MCA: Chad Myers Northwestern: Cliff Sedlacek South Macomb: Paul Bradley Southwestern: To Be Appointed West MI MCA: Rick Ekkens West MI PHCCA: William Feenstra Western Wayne: Mike Bergstrom NAPHCC (National): Brad Isley

UA Signs Historic 15-Year Contract................................... 20 In Memoriam - Edward B. Theisen................................... 22 HR Question.................................................................... 24 2015 Backflow Preventer Seminar and Application.... 26-27 Two-Day Backflow Certification Course Information �� 29 Two-Day Backflow Certification Course Application �� 30

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS Greater Michigan PMCA �� 8 Mid-Michigan MCA �� 10 West Michigan MCA.......................................... 12, 14 Bay Area Association �� 17 MCA Detroit............................................................. 18

ADVERTISER INDEX American Apartment Owners Association ��28 Bradford White.................................................31 BrassCraft.........................................................13 Columbia Pipe & Supply..................................25 FastEst, Inc........................................................28 Federated Insurance.......................................25 Ferguson......................................................6, 15 HS/Buy Van Associates/ Grundfos.....................19 International Radiant, Inc.................................17 Kolbi Pipe Marker..............................................28 Liberty Pumps...................................................32 Michigan Electric Corporation.........................23 Michigan Propane Gas Association...................3 Norton McMurray Manufacturing.......................7 R.L. Deppmann................................................23 Rheem...............................................................5

MMCA Officers President: Dominic Goyette Vice President: Patrick Jacobs Secretary/Treasurer: Rick Ekkens

Published quarterly by Blue Water Publishers, LLC. For information on advertising contact Jim Aitkins, Blue Water Publishers, LLC, 22727 - 161st Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272 360-805-6474 / fax: 360-805-6475 / jima@bluewaterpublishers.com

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Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

Robertson Heating.............................................2 Saniflo..............................................................11 SureSeal.............................................................9 T&S Brass..........................................................22 Test Gauge & Backflow Supply.........................21 Taco...........................................................16, 17

Y U’RE READY WITH RHEEM

Powered by a 90-year legacy of achieving higher standards in water heating, and our innovative 360º+1 design philosophy, Rheem is committed to providing energy-saving technologies that work for you and your customers. This commitment means we’re ready to support you through the NAECA 2015 regulatory change in the Spring. In fact, the Rheem Professional™ line of products features models that already meet or exceed new energy factor requirements, like the Prestige™ Series High Efficiency Condensing Power Direct Vent. And with even more NAECA 2015-compliant products on the way, you can assured—you’re ready with Rheem. rest assured

Prestige™ Series High Efficiency Condensing Power Direct Vent • PlusOne™ Heat Transfer Technology—Exclusive five coil submerged porcelain heat exchanger that increases heat transfer and efficiency. • Efficiency—.80 EF, highest energy efficiency for a residential gas tank-type water heater • Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance (FVIR)—Created with a built-in sensor, making it the only fully condensing FVIR compliant option for the residential market Take Advantage of Local Rebates Rheem.com/Rebates

STAY APRIL16 UP-TO-DATE 2015 WITH RHEEM Rheem.com/NAECARegulation [5]

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Nancy Cummins

Volunteering in our Plumbing & Mechanical Industry

s President of the MPMCA, I couldn’t be more proud than I was as I reviewed our last MPMCA Magazine on Volunteering. I wanted to let you know what an outstanding job you’re doing to make your communities, and the individuals living in them, a better place to live. Volunteers are worth their weight in gold. They share their time and talents without any compensation. The broad definition of volunteering is offering to do work for no compensation, but people tend to do work for organizations that have some personal meaning for them that gives them fulfillment. Volunteers are greatly needed, and in fact, many organizations, like ours, depend on them. The compassion our memberships show to the people we serve is an inspiration for us all. I’ve noticed how you treat everyone with respect and kindness, no matter what the situation is. We both know how stressful it can be for the people who find themselves in need of the services we provide, and your actions go a long way toward helping them keep their dignity. I just want you to know that your work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Our membership’s volunteering ranges, to name a few, from helping fund First Response Training in Kenya, Sparrow Children’s Center Telethon, Children’s Miracle Network, Vietnam Veterans of American, helping the homeless and providing relief with food for those who have none. We provide exceptional assistance to our communities. Whether you are involved in traditionally industry related programs such as the HEAT’S ON Project, Waters Off, Habitat for Humanity, Christmas in April or July when you install plumbing and mechanical equipment, or service their equipment to help to insure safe and productive operation, or simply install new carbon monoxide detectors or smoke detectors, you make a tremendous difference and should be proud of your efforts. I know we are. [6]

Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

COUNT ON US 1,350 locations. All 50 states. 300 showrooms. 19,000 associates. 60 years in business. At Ferguson, it’s true that our inventory is huge with thousands of your top items in stock every day. And we fill your orders accurately and right away. But there is one thing we supply that plumbing professionals have come to rely on again and again for over 60 years - our people. Our associates make certain you can count on Ferguson - where friendly service, expertise, and a willingness to go the extra mile are never in short supply.

WATER HEATERS | FAUCETS | FixTURES REpAiR pARTS | BOilERS | pUMpS Petoskey (231) 487-1630

Lansing (517) 487-3601

Traverse City (231) 946-1490

Mt. Pleasant (989) 772-7083

Muskegon (231) 722-3711

Saginaw (989) 790-2220

Grand Rapids (616) 356-1198

Port Huron (810) 987-3111

Kalamazoo (269) 349-6608

Dearborn Heights (313) 291-2110

Jackson (517) 788-4510

Utica (586) 566-0300

Commerce Township (248) 624-5910 Royal Oak (248) 549-4665 Redford (313) 532-4486 Ann Arbor (734) 663-9335 New Hudson (248) 437-5109

Have you tried NORMAC yet? Because . . . The NORMAC FLEX-Riser NORMAC ’s FLEX -R iser is Your “ A nodeless Simple, Efficient , Solution.”

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“Building Trusted FLEX-Risers longer than anyone” Scan with your smart phone

Norton McMurray Manufacturing Company - Geneva, IL For a wholesaler near you, contact sales@nortonmcmurray.com or call 630-232-8111 www.NORMACnow.com Winter 2014 | Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS [8]

Greater Michigan PMCA

Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

Winter 2014 | Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS [ 10 ]

Mid-Michigan MCA 2014 Golf Outing

Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

Drain water pumps

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Winter 2014 | Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

West Michigan MCA

MMCA CONTRACTORS AND MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF PIPE TRADES BUSINESS MANAGER ANNUAL MEETING WMMCA contractors: Rick Ekkens: B&V Mechanical, Jodi Vandenberg: AMR, Tom VanderHyde: Rite-Way Plumbing and Heating, and Kevin Waterstradt: W. Soule, participated in the annual joint meeting of the MMCA and Michigan Association of Pipe Trades Business Manager in Traverse City, September 4, 2014. This was a great opportunity to network with the state’s business managers and special guests: Mark McManus and Donnie Braun.

LOCAL 174/WMMCA 2014-19 CONTRACT RATIFIED

The Local 174/WMMCA 2014-19 Contract was ratified by both Local 174 members and WMMCA members. The diligent work of the 2014 Negotiation Committees from Local 174 and the WMMCA was greatly appreciated. The WMMCA Negotiations Committee consisted of: Rick Ekkens; B&V Mechanical, Andy Jasper; Andy J. Egan Co., Brett Lascko; Lascko Plumbing and Mechanical, Jodi VandenBerg; Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration, Scott VanderHyde: Rite-Way Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Local 174’s Negotiation Committee consisted of: Ryan Bennett, Lennard DeHoff, Jason Finch, Jim Loyselle, Mark Mangione, Sean McCormack, Nathan Phillips, William Visser, Jeff Wilkinson, Jeff Wilkerson.

WMMCA EXECUTIVE BOARD

Congratulations to the following WMMCA contractors elected to serve on the WMMCA Executive Board for a three year term ending June 30, 2017. • Andy Jasper, Andy J. Egan Co. serving as vicePresident • Brett Lascko, Lascko Plumbing and Mechanical, serving as Secretary • Jodi VandenBerg, Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration serving as Treasure The WMMCA appreciates their willingness to serve in this function. The WMMCA thanks Tom Jasper, Andy J. Egan Co., for serving on the Executive Board since 2002. His service has been greatly appreciated. Continued on page 14

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Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

better. together. In our industry everyone knows that when you find something that works, you stick with it. Since 1946 our products have been Designed, Machined and Assembled in the USA to help you get the job done right. It’s pretty simple: when you put BrassCraft Manufacturing parts on the job with hard-working plumbers, we’re always better together.

www.brasscraft.com

Scan for more information

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

West Michigan MCA Continued from page 12

WMMCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GOLF OUTING UPDATE

The WMMCA 2014 Golf Outing took place Thursday August 21, at The Meadows on GVSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus. A buffet lunch was enjoyed before the golf outing. The outing was followed by a gathering together for a light supper.

Congratulations to the following:

Lowest Team Score

FHC

Closest to the Pin Longest Putt Longest Drive Hole 4 Longest Drive hole 14

Ray Holt-FHC Ryan Bennett-Local 174 Don Rake- Northern Boiler John Nic- Northern Boiler

Despite the rain, it was a great day for golf!

The West Michigan Mechanical Contractors Association was established to represent and service its members in Grand Rapids, Muskegon and the Lakeshore areas of Michigan. Association members dedicate themselves to quality, dependability, safety, education and community service as they serve as the primary liaison for labor relations and multi-employer collective bargaining.

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Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

Afwall速 Millennium FloWise Top Spud with EverClean Selectronic速 Exposed Battery-Powered Toilet Flush Valve

COUNT ON US 1,350 locations. All 50 states. 300 showrooms. 19,000 associates. 61 years in business. With Ferguson, you get so much more than plumbing supplies. You get a long and distinguished historyof dependable service, a coast-to-coast network of resources, and the benefit of dedicated professionals who deliver so much more than what goes onto the truck.

FAUCETS FIXTURES REPAIR PARTS WATER HEATERS Petoskey Traverse City Muskegon Grand Rapids Kalamazoo Jackson

(231) 487-1630 (231) 946-1490 (231) 722-3711 (616) 356-1198 (269) 349-6608 (517) 788-4510

Lansing Mt Pleasant Saginaw Port Huron Dearborn Heights

(517) 487-3601 (989) 772-7083 (989) 790-2220 (810) 987-3111 (313) 291-2110

Utica Commerce Twp Royal Oak Redford Ann Arbor New Hudson

(586) 566-0300 (248) 624-5910 (248) 549-4665 (313) 532-4486 (734) 663-9335 (248) 437-5109

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5 ways to save up to 12,000 gallons of water. 00® Timers/Aquastat

Plumb n’ Plug®

SmartPlus™

TacoGenie™

Hot-Link™

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Everyone wants to save water. That’s why we give

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plumbing. Mount the valve under the sink and

happier customers. The 00 Timers/Aquastat can

the pump at the water heater. The valve’s unique

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thermal disk technology sends cooled water back to

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the water heater so hot water lines remain hot. Our

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water every time. The TacoGenie is hot water on your command. Just mount it under

Your success starts in our factory.

the most remote kitchen or bath fixture.

Every e-smart, low-lead compliant product we

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“Every time you choose a Taco product, you’re doing business with a company that puts people first.” – John Hazen White, Jr. Owner of Taco, Inc.

www.taco-hvac.com

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Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

ART’S PLUMBING SUPPLY Warren ............................................................ 586-776-5138 Westland ........................................................ 734-729-3110 BEHLER-YOUNG Ann Arbor ...................................................... 734-761-5511 Bloomfiels Hills ............................................ 248-335-6527 Flint .................................................................. 810-743-1160 Grand Rapids................................................ 616-531-4400 Jackson ........................................................... 517-789-7191 Kalamazoo .................................................... 269-343-5504 Lansing ........................................................... 517-371-1770 Livonia ............................................................ 734-524-0623 Muskegon ..................................................... 231-733-4421 New Hudson................................................. 248-437-3070 Taylor............................................................... 734-374-8231 Saginaw.......................................................... 989-799-4805 Toledo, OH..................................................... 419-727-8700 Traverse City ................................................. 231-946-7391 Warren ............................................................ 886-779-1730 CARRIER GREAT LAKES Flint/Burton .................................................. 810-715-9000 Grand Rapids................................................ 616-406-1645 Lansing ........................................................... 517-882-3722 Livonia ............................................................ 734-552-5000 Madison Heights......................................... 248-585-3910 Toledo, OH..................................................... 419-537-9424 DELWOOD Livonia ............................................................ 734-261-8700 Royal Oak....................................................... 248-280-2880 H.L. CLAEY’S Oxford ............................................................ 248-628-2666 Warren ........................................................... 586-264-2561 HODGES SUPPLY Flint .................................................................. 810-239-9421 Pontiac............................................................ 248-858-2605

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

ALPENA SUPPLY Alpena ............................................................ 989-354-2181

Bay Area Association THANK YOU AWARD!

President Chad Chistensen (right) presented past President Jason Essex(left) a Thank You Award for all the hard work and dedication President Essex put forth to see the Bay Area Association through the past two years. His determination and insights are greatly appreciated.

JOCK & MELDROM Mt. Clemens.................................................. 586-463-0547 MADISON HEIGHTS PLUMBING Madison Heights......................................... 248-588-4690 MAUMEE PLUMBING SUPPLY Perrysburg, OH ............................................ 419-874-7991 MAUMEE EQUIPMENT / TTI Perrysburg, OH ............................................ 419-874-7968 PEERLESS SUPPLY Adrian ............................................................. 517-263-2158 Monroe ........................................................... 734-242-3655 PROGRESSIVE PLUMBING Detroit ............................................................ 313-469-1883 Warren ............................................................ 586-756-8662 T.A.GENTRY Holland ........................................................... 616-392-1535 Kalamazoo .................................................... 269-226-6500 Lansing ........................................................... 517-371-6911 WHITTOCK SUPPLY Gaylord ........................................................... 989-732-1690 Imlay City ....................................................... 810-721-8000 Shelby Township ......................................... 586-731-4111 Traverse City ................................................. 231-946-5160 WILLIAMS DISTRIBUTING Grand Rapids................................................ 616-456-1613 Howell............................................................. 517-548-1500 Kalamazoo .................................................... 269-488-3383 Lansing ........................................................... 517-882-6611 Pontiac............................................................ 248-745-6900 Shelby ............................................................. 586-566-9696 Southfeld ....................................................... 248-537-5900 Taylor............................................................... 734-946-1190 Toledo, OH..................................................... 419-897-9027 Traverse City ................................................. 231-933-0755

Winter 2014 | Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS [ 18 ]

Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

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Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

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In Memoriam – Edward B. Theisen

We regret to inform you of the death of Edward B. Theisen, Monroe Plumbing and Heating Company. Edward was 78. He served with the US Army from August 1953 to August 1956, assigned to the 62nd Signal Co, 505 Signal Group, while attaining the rank of T/Sgt. Ed began working for Monroe Plumbing and Heating Company in 1958, he obtained his Journey License in 1963 and his Master License in 1977 Ed rose to an estimator position for the company in 1968, was elected Vice President and to the Board of Directors in 1973. He purchased the company, with his partner Joseph Connors, in 1977, became President in 1980, and was elected Chairman of the Board in 2000. Ed retired from the company in 2003. Monroe Plumbing has been a long time member of the Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association. Ed is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Pat; nine children, twentynine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Pictured Ed Theisen; Edward B. Theisen; and Joe Connors

w w w. t s bras s. co m 800.476.4103

LEAD-FREE. WORRY-FREE. HASSLE-FREE.

With new national lead-free legislation, there’s been a lot of talk about making the switch. Here’s the truth: T&S was the first fixture, faucet and fitting manufacturer to convert its entire line to lead-free alloys back in 2010. So when you purchase a T&S faucet, the peace of mind that comes with lead-free compliance is built right in. No worries. No hassle. Visit tsbrass.com/literature to download a free brochure about our lead-free products, or contact your local T&S rep for more information.

T&S plumbing products represented in Michigan by: Diversiﬁed Spec Sales - 248-398-2400 • Process & Mechanical Systems, Inc. - 262-691-9991 TSB-615 2014 Lead-Free PHCC Pubs.indd 7

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Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

1/28/14 12:14 PM

Qualifying customers get a $150 Energy Optimization rebate when you install a qualifying energy-efficient furnace. Or, they can bundle and get $350 when you sell an efficient furnace and central air conditioner together. And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not done. You get $150 contractor bonus for all qualifying furnace sales. SALES TIP: An energy-efficient furnace with a variable speed motor cuts energy use by 16% per year.

For a list of participating utilities contact the Energy Optimization program. ONLINE: michigan-energy.org PHONE: 877.296.4319

Winter 2014 | Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

Is Uncertainty Holding You Hostage? Every employer, no matter what size, has to deal with human resource issues, regulations, and employment law changes. Contact your local marketing representative to learn how Federated Insurance can help you address issues such as hiring, firing, and disciplinary actions with an employee handbook building tool, sample policies and procedures, and access to independent employment law attorneys. Visit www.federatedinsurance.com to find a representative near you. Federated Mutual Insurance Company • Federated Service Insurance Company* • Federated Life Insurance Company Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 • Phone: (507) 455-5200 • www.federatedinsurance.com *Not licensed in the states of NH, NJ, RI, and VT.

Supplying American Standard Products for over 75 Years

Columbia Pipe & Supply Co. offers a broad range of services at every step of the supply chain process. From rapid turnaround quotes before the job begins to custom fabrication, last minute delivery, and on-site inventory management, we deliver our product with high quality service. An innovative leader in our industry since 1935, we employ the latest technology to bring you the highest quality products from the most reputable manufacturers.

MICHIGAN LOCATIONS: Grand Rapids, MI 2400-A Turner Avenue NW Grand Rapids, Michigan 49544 (616) 364-4275

Kalamazoo, MI 3225 E. Kilgore Rd Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001 (269) 342-5880

Midland, MI 102 Fast Ice Drive Midland, MI 48642 (989) 496-9260

Canton, MI 41554 Koppernick Canton, Michigan 48187 (734) 414-9170

www.columbiapipe.com Winter 2014 | Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

Winter 2014 | Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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You are only one step away from getting

Income property owners, landlords, property managers, and real estate agents from around the country use the American Apartment Owners Association Vendor Directory…AND THEY WANT TO GIVE YOU BUSINESS! Our loyal AAOA members give repeat business to professional vendors just like you. Discover new business and get your piece of the multi-billion dollar apartment and rental housing industry.

Get More Business Now! Get Listed Today! Visit: www.AAOA.com/getlisted

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Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

Find the Application for this Course on page 30 Winter 2014 | Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor | Winter 2014

Winter 2014 | Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor

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