As 2024 draws to a close, I’m excited to share that IAPMO is not only financially robust, having increased our reserves by an impressive 48% over the past three years, but we are also poised for continued growth in revenue, well ahead of our 2024 budget projections. With a dedicated team of 328 employees — 250 based in the United States and the remainder spread across the globe, complemented by roughly 140 other technical experts who regularly contribute their work to the organization  — we are a strong, collaborative force working tirelessly to deliver exceptional codes, services and advocacy for our industry. This growth is reflected in our ongoing projects and expansions, from new laboratories in Australia and Mexico to significant remodeling in California, all designed to enhance our testing capabilities and better serve our communities.

Let's explore these initiatives, celebrate our team’s achievements, and discuss the vital role plumbing plays in advancing public health and innovation.

To truly appreciate our progress, let’s take a step back. In 1995, we operated with just 19 staff members in a single small office in Walnut, California, managing a budget of roughly $2.1 million. Fast forward nearly three decades, and IAPMO has blossomed into a robust international organization with an anticipated revenue of nearly $86 million this year. This growth trajectory is a testament to our resilience, adaptability, and strategic vision.  

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Our commitment to growth is reflected not only in our staff numbers and revenue, but also in our expanding global footprint. Significant construction projects are underway in several countries to enhance our testing capabilities. In Australia, we broke ground on a new  lab next to our shared facility with PICAC in Narre Warren, Melbourne. This addition will enable us to better serve the local market via testing and research of alternative energy sources and enhanced plumbing product testing capabilities.

In Mexico, our new lab is already making strides in supporting the local market. Meanwhile, our facility in Guangzhou, China, is also undergoing expansion to accommodate our growing needs. Recently, our India team relocated to a new facility that consolidates our operations from two disconnected floors of an office building to one location, promoting better collaboration between office and lab staff. In the United States, we’re remodeling our facilities in Southern California to optimize space for our increase in staff and growing testing needs.

As we expand, we are also increasing our testing capacities to address emerging environmental challenges. One significant initiative is the introduction of testing for PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” These substances have been making headlines due to their pervasive presence in water, agriculture, and other areas of daily life. Our lab in the United States will soon be equipped to test for PFAS, allowing us to play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health against this latest concern. The California laboratories will also now handle testing for grease interceptors and roof drains.

In addition, our new lab in India will enable microbiology testing, expanding our capabilities in critical areas such as food safety and environmental health. This aligns with our ongoing efforts to enhance our electrical and food service programs, ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry standards.

Finally, our China lab is adding the ability to provide testing to the Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS), a United Kingdom-based certification program for fittings and materials that come into contact with drinking water.

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As much as ever, our people are at the heart of IAPMO’s successes. We are always thrilled to welcome new faces to our leadership team. David Yow recently joined us as a director within our incredible Government Relations department. David is based in California.
Promotions within our ranks highlight the talent we have cultivated over the years. Many of you will remember Duane Huisken, who previously led our Marketing department. Duane retired earlier this year, and in his absence, we’ve embraced a team-led approach to enhance our department’s effectiveness.

Joe Rode, who joined us in March 2023, has been promoted to senior product manager of Core Brands. Kris Martin, with us since July 2013, is now the senior product manager of Support Brands. Additionally, Angela Han, who has been a valued member of our team since May 2002, has stepped into the role of senior manager of Graphic Design and Marketing. Congratulations to all on your well-deserved promotions!

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As we expand our services and capabilities, we also strive to raise awareness about the vital role plumbing plays in public health and community resilience. World Plumbing Day, celebrated on March 11, every year, everywhere, serves as a platform to educate the public about the importance of plumbing. Initiated in 2010, this event has become a global reminder of the essential services our industry provides.

This year, the World Plumbing Council (WPC) is developing a theme for 2025, titled “Plumbing is More.” This initiative aims to highlight the multifaceted nature of plumbing — not just as a trade, but as a field that empowers communities, drives innovation, and creates fulfilling careers.

Plumbing encompasses far more than most people realize. It creates prosperity while advancing solutions for water management. A great example is the work of our own ARCSA International, which promotes alternative water resources.

Moreover, plumbing provides rewarding career opportunities. Our industry is diverse, with individuals from various backgrounds, many of whom have transitioned into the trades from other careers and found lasting fulfillment in their work.

Plumbing also embodies resilience , protecting communities by solving critical problems and shaping a better future for everyone. Consider the impact plumbing can have on women in Kigali, Rwanda, where one of the WPC board members, Jean Claude Twagirimana, is based. Women there and in many other communities often still travel back and forth each day to collect water for their households. Equipping them with basic plumbing skills can transform their communities. 

Additionally, plumbing creates opportunities for youth in the Navajo Nation. Students attending Navajo Technical University learn essential skills that empower them to contribute positively to their communities.

Our next step is to create a toolkit focusing on World Plumbing Day and its theme, which the WPC will make available at its website for you to utilize in 2025.

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IAPMO’s education and training initiatives are progressing well. We’re expanding our Water Demand Calculator training programs, launching training for water auditors, and enhancing ARCSA training. Additionally, we’re collaborating with Southern California Gas to provide food service installer training.

Our volunteer committees are vital to our mission and play a crucial role in everything we do. The contributions of these committees are essential for developing our publications, support documents, and educational resources. We rely on those of you in the field — who are actively observing and assessing what works — to share your expertise and feedback. Your insights are invaluable in ensuring that IAPMO’s offerings meet the highest standards. We encourage you to apply to serve on these committees.

Regarding code development, we had a successful Assembly Consideration Session during the conference focused on the 2027 editions of the Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical Codes. This year, we also released the 2024 editions of the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code, as well as the Uniform Solar, Hydronics, and Geothermal Code, and the 2023 WE•Stand.

Hats off to Hugo Aguilar and his team for the new codes portal we now use for all proposals and comments. This has undoubtedly made life much easier for the staff, and we hope it has done the same for all of you.

We continue to conduct research, having published three white papers this year, including one on the adaptive reuse of commercial buildings into residential multifamily spaces. This trend is emerging in many cities, such as San Francisco, where post-pandemic shifts in work patterns have left high-rise buildings that previously housed offices vacant.

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In closing, the journey of IAPMO is one of growth, resilience, and commitment to excellence. As we stand at the threshold of new opportunities, we recognize that our progress is only possible through the dedication of our members, staff, and partners. We are not just a collection of individuals; we are a cohesive team working toward a common goal of ensuring public health and safety through our services.

As we continue to expand our capabilities and raise awareness of the importance of our work, we invite all stakeholders to join us in this vital mission. Together, we can shape a brighter, healthier future for our communities and industries. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to IAPMO’s mission; we cannot do it alone.