The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has added another member chapter in the state of Kansas, the fourth representing the Great Plains state and the association’s 51st local subdivision. The Hiawatha-Atchison Chapter, located in the northeast corner of Kansas, is the third IAPMO chapter added in 2008. The IAPMO Board of Directors approved the charter during its meeting last week.
The new chapter provides coverage for an area of smaller towns that operate on home rule, meaning each municipality is free to choose its own codes independently of its neighbors, according to Bill Schweitzer, IAPMO regional manager for Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. Hiawatha and nearby Holton have adopted the Uniform Plumbing Code®.
“The more chapters we have, the more information we can get out and the better the consumer understands why we have codes — not to make more money for plumbers, but to make sure their life, safety and health are protected,” Schweitzer said. “When you start counting all of those little cities — Seneca, Sabetha, Fairview, Troy, Falls City, Neb. — the number of people served adds up.”
Previously, the nearest chapter meetings were held in Topeka, about 90 minutes away; too far to attract members from the northeast, according to Schweitzer.
The state of Kansas requires all licensed plumbers to complete six hours of continuing education each year. The new chapter will make this more accessible, as well, Schweitzer said. The inaugural meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 20. At a subsequent meeting, a board will be elected.
IAPMO boasts chapters in 23 states, one U.S. territory (U.S. Virgin Islands) and two foreign countries (Fiji and the Philippines). New chapters in Florida, Ohio and West Virginia are pending approval. After California, with 12 chapters, Kansas and Oregon feature the second-most number of chapters, with four each.
For more information about the Hiawatha-Atchison or any other IAPMO chapters, contact Leana Peña at (909) 472-4211 or leana.pena@iapmo.org.
Last modified: July 23, 2008