The Radiant Panel Association (RPA) has reached agreement with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to work together to expand a burgeoning market, furthering the goals and objectives of an important facet of the heating and cooling industry.
RPA and IAPMO have contracted for IAPMO to acquire key RPA assets, pending ratification of the agreement by the RPA membership. The RPA Board has voted to enthusiastically recommend that membership support the agreement for the expanded benefits it will promulgate on behalf of the industry. Aided by the assets acquired, IAPMO will be able to service the industry needs of the RPA membership as IAPMO does for the plumbing, mechanical, swimming pool, spa, hot tub and solar industries.
The manufacturers, distributors, designers, dealers and installers of radiant panel heating and cooling systems and components that are presently members of the RPA will have the opportunity to join IAPMO. With IAPMO, radiant panel industry members will take part in an expanded scope of activity symbolized by an updated logo created by IAPMO. The RPA seeks to facilitate communication and cooperation among those interested in the advancement of the radiant panel heating and cooling industry, primarily in North America. These efforts will now be led by IAPMO.
As the sponsor of the American National Standard‐designated Uniform Plumbing Code® (UPC), Uniform Mechanical Code® (UMC), Uniform Solar Energy Code® (USEC) and Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code® (USPC), IAPMO members are dedicated to working in concert with government and industry for safe, sanitary plumbing and mechanical systems. In addition to product testing and listing services, IAPMO also develops standards, delivers technical education in support of its codes and standards, and certifies journeymen and inspectors.
Incoming members will immediately have the tenure of their RPA membership recognized in good standing by IAPMO, as well as receiving the added new advantage of becoming IAPMO members, with accompanying benefits including:
• A role in shaping the codes that govern the design, installation, methods and materials employed by the plumbing, mechanical and solar systems in our homes and businesses
• Access to a team of technical experts to provide answers and analysis
• Access to a team of education and certification professionals utilizing contemporary delivery systems
• Professional publications delivering timely news and critical technical information
• Expanded networking opportunities
• Enhanced visibility for the Radiant Professionals Alliance worldwide
IAPMO’s desire to advance the mission of the RPA members after the RPA ceases to exist, and to maintain the services to which they have been accustomed is perceived as a win‐win for the membership of both associations.
“The RPA has been a tremendous organization that has had a profound impact on the indoor environment industry, on hundreds of companies, and on many of us personally,” said RPA President Dorothy Castagna‐Biggs. “It has run a great course and changed the face of radiant floor heating in the United States. The vision lives on, but it is now being broadened and enhanced with the integration and shared learning across a multitude of products and systems. We believe that IAPMO will offer us the best path forward for continued success.”
IAPMO Director of Program Development Kathleen Mihelich has been named to lead the new industry segment within IAPMO out of IAPMO’s Chicago office in Mokena, Ill. For more information on IAPMO and the RPA, contact Mihelich at (708) 995‐3003 or kathleen.mihelich@iapmo.org.
Last modified: November 23, 2011