WATERWORKS
Introducing the IMARK Waterworks Advisory Council: Shaping the Future of Waterworks
In a world where water is one of our most precious resources, the need for an efficient, innovative and sustainable waterworks management vertical inside IMARK became a focus in 2020. As we continue to scale our business and to meet this demand, the IMARK Group is proud to announce the formation of the IMARK Waterworks Advisory Council. This new council is dedicated to fostering collaboration, sharing best practices and staying at the forefront of industry trends. Through our commitment to these goals, we aim to shape the future of waterworks for the betterment of all.
A Collaborative Approach to Excellence
The IMARK Waterworks Advisory Council is more than a group of IMARK Waterworks members; it is a collaborative group where expertise meets innovation. By bringing together strong leaders from various sectors of the waterworks industry, we provide a platform for exchanging ideas, discussing challenges and identifying opportunities for growth. Our monthly online meetings serve as the cornerstone of this collaboration, offering a regular forum for members to engage in meaningful discussions on a variety of topics.
Key Areas of Focus
1. Best Practices in Waterworks Management and Operations: Effective management and operation of waterworks systems are crucial for ensuring reliable and safe water supply. Our council members share their experiences and insights on best practices, helping each other to implement efficient and sustainable solutions.
2. Emerging Industry Trends and Innovations: The waterworks industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and methodologies emerging at a rapid pace. The council keeps its members informed about the latest trends and innovations, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve and can adapt to changes swiftly.
3. Recommendations for Suppliers and Potential Partnerships: Identifying reliable suppliers and forging strong partnerships are essential components of successful waterworks management. The council provides a platform for members to recommend trusted suppliers and explore potential partnerships that can enhance their operations.
4. Strategies for Attracting New Members and Expanding Our Network: Growth and expansion are vital for the continued success of any organization. The council discusses strategies for attracting new members and expanding our network, ensuring that we continue to grow and benefit from a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.
5. Addressing Pertinent Matters: Beyond the scheduled topics, the council remains flexible and responsive to the needs of its members. Any other matters pertinent to our vertical can be brought up and addressed, ensuring that all concerns and opportunities are given due consideration.
Shaping the Future
The formation of the IMARK Waterworks Advisory Council marks a significant step forward in our commitment to excellence in waterworks management. By fostering collaboration, sharing best practices and staying abreast of industry trends, we aim to create a brighter, more sustainable future for the waterworks industry. Current members of the advisory council include:
- Joe Marchese – Atlantic Plumbing Supply
- Mike Wall – Wichita Pipe & Supply
- James Calvert – Mountainland
- Will Tippen – APSCO
- Kevin Kormeier – Water and Sewer Supply
- Brett Friedman – Atlantic Plumbing Supply
I invite other IMARK Waterworks members who wish to share our vision to join us in this endeavor. Together, we can drive innovation, improve operations and ensure the efficient and sustainable management of the waterworks vertical. Let’s come together to shape the future of waterworks, one meeting at a time.
IRRIGATION
Editorial: The Wholesale Irrigation Business Forecast for the Remainder of 2024
As we step into the latter half of 2024, the wholesale irrigation distribution business finds itself at a critical juncture. The convergence of climate change, technological advancements and shifting agricultural practices is reshaping the “landscape.” For IMARK members in the irrigation sector, understanding and adapting to these trends are vital for success.
Climate variability continues to be a significant driver of change in the agricultural sector. With prolonged droughts in some areas and heavy rainfall in others, the demand for efficient irrigation systems is on the rise. Regions such as the western United States, particularly California, are experiencing severe droughts that have drastically increased the need for water-efficient irrigation solutions. This trend is expected to continue, driving strong demand for products like drip irrigation systems, soil moisture sensors and smart irrigation controllers.
Conversely, areas facing excessive rainfall and flooding, such as parts of the Midwest, require advanced drainage systems and technologies that can help manage water more effectively. IMARK members who can provide a diverse range of drainage and erosion control products to meet these varying needs will be well-positioned to capitalize on these market demands.
The irrigation industry is witnessing rapid technological advancements that are transforming traditional practices. Precision agriculture technologies, remote sensing and data analytics are becoming increasingly mainstream. For distributors, staying ahead of the curve by offering the latest innovations is crucial. Products that integrate seamlessly with these advanced systems will be in high demand.
Smart irrigation controllers, which allow users to monitor and adjust their irrigation schedules remotely, are particularly gaining traction. These controllers use real-time weather data and soil moisture levels to optimize water usage, resulting in significant water savings and improved crop yields. Distributors who invest in stocking and promoting these advanced technologies will likely see robust sales growth.
The aging irrigation infrastructure in many parts of the United States presents both challenges and opportunities. Updating these systems to reduce water loss and improve efficiency is a priority for many regions. IMARK members that participate in the irrigation market that can supply durable, high-quality components for these upgrades will find a steady market.
Additionally, collaborative efforts between government agencies, residential homeowner organizations and the private sector are leading to significant infrastructure investments. IMARK members should position themselves as key players in these initiatives, by inviting preferred suppliers into their businesses to explore and implement the comprehensive solutions offered that include both products and application training.
The wholesale irrigation business is poised for dynamic growth and transformation in the remainder of 2024. By staying attuned to climate trends, technological advancements, policy shifts and global market demands, IMARK members can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.
PVF
As I read more industry publications and attend events such as the PVF Roundtable, I note that there has been a noticeable shift in the manufacturing landscape. Businesses are increasingly exploring the potential of onshoring—the practice of bringing manufacturing operations back to the United States. This trend marks a significant departure from the decades-long movement towards offshoring, where companies relocated production to countries with lower labor costs. Several factors are driving this resurgence of American manufacturing, promising a transformative impact on the economy, labor market and industrial landscape of the nation.
One of the primary catalysts for onshoring is the changing economic calculus. While offshoring initially offered substantial cost savings, the gap between domestic and foreign production costs has been narrowing. Rising wages in traditional manufacturing hubs like China, coupled with increasing transportation costs, have eroded the financial benefits of offshoring. Simultaneously, advancements in automation and manufacturing technologies have enhanced productivity and efficiency in U.S. factories, making domestic production more competitive.
Strategically, U.S.-China trade tensions, exacerbated by tariffs and export controls, have made companies reconsider their dependence on Chinese manufacturing. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, prompting firms to seek greater control and resilience by bringing production closer to home. Additionally, national security concerns have driven policymakers to prioritize the domestic production of critical goods, such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and defense-related products.
Public and private sector collaboration in training programs, apprenticeships and vocational education will be crucial in bridging the skills gap. The PVF Roundtable (pvfroundtable.org) works tirelessly to make possible sponsorships that provide scholarships for students attending colleges and trade schools, which in turn contributes to fostering a positive manufacturing business environment.
The trend towards onshoring represents a pivotal shift in the global manufacturing landscape, driven by economic, strategic, technological, and social factors. As companies re-evaluate their production strategies, the U.S. stands to benefit from increased investments, job creation, and technological innovation. However, realizing the full potential of onshoring requires concerted efforts in workforce development, infrastructure enhancement, and policy support. By embracing these challenges, the U.S. can forge a resilient and competitive manufacturing sector, poised to thrive in the 21st century.