Web News

Associated Builders and Contractors, along with military placement agency Orion International, recently launched VeteransBuildAmerica.org, an interactive Web site which links U.S. veterans leaving the service with construction contractors seeking employees. The site features a keyword search engine for job seekers that allows them to search for specific positions in certain geographic areas. Veterans can also browse through lists of available positions, or post their résumés online.

ABC member firms seeking to hire veterans are allowed to post job notices on the site free of charge. Non-ABC members are charged a small fee to post notices.

The Association for Plumbing and Mechanical Excellence Web site - www.plumbingexcellence.org - won an APEX Award for excellence for new Web sites. The site, sponsored by the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Northern Illinois Industry Fund, supports the Industry Fund's PRIDE program, to designate professional, responsible, involved, developed and excellent contractors in Northern Illinois.

American Standard launches a new “Plumber Protects” site for plumbers, www.plumberprotects.com. The site helps plumbers stay up-to-date on new product technologies with the “Flushology,” and provides a resource to advance and celebrate careers in plumbing, which includes “Champions for a Cause,” spotlighting plumbers who give back to the community. The site also has a “Suite to Sell” page, which helps plumbers upgrade a repair job.

Bosch Tools was recently named in BtoB magazine's annual “10 Great Web Sites” issue. The site, www.BoschTools.com, presents detailed information in a minimally-designed and easy-to-navigate format, according to the magazine, and offers “a refreshing approach compared to most b-to-b sites,” said one judge.

Delta Faucet Co. was awarded the Standard of Excellence WebAward in the 2005 WebAward Competition. The award is given by the Web Marketing Association. A panel of independent experts judged entries on the following criteria: design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting and ease of use.

In related news, Delta's Brizo launched its redesigned consumer site, www.brizofaucet.com. A key feature of the new site is the ability to select products using various search options.

The Gastite Division of Titeflex Corp. has launched a renovated Web site, www.gastite.com, to provide trade professionals information to design, specify, install and troubleshoot gas-distribution systems made with CSST. The new site is easier to navigate, and includes an online catalog, engineering data and technical resources.

Home Heating Products introduced its new site, www.hhproductsinc.com, with information on Thermostone room heaters and towel warmers, tankless electric water heaters, and mini-tank electric water heaters. “How it works” pages are designed to explain each product's technology and primary applications.

Leonard Valve updated its Web site (www.leonardvalve.com) to include a new search feature, as well as links for news and events, expert advice, finding a sales rep, sizing software, industrial products and commercial products.

ServiceMagic, an online marketing solution for residential contractors and home service professionals, was awarded the 2005 Outstanding Website WebAward by the Web Marketing Association.

Watts Regulator launched a new company Web site (www.watts.com) that includes extensive information on its full line of water safety and flow control, backflow prevention, water quality, drainage, brass and tubular, control valve, potable PEX, and quick-connect products. The new “product tree” makes finding information a snap. It also includes expanded educational resources.