1960s
1961
December
"Mike Grudem reported on the activity of the sub-committee of the Heating and Piping Committee which is currently studying and exploring the practicability of a Bid Depository for our Industry"
1962
December
The Board noted that "it would be conducive to more effective negotiations if the Labor Relations Committee, as the collective negotiating instrument of the Association, were empowered from the beginning with full authority to negotiate a realistic settlement of wages and working conditions subject to the final approval of the full membership."
The Board of Directors recommend to the 1963 Labor Relations Committee that it meet on a monthly basis with the Business Agents of the St. Paul Piping Unions to discuss industry problems and activities.
The Board gave serious consideration to the possible merit and advantage which might be inherent in the establishment of our Heating and Piping Committee as a separate Corporation and non-profit organization in order that it might qualify for individual and organization membership in and affiliation with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America."
1963
St. Paul Piping Industry Fund established by 1963 contract negotiations. Trustees appointed by St. Paul Association of Plumbing, Heating and Mechanical Contractors: David Lorch, Allan Anderson, John A. Healy 111, and Milton Smith -- with Wayne Plourde as an alternate. The Air Conditioning Contractors Association of the Twin Cities appointed one member: Arthur Palen.
August
"The Board members expressed serious thought and much consideration to the matter of Association members who are 'Unfair Contractors' according to the Working Agreement . . that is, contractors who either do not have a shop on a business street and/or contractors who do not employ at least one journeyman."
October
The Board of Directors went on record in tentative opposition to working toward a Reciprocal Ordinance covering Master Licenses between the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
December
A new staff position was created; Walter Murray was hired as Harold Moriarty's assistant.
1964
St. Paul Piping Industry Fund created.
March
Free Night: Association member "reminded the President that during previous discussions it was indicated that perhaps attendance at meetings could be improved and increased if occasionally the Association would play Host to the Membership and pick up the tab for the dinner. This thinking was spontaneously, enthusiastically and unanimously endorsed by those in attendance. Thereupon President Grudem, with a loud gavel, declared that the Association would pick up the tab for our Membership Meeting dinner on March the 5th and Harold Moriarty was instructed to make sure that no billing would be sent out on this item. The President's action understandably was endorsed and approved by acclamation."
Heating and Piping Contractors Minneapolis Association (HPCMA) office closed and activities ceased with resignation of Victor L. Peavey, Executive Manager.
December
Association officers were elected:
President - M.K. Grudem
Vice-President - Ronald Harris
Secretary - Leon Katz
Treasurer - Thomas Shetka
Directors: William Muff (3 year term); Thomas Frantes (2 year term); Donald Lorch (1 year term)
1965
September
Association announced the establishment in Minneapolis of "a Bid Depository covering work of $25,000 (Mechanical) in the counties of Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Anoka, McLeod, Wright and Isanti, and that part of Sherburne lying east of Highway #25."
November
Association officers were elected:
President - Ronald Harris
Vice-President - Leon Katz
Secretary - Thomas Frantes
Treasurer - M.K. Grudern
Directors: Mark Rivard (1 year term); Richard Newman (3 year term)
1966
May
Tony Cherne (Reuben L. Anderson-Cherne, Inc.) was elected President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America.
June
Bill Rascher (William C. Rascher Plumbing & Heating) was elected President of the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors.
August
Robert Hosch won city and state apprenticeship contests. "Achieving a score of 157 out of a possible 158 points in the local pipefitter apprenticeship contest, Robert Hosch won his victory with the highest scoring record in the history of the St. Paul tests .... Hosch, 21 years old and just completing his fourth year in training, then went on in early June to win the State Pipefitter Apprenticeship Contest sponsored by the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association .... This earned him a $50.00 U. S. Savings Bond and a watch, plus a chance at the International Contest sponsored by the United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the U.S. and Canada. The competition will be held at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, August 14 through the 19th.
November
"The first Minnesotan to win a prize in the international competition for plumbers and pipefitters is Robert Hosch, a 21 year old apprentice from St. Paul. Hosch, 928 James Avenue, captured the third place award in the pipefitting division and a first-place award in the brazing and soldering of copper pipe .... Hosch is following in the footsteps of his late father, Joseph C. Hosch, Sr., in seeking to develop a career as a pipefitter. The senior Hosch was a pipefitter for 30 years and an officer of local 455 for 20 years. The father also was one of the first appointees to the St. Paul pipefitter joint apprenticeship committee."
1967
February
"Donald F. Manguson has been selected to serve as the new PIP Administrator. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and the St. Paul College of Law. Don formerly served as Assistant Manager of Associated General Contractors of Minnesota for 13 years and as personnel Technician with the Minnesota State Civil Service Department for 5 years."
May
Bill Rascher was installed as President of the National Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors during the National Convention in Cleveland June 18-21. He was the first representative from the St. Paul area to serve in that capacity. St. Paul's "Blue Blazer Boys" escorted Bill to the podium for his induction.
1968
February
Association adopted its first Equal Employment Opportunity policy for the membership.
March
"Mr. Porter reported that as of March 26, 1968, forty one new apprentices had been authorized and placed on the job." (Mechanical Contractors Association of Minneapolis minutes)
New association manual Managerial Accounting and Cost Control System becomes available. ". . .in the opinion of many members of the Mechanical Contractors National organization, this is one of the finest manuals ever produced by any trade association for its members." (Mechanical Contractors Association of Minneapolis minutes)
1969
April
"Mr. Hayes reported that of 80 applicants to the apprenticeship program, 75 were eligible and had been accepted." (Mechanical Contractors Association of Minneapolis minutes)
May
Contract settlement for $5.80 wages plus 860 fringe benefits.

