FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Quality Service Contractors (QSC) presented two first-time awards during its recent Power Meeting. A.O. Smith Water Products Co. was named QSC Industry Partner of the Year for 2005, and Tom Maniuszko was named QSC Contractor of the Year for 2005.

A.O. Smith Water Products was recognized primarily for its educational and civic involvement activities, such as:

  • During the fall of 2005, the company and its employees made donations to the Red Cross Foundation's Hurricane Relief Effort in the amount of $160,260.

  • A.O. Smith made material donations to Habitat for Humanity for projects around the country.

  • The company awarded 10 $2,000 scholarships in November 2005 to encourage continuing education among the next generation of young professionals.

  • Through its Foundation, A.O. Smith has donated more than $26 million since 1955 to worthwhile community causes. Most recently, nearly $1,150,000 was donated to more than 250 organizations, institutions, and programs in 20 states.

    Jeff Storie, residential product manager, accepted the award on behalf of A.O. Smith Water Products Co.

    Tom Maniuszko of Day-Night Plumbing & Heating Co., Richmond Hill, N.Y., was selected as Contractor of the Year in recognition of his activities in the industry and community.

    Maniuszko has been involved in the plumbing-heating-cooling industry for more than 40 years, and has been very active in the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC) since the early 1980s. He is active in developing state and local licensing laws. He serves on the Committee on Education for local apprentices. He also is committed to providing training to employees, devoting 80 hours per employee per year to training and education.

    In addition to running a business, Maniuszko finds time to support many charities, one of which is the Lauri Strauss Leukemia Foundation. He also has personally worked with many friends and employees in need of cancer treatment and guidance.

    In addition, the QSC trustees also recognized QSC Executive Director Charlie Wallace by presenting him with the newly created Founders' Award. The new recognition honors a person who is dedicated to upholding the vision of the QSC's founding fathers. During presentation of the award, QSC Chairman Patty Frank praised Wallace's leadership, ethics, commitment, and passion for QSC and the industry. QSC made a donation to Challenge Air for Kids and Friends in Wallace's honor.

    QSC is an enhanced service group of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association. QSC delivers training programs, products, and services for select members of PHCC's service and repair membership. For more information, visit www.qsc-phcc.org.

    Publication date: 03/27/2006