Doctor joins DuPage group

DOWNERS GROVE — Dr. Michele Carney has joined DuPage Medical Group, the largest independent, multi-specialty physician group in the Chicago area. Carney joins DMG with more than 14 years of experience and focuses on minimally invasive surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System, infertility, high-risk obstetrics, laser vaginal restoration and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding. She earned her medical degree from Rush University, where she also completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology. She is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as well as the American Medical Association. Carney describes her philosophy of care as a commitment to creating strong relationships and providing quality, patient-centered care. Affiliated with Edward Hospital, Carney is practicing at DMG’s Naperville facility at 608 S. Washington St., Suite 204.

PMI leader to retire

ROLLING MEADOWS — Plumbing Manufacturers International CEO/Executive Director Barbara C. Higgens announced her retirement. She will remain in her post at least through the end of 2017 and will be involved in the transition process. Selected to lead PMI in 1998 from a field of 18 candidates, Higgens revamped the organization from her kitchen table as its first and only direct employee, hiring a dedicated in-house staff, securing office space and equipment, developing a strategic plan, restructuring meetings around key industry issues, and significantly enhancing the association’s membership value equation, while enhancing revenues and reserves. She co-founded the U.S.-based Plumbing Industry Leadership Coalition in 2012 in an effort to bring domestic plumbing groups together. The group held its fifth meeting in April 2016. “I’m very proud of the progress PMI has made during the past 18 years. We have stepped up to proactively embrace and facilitate change and are well-established as a reliable and trustworthy resource,” she said. “PMI is in wonderful shape with a myriad successes under our belt, enhanced industry visibility, great volunteer leadership, consultants and staff, a strong membership roster and strong financials.”

Klein Tools renews partnership

LINCOLNSHIRE — Klein Tools announced a continuation of its long-term partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association investing $2 million over the next five years in training and educational programs. The organizations formed The Electrical Training Alliance, a joint program aimed at training the best electrical workers in the industry. IBEW-NECA and the Electrical Training Alliance’s training programs use classroom learning, interactive simulations and virtual exercises to efficiently prepare students for the industry. Students will train with Klein Tool’s professional-grade tools and materials to receive the highest possible educational experience. The pledge will develop programs using the capabilities and resources of IBEW-NECA and The Electrical Training Alliance, including scholarships and tool endowments for apprentices. The $2 million Double-Down pledge follows Klein Tool’s original and highly successful five-year “Million Dollar Pledge,” which provided resources and support to IBEW-NECA and the Electrical Training Alliance training centers. “We have doubled down on our commitment to support IBEW-NECA, the Electrical Training Alliance and apprentices across the country,” said Mark Klein, co-president of Klein Tools.