"Thanks For The Tip" gives contractors a chance to exchange ideas on improving their companies. The best tips were given $50 in cash.

"It’s gratifying to see how this program has grown in attendance. and in the quality of ideas contributed," said PM Editorial Director Jim Olsztynski, the program’s host.

The winners gave ideas such as giving everyone job descriptions when they are first hired, evaluating employees once a year, making picture ID’s for all employees, using credit cards, such as American Express, to pay for expenses while earning free air travel miles at the same time and using a digital camera to take before and after pictures of underground projects.

Along with sponsorship by PM and PHC Profit Report, vendor company sponsors contributed most of the money. A special thanks goes to Gerber Plumbing Fixtures, the Gastite division of Titeflex, Blue Dot. and Secure One Guarantee LLC.

"So many contractors take what they do for granted, not realizing that others can learn from them," said Olsztynski. "PM is happy to provide a forum for doing that."