“Thanks For The Tip” rolled through its fourth year giving away $1,000 to contractors who attended the early morning session at the PHCC-National Association convention in Philadelphia.

Sponsored by PM and PHC Profit Report, contractors shared business ideas with everyone, and those deemed particularly original or clever were awarded $50 or $100 cash on the spot. Against five other sessions, “Thanks For The Tip” drew more than 50 people.

Some of the winning ideas included incentive programs for dispatchers, lowering worker compensation by accurately tracking technician time and phone cards.

“We try to provide a forum for contractors to exchange ideas,” said Jim Olsztynski, the program’s host. “It’s an efficient way to get them thinking about ways to improve their business.”

PM expresses special thanks to vendor company sponsors who contributed most of the money given away — Titeflex, Copper Development Association, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures, Halsey Taylor and Burnham Corporation.

“The greatest value of a business convention is learning best practices from colleagues around the country,” Olsztynski said. “That’s why our ‘Tips’ program has proven so popular.”