PHCC Chapters: Making an Impact

Pictured with Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, left to right, are Plumbing & Mechanical Association (PMA) of Georgia Director and PHCC National Director George Raburn, PMA Executive Director Ellen Whitaker, and PMA President Ted Zurn.

Whether it is fighting for a bill at the statehouse, raising professional standards, implementing new ways to educate busy contractors or developing tomorrow’s workforce, PHCC chapters have tackled all the challenges. The result? PHCC is making a positive impact on the industry, members’ businesses and society. Just look at these examples of chapter achievements that are occurring coast to coast.

Representing the Contractor

California: The California PHCC, with the help of the PHCC-National Association, successfully opposed legislation that would allow 1.3 gallons per flush toilets. The legislation was vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in September 2006.

Indiana: Indiana PHCC was successful with the Indiana General Assembly in strengthening the current statewide Indiana plumbing license law. The new law clarifies the mandate of four years of apprenticeship training.

Massachusetts: PHCC of Massachusetts has been advocating for fair competition legislation with key legislators across the state. The chapter also successfully lobbied for mandatory continuing education requirements.

New York: The New York State PHCC is submitting legislation to the state legislature that will allow contractors on state jobs to request reimbursement for rising copper prices. In 2004, a similar bill regarding steel prices was passed into law.

Raising Professionalism

Tennessee: Beginning in 2007, the Tennessee PHCC will require six hours of continuing education for membership. The state does not require continuing education, but PHCC is working with other associations to enact legislation that will require it.

Virginia: Virginia PHCC lobbied successfully for legislation that makes it mandatory that anyone interested in taking the contractor’s licensing exam must have completed an approved business practices class. The legislation went into effect July 1, 2006. The hope is that this will create more competent contractors who are less likely to go out of business because of bad business practices.

Wisconsin: The Wisconsin PHCC successfully lobbied for new legislation to strengthen enforcement of those who are illegally plumbing without a license. The chapter partnered with Plumbers Local 75 on the issue.

The California PHCC offers Web-based education and training.

Educating Busy Contractors

California: The California PHCC has created ONE Source - The Hub of Education and Training on its Web site (www.caphcc.org) to promote education and training throughout the country.

Georgia: The Plumbing & Mechanical Association of Georgia offers Web-based training. Every month, contractors can access a new presentation featuring a top industry speaker on a different business topic. PMA also has formed a Business Management Training Council to create a curriculum for programs that enable contractors to improve their business skills.

Texas: PHCC-San Antonio, Ferguson Enterprises and The Copper Development Association joined forces to provide copper brazing and soldering training, using the PHCC-Texas Med Gas Trailer.

The Metro Washington (D.C.) PHCC Chapter teaches future contractors during career-related events.

Building the Workforce

Washington, D.C.: Each year, members of the Metro Washington (D.C.) PHCC chapter reach a large number of future contractors during “Careers in Construction” at the National Building Museum. The chapter also works with Boy Scout troops to get young children interested in the field by helping with badges and participating in a large Boy Scout Jamboree. Chapter representatives also attend the Festival of Building Arts, where more than 5,000 kids come to see all of the skilled trades.

Texas: The Texas PHCC helped develop an apprenticeship program start-up video that is being used to help increase the number of programs offered in the state.