www.pmmag.com/articles/90278-phcc-an-association-for-tomorrow
PHCC’s 125th Anniversary is about more than celebrating the
past. Also being celebrated is PHCC’s track record of adapting to and
initiating change, and actually creating the future.
The
plumbing-heating-cooling industry of today bears little resemblance to the
industry of 125 years ago. Throughout the decades, PHCC and its constituents
have had to adapt continually to new materials and trade skills, to new
technologies, to new ways of doing business. Consider some of the profound
changes that have occurred since the association’s beginning:
- Cast
iron and galvanized steel piping have been
replaced in many applications by first copper, then plastics.
- Hydronic heating was surpassed by warm air heating and cooling for many years;
now it is on the comeback trail in the form of sub-floor radiant heating.
- Modern electronics has made its way into plumbing products, tools and
equipment.
- Distribution channels have proliferated.
- Social and economic upheavals have occurred, including two global wars, the
Great Depression and today’s war on terror.
- Inventions ranging from the telephone to air travel to automobiles, radio and
TV did not exist or were in seminal form when PHCC was started. Now they
profoundly shape the world we live in - including the businesses of PHC
contractors.
- The
construction and plumbing marketplaces have gone from predominantly union to
nonunion labor.
- The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was formed to oversee regulations and
standards covering water conservation, lead abatement and other issues of
concern to the plumbing industry. PHCC has been in the forefront of lobbying
efforts to shape ideal EPA regulations and comply with them.
Throughout
its history, PHCC has shown the flexibility to keep pace with the changes and
upheavals. At the same time, the organization has never compromised its core
mission to promote professionalism and protect public health and safety and the
environment.
Plumbers Protect The Health Of The Nation
The future no doubt will hold just as many changes and challenges
as the past. PHCC will adapt as it always has, with a firm grip on its mission
of professionalism, coupled with the flexibility to respond to the changing
world around it.
Many future challenges are unforeseen.
Others reflect trends that are already underway in this first decade of the
21st century. PHCC already is developing programs and positions to benefit
members in coping with the great issues of our time. These include:
Changing workforce
demographics. Young white males provided the lion’s share of the
PHC labor forces throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today’s American
demographics foreshadow a new destiny for the pipe trades. Minorities and women
will be counted on to provide a bulk of construction and service work in the
decades to come. PHCC already has stepped in with imaginative programs to
recruit and welcome these new trade citizens.
Shortage of skilled workers. The
construction industry as a whole has been plagued by this shortage over the
last couple of decades. PHCC, through its Apprenticeship Committees, has done
its part to alleviate the burden on its members.
“Big Box” merchandisers.
Many plumbing products now get sold directly to consumers via huge retail
stores known as the “big boxes.” Nobody can stop this trend, nor is it clear
that it would be right to do so. PHCC, however, has helped members cope via its
“Partners for Professionalism” program of products that are linked with the
craftsmanship of trade professionals.
The Internet. Still in its
infancy, the Internet promises to have an impact on 21st century society as
great as TV and radio in the previous century. PHCC is tapping into this new
communications medium to deliver products and services to its membership. At
the same time, PHCC education programs show members how to make the best use of
the Internet to enhance their professionalism.
Industry consolidation.
Vendors, suppliers and to some extent contractors themselves are becoming
bigger and more diversified through acquisitions and mergers. This has an
impact on traditional business relationships. PHCC recognizes the need to
refine business management education to stay in tune with new demands placed
upon members by larger and more sophisticated business partners.
Design/build.
Construction contractors find many building owners desire a “one-stop shopping”
experience for all construction needs. PHCC recognizes the so-called
“design/build” phenomenon as an unstoppable trend and has incorporated it into
educational programs accordingly.
Sustainable construction.
The so-called “green” movement that was spawned in the 1980s has picked up
momentum as awareness grows about the importance of using resources wisely.
PHCC understands that it is not enough to build projects quickly and within
budget. The new watchword is “sustainable” construction. It refers to building
with the least use of resources. The PHCC Educational Foundation is a member of
the U.S. Green Building Council and dedicated to promoting sustainable
construction.
Changing political climate. PHC
contractors, like all business owners, face a dizzying array of costly and
time-consuming government regulations. PHCC has developed a strong presence on
Capitol Hill in the state legislatures, and has greatly expanded its Political
Action Committee to increase its influence with key lawmakers. These efforts
protect contractors’ and small business interests, and also help raise the standards
for the industry.
Focused
contracting. The contracting business has become
increasingly complex and specialized. This has led to the formation of PHCC’s
enhanced service groups. The Construction Contractors’ Alliance, Quality
Service Contractors and the Union-Affiliated Contractors have helped members
focus on their specific areas of work and take it to the next level of
excellence. These special groups are just one way PHCC meets the needs of its
diverse membership.
Professionalism Means Being Ready For Anything:
Nobody can foretell what new technologies and social or economic
trends may come our way in the years and decades ahead. Nonetheless, judging
from the past, it is clear that members of PHCC stand ahead of the pack in
being situated to anticipate and adapt to whatever the future may bring.
PHCC stands for professionalism. Professionalism means
being ready for anything that may come our way.
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