Blogs

The PHCC of Long Island chapter brings workforce development issue to the forefront

By PHCC Admin posted 12-07-2017
The PHCC of Long Island chapter brings workforce development issue to the forefront. http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/12/04/nationwide-skilled-trade-shortage-creating-critical-need-for-plumbers-on-long-island/

Ah Ha Moment

By Michael Copp posted 02-03-2017
This week we had an opportunity to visit with Kohler Co . to review our Corporate Partnership. While there, I had a chance to learn more about Kohler’s corporate history that dates back to 1873 with the purchase of a foundry in Wisconsin that produced a variety of cast-iron and steel products. Ten year later they added a product: the enameled cast-iron “horse trough/hog scalder,” which when outfitted with legs, could serve as a bathtub. Parenthetically, PHCC’s proud history with Kohler Co. dates back to 1919, when it received financial support from then-Kohler President Walter J. Kohler that led to the successful formation of the Trade Extension Bureau by the ...

Building a Foundation for Future Relevance

By Charles Greene posted 07-01-2016
I am a little over halfway through the year as President.It was suggested that perhaps I write an article about what has been accomplished since I took office as President last October.When I think about it, I cannot rattle off a list of accomplishments.However, what we are doing, as EVP Michael Copp reminds me, is building a foundation for PHCC to become even more relevant as an industry voice and an everyday part of plumbing and HVAC contractors' businesses. All of these efforts will help position PHCC members for success now and in the future. ...

State of the Union Analysis: Favorable Business Legislation Ahead? Veto Power is Key

By Mark Riso posted 01-23-2015
President Obama delivered his sixth annual State of the Union speech on Capitol Hill on Tuesday night, Jan. 20, 2015. Many of you probably saw the speech broadcast, and witnessed how the event played out: The usual pomp and circumstance, political posturing and unveiling of new initiatives. With all of the issues immersed in political spin, it could be difficult to filter all of the information that was provided in the hour-long Presidential address. So what are the takeaways in the State of the Union that affect PHCC members? The speech mostly provided a feel for how Congress will work with the President over the next two years. Common ground between the ...

The Political Pendulum

By Mark Riso posted 11-18-2014
The political pendulum swung again – this time in favor of the Republicans. This was not a huge surprise, as we knew the House would stay Republican, and all indicators pointed to a flip in the Senate. As the country knows by now, the 114th Congress will begin next year with the Republicans controlling Congress. In all likelihood, John Boehner (R-OH) will be the Speaker, Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) will be the House Majority Leader, and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will be the Senate Majority Leader. Currently, the Senate will have at least 52 Republican seats: 43 seats will belong to the Democrats, and 2 seats will be Independents. In the House, the Republicans ...

The Skills Gap: A Critical Need

By Mark Riso posted 08-18-2014
I drove from Washington, D.C., to New York recently. It’s a very easy 4.5-hour drive. As I approached New York, the gasoline light in my car lit up indicating that in order for me to reach my destination, I would need to: • Trust the light is accurate; • Acknowledge that my car needed gas; and • Take the steps necessary to ensure the car received the gas it requires. Towards a Destination Well, the United States is on a journey, too. We as a nation are driving toward a destination. Just as the gasoline indicator in my car came on … the nation’s skills gap light has been activated, warning us that we need fuel for future career and ...

Marijuana and the Construction Industry

By Justin Elliott posted 06-05-2014
Regardless of personal views on the subject of drug use, the recent legislation allowing states to legalize the use of pot, presents some problems. We here in North Carolina have not yet gone that direction but I feel it might be inevitable. Our company does primarily large commercial/industrial projects and high security work. Our Drug Free policy is enforced by us and the customers we work for. We constantly battle finding qualified trades people that live drug free. I fear that as more and more states legalize drug use the problem will only get worse. No matter if it is made legal or not, OSHA, Insurance companies and stake holders, are not going to allow ...

Could a Target-Type Cyber Attack Happen to You? Data Security is Important to your Business

By Chuck White posted 02-11-2014
News reports indicate that hackers may have accessed Target Corp. data via a mechanical contracting business’s remote access to the retailer’s computer systems for electronic billing, contract submission and project management. What steps can you take to make sure you’re not a victim of security breaches? As business owners, it is important to be vigilant with access to other databases and other databases’ access to your business. Here are some protections to consider: If your company processes credit cards, verify Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance status , an important protection for the handling of sensitive financial transactions. ...

CDA Judges National Plumbing Apprentice Contest

By Wayne Jiang posted 11-25-2013
Guest post by Harold Moret, CDA Project Manager and Piping Applications Specialist - See more at: http://www.coppertalk.org/2013/11/19/cda-judges-national-plumbing-apprentice-contest/

Plumbing Test

By Hunter Botto posted 05-10-2013
We are in the process of creating a county wide plumbing license. We are looking to outsource the plumbing exam to a separate company. Does anyone know where I can find a good source or reccomendation for this?

Stay Away from R-22a!

By Chuck White posted 04-10-2013
Recently, new regulations have spurred a movement to alternate refrigerants, but beware! Some retail outlets are selling a so-called replacement refrigerant for R-22. More details about the bogus substitute here.

National Marketing Scam Threatens Licensed Contractors and Consumers

By Evan Conklin posted 07-10-2012
National Marketing Scam Threatens Licensed Contractors and Consumers Though the internet provides a wealth of benefits and possibilities for contractors, it also makes it easier for unlicensed contractors to publicize their services and deceive unsuspecting consumers. I recently sent a letter to the California Contractor Licensing Board about a marketing company that has posted over 25 fake plumbing company websites and hundreds of supporting back-links and directory listings for these sites. None of the businesses are registered in any city or state. None have any physical presence. When unsuspecting consumers contact these fake sites, this company ...

The Super Committee – a Failure or Blessing in Disguise?

By Mark Riso posted 11-22-2011
Following three months of intense meetings and negotiations, the “Super Committee” was unable to agree on a plan to cut federal spending by $1.2 trillion. The truth is that Congress still has ample opportunity to cut spending in the absence of a Super Committee plan prior to sequestration. Were the committee’s efforts a failure? Perhaps to some, but the committee’s failure does have a silver lining: our nation’s budget policies and fiscal problems were prominently highlighted to the American people. The budget policy education level of the American people has increased 10-fold. No matter what political party you favor, the debate this past summer over the ...

Send Available Cash This Way

By Charles White posted 11-08-2011
The banking industry has an unusual problem that affects PHCC members every day. The banks have been flooded with cash as investors have fled the stock market—that sounds good, but it’s not. The banks have tightened lending requirements which has reduced its pool of eligible borrowers. The result is a lot of money with nowhere to go. Low interest rates have reduced payback to banks on the places they normally park money, yet bank expenses have not gone down. The normal business rules apply: reduced revenue means costs must be reduced forcing closures and layoffs. Many banks have actively worked to discourage large deposits of cash from customers that do ...

Update on PHCC Government Relation Efforts

By Mark Riso posted 11-01-2011
PHCC Participates in 3 Percent Withholding Tax Press Conference October 31st, 2011 - 3 percent withholding repeal legislation supported by PHCC was introduced in the U.S. Senate. PHCC—National participated in a significant press conference on Capitol Hill today as Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) urged the Senate to repeal the 3% withholding tax and called for a clean “up or down” vote. Sen. Brown acknowledged PHCC for its grassroots efforts to repeal the bill in the House. He also commended the House for passing the repeal with overwhelming bipartisan support, 405-116. President Obama is expected to sign the repeal legislation if it is passed by the ...

Good Resource for Chapter Leaders - 365 Engage Website

By Elicia Magruder posted 10-24-2011
Good Idea: I attended a free Webinar last week; “Market Your Education Like Lady Gaga,” t he topic intrigued me. It was an hour well spent. Some of the key take-a-ways offered by presenter Sheri Jacobs of Avenue M Group in Chicago have applications for many things we do at the local, state and national levels of PHCC. They include: topic drives attendance, build a fan base – make sure you give something exclusive and high quality, reward your biggest fans and publicly recognize member loyalty with small things, such as seating with the speaker, a special lounge at conventions, etc. The free session was recorded and is available from Peach Tree Media’s ...