Blogs

Viega Partners with Thomas Publishing Company to Add to On-Demand BIM Library

By PHCC Admin posted 07-20-2018
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Viega Partners with Thomas Publishing Company to Add to On-Demand BIM Library On-demand BIM library speeds design time by providing specific formats to users throughout the design-build process. BROOMFIELD, Colorado – July 2018 –Through a continued partnership with Thomas Publishing Company, Viega LLC is adding to its BIM (building information modeling) library of easy-to-download, multi-format models. Partnering with Thomas, a data, platform and technology company, enables Viega to provide its customers with design flexibility and allows faster and easier specifying, designing and estimating of the company’s products. The BIM content allows ...
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Viega PureFlow in Award-winning Tiny House

By PHCC Admin posted 06-20-2018
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The tiny house trend is big, and Viega has a hand in it, contributing to a tiny-house competition in California. The team from University of California, Berkeley utilized different Viega products and finished second in the competition, pulling in some other awards as well. Viega is a member of the Center for the Built Environment (CBE), a UC Berkeley-sponsored scientific research partner, so the collaboration on the tiny house grew from that relationship. Students from the CBE formed a team to compete in the tiny-house building competition, and Viega came on board as a sponsor of the entry, providing products, loaning tools and giving some advice to what became ...
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The Power of Awareness: Heating and Cooling

By PHCC Admin posted 01-26-2018
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By Laurie Crigler, PHCC—National Association President Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 As you all know, PHCC traditionally has been known as the “plumber’s” association. We need to change that perception of representing one portion of our membership to one that emphasizes both the plumbing and HVAC aspects. One of the “A”s in my presidency platform – The Power of A – is Awareness. We have been working very hard for several years to help our membership and the industry become aware that there really is an “HC” associated with this association. Through our strategic planning, we are focused on ramping up our HVAC training and education programs. The ...
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PHCC: A Home for HVAC Contractors, Too!

By PHCC Admin posted 01-26-2018
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By Michael Copp, PHCC EVP Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 Since it was formed in 1883, the composition of PHCC has changed dramatically. While the association first started out representing plumbing professionals as the National Association of Master Plumbers , over time we formally recognized that many of our members also were experts in the heating, cooling and related industry segments. As a result, we changed our name in 1962 to Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association . Currently HVAC contractors make up just under half of the PHCC National membership. As I meet with PHCC chapters, industry groups and contractors, I often hear: “PHCC ...
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Industry Spotlight: Top HVAC Trends and Technologies to Improve Energy Efficiency with Emerson

By PHCC Admin posted 12-18-2017
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By Solutions Contributor Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 With new regulatory changes on efficiency standards and refrigerant management hitting HVAC contractors fast, it’s no surprise that it can be hard to keep up. To give members an overview of a few of the major changes coming to the industry – and the resulting impact – PHCC reached out to Emerson, whose business unit, InSinkErator, is a PHCC Corporate Partner. Below are some insights from Becky Hoelscher, director, AC aftermarket, Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions, as well as from Emerson’s Matt Ricker, business development manager, AC aftermarket, who presented on this topic at CONNECT ...
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Putting Skills Under the Spotlight

By PHCC Admin posted 12-18-2017
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The nation’s top HVAC apprentices talk about how a bit of pressure on the Apprentice Contest stage leads to big confidence … and loads of opportunity. By Cindy Sheridan PHCC Educational Foundation Chief Operating Officer Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 Opportunity. Networking. Confidence. Even fun. The top finishers in this year’s PHCC Educational Foundation HVAC Apprentice Contest came off the competition stage claiming some of each this year. “I learned that this business is not just all work, because I had a ton a fun at CONNECT,” says Marshall Brahm, from UA Local 601 in Wisconsin. The two-day contest – held during CONNECT 2017 in Milwaukee, ...
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The Economic Forecast for 2018: Better than 2017

By PHCC Admin posted 12-18-2017
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By Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 Despite more uncertainty than usual emanating from Washington, D.C., 2018 is shaping up well. The odds of a recession are very low – about 15 percent – even with being in the middle of the third-longest economic recovery in U.S. history. Growth is picking up across much of the planet; commodity prices are well in check; inflationary pressures are weak; and corporate investment in plant equipment is steadily rising. Tax Reform Tax reform will be the most important fiscal policy issue of the next few months. While final details are elusive, the proposed cut in the corporate tax rate from 35 ...
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Dan Foley: Observations About Membership

By PHCC Admin posted 12-18-2017
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By Sheryl S. Jackson Naylor Association Solutions Contributing Writer Source: Solutions, Winter 2017 A major benefit of PHCC membership is the opportunity to meet face-to-face with peers, suppliers and other industry representatives – at local meetings as well as at national conferences, says Dan Foley, owner and president of Foley Mechanical and recipient of the PHCC—National HVAC Contractor of the Year for 2017. In addition to running the business he founded in 2002 and serving on local, state and national association boards, Foley made time to attend CONNECT 2017. “I’m a hands-on person, so I like to learn about new products by seeing, touching and playing ...
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What’s Old is New Again: The Comfort of Radiant Systems Spurs Increasing Demand

By PHCC Admin posted 12-18-2017
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By Sheryl S. Jackson Naylor Association Solutions Contributing Writer Dan Foley installed his first radiant heating system in 1991. Since that time, he has installed more than 1,000 radiant systems – small and large. “This work is a labor of love,” says Foley, owner and president of Foley Mechanical in Lorton, Virginia, and recipient of the PHCC—National HVAC Contractor of the Year for 2017. The use of radiant heating or cooling systems is not new technology, but it is seeing a resurgence of interest as homeowners look for ways to ensure a comfortable temperature in their homes. Radiant heat is a good technology to apply to renewable energy sources ...
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The PHCC of Long Island chapter brings workforce development issue to the forefront

By PHCC Admin posted 12-07-2017
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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/
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CEDIA Webinar Highlights Smart Technology Integration Opportunities

By PHCC Admin posted 07-28-2017
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Make sure to re-watch this recent webinar presented by Dave Pedigo of CEDIA to learn how offering smart technology options can increase profits, save production time and gain referrals. There are many opportunities out there for you to explore! Here are a few that were mentioned: Smart Thermostats Plenty of opportunities. Studies estimate that 12 million homes in North America will have smart thermostats in 2017. By 2020, 33 million homes are expected to have these devices. Smart Humidifiers Smart Water Detection Devices Automatic water shut off valves Smoke / Carbon monoxide detectors Automatic gas shut off valves Plus, ...
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New: Technology-Focused Sessions at CONNECT 2017

By PHCC Admin posted 06-09-2017
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Based on what PHCC members told us they wanted to learn about at CONNECT 2017, there will be expanded educational sessions focused on technology trends, ideas and best practices at the Oct. 3-6 event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Plus, you’ll be able to see the latest technological advancements at the Product & Technology Showcase, the perfect place to talk one-on-one with industry partners on how these innovations can help you make your business more efficient and meet the changing needs of customers. Look for all of the details at www.phccweb.org/connect !
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Ah Ha Moment

By Michael Copp posted 02-03-2017
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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 ...
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Building a Foundation for Future Relevance

By Charles Greene posted 07-01-2016
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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. ...
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State of the Union Analysis: Favorable Business Legislation Ahead? Veto Power is Key

By Mark Riso posted 01-23-2015
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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 ...
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The Political Pendulum

By Mark Riso posted 11-18-2014
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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 ...
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The Skills Gap: A Critical Need

By Mark Riso posted 08-18-2014
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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 ...
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Marijuana and the Construction Industry

By Justin Elliott posted 06-05-2014
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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 ...
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Could a Target-Type Cyber Attack Happen to You? Data Security is Important to your Business

By Chuck White posted 02-11-2014
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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. ...
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CDA Judges National Plumbing Apprentice Contest

By Wayne Jiang posted 11-25-2013
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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/
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