If there is one workplace issue that bedevils virtually every employer in the country on a daily basis it is the dilemma of employee attendance - perhaps more appropriately, the lack of attendance. Despite the rapidly expanding mandatory paid leave laws and the adoption of generous paid-time-off policies by a large number of employers, employees continue to find reasons for not coming to work.

The start of a new year provides the perfect opportunity for business owners to set new goals and find unique ways to improve their operations. There are plenty of different options for your 2020 resolutions, from shoring up your finances to organizing your online presence. Here are some suggestions and tips from members of the online small business community.

We have an employee who left unexpectedly three-quarters of the way into his shift, stating he was leaving because he was going on military leave for one year. We've not been able to reach him to get further details, and we haven't received any sort of formal documentation backing up his claim. Are we required to hold his job for him for this year?

As a business owner or manager, it is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day work. It becomes difficult to take a moment, take a deep breath, look around, and reflect on what your team needs. So many owners think, “Well, I’m paying them to do it, that should be enough,” but the truth is, it isn’t. In today’s climate and with the shortage of individuals working in the trades, it is vital that managers think about motivating their team and rewarding them, or they risk losing that team entirely.

Simplify your estimating process, prepare accurate bids, and become more efficient and profitable. PHCC has partnered with Harrison Publishing House’s CINX platform to provide a comprehensive plumbing and piping database for accurate, in-depth material pricing to create your own pricing workbook.

This course is designed to help Plumbing Contractors fulfill their continuing education requirements with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Fulfills the TSBPE 6 Hr Cont Ed requirement for 2019-2020 (registrations and licenses expiring Sept 30, 2019-Aug 31, 2020).

1.) Speaker Bonnen Makes Big Changes to Sunset Commission Membership

2.) Filing Deadline Ends, 2020 State and Federal Elections in Texas Set

3.) Strong Response to PHCC Key Contact Program — You Can Still Sign Up

I am pleased to report to you that Sarah Rayburn has been hired as the executive director of PHCC, succeeding Alicia Dover, who is retiring from the organization effective March 31, 2020.

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas witnessed some of the most tumultuous decision making at the Texas State Capitol this year. At the close of the 2021 should there be no legislation passed to maintain statewide licensing of plumbing, the plumbers in Texas will lose this valuable designation in their occupations!

This course is designed to fulfill the requirements of The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners Rules Section 363.11 (d). Each student will receive a course materials binder and a 2016 NFPA 13D Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes manual.

Instructor: Robert Stricker

Course topics (Sat/Sun 8 am-5 pm) include:  Simple physics, Cross Connection & Backflow Devices, Drains, Waste Water, Vents, Water Supply & Sizing, Miniature Ruler & Scaling, Gas Piping & Appliance Venting, L.P.G., Water Heaters, Facility, OSHA, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), plumbing requirements for a multiple story structure, plumbing codes, and the Texas State Plumbing License Laws and Rules. (16 hours)

This course is designed to fulfill the requirements of The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners Rules Sect 363.11(b). Course fee includes a copy of the NFPA 99 current edition (2018) to keep (a $75 value).

With training and education that’s developed specifically for plumbing and HVAC contractors, PHCC offers a full range of programming that is packed with insights and opportunities for business success. There’s something for every professional, at every stage of their career.