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PHCC Texas

Industry News
2025 CE Classes are here!
Enroll in a PHCC-TX 2025 Plumbing Continuing Education Class for in person or online learning with an instructor today. PHCC-TX provides many classes across the state, giving you plenty of options to find a convenient location near you.

 

Enjoy in person or online learning at a discounted rate with our early bird pricing! Register more than two days in advance to take advantage of this deal. Don’t miss out—Secure your spot today and stay ahead in your field.

 

Note: Registrations within two days of a class will be charged at a walk-in rate. We provide rosters to our instructors ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience for everyone, so please plan accordingly.

 

Find a 2025 Plumbing CE class near you: phcc-tx.org/training

Visit https://phcc-tx.org/page/training to view the full article online.

 
2025 Correspondence is LIVE on our website!
Stay on top of your licensing requirements with ease and flexibility. The TSBPE now allows ALL plumbers to fulfill their annual continuing education requirements for license renewal through our correspondence courses, no matter where you live!

 

You have two convenient options to choose from:

 

-          Digital Only: Instant access to course materials so you can get started right away.

-          Standard: A physical packet delivered right to your door.

 

Both options include the convenience of an open-book test, making it easier than ever to complete your education at your own pace. Get started today and keep your skills sharp with PHCC Texas!

 

To purchase your 2025 Correspondence Course, visit: phcc-tx.org/store

Visit https://phcc-tx.org/store/ to view the full article online.

 
FastEst, Inc.
SupplyHouse.com
Consistency is Key for Fire Prevention
  
As a businessowner, you know that one fire could destroy everything you’ve worked for, potentially leading to devastating consequences for you, your employees, business operations, and the clients and community you serve.

 

What actions do you regularly take to help keep your business flame-free?

 

Fire Prevention Safety Checklist: Consistent use of a fire prevention safety checklist can be an easy way to reduce hazards at your workplace. Examples of questions to ask yourself include:

 

- Is your fire extinguisher marked, properly recharged, and regularly serviced?

 

- Are heat-producing pieces of equipment and appliances properly used and maintained?

 

- Do your electrical plugs, power strips, switches, and cords meet standard operating codes and are they in good repair?

 

Regular Business Walkthroughs: Conducting regular walkthroughs of your business to ensure everything is in safe working order can help you catch potential risks. It also sets a great example to your employees that staying vigilant for fire hazards and taking action right away is everyone's responsibility.

Visit https://www.federatedinsurance.com/posts/risk-management-corner/fire-prevention-in-business to view the full article online.

Taco Comfort Solutions
Education
Training Calendar
Our 2024 courses are approved by TSBPE for all licenses expiring in 2024 and also meets the annual continuing education requirement for licenses expiring in preceding years.

 

Upcoming Courses in October: 

 























 


  

Find by Location: 


or Find by Course Type: 

Visit https://phcc-tx.org/page/training to view the full article online.

 
Fast Track to Service & Repair Plumbing

"A training course for service contractors by service contractors"

 

How do you train a technician to be productive and able to run a service truck in record time? Take a look at the Foundation's Fast Track to Service & Repair Plumbing, available through our PHCC Academy® learning platform. This revamped program, originally developed by Quality Service Contractors (QSC), gives participants focused and timely service and repair plumbing training. 

 

Designed for contractors by contractors, this comprehensive entry-level training is targeted at employees who do residential or commercial plumbing service and repair work. Year-round open enrollment is available so employees can begin today.

 

The Fast Track program meets the eligibility requirements for the Foundation scholarship program, so enrollees can apply for a scholarship to help with the registration fee. Please see the scholarship webpage for details and the application deadline.

 

Students study at their own pace as the work week permits, with most students finishing in 9-12 months. The course includes 34 training modules critical for the success of today's plumbing service and repair proffesionals. Topics include: safety, customer service, plumbing and electrical work, basic business skills, and more. 

 

Fast Track to Service Plumbing was made possible through generous support from PHCC members, manufacturers, and industry partners to the PHCC Educational Foundation.

 


  


Contact the PHCC State Office (512) 523-8094 or Learn more Here.

Visit https://www.phccfoundation.org/fast-track/ to view the full article online.

 
Life Insurance Awareness Month
  
As a business owner, the importance of life insurance is something to keep in mind. Life Insurance Awareness Month is held during the month of September, and this is a great time to see how life insurance can meet both personal and business planning needs.

 

Personal Life Insurance Uses Can Include:

 

- Providing survivor income. Proceeds can help meet your family's ongoing income needs after the death of a breadwinner.

 

- Paying estate taxes and final expenses. If your assets exceed the exclusion amount, a 40% federal estate tax will be due within nine months of the date of death. 

 

- Providing estate equalization. If you want to pass a specific assets to certain heirs and still treat other heirs fairly, life insurance proceeds can help to provide inheritances of similar value to everyone.

 

Business Life Insurance Uses Can Include:

 

- Funding buy-sell agreements. Even the best plans can be derailed if the money to implement a buy-sell agreement is not there when needed.

 

- Retaining employees with a special benefit. Life insurance can play a role in employee retention by serving as the basis for specialized benefit plan for select employees.

 

Life insurance has many benefits for both you and your business. Contact your local Federated marketing representative to discuss how this type of coverage can benefit your specific situation.

Visit https://www.federatedinsurance.com/posts/its-your-life/life-insurance-business-benefits to view the full article online.

FMLA Leave for Childcare
Question: 

 

With the start of the school year, multiple employees have requested to use Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave to take care of their children when they have days off from school. These employees have not brought up any medical condition; our understanding is that they do not want to arrange for childcare and want to take days off to watch their kids themselves. Are we required to provide them with FMLA leave for regular childcare reasons?

 

Answer: 

 

The federal FMLA provides eligible employees with up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave a year. Employees may use leave to, among other reasons, care for an immediate family member (including a child) with a serious health condition. When it is medically necessary, employees may take FMLA leave intermittenly or on a reduced leave schedule. The need to watch children when they have a day off from school, without medical reason involved, would not entitle an employee to FMLA leave.

 

However, employers should ensure that there is no medical issue involved before denying an employee's request to use FMLA leave to care for their child. When an employee requests leave, they are required to provide enough information for the employer to know that the leave may be covered by the FMLA. The employer may ask additional questions to determine if the leave is FMLA-qualifying. 

 

Employers should check state and local laws for any additional protections that may apply. It is also advisable for employers to work with local counsel to ensure they are complying with all legal obligations.

Visit https://www.federatedinsurance.com/posts/HR-question-of-the-month/hr-question-of-the-month to view the full article online.

 
Federated Insurance
Legislative Updates
PHCC Legislative Update
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced longtime lobbyist Mike Toomey as his new chief of staff. Toomey is a former lawmaker turned lobbyist who has also served as chief of staff for multiple governors. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry also joined Speaker Phelan’s staff temporarily as a senior advisor. Toomey and Perry were classmates in the Texas House in the 1980s and Toomey later served as chief of staff for Governor Perry.

 

The Texas House of Representatives will elect its speaker when the legislature convenes January 14, 2025. There are now seven announced candidates including current Speaker Phelan. Republicans David Cook, James Frank, Tom Oliverson, Shelby Slawson, John Smithee and Democrat Ana-Maria Ramos have all announced their intentions to challenge Speaker Phelan for the position.

 

The Senate Finance Committee received testimony related to the elimination of property taxes and was told it would cost the state approximately $81 billion annually to replace tax. For perspective, the current two-year state budget is approximately $144 billion.

 

Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the launch of an illegal voting email tipline (illegalvoting@oag.texas.gov) for members of the public to report suspected violations of Texas election law. This follows an announcement by the Texas Secretary of State’s office that it intends to assign state inspectors to Harris County during the November election to observe the handling and counting of ballots and monitoring of election records. The SOS said the decision is the result of a recent audit of Harris County elections from 2021 and 2022.

 

Steve McCraw, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, announced his plans to retire at the end of the year. Director McCraw has served as the head of law enforcement for Texas for more than 15 years.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=845356&issueID=100118 to view the full article online.

Membership
Everything You Need to Strengthen Your Business — Now and in the Future
  
As a plumber or HVAC contractor in Texas, joining PHCC Texas unlocks a wealth of benefits designed to help you thrive in today’s competitive market. Here’s how our membership can make a difference for you: 

 

Best Practice Sharing: Tap into a vast network of professionals to exchange insights and strategies. Learn from the best in the industry and stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge practices. 

 

Advocacy: Benefit from our strong voice in legislative and regulatory matters. PHCC Texas advocates on your behalf to ensure that your interests are represented and protected. 

 

Workforce Development: Invest in your team's future by sending apprentices to our comprehensive training programs. With options available online or in-person in San Antonio and Dallas, you’ll ensure your workforce is skilled and ready. 

 

Expert & Affordable Training: Gain access to high-quality, cost-effective training designed to enhance your skills and knowledge. From technical courses to business management, our programs are tailored to meet your needs. 

 

Savings & Discounts: Enjoy exclusive member discounts on tools, equipment, and services. Our partnerships with industry vendors translate into significant savings for your business. 

 

Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of like-minded professionals through our events and activities. Build relationships that could lead to new opportunities and collaborations. 

 

Enhanced Visibility: Your business will be prominently featured in our annual Membership Directory, increasing your visibility and connecting you with potential clients and partners. 

 

Joining PHCC Texas equips you with the resources, tools, and support you need to strengthen your business now and into the future. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of a powerful network dedicated to your success.

 

Visit https://phcc-tx.org/page/MEMBERSHIP to view the full article online.

Upcoming Events
PHCC Texas: El Paso Meet and Greet, Walk the Capitol Day
El Paso Meet and Greet October 17, 2024
Memorial Park
1701 N Copia St
El Paso, TX 79930
Learn more online!
 
Walk the Capitol Day February 12, 2025
Texas Capitol
1100 Congress Ave
Austin, TX  78701
More info coming soon!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/assets/ElPaso%20Flyer%20Front.pdf to view the full article online.

Gulf Coast Chapter: Adapt Tankless Training
Adapt Tankless Training October 22nd, 2024

11:00 a.m. CT

Pepco Sales & Marketing
13939 Fallbrook Drive
Cypress, TX  77429

Visit https://www.gulfcoastphcc.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=61655&item_id=2299149 to view the full article online.

North Texas Chapter: 6th Annual Clay Shoot
6th Annual Clay Shoot October 31st, 2024 
Where: Elm Fork
10751 Luna Road
Dallas, TX 75220

Visit https://phccnt.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=52897&item_id=2209087 to view the full article online.

San Antonio Chapter: Cornhole / Pickleball Membership Mixer
Cornhole / Pickleball Membership Mixer October 10th, 2024

3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Chicken N Pickle
5215 UTSA Boulevard
San Antonio, TX 78249
Learn more online!

Visit https://www.phcc-sanantonio.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=610461&item_id=2314309 to view the full article online.

Benefits
New Federal Reporting Requirements
  
Many business owners are unaware of a new federal reporting requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act, effective January 1, 2024, requires companies to report information about individuals who own or control businesses to the U.S. Treasury Department's FINCEN.

 
For more information, visit the FINCEN website Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting | FinCEN.gov


Key Points:


- Companies created before January 1, 2024, must file the initial Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOI) by January 1, 2025.


- Companies registered in 2024 have 90 days from registration to file the initial BOI report.


- Reporting companies include domestic or foreign corporations, LLCs, DBAs registered with a Secretary of State's office, and similar entities.


- Some entities are exempt, here’s a list Beneficial Ownership Information | FinCEN.gov

Visit https://www.tabco.cpa/ to view the full article online.

Call A Doctor Plus: Teladoc Telemedicine
  
Finding the best employees – full-time, part-time, or contract labor – is tougher than ever. The newest PHCC Texas member benefit, stand-alone Teladoc Telemedicine, allows you to take advantage of a more healthy, present, and loyal workforce – the incredible PHCC-members-only pricing is only $10/month/family. To learn more, contact our benefit representative, Michael Lerman.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=845364&issueID=100118 to view the full article online.

PHCC Texas Member Exclusive: ExxonMobil BusinessPro Program
  
Fueling solutions for business: streamline how you manage your company’s fuel expenses. The more your employees fuel at Exxon and Mobil, the more they maximize your rebates. 

 

For questions and/or to start an application, call (443) 668-8425 or email Juan Munoz.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/pdf/PHCC_Texas_ExxonMobil_Rebates.pdf to view the full article online.

Canon Partner Program: Powering P-H-C Contractors with Trusted, Affordable Technology
“Best People and Best Practices” deserve the best technology. With over 300 Texas PHCC members, reliable technology should be available to streamline processes and simplify the nature of the business.

Visit https://cdn.ymaws.com/phcc-tx.org/resource/resmgr/files/PHCC_-Canon_Catalog.pdf to view the full article online.

[Flyer Download] PHCC Texas Plumbers are Preferred Plumbers
  
Home and business owners go to great lengths to minimize damage and ensure their plumbing systems are safe, efficient, and sustainable. When exploring options for installations, repairs, or upgrades, maintain peace of mind by hiring licensed. While there's no guarantee that everything will go exactly as planned, hiring a licensed professional will provide increased assurance of protection. 


Members of PHCC Texas are licensed by the State of Texas, and the public can be confident that they will be employing someone with the necessary skills and commitment to high standards.

Visit https://phcc-tx.org/blogpost/2021392/484173/PHCC-TEXAS-PLUMBERS-ARE-PREFFERED-PLUMBERS to view the full article online.