eNews - Texas PHCC eNews

Industry News

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

It’s not uncommon to hear your phone chime while you are driving, followed by the temptation to glance away from the road for a quick peek. It only takes one moment, but those precious seconds not spent actively monitoring the road in front of your vehicle could lead to disaster — and serious losses.

Distracted driving continues to lead to unnecessary accidents, claiming the lives of thousands of Americans each year. And when a company driver gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, they have the responsibility to avoid personal distractions in order to make the roads safer for everyone. In turn, businesses may need to consider how best to promote a message of safety for their employees to help prevent losses.

During April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Federated Insurance encourages employers to consider their employees’ driving behaviors and promote a strong safe driving risk management culture at their business.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=724817&issueID=82936 to view the full article online.

2022 Annual Conference Recap

The PHCC Texas Annual Conference in Round Rock, TX, was one unlike any other. Gathering for the first time since 2019, attendees were eager to learn and connect with one another. After several years of cancelled and rescheduled events, we were proud to relaunch this event. Be sure to read our full conference recap by following the link below!

Photo Right: (L to R) John Mata (IAPMO), Frank Denton (TSBPE Board President) and Mark Ingrao (PHCC National CEO)

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

Governor Abbott Appoints Norma Yado to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Norma Yado to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners for a term set to expire September 5, 2028. The board licenses master plumbers, journeymen, plumbers, and plumbing inspectors.

Norma Yado of McAllen is the Chief Building Official for the City of McAllen. She a member of the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association Inc. Additionally, she is the former President of Valley Building Officials Association and a former committee member of STC Electrical Advisory Committee. She also volunteers as the President of Villa De Palmas Homeowners Association, and as a troop leader for the Girl Scouts of America. Yado received a degree in Facility Maintenance from South Texas College.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=725048&issueID=82936 to view the full article online.

HR Question of the Month: Internal vs. External Hiring

Question of the Month: We had an employee leave employment in one division of our company, leaving the position vacant. An employee from another division showed interest in the vacant position and emailed the managers to request an interview. The two managers had been planning to post the job externally and are thinking of not considering the internal applicant because her department is short-staffed, and her managers are already really struggling. Would there be any discrimination issues with not considering this internal candidate?

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=724819&issueID=82936 to view the full article online.

Remembering Past National President, Joe Schmitt

It is with great sadness that the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) reports the April 2, 2022, passing of Past National President Joe Schmitt (2008-2009) of Englewood, Ohio. He was a member of PHCC since 1968 and was a highly respected leader in the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.

“Joe Schmitt’s steady leadership was just what PHCC needed during the economic crisis that began in 2008,” said PHCC National President Joel Long. “He was the ‘calming force’ during turbulent economic times and the initiatives he created had a lasting positive effect on PHCC for many years.”

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=725024&issueID=82936 to view the full article online.

The Who, When, and How to Business Succession Planning

A business succession plan is important to help ensure a smooth transition when you are no longer able to run your business. Many business owners think about what they would like to have happen to their business, but fail to actually put a succession plan in place.

So how do you create a succession plan? One of the first questions that needs to be considered is who is going to take over your business. For some business owners, it might be a son, a daughter, or more than one child who has been working in the business and is ready and willing to step in at any time. Others may have a key employee with years of service who has expressed an interest in taking over someday. In any case, finding the right person is a very important decision. It can mean the difference between financial security and financial hardship for you, your family, and even your employees if your successor is not able to keep the business operating successfully.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=724821&issueID=82936 to view the full article online.

Fingerprint Requirement for All License Types

Effective January 1, 2022, all TSBPE exam applicants are now required to submit fingerprint data. Any exam application received after this date will remain open and unscheduled until the exam candidate's fingerprint data has been received by the TSBPE.

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

Education

Private CE Classes for Your Company

Intersted in hosting a private training at your office? PHCC is pleased to provide private classes. Learn more and submit interest using the form linked below.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/pdf/PHCC_Private_Class_Request_Form_2022_(002).pdf to view the full article online.

Spring Courses Added to Education Calendar

PHCC Texas proudly provides Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners approved plumbing continuing education, plus training in Medical Gas, Residential and Commercial Code, OSHA, and Backflow Prevention Testing. We also offer test prep training for the Master Test, the Journeyman/Tradesman Test and a revolutionary Plumbing Apprenticeship Training Program. Not sure what course you need? Call us. We can help!

Visit https://phcc-tx.org/events/event_list.asp to view the full article online.

Legislative Updates

Are Your Handbook Policies Legal?

Attorney Rick Alaniz addresses the National Labor Relations Board focus on employers’ handbook rules.

Employee handbooks have long been an essential workplace tool. Regardless of size, all employers should maintain a handbook. Handbooks often provide an employer’s history as well as its mission statement and guiding philosophy. They spell out the rules what is expected of employees and what the employer will provide in return. They have become ubiquitous and for the most part non-controversial. However, with the current majority on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) and even more so its General Counsel, employee handbooks may once again become a potential source of liability for unsuspecting employers.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=724824&issueID=82936 to view the full article online.

Membership

Don't Forget to Renew Your 2022 Membership - Deadline Extended Through April!

Have you paid 2022 dues? As a member of the PHCC community, you plug into a powerful network of valuable resources and contractors at the local, state and national level offering the knowledge, tools, programs and services you need to succeed. Being part of the PHCC Texas means you are part of a community that shares your passion for the plumbing and HVACR industries.

If you haven't already, we hope you will consider returning as a valued member as we adapt and respond to the changing needs of our industry in 2022 and beyond!

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

Meet the Gulf Coast Chapter Director, Mark Park!

Mark Park with AAA Plumbers serves as the Gulf Coast Chapter Director on the PHCC Texas State Board of Directors. Mark also serves as President of the local chapter and has spent the majority of his life learning and supporting the trade. In 1984, Mark’s father, Steve, and Cesar Lima founded AAA Plumbers.

Steve and Cesar both started their plumbing careers by working at a plumbing company as entry-level helpers. Their early days within the trade mainly consisted of digging and simple tasks, such as changing faucets. Several years, and many boilers later, they each earned their Journeyman and then Master Plumber Licenses. As they were both looking to branch out on their own, they partnered up and incorporated AAA Plumbers.

Through nearly 30 years of hard work and dedication, AAA Plumbers has grown into a state of the art, full-service plumbing company. With a fully stocked warehouse and service trucks, a GPS dispatched fleet and online account management, AAA Plumbers is constantly striving for improvements to streamline operations and provide better service to customers.

Mark served in the US Army before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston in 2002. Joining the company in 1999 and earning his Master license in 2013, Mark now serves as Vice-President. AAA Plumbers has a great past, but Mark and his team specifically look forward to many more years of offering unsurpassed service, helping their employees grow professionally and bolstering the next generation of trade professionals. His advice to those looking to expand their engagement and impact? “Never pass up an opportunity to learn something new and stay involved with a trade association to help keep you in tune with what the industry is doing.”

“My role with PHCC-TX helps me prepare our business and keeps us educated about industry issues,” says Mark. “It also provides an avenue for me to help represent our members' legal interest in regard to plumbing licensing law.”

Mark is happily married with three kids: Chase, Kelan and Kensley. In his spare time (when he has it!), he enjoys putting his master scuba diving certification to good use!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=724826&issueID=82936 to view the full article online.

Upcoming Events

PHCC Waco Chapter Luncheon - May 11, 2022

Interested in meeting other PHCC contractors and vendors in Waco? Please contact communciations@phcc-tx.org if you'd like to attend!

Ridgewood Country Club

May 11, 2022 at 11:30 AM
*RSVP Required

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=725090&issueID=82936 to view the full article online.

PHCC Gulf Coast Annual Clay Shoot: May 12, 2022

Meet with industry professionals and show your support for the PHCC Gulf Coast chapter by attending the Annual Clay Shoot on Thursday, May 12 from 1:30 - 6 PM.

Visit https://www.gulfcoastphcc.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=61655&item_id=1654065 to view the full article online.

Save the Date | PHCC San Antonio Annual Golf Tournament: May 12, 2022

Save the date for PHCC San Antonio's Annual Gold Tournament at Breckenridge Park Golf Course on May 12, beginning at 8 AM!

Visit https://phcc-sanantonio.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=610461&item_id=1669130&event_date_id=255 to view the full article online.

PHCC North Texas Vendor Showcase: May 17, 2022

Network with other P-H-C professionals and learn more about the new industry products and services. This event is free for contractors to attend, and lunch is included with your registration.

May 17 | 11 AM - 1 PM

TDIndustries
13850 Diplomat Drive
Dallas, TX 75234

Visit https://phccnt.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=52897&item_id=1616916 to view the full article online.

PHCC VIRTUAL Legislative Conference: May 24-25, 2022

Make plans to participate online May 24 - 25, 2022 to advocate for your industry!

You will have access to:

- Insider political analysis from keynote speakers
- Targeted issues briefing and advocacy tips
- Orientation on conducting virtual meetings with legislators and staff, and
- Live virtual visits with your representatives in Congress

Visit https://www.phccweb.org/event/phcc-2022-virtual-legislative-conference/ to view the full article online.

Benefits

Canon Partner Program: Powering P-H-C Contractors with Trusted, Affordable Technology

Professional contractors and employees face daunting challenges related to time management, increasing reach through marketing initiatives, and improving workflow efficiencies. Daily expenses for copies, business cards, promotional and informative collateral, receipts, documentation, and more add up. The costs to produce and manage materials can be significant—whether you’re printing work order receipts or contracts, creating signage or producing physical mailers.

That’s why Canon Solutions America is equipped to help you succeed. Use the link below or call 844-502-2666 for more information on the benefits of the PHCC approved partner program.

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

PHCC Texas Career Center

Streamline your hiring process using our career center. Connect with top professionals and get your jobs filled more quickly with industry talent.

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

Everything You Need to Strengthen Your Business — Now and in the Future

As a member of the PHCC community, you plug into a powerful network of valuable resources and contractors at the local, state and national level — plus our own PHCC Educational Foundation — offering the knowledge, tools, programs and services you need to succeed.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/pdf/PHCC-TX_2021_Member_Benefits_Flyer_RENEW_Today.pdf to view the full article online.