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Industry News

2022 Apprentice Contest

The PHCC Texas Annual Apprentice Contest showcases the skills, knowledge and accuracy of the state's most talented industry newcomers. Apprentices must rough-in a bathroom – including the drain, waste and vent lines, a toilet, a sink, and shower.

We are proud to announce our 2022 contestants:

Dimitri Gilbert – Century Mechanical Contractors

Scott Hicks – TD Industries Houston
Guy Holmes – R.E.C. Industires, Bryan
Isaiah Menchaca – A-RAM Plumbing
John Rice – MMM Plumbing, Heating, & A.C.
Tyler Snider – Shelton Plumbing

These competitors are eligible to win prizes, and the contest winner will receive a paid trip to represent the State of Texas in the National Apprenticeship contest held at PHCCCONNECT October 4-7, 2022, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

There is still time to show your support! The annual PHCC Texas Apprentice Contest is a great way for Associate Members to support the next generation of P-H-C contractors.

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

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=735232&issueID=82938 to view the full article online.

Summer and Fall Training Schedule Now Published

Be sure to check out our calendar for an updated list of training courses across the state! Using the dropdown menu at the top of the page, you can filter offerings by course type or location.

Please note: Plumbers and Inspectors licensed in Texas must take six hours of CE each year before renewing their license. TSBPE CE course years have been eliminated and plumbers now have 12 months to complete their required CE regardless of expiration date.

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

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/PHCC_-Canon_Catalog.pdf to view the full article online.

Online Applications and Computer-Based Testing

Now that TSBPE's Computer Based Testing is in full swing, the agency has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you navigate the process.

Right now the exams that are computer-based are the Tradesman-Limited, Journeyman, Med Gas Piping Installation, and Water Supply Protection Specialist (WSPS) exams. These applications have been updated in the Online Licensing System and can be accessed right now. The best way to confirm that you have met all of the requirements for the exam you’re applying for is to check your current license page using the TSBPE’s Public License Search.

Visit https://tsbpe.texas.gov/cbt_faq/ to view the full article online.

Planning for Extreme Weather Conditions

As temperatures around the world continue to rise, scientific studies indicate that extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent. Unusually hot summers, warmer winters, dangerous heat waves, fluctuations in precipitation throughout the United States, increases in severe storms and wildfires, and changes to flood events and drought patterns are all linked to climate changes.¹

These weather conditions can disrupt many aspects of your business — so what can you do to help keep it safe? Do you have an emergency preparedness and response plan for your business? If not, now is the time to put one together. Emergency planning is a year-round endeavor, but pay extra attention before the start of severe weather season in your area.

Consider “best practices” before, during, and after a weather emergency, along with actions to address potential unique challenges specific to your business’ facilities and operations. Ensure your plan covers your most valuable assets and operations, conduct regular training, and make sure employees have access to your response plan should they need it.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=734983&issueID=82938 to view the full article online.

Deductions from Exempt Employee Pay for Vacation?

Question of the Month: We have an exempt employee who is taking a few days off for vacation, but the employee has no paid time off (PTO) left. Can we deduct full-day absences from the employee’s weekly salary? What about partial-day absences?

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=734985&issueID=82938 to view the full article online.

Last Chance to Submit Nominations for PHCC National Awards

Don't miss the chance to have your company or team recognized at the national level — apply now for the following awards now!

Colonel George D. Scott Award

PHCC HVAC Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Rheem)

PHCC HVAC Contractor of the Year (Sponsored by Rheem)

PHCC HVAC Instructor of the Year (sponsored by Milwaukee Tool)

PHCC Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Delta)

PHCC Plumbing Contractor of the Year (Sponsored by Delta)

PHCC Plumbing Instructor of the Year (sponsored by Milwaukee Tool)

Legislative Service Awards

Visit https://community.phccweb.org/resourcecenter/member-benefits/awards to view the full article online.

Stability in an Unstable World

As a business owner in this time of economic uncertainty, the last thing you may be thinking about is life insurance. You hear about it frequently, and people may say you should have it, but is that really true? What benefits can come from having life insurance, and how can it help offer peace of mind for you and your business?

Life insurance is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of ways to help meet both personal and business planning needs. You may want the security a life insurance death benefit can help provide, or the access to its cash value during challenging times. It also may offer meaningful guarantees and cash value potential that can help prepare you for the possibility of market volatility.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=734987&issueID=82938 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.

Upcoming Medical Gas CE Opportunities

These courses include the two hours of continuing education required by the TSBPE to renew a Medical Gas Endorsement in the State of Texas. This course is required before the expiration of your Med Gas Endorsement once every three years as shown on your renewal notice. The course fee includes a copy of the NFPA 99 current edition (2021) to keep (a $90 value).

Dallas/Carrollton: Saturday, July 16

Amarillo: Saturday, July 23

Buda: Saturday, July 30

Buda: Saturday, August 6

Fort Worth: Saturday, October 15

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=735090&issueID=82938 to view the full article online.

Legislative Updates

The Employee Attendance Dilemma

Attorney Rick Alaniz addresses employee absenteeism and offers some strategies for mitigating its effects.

As one might expect, the pandemic made 2020 and 2021 unique years for workers calling in sick, but employee attendance has long proven a nettlesome issue for employers. The average number of sick days per employee annually is 5.2, and one in four workers admit to being late for work at least once per month. Survey data indicates that an average of 1.5 million workers per month missed work due to personal illness. Absent and tardy employees result in over $225 billion in lost productivity each year. Absenteeism has significant and costly effects, such as diminished product quality or business services and weakened employee morale among those employees forced to pick up the slack for missing workers.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/txp-enews/articles/index.asp?aid=734989&issueID=82938 to view the full article online.

Membership

Why PHCC Texas?

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

Meet the San Antonio Chapter Director, James Beyer

James Beyer is the Operations Manager of Beyer Plumbing Co. and currently serves as the San Antonio Chapter Director. Beyer Plumbing was formed as a sole proprietorship and on February 1, 1990, with one employee: James’ father, Perry L. Beyer Jr. The business started out of the garage and was moved to its current location later that year. For Perry, owning his own business was his lifelong dream. He once stated, “I am just a plumber trying to serve the community and do a good job at it. I want to be there when customers need us the most.”

Today, this approach still rings true. The emphasis of the company is based on relationships, family, grit, trust, and service. James specifically loves being part of something bigger. Not only is he operating a business with integrity and passion, but he takes pride in helping people gain access to clean water, proper sewer, and the luxury of hot water. These things are often taken for granted, and his work gives him a grounding perspective that he finds extremely valuable.

James’s involvement with PHCC is fueled by the community and fellowship the organization brings alongside his desire to bolster the greater good of trade. He says, “by working with other members from across the state and nation, you become more enriched in information and techniques that better your company and your employees.”

Visit https://phcc-tx.org/blogpost/2021392/473941/Meet-the-San-Antonio-Chapter-Director-James-Beyer to view the full article online.

Upcoming Events

North Texas Chapter Event: Inspector's Forum - September 20

Join the North Texas Chapter for their Inspector's Forum on Tuesday, September 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ferguson Lewisville. This event is free for Associate Members and Inspectors, and Contractor Members will receive reduced registration fees.

Visit https://phccnt.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=52897&item_id=1616922 to view the full article online.

Gulf Coast Chapter Meeting: September 21

Save the date for Gulf Coast PHCC's chapter meeting on Wedneday, September 21, from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. More details coming soon. Registration is required.

Visit https://www.gulfcoastphcc.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=61655&item_id=1724124 to view the full article online.

27th Annual PHCC-SA Perry Beyer Jr. Memorial Fishing Tournament: September 24

Date: Saturday, September 24, 2022
Time: Fishing begins at 6 a.m.
Weigh-In: 2 p.m. - MUST be in line by 3:30 p.m.
Event Gift Pick Up, Raffle Purchases: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Awards Reception: 4 p.m.

The PHCC Fishing tournament began as a company fishing event for Beyer Plumbing & Mechanical held at Woody’s in Port Aransas in a tent out in the parking lot! Over the years, as the Beyer Boys continued to support the two local trade associations, the San Antonio Air Conditioning Contractors of America and the San Antonio chapter of the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors, this event eventually split to form two separate successful fishing tournaments for each Association today!

In 2021 the PHCC-SA Memorial tournament was renamed to recognize the many contributions to PHCC-SA chapter and the fishing tournaments’ initial beginnings to honor Perry Beyer Jr.and his passing from cancer in November 2020. Upon Perry’s passing, the Beyer Family established the Beyer Cares foundation in memory of Perry and to honor his wife and Vice President, Cindy Beyer, who was diagnosed and survived with breast cancer in 2007.

Visit https://www.phcc-sanantonio.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=610461&item_id=1673835 to view the full article online.

North Texas Chapter Event: Clay Shoot - October 27

4th Annual Clay Shoot at Elm Fork. Breakfast, lunch, beverages and gun raffle for Contractors included.

Visit https://phccnt.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=52897&item_id=1616925 to view the full article online.

PHCC Gulf Coast Halloween Spooktacular Golf Tournament - October 31

Save the Date for the Spooktacular Golf Tournament, October 31, 2022, at Blackhorse Golf Course. Sponsorships are available and those interested in serving on the committee are encouraged to reach out.

Visit https://www.gulfcoastphcc.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=61655&item_id=1711969 to view the full article online.

PHCC National CONNECT: Oct 5-7 in Charlotte, North Carolina

It’s time to build on real relationships with your plumbing, heating and cooling family… partnerships that helped contractors survive market fluctuations, industry changes, even a pandemic. It’s time to tap into reimagined best practices, the latest industry data, cutting-edge technology, and proven leadership perspectives. It’s time to discover new ways to work, learn and lead.

Remember: Early Bird Discount ends Aug. 29. Be sure to book your hotel before space runs out in the conference hotel block.

Visit https://www.phccweb.org/connect/ to view the full article online.

Benefits

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.