The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC) welcomed PHCC members, chapter executives, and corporate partners to Washington, D.C., May 16-17, to meet with lawmakers and educate them on energy, economic, and workforce policies that are important to the industry and consumers. Before heading to Capitol Hill as industry experts, members first heard from political expert Charlie Cook, who was the keynote speaker Read more
PHCC
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC) welcomed PHCC members, chapter executives, and corporate partners to Washington, D.C., May 16-17, to meet with lawmakers and educate them on energy, economic, and workforce policies that are important to the industry and consumers.
Before heading to Capitol Hill as industry experts, members first heard from political expert Charlie Cook, who was the keynote speaker for the event. Cook spoke on the current political landscape, lessons from the 2022 midterms, and predictions for 2024.
After hearing from Cook, the group was briefed by PHCC Legislative Affairs Director Mark Valentini, PHCC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chuck White, and a panel of other industry lobbyists. Panelists included Jim Collura, vice president and director of government affairs for the National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI); Steve Rossi, vice president of advocacy for the American Supply Association (ASA); and Robert Wolfer, manager of government relations for Bradford White Corp (PHCC Strategic Partner). That evening, the group attended a reception in the historic Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building. This reception was held in conjunction with the Heating Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) and the Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Members of Congress stopped by to network with members of PHCC and these other industry groups.
The next morning during breakfast, attendees heard insights from a second Washington Insider panel consisting of Craig Brightup, chief executive officer of the Brightup Group LLC; Matt Kiessling, senior director of state affairs for the American Gas Association (AGA); and Christopher Lindsay, vice president of government relations for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO – PHCC Supporting Sponsor). After a quick stop for a picture on the Capitol steps, they headed to their respective meetings. In total, 71 PHCC members from 27 different states had 111 meetings with elected officials and their staffs. At a closing roof-top reception that evening, members spoke in-depth about how much they valued the in-person meetings on Capitol Hill, in addition to getting to participate in the rest of the sessions as a part of this two-day event.
“The 2023 PHCC Legislative Conference was an extremely valuable event for all who attended,” said PHCC—National Association President Dave Frame. “Besides the very beneficial one-on-one meetings with legislators, the conference was a great opportunity for PHCC members to connect with each other and with others in the industry supply chain. Together, we are able to accomplish so much more on behalf of our members, the industry, and society.”
The conference was sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Federated Insurance. Next year’s event will be May 21-22, 2024.
Falls Church, Va. — Plumbing-heating-cooling contractors are feeling cautiously optimistic, according to a new report from the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association. The PHCC Business Intelligence Department just released its newly developed Contractor Confidence Index (CCI). Sponsored by PHCC Strategic Partner Bradford White, the PHCC CCI is based on a quarterly survey of PHCC members designed to take Read more
Falls Church, Va. — Plumbing-heating-cooling contractors are feeling cautiously optimistic, according to a new report from the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association. The PHCC Business Intelligence Department just released its newly developed Contractor Confidence Index (CCI). Sponsored by PHCC Strategic Partner Bradford White, the PHCC CCI is based on a quarterly survey of PHCC members designed to take the pulse of the plumbing, heating, and cooling market.
The PHCC First Quarter 2023 CCI summary report revealed a CCI of 52.2, meaning contractors believe industry conditions are better than the previous six months, but are trending lower because of ongoing challenges. The first quarter CCI dropped from 56.0 in the Fourth Quarter of 2022, with an increasing number of respondents citing economic uncertainty and fear of a coming recession.
Any rating over 50 indicates a higher share of PHCC contractors reporting industry conditions are better than they were in the previous quarter, while any rating under 50 indicates a higher share of respondents reporting conditions are worse than they were in the previous quarter.
Plumbing contractors reported a lower future confidence index of 42.2 percent, versus 48.9 percent in the fourth quarter 2022, indicating that contractors who own plumbing businesses believe industry conditions were worse than the previous six months. HVAC contractors reported a higher future confidence index of 56 percent, versus 60.6 percent in the fourth quarter, suggesting industry conditions still feel better than the previous six months, though sentiment is trending lower.
The top contractor challenges reported were:
- Operating short-staffed
- Customers holding off on projects
- Low call volumes
- Too much work
- New construction slowdown
While roughly 70 percent of PHCC Contractor respondents anticipated normal to better sales in the future, 30 percent of respondents are not operating with a full staff, employees, and technicians. Double the number of respondents reported that customers are holding off on projects and replacements due to economic concerns — a significant increase when compared to fourth quarter results. 72 percent cited rising costs, and half of the respondents noted delays in shipping materials. The results were flat at 25 percent for those who indicated concerns about lower construction starts when compared to the last quarter.
Looking ahead, 73 percent of PHCC respondents are anticipating increased cost of doing business (parts, materials, labor), and most of those respondents are worried about an impeding recession, as well as continued challenges finding qualified employees and technicians.
The top three concerns for contractors over the next six months include the cost of health insurance, fear of recession, and increased (additional) insurance costs. Additional concerns were increased regulations, decreased construction starts, and cash flow.
“We are very pleased to unveil this first quarter 2023 Contractor Confidence Index that will help us determine the current sentiment of PHCC members,” said PHCC—National Association President Dave Frame. “With access to this valuable information, our members will be able to track challenges and trends that affect their business, as well as maximize any business opportunities that are identified. And from an organization perspective, PHCC will be well-positioned to identify and develop programs and services that will meet our members’ needs.”
The PHCC Business Intelligence Department works to favorably position PHCC members and affiliates to achieve the highest level of market awareness, professionalism, leadership, and business profitability in the emerging and ever-changing built environment. Relevant resources are updated on a regular basis on the new PHCC Business Intelligence website: www.phccweb.org/business-intelligence.
Disclaimer: The PHCC Contractor Confidence Index (CCI) is based on a quarterly survey of PHCC members designed to take the pulse of the plumbing heating and cooling market. The survey asks respondents to rate market conditions for the present time and for the next six months. Survey results and the PHCC CCI were developed as a general sense of contractor sentiment and should not be used as a guaranteed indication of future performance of economic and industry performance. Many PHCC Contractors provide both plumbing and HVAC installation and service.
Falls Church, Va. — This year, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation scholarship program plans to award 56 scholarships totaling over $140,000. Awards are available to plumbing and HVACR apprentices working for PHCC—National Association members, trade school or community college students taking plumbing or HVAC classes and college students pursuing majors directly related to the Read more
Falls Church, Va. — This year, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation scholarship program plans to award 56 scholarships totaling over $140,000. Awards are available to plumbing and HVACR apprentices working for PHCC—National Association members, trade school or community college students taking plumbing or HVAC classes and college students pursuing majors directly related to the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.
The Foundation’s scholarship program has been rapidly growing and to better handle that increased demand, a new online application system has been built. The new system will make applying easier for apprentices and students and streamline the evaluation process. The adaptive application form will present only the necessary questions based on the answers provided by the applicant, meaning fewer questions to answer. The platform also will make it easier for applicants to collect letters of recommendation from their supervisors and PHCC business owners.
All applicants are required to answer a few questions about their interest in the trades and career plans, plus provide a letter of recommendation. Apprentices can get that recommendation from their contractor employer, while trade school or college students can have an instructor or guidance counselor write their recommendation. Awards range from $1,500 to $10,000; with the most awards set at $3,000 each. The deadline for all submission materials is May 1st and the application can be found at https://phccfoundation.org/scholarships.
“The new platform will make it easier for individuals to access these awards and get their start in the plumbing-heating-cooling industry,” said John Zink, Foundation VP of Development and Communications. “Whether the apprentice pays for their own training or their employer does, we still want those apprentices to apply. Union apprentices are welcome to apply as well.” Apprentice applicants must be working for a contractor member of the PHCC—National Association.
The scholarships are funded by contractor donations to the PHCC Educational Foundation and by these corporate sponsors: A. O. Smith, Bradford White Corporation, Delta Faucet Company, InSinkErator, RIDGID, Scorpion Home Services Marketing, State Water Heaters, SupplyHouse.com and Viega.
As of Jan. 6, 2023, Mark Ingrao is no longer the chief executive officer of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC). Former PHCC Educational Foundation Chief Operating Officer Cindy Sheridan, CAE, has been named PHCC’s interim chief executive officer. Sheridan joined PHCC as the membership director in 2000 and became the Foundation Chief Operating Officer in Read more
As of Jan. 6, 2023, Mark Ingrao is no longer the chief executive officer of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC).
Former PHCC Educational Foundation Chief Operating Officer Cindy Sheridan, CAE, has been named PHCC’s interim chief executive officer. Sheridan joined PHCC as the membership director in 2000 and became the Foundation Chief Operating Officer in 2010.
“We are delighted to have Cindy serve as staff leader for our PHCC team,” said PHCC President Dave Frame. “She is a well-respected professional who knows our association and industry well. Her extensive knowledge and expertise will help guide us as we collaborate together to build the future for our industry.”
Falls Church, Va. — The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association’s (PHCC) Educational Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the national plumbing and HVAC apprentice contests. The contests were held October 5th & 6th in Charlotte, North Carolina on the tradeshow floor during the PHCC—National Association’s CONNECT 2022 event. A total of eighteen plumbing Read more
Falls Church, Va. — The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association’s (PHCC) Educational Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the national plumbing and HVAC apprentice contests. The contests were held October 5th & 6th in Charlotte, North Carolina on the tradeshow floor during the PHCC—National Association’s CONNECT 2022 event. A total of eighteen plumbing and ten HVAC apprentices from across the nation took part in the contests.
PHCC Educational Foundation Chair Kevin Tindall, Plumbing Contest Winner Jake Elsbecker and Plumbing Contest Chair Jim Steinle.
Plumbing Apprentice Contest Winners
- First place: Jake Elsbecker, from Midwestern Mechanical in Spencer, Iowa. He was sponsored by Zoeller.
- Second place: Scott Hicks, Jr. from TD Industries in Houston, Texas. He was sponsored by the International Code Council.
- Third place: Alex Estevez from B Wagner Contracting in Allentown, New Jersey. He was sponsored by the Copper Development Association.
HVAC Apprentice Contest Winners
- First Place: Sebastian Uhde, from Magnolia Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Washington D.C. He was sponsored by the PHCC National Auxiliary.
- Second place: Harrison Bosler, from Howe Inc. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was sponsored by NIBCO, INC.
- Third Place: Sean Reed, from Reddick and Sons in Manassas, Virginia. He was sponsored by RIDGID.
The plumbing apprentices were required rough-in a bathroom system. The set-up includes a toilet, sink and shower, complete with supply, waste and vent lines, plus cleanouts and extra features designed to test the contestants’ knowledge and skills. The test set-up includes a variety of pipe materials – cast iron, copper, and PVC and corresponding joining methods.
The HVAC competitors were required to complete a written test, demonstrate proper brazing techniques and perform a hands-on diagnostic on an HVAC package unit, with system errors created by the Foundation’s contractor volunteers for the competition. The competitors also had to perform a pressure and leak test, demonstrate proper refrigerant recovery procedures and the ability to accurately take a variety of instrument readings.
A dedicated team of contractor volunteers arrived two days before the competitions to assemble the competitor test benches, distribute the materials and supplies and setup the testing areas. They monitor the competitions, evaluate the apprentices’ work and provide constructive feedback on each competitor’s performance following the event.