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SOUTH DAKOTA
605-271-7255
www.sdphcc.org
Take advantage of your member benefits
with the State and National PHCC!
Educational seminars and webinars to improve
profitability and efficiency
Apprenticeship programs
Monthly publications and online updates
State and national websites
Intra-Industry representation and lobbyist activity at
state and national levels
Opportunities to network with peers during state and
national conventions
DECEMBER 2018
Page 1
The South Dakota
Pipe Chatter Official publication of the South Dakota Association
of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, Inc.
SDAPHCC
707 E 41st St, #220 (605) 271-7255
Sioux Falls, SD 57105 1-800-640-PHCC (7422)
www.sdphcc.org
Kristie Brunick, Executive Vice President
Association Officers
• President: Andy Bruce, Allied Plumbing & Heating, Inc - Pierre
• 1st Vice President: Tom Hines, Frisbee Plumbing & Heating - Sioux Falls
• 2nd Vice President: Missy Sheesley-Johnson, Action Mechanical Inc - Rapid City
• Secretary: Ryan Brozik, Winner Plumbing - Winner
• Treasurer: Terry Sharkey, Sharkey Plumbing & Heating - Spearfish
Zone Directors
1. Brett Kaltvedt, Midwestern Mechanical, Inc - Rapid City
2. Ryan Sheesley, Mitchell Plumbing & Heating - Mitchell
3. Jeremy Seeman, Redlinger Bros Plumbing & Heating - Watertown
4. Dan Hartman, Wolff’s Plumbing & Heating - Spearfish
5. Brian Ames, Northwest Pipe Fittings - Rapid City (Sustaining Member)
The South Dakota Pipe Chatter is published
monthly and is the official publication of
the South Dakota Association of Plumbing-
Heating-Cooling Contractors, Inc only
insofar as notices, bulletins, and reports are
concerned. Editorial and personalized new
stories reflect the opinion of the writers and
not that of SDAPHCC. Neither SDAPHCC
nor this magazine accepts responsibility for
statements or claims made for their
products by advertisers.
SDAPHCC Convention
Feb 28-Mar 1, 2019
Sioux Falls, SD
PHCC CONNECT 2019
Oct 2-4, 2019
Indianapolis, IN
Upcoming Events
Please consider these
companies who show their
support for SDAPHCC by
advertising in the
Pipe Chatter:
Dakota Supply Group
Energy Dynamics, Inc.
Federated Insurance
Goodin Company
G & R Controls
Johnstone Supply
Northwest Pipe Fittings, Inc.
Bradford White
Plumbing & Heating Wholesale, Inc.
Sioux Falls Winnelson
T & S Brass
DECEMBER 2018
Page 2
Please welcome our newest
SDAPHCC Member
Vandemark Heating & Cooling
Randy Vandemark
1301 Normal St,
Woodbine, IA 51579
712-647-2627
18 Classes Coming in March 2019
Watch your mail and
future PipeChatter issues
for final class schedules
and registration information!
DECEMBER 2018
Page 3
Do you ever get tired of hearing about “millennials”? It seems like every place I
go I hear somebody talking about how “millennials” have such a poor work ethic.
They have a feeling of entitlement. They need to have safe spaces. When they
run short on cash they call their mommy. They are the generation that grew up
getting participation trophies and now they don’t understand how to function in
the real world. They are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to manage in the
workplace. I hear people talking about it all the time. Everybody, that is, besides
the millennial generation themselves. Do you ever get tired of hearing about it?
I’ve got a confession to make. If you had a conversation with me sometime within
the last 10 years, you’ve probably heard me talking about it. There’s no doubt, I
have a separation in thought process with some people of that generation. When
I think about it, I’m kind of ashamed of some of the things I’ve said on the topic over the years. It’s been a
struggle relating for me. I’ve been somewhat lucky, though, because I have somebody that helps me keep it in
perspective. It’s one of my business partners and he grew up right in the middle of that generation.
So, this partner that I’m talking about isn’t the stereotypical, born in the 80’s or 90’s, kind of guy that comes to
my mind when I think about that group of people. Some of you know him and you won’t argue when I say he’s
a sociable man. He’s got the ability to evaluate, reason, and make decisions based on data, not emotion. Most
of the time he’s also got an ability to envision where he wants to go and an idea on how to get there. I respect
and admire that. The Lovely Carla thinks he’s charming. I’m not sure what I think about that.
I, being on the backside of 50 years old (I understand that’s hard to believe, but its true), seem to be losing
patience more often with younger people. At least I think that’s why people refer to me as a grumpy old man
lately. It only makes sense for me to listen. So here’s some of the stuff my “charming” partner has told me
regarding the millennial generation. He may not have said it in these exact words, but these are the messages
he’s trying to get across.
1. These guys are outstanding with and not afraid of technology. They grew up with it. We need to find ways
to let them use it and ways to recruit them with it.
2. Millennials are entrepreneurs. Hey, aren’t we looking for people to want to take responsibility and possibly
take over our businesses someday? Why wouldn’t you want to figure out a way to get people with that
characteristic involved? If I’m so worried they’re going to be competition, why don’t I figure out ways to get
them involved?
3. This generation of people are flexible. They like non-traditional work places and work hours. Hmmm.
Maybe if I wasn’t so hard headed I’d realize that when people have plumbing emergencies, there’s a good
chance it isn’t during work hours. Why is getting to work before 8 o’clock so important to me?
4. These people understand that life and business are always evolving. This one hits pretty close to home when
I think about it. After all, I know that life and business are always evolving, but don’t I find myself resisting
change? If I really understood it, wouldn’t I welcome it and look forward to it?
5. It’s important to millennials to help other people. There’s another good one. After all, isn’t that what PHCC
contractors do every day? Aren’t we in business to make people’s problems go away?
I could go on with more examples, but you get the picture. Seems like the more I think I know, the more I have
to learn.
Merry Christmas to all. I hope you get some root beer in your stocking.
President’s Message
DECEMBER 2018
Page 4
DECEMBER 2018
Page 5
Medical Gas Certification Class Set for February
What: Medical Gas Installers Training Seminar
When: February 18-21, 2019
Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm each day
Where: Sioux Falls, SD
Tuition: $1,250 per person (PHCC Member)
$1,450 per person (non-member)
ABOUT THE COURSE
The class will consist of training in all facets of
medical gas pipeline equipment installation for
hospitals, office-based occupancies, nursing
homes and other health care facilities. A
portion of the class will be devoted to learning
proper brazing techniques and requirements
for working with medical gas equipment and
piping. The textbook for the class will be the
2012 edition of NFPA 99 and will be provided,
as well as other learning aids.
Students will also be required to successfully
complete a written examination as well as a
brazing practical in which they will be required
to braze vertical and horizontal full-
penetration joints on 1-½” tubing and the
brazing coupons will be tested by a Certified
Welding Inspector at an independent
laboratory.
Tuition includes the use of turbo torches and
acetylene. Each student will need to bring 4’
of 1-½” L tubing (not cleaned) and 6 to 8 1-½”
wrought couplings with stops, as well as 1 lb of
silver solder. Students are also asked to bring
paper, pencils, and highlighters for note
taking.
Contractor employees need to be journeyman
level, or active in the trades for at least four
years. Estimators, construction company
officials and hospital employees who will not
be installing medical gas systems, and building
officials/inspectors, are welcome into the class
with the four year requirement waived.
NFPA has mandated brazing qualifications
since 1993. NFPA 99 now mandates that all
installers meet the requirements of the A.S.S.E.
series 6010, 32-hour course. In addition, many
major design firms now mandate compliance
with the ANSI/A.S.S.E. 6000 series in their
specifications. As of July of 2016, the federal
government has mandated compliance with
the 2012 edition of NFPA 99.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Dave Mohile has more than 38 years
experience in design, testing, verification,
and troubleshooting medical gas pipeline
systems. He is a member of the NFPA
Technical Committee on Medical Gases
that is responsible for writing and changing
NFPA 99, a member of the A.S.S.E. working
group responsible for the 6000 series, and a credentialed
A.S.S.E. 6030 Verifier and 6050 Instructor.
TO REGISTER
Complete the following form and send with tuition payment
to SDAPHCC Office.
Name _______________________________________________________
Company ___________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Email _______________________________________________________
Phone ______________________________________________________
Mail form and check to:
SDAPHCC, 707 E 41st St, #220, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Make checks payable to: SDAPHCC
Class space is limited, so register early.
DECEMBER 2018
Page 6
Invest in the Future of Your Industry
Your tax deductible donation to
the SDAPHCC Educational
Foundation helps provide
scholarships to students
entering the p-h-c industry.
Mail you donation to SDAPHCC, 707 E 41st St, #220, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
For more information, contact the SDAPHCC Office.
Phone: 605-271-7255 or Email: [email protected]
On November 13, the Department of Labor and Regulation hosted the Start Today SD Summit at Mitchell
Technical Institute, in Mitchell SD. Held in conjunction with National Apprentice Week, the Summit brought
together apprenticeship advocates from across the state.
The Summit focused on the need for apprenticeships and the growing momentum to add new programs in
South Dakota. The SD Department of Labor and Regulation shared with the group their efforts to expand
apprenticeships. In South Dakota, there are currently 750-800 registered apprentices across various industries.
The department’s goal is to add 200 active apprenticeships by the fall of 2020.
Representatives from Yankton High School shared information about their newly formed Student Internship
program. By partnering with local businesses, the school has been able to give students realistic work
experiences in industries of their choosing. Students are able to learn valuable employment lessons while
exploring a career.
Three apprentices from Midwestern Mechanical were part of an Apprentice Spotlight Panel. Each apprentice
shared how their life experiences lead them to an apprenticeship, how the apprenticeship has benefited them,
and how they plan to advance their career after their apprenticeship is complete.
Lastly, a representative from the Independent Electrical Contractors and a representative from Neighborhood
Dental discussed the value of apprenticeships and the successes they have enjoyed as a result of apprenticeships.
The event finished with the announcement of Start Today SD Incentive Recipients. Thanks to a federal grant, the
Department of Labor and Regulation received funding to expand the state’s apprenticeship program. As a result,
several South Dakota businesses will receive incentives to fund the creation of new apprenticeship programs.
SD Summit Promotes Apprenticeship
DECEMBER 2018
Page 7
DECEMBER 2018
Page 8
Enter Your Apprentice in the
Annual SDAPHCC Apprentice Contest!
Plumbing Division or HVAC Division
Written Tests held on January 11, 2019 at 2pm
in Rapid City and Sioux Falls
Hands-On Plumbing Competition held February 28 at State Convention in Sioux Falls
Winning Contestants receive trip to National Competition
at CONNECT 2019 in Indianapolis, IN
Registration Deadline: December 28, 2018
Registration Form SDAPHCC Plumbing Apprentice Contest
Instructions: Please return the completed Application form by December 28, 2018 to:
SDAPHCC, 707 East 41st St. #220, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Or Email: [email protected]
Contestant Name: ____________________________________________________ Year of Apprenticeship____________
Personal Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________ Email:___________________________________________________________
Employer Company:______________________________________________________________________________________
Employer City:___________________________________________ Phone:_________________________________________
Employer Contact Person:____________________________________________ Title:_______________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Indicate Division (check one): Plumbing________ HVAC____________
Testing Location (check one): Rapid City_______ Sioux Falls________
DECEMBER 2018
Page 9
The SDAPHCC hosts an annual apprentice competition in conjunction with its Annual Convention. Apprentices can compete in either the Plumbing Division or the HVAC Division.
Plumbing Division Details
• Apprentices first compete in a written competition.
• The top three competitors in the written competition advance to a hands-on competition at the Annual SDAPHCC State Convention
• The first-place winner of the hands-on competition will then advance to the National PHCC Competition at the national convention.
HVAC Division Details
• The HVAC Division competition in SD consists of only a written test.
• The apprentice with the highest score will automatically advance to the National PHCC Competition at the national convention.
Written Competition Details
• Held on January 11, 2019 in Rapid City and Sioux Falls at 2pm.
• Rapid City Location: 1865 Samco Road (Midwestern Mechanical)
• Sioux Falls Location: 4105 N Lewis Ave (Midwestern Mechanical)
• Written Test Schedule
• 1:45 pm – Contestants Arrive and Check In
• 2:00 pm – Testing Starts (no exceptions or late starts)
• 4:00 pm – Testing Ends
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Contestants will need to provide a driver’s license or other valid picture ID at the time of testing.
• Tests will be graded at a later date and results will be issued within the next week.
• In the case of a tie, the time that the test was turned in will be the tie breaker with the shortest test time as the winner.
State Convention Details
• The State Convention will be held in Sioux Falls at the Holiday Inn City Centre on February 28 & March 1.
• The Plumbing Hands-on Competition will be held on February 28.
• Contestants are invited to attend lunch on that day and stay for the Table Top Event that evening.
National Convention Details
• The National Convention will be held October 2-4, 2019 in Indianapolis, IN.
• Winning contestants will receive travel and lodging to the convention plus free admission to the contest dinner, trade show, and awards luncheon.
• Contestants will compete against apprentices from across the nation in a written and a hands-on competition.
Contest Guidelines
• Employers must be a member of the SDAPHCC.
• Apprentices must be a third-year apprentice or higher during 2018 and shall not have attained journeyman status.
• Plumbing apprentices must be a registered apprentice with the South Dakota Plumbing Commission.
• The contestants should not have previously competed at the National PHCC competition.
• Registration deadline is December 28, 2018.
SDAPHCC Apprentice Contest Details and Guidelines
DECEMBER 2018
Page 10
Convention Schedule
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28
7:00am - 6:00pm Registration
7:30am - 9:00am Breakfast
8:00am - 11:45am Continuing Education Class for Plumbing
Contractors
8:00am - 11:45am Vendor Set up
10:00am - 11:45am Apprentice Contest
12:00pm - 1:30pm Awards Luncheon
1:45pm - 5:00pm Seminar featuring Steve Coscia
1:45pm - 4:00pm Apprentice Contest
1:45pm - 4:30pm Spouse Event
1:45pm - 5:15pm Vendor Set up
5:30pm - 8:30pm Table Top Event
8:30pm - 11:00pm Dueling Duo Entertainment
FRIDAY, MARCH 1
7:30am - 8:30am Breakfast
8:30am - 9:30pm Seminar featuring Alternative HRD, LLC
9:45am - 11:15am Seminar featuring Elizabeth Hagen
11:30am - 1:00pm Lunch with Federated Insurance and
Annual Meeting
*Schedule times subject to change
SDAPHCC 2019 Annual Convention
February 28 & March 1
Holiday Inn City Centre, Sioux Falls, SD
MAKE YOUR ROOM RESERVATIONS
Call Holiday Inn City Centre - Sioux Falls, SD
605-339-2000
SDAPHCC Room Rate - $109.00
Reservation Deadline: January 28, 2019
MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND!
Networking
Take advantage of this unique
opportunity to share ideas with
other professionals in your
industry.
Education
Not only can you complete your
2019 Continuing Ed credits, but
you can also gain solid
knowledge to benefit your
business.
Industry Info
Meet with industry suppliers to
learn about the latest new
products and technology.
Fun
Enjoy a good time with old and
new friends!
DECEMBER 2018
Page 11
Steve Coscia is one of the most widely published and quoted authorities in trade
publication on the topics of customer service and soft skills. Both commercial and
residential contractors gain valuable insight from Steve’s soft skills seminars.
Steve’s frequent television appearances make him the ideal spokesperson for the service
industry. His Soft Skills Curriculum is taught worldwide at colleges and career centers.
His books, videos, audio programs and e-learning have helped thousands of customer
service professionals.
Coscia’s clients make more money through better customer retention, increased
upselling, and heightened awareness to how stress can limit productivity and
effectiveness. Coscia’s strategies cut through the clutter and focus on the key tactical
behaviors which enable a company to become world class.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS
Elizabeth Hagen is a professional speaker, author, and business coach whose passion is
seeing those she works with having more control, more focus, more momentum, and
more success.
Through her presentations all across the U.S. and personal coaching Elizabeth’s humor,
empathetic honesty, and common sense have encouraged thousands to put her proven
strategies and practical tips in place to help them step up to the plate and make
something great happen in their life and work.
Elizabeth is the author/coauthor of 5 books. She has spent the last 30 years developing
systems and tools to encourage, nurture, and support an environment of excellence for
all those whose lives she touches.
Alternative HRD, LLC, located in Sioux Falls, SD, provides expertise to
businesses, non-profits and public entities in the areas of human
resource development and management. Their vision is to help
their customers compete for great people, comply with scores of
employment laws and regulations, create the team and culture they
dreamed of when they started their endeavor, and lead their team
to greater success.
Dueling Duo, Dueling Pianos Request Show, brings more fun than
people should legally be allowed to have! They have performed
over 1000 shows in 8 states and are ready to bring a great
convention show. Andy, Ryno and Dan provide an unstoppable
energy in their entertaining all request show.
DECEMBER 2018
Page 12
Registration Form 2019 SDAPHCC Annual Convention
February 28 & March 1, 2019 - Holiday Inn City Centre, Sioux Falls, SD
Company_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Contract Name ________________________________________ Phone__________________________________________
Email_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
$220 - Full Contractor Registration includes: all access to all seminars, meals, exhibits, & entertainment
$110 - Spouse Registration includes: access to all educational seminars, meals, exhibits, entertainment & spouse event
$150 - Thursday Only Registration includes: access to Thursday’s seminars & meals, plus exhibits & entertainment
$35 - Table Top Only Registration includes: access to Thursday’s exhibits, dinner & entertainment
$75 - Friday Only Registration includes: access to Friday’s educational seminars & meals
$150 - Full Sustaining Registration includes: all access to all educational seminars, meals, exhibits & entertainment
To Register - Return completed form along with payment to:
SDAPHCC, 707 E 41st St, # 202, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Make checks payable to: SDAPHCC
Cancellation Policy - Full refunds will be given to cancellations made by
February 15. Refunds will not be given for no shows or cancellations received
after February 15.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE - FEBRUARY 1
GRAND TOTAL
Name Total
DECEMBER 2018
Page 13
Convention Opportunities for Sustaining Members
The SDAPHCC Annual Convention offers several opportunities for Sustaining Members to support the Association and
connect with Contractor Members.
• TABLE TOP DISPLAY - Sustaining Members can display their company and products during the Thursday
evening event. Reserve a table for $225 each.
• SPONSORSHIP - Sustaining Members can show their support of the Association by sponsoring convention
activities. Sponsors will receive recognition in the PipeChatter, and onsite during the convention.
• NETWORKING - A full convention registration offers Sustaining Members a unique opportunity to interact with
Contractor Members.
_____Thursday Breakfast - $400
_____Thursday Continuing Education - $500
_____Thursday AM Break - $200
_____Thursday Seminar - $500
_____Thursday PM Break - $200
_____Friday Breakfast - $400
_____Friday Seminar - $300
_____Friday AM Break - $200
_____Friday Seminar - $300
_____Spouse Event - $500
_____Apprentice Competition - $300
Thursday Lunch (3 available)
_____$250 _____$250 _____$250
Thursday Dinner (3 available)
_____$350 _____$350 _____$350
Thursday Entertainment (3 available)
_____$500 _____$500 _____$500
Friday Lunch (3 available)
_____$250 _____$250 _____$250
Company_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Contract Name ________________________________________ Phone__________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Email_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
SUSTAINING MEMBER PARTICIPATION FORM
SDAPHCC 2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION
Check all items you wish to participate in.
_____Table Top Display-$225
_____Sponsorships - check your selection(s)
To reserve your table top display and/or sponsorship return this completed form by January 15 to:
SDAPHCC, 707 E 41st St, #220, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 Or Email: [email protected]
Indicate payment method: _____Please invoice _____Check enclosed payable to SDAPHCC
PARTICIPATATION TOTAL: $
DECEMBER 2018
Page 14
By Michael Copp, Executive Vice President, PHCC National Association
I am a baseball fan who appreciates the beauty and art of the contest. Admittedly, I
am less sophisticated about the sabermetrics of the game once called “townball”.
While watching the World Series, I learned something about offensive production
during the four games I’ve watched so far between the Los Angeles Dodgers,
formerly the Brooklyn Grays founded in 1883 (incidentally the same year that PHCC
was founded as the National Association of Master Plumbers); and the Boston Red
Sox, formed as the Boston Red Stockings in 1901. I saw many players exemplifying
the same values of plumbing-heating-cooling (p-h-c) trade professionals.
I’ve come to believe the real heroes of the game are the “grinders”- those who day-in-and-day out keep their
head down and outwork their competition, and who respect themselves, their teammates, their fans and their
competition. Good ‘role’ players strive to improve their craft every day. Centerfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. said, “We
like to be able to put together great at-bats up and down the lineup, no matter who’s up. We like to have that
mindset of ‘Do Your Job’ and kind of pass the baton to the next person. Get on base any way you possibly can.”
This approach to the game sets up the entire team for success as successive singles drive runners home and/or
when occasionally, the professional hitter struts up to home plate and smacks the ball over the fence with bases
loaded, 2 strikes and 2 outs.
I view the contractors and technicians as grinders. They continuously seek to improve their craft and share best
practices and hence, ‘push each other around the bases’ to achieve success for themselves and the industry while
protecting society and the environment. One need only observe the online forums like the PHCC online
Community, Plumbing Hacks And Plumbing Professional Discussions and Trade Service Companies Owners
Insight within which contractors and technicians ask questions, and seek and share best practices amongst each
other.
And like baseball players, professional contractors and
technicians demonstrate their charitable side by
volunteering in support of their communities. I was
personally touched by this kindness when several
members of the Plumbing Hacks And Plumbing
Professional Discussions drove six hours to Panama City,
Florida, to join other volunteers who provided supplies to
residents hit hard by Hurricane Michael- some of whom
were my family.
So, as the 2018 World Series ends, I am reminded that p-
h-c trade professionals and baseball players are cut from
the same cloth (less those who play the game with ‘spikes
up’). The p-h-c trades are filled with grinders whose
stories are worth every bit of attention of those searching
for a good story about what is right about our
industry. It’s all about passing the baton to the next
tradesperson and hence, raising everyone’s level of
professionalism.
Passing the Baton
DECEMBER 2018
Page 15
DECEMBER 2018
Page 16
What are the Key Election Takeaways for PHCC?
By Mark Riso, Vice President of Legislative Affiars
Whether you’re a policy wonk or fan of political polls, research and analysis – one
dynamic was clear regarding the past Congressional elections – predictions on the
House and Senate races were pretty much on target and have changed the political
landscape in Washington, DC. This is important as the political profile of Congress
will help guide how PHCC goes about its legislative and regulatory work on Capitol
Hill and with federal agencies over the next two years (116th Congressional cycle).
As a nation, one of the more positive stories was record voter turnout. Though votes
are still being counted – it’s estimated that 114 million ballots were cast this year –
compared to 83 million votes cast in 2014 and 91 million ballots cast in 2010 (these
are midterm totals). Political parties aside – it’s great that Americans embraced their right to vote and let their
voice be heard. Another big story is a record 118 women will serve in the 116th Congress (both House and
Senate) – 31 of which are new comers. Freshman Members of Congress offer PHCC a unique opportunity to
build relationships early in their Congressional careers. For PHCC specifically – of the 38 Members of Congress
who PHCC supported – 34 will return to serve in the 116th Congressional Cycle.
Were the elections a referendum on the Trump Administration? Was the economy, health care, Kavanaugh
hearings or immigration front line issues for voters? Probably a combination of all – but with a few races still
undecided in both the House and Senate, we now know for certain that the Democrats will hold a numeric
majority in the House for the 116th Congress and the Republicans will hold a numeric majority in the Senate for
the 116th Congress.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PHCC…AND WHAT WILL PHCC DO?
1. First and foremost – PHCC will begin building relationships with incoming Members of Congress – while
maintaining relationships with returning Members. PHCC will also provide a grassroots process for PHCC
members and chapters to engage their Member(s) of Congress (thereby building relationships) at the start of
the new Congress in early January 2019.
2. PHCC will work on key industry issues closing out the 115th Congress and going into the 116th Congress –
• Association Health Plan reform – PHCC has investigated a potential national association health plan as
a result of an Executive Order to lower health care costs for members and the industry. Though the
creation of a national health care plan is not an issue for Capitol Hill, PHCC let lawmakers know that
the delay (due to litigation) is hurting contractors and small business. In the meantime, PHCC is
working with state chapters to explore creating state health care plans until a national plan can be
offered.
• Infrastructure spending – this is significant. PHCC has long worked to educate Members of Congress
on the value of infrastructure spending (above and below ground). Remember, President Trump is a
developer – he understands that economic health is based on the ability to move people and product,
and to provide safe drinking water. This could very well be an issue that the new majority in the House
and the Administration agree on.
• Immigration reform – the new Democratic majority in the House may very well plan to draft
immigration reform during the 116th Congress by building on the current national debate on
immigration. PHCC’s Board of Directors recently passed an updated position on immigration (see phcc
website) and PHCC will remind Members of both the House and Senate know of PHCC’s position.
DECEMBER 2018
Page 17
• Workforce development – PHCC has been working with Capitol Hill and the Department of Labor to
promote the plumbing-heating-cooling industry as a first option for career development.
3. PHCC will monitor the new Congress as it applies to Committee Chairmanships. This is key to PHCC’s
success on Capitol Hill. Though no changes are expected in the Senate – the House shift in political power
will usher in a new wave of committee Chairpeople. For example – committees of jurisdiction for PHCC
issues will change:
• House Committee on Small Business – current Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) will become the ranking
member, while current Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) will become the Chairwoman.
• House Energy and Commerce Committee – current Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) will become the
ranking member, while Frank Pallone (D-NJ) will become the
Chairman.
4. PHCC leadership will begin engaging with the new House
leadership. Though the election for the new Speaker – as well as
majority leader, minority leader and other leadership positions will
be decided in the coming weeks – PHCC leadership will ensure that
the interests of PHCC members as well as the industry are
represented on Capitol Hill.
PHCC National will continue to “have your back” as we head into a new
landscape of American policy making on Capitol Hill.
DECEMBER 2018
Page 18
By Kristie Brunick
As we approach December, I can’t help but reflect on the past year. It certainly has been filled with exciting
change for me! I’ve enjoyed learning my new role and meeting many new people. I am definitely looking
forward to 2019 and the opportunities ahead.
2019 Annual Convention
In this issue, you will find information about the 2019 Annual Convention along with the registration form. Please
note, the changes to this year’s schedule. I’m looking forward to a fun, and informative event. The hotel
registration deadline is January 28 and the convention registration deadline is February 1. Please make plans to
join us!
2019 Apprentice Competition
I’ve also included the Apprentice Competition registration information in this issue for your use. This contest is
an excellent way to challenge your apprentice while further exposing them to the industry. The registration
deadline is December 28. The testing will take place on January 11 in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
Continuing Education
I have been meeting with IAPMO to finalize plans for the 2019 Continuing Education Season. Once again, 18
classes are scheduled for the month of March. A mailing will be sent in January with the schedule and
registration information.
Scholarships
Don’t forget, this is the final month to submit a scholarship application for the 2019-2020 school year. If you
know a student entering the plumbing-heating-cooling industry, please encourage them to apply. Scholarships
for $500 and $1000 are available.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continuous support of this association! Your
membership is an investment in your industry and company. I’d like to extend an special note of gratitude to
those who advertise in our publications and sponsor our events. Your contributions are key to our success. And
lastly, thank you to the Board of Directors for your dedication and leadership.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
From the Executive’s Desk
Page 19
NOVEMBER 2018
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