Network ’07 Convention Highlights

A Classic PHCC Convention:Battling and Guiding the Elements

The four classical elements—fire, water, earth and wind—all made their mark on the Oct. 24-27 PHCC convention in Anaheim, Calif., making it a memorable event.

First, Southern California fires attracting national media attention ravaged close by PHCC convention headquarters, the Anaheim Marriott.  

Then, there were reports of poor air quality caused by smoke from the fires fueled by the Santa Ana winds. But neither of these factors kept the approximately1,000 Network ’07 participants from carrying on with plans for the week. In fact, those attending the PHCC annual convention had their minds on two elements over which they may have more control, particularly related to water and energy conservation.

At the Oct. 26 PHCC board meeting, the board of directors voted to become an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense partner. WaterSense is a voluntary-based program designed to encourage the procurement of water-conserving products. Among the products included in the WaterSense product offerings are high efficiency toilets (HETs), which now would require the use of the 1.28 gallon per flush models.

The PHCC board also approved revisions to its water conservation position paper to include reference to the need for field testing and consideration of the impacts on water/sewer infrastructure when high efficiency toilets (HETs) are considered in the form of a mandate. The paper emphasized the need for decision-makers to consider other means of conserving water, such as wastewater recycling systems (greywater), and called for legislators to consider tax and other incentives designed to encourage purchase of water conserving products and services.

The board also re-considered a request from the Plumbing Manufacturer’s Institute’s (PMI) to support a national toilet standard. Board members requested that PMI locate and provide any field testing data or information demonstrating the compatibility between HETs and existing water/sewer infrastructure for consideration of the board at its January meeting.

California PHCC Executive Director Steve Lehtonen also reported on “Green Plumbers,” a certification program designed for plumbing contractors to inform purchasers of water- conserving products and technologies.

 There also were several discussions of green plumbing and the role that plumbing contractors can play in addressing water conservation and overall protection of the earth. During the annual business meeting, a “sense of the convention” was offered and approved to create a task force to increase the role and voice of the p-h-c contractor in the overall water and energy conservation/green construction issue. The idea was proposed by Past National President Fran Williams on behalf of the PHCC Past National Officers.

Other convention highlights include:

PHCC Kicks off 125th Anniversary Celebration

With special remarks and the presentation of a video at the annual business meeting on Friday, Oct. 26, the association kicked off an official year-long celebration of its 125th anniversary. The goal of the observance is to make the general public more aware of the importance of hiring a professional contractor.

Wagner Sees “Great Destiny” for PHCC

During her report at the annual meeting, PHCC President Jo Wagner discussed PHCC’s great history, and emphasized that is the association has an “even greater destiny.” She talked about PHCC’s achievements in several areas over the past year, particularly developing an industry workforce and providing value to members. Later in the week, PHCC and its Partners for Professionalism held a press briefing during which initiatives in workforce development were discussed. 

During the closing reception on Friday night, just-installed President Jim Finley shared that the highlight of the celebration will occur April 28-May 2, 2008, during Leadership and Legislative Conference ’08 for which national and state proclamations will be sought. Look for more details of the anniversary celebration in next week’s PHCC Online.

Skip Pfeffer Elected New Vice President

New Officers Installed

Skip Pfeffer, Canton Plumbing, Canton, Mass., was elected PHCC’s new vice president at the Oct. 26 Annual Business Meeting. Pfeffer is a former PHCC national secretary, zone director and bylaws committee member. At the state level, he is a past president of Massachusetts PHCC and a recipient of the Contractor of the Year and Bradford Rose awards.

He and other new officers and zone directors installed at the closing reception.

InSinkErator Luncheon Celebrates the Best of 2007

This year’s event featured a combined scholarship and awards program, during which the PHCC—National Association, the PHCC Educational Foundation, Association Executives Council and the PHCC-National Auxiliary recognized outstanding achievement. Suzanne LaRusch, a Lucille Ball impersonator, served as emcee adding a touch of humor and fun to the annual event.

Major award winners announced at the lunch were:

Laurie Crigler Receives Col Scott Award

Laurie Crigler, L & D Associate, Inc of Aroda, Va., received the prestigious Col. George D. Scott award for meritorious service. The award is presented in recognition of the continuing philosophy of dedicated service inspired by Col. George D. Scott, PHCC’s first president.  

Association Executives Council Spectrum Award: Rodney Jones, Egyptian PHCC, local executive manager

Association Executives Coucil Publication Awards: Click here 

Auxiliary 3-D Award: Terry Giebelhaus, Phoenix, Ariz.

Auxiliary Member of the Year: Bernadine Stockmeister, Jackson, Ohio Auxiliary

Robert M. Cox Humanitarian Awards: Click here

Delta Faucet Apprentice of the Year: Orlando Zamora, CTO, Inc., Harlingen, Texas

Delta Faucet Plumbing Contractor of the Year: Larry Lee, Lee Plumbing & Heating Co., Thief River Falls, Wis.

Trane/PHCC HVAC Contractor of the Year: Tom Warner, Utility Service Express, LLC, Reston, Va.

Also, more than $100,000 in scholarships were awarded during the luncheon.

For a list of Foundation scholarships, click here.

For a list of Auxiliary scholarships, click here.

Top Apprentices Selected

During the closing party on Friday night, the winners of the 2007 PHCC Apprentice Contest were announced:

1st Place – Tom Shields, Waterloo, Ill, sponsored by Missouri PHCC/Plumbing Industry Council

2nd Place – Richard Aldridge, Chesapeake, Va., sponsored by Virginia PHCC

3rd Place – Cory Schutte, House Springs, Mo., sponsored by Missouri PHCC/Plumbing Industry Council

Start Planning for Next Year’s Convention

The 2008 PHCC convention and ISH North America Trade Show will be Sept. 29 –Oct. 4 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and Atlanta Convention Center in Atlanta.