Join PHCC signatory contractors from across the country for the Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC) Management Conference – focused on helping you navigate the opportunities and challenges facing your business today and in the future. Education topics include: Legal Clinic, Effective Contract Negotiation Strategies, Issues Facing 2nd & 3rd Generation Business Owners Roundtable, Active Shooter, Local/State Advocacy in a mixed union/open shop PHCC chapter, Wearing the Trustee Hat and Chapter Best Practices.
- 2020 UAC Management Conference - UAC Member$375.00
- 2020 UAC Management Conference - Spouse/Guest$95.00
Sponsors
Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Suites
10 Drury LN
Oakbrook Terrace IL 60181-4614
(630) 941-0100
Location Website
Hotels
10 Drury LN
Oakbrook Terrace IL 60181-4614
(630) 941-0100
Hotel Website
Register by February 28, 2020 to take advantage of group discounted rates - $130 Single / $140 Double.
Rates are available 3 days before and 3 days after the event. Rate includes full American breakfast. Credit card is required to secure room reservation.
March 18th, 2020 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
UAC and Illinois PHCC Meet & Greet
Receive a warm welcome to the Chicago area! Visit with friends and colleagues and enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks in the hospitality suite of the Illinois PHCC.
Session Room: Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook SuiteSession Type: Reception
March 19th, 2020 | 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
“Loss Prevention: Contract Risk, Tools & Equipment and Employee Retention”
Are contractors bleeding money and absorbing losses needlessly? This roundtable on Loss Prevention led by fellow contractors will provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss simple ideas, concepts and tips on three, common and specific areas - Contract Risk, Tools & Equipment and Employee Retention.
Session Room: Drury Lane Conference CenterSession Type: Roundtable
March 19th, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 1:15 PM
Wrigley Field Plumbing Improvements Tour & Lunch - Sponsored by Sloan Manufacturing
Sponsored by Sloan Manufacturing
Join a behind-the-scenes guided tour of Sloan Manufacturing’s many plumbing improvements to historic Wrigley Field. The Cubs organization will also take us through the dugout, clubhouse and press box as they prepare for the start of the 2020 baseball season. We’ll travel by shuttle bus from Drury Lane, departing at 10:00 am and returning by 1:30 pm in time for the afternoon UAC Workshops. Box lunch and bus transportation provided and included with conference registration.
March 19th, 2020 | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Legal Clinic: Questions Nobody Asks…But Should! For Contractors & Chapter Executives
Our employment law experts will field common and uncommon questions — “the ones contractors and execs should ask but rarely do” — on a range of relevant topics: withdrawal liability; trust funds; succession planning; fund office audits; employee policies; prevention of harassment charges and how to address them if they occur.
Session Room: Drury Lane Conference CenterSession Type: Education
March 19th, 2020 | 2:30 PM - 3:50 PM
Contract Negotiations: Effective Strategies
Contractor leaders are often called upon by their Associations to take part in collective bargaining (union contract negotiations). It's rarely a fast or easy task. Led by seasoned management attorney Rick Samson, this session will explore best practice strategies for bargaining — from selecting your team, to choosing a spokesperson, to formulating realistic proposals that can (or might?) lead to reasonable settlements. Rick will also address now new state marijuana laws could impact labor-management drug plans.
Session Room: Drury Lane Conference CenterSession Type: Roundtable
March 19th, 2020 | 4:00 PM - 5:20 PM
“Active Shooter: Are You Prepared?” A panel discussion on safety, legal, awareness and survival
Our panel of experts will discuss how to manage situations where a workplace violence situation arises. Topics include employers’ obligations under OSHA; negligent hire/retention claims and public relations concerns. Prevention methods to minimize non-employee access will also be discussed including stronger employer policies, employee GPS/identification badges, electronic keys, and security guards.
Session Room: Drury Lane Conference CenterSession Type: Education
March 19th, 2020 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
IL PHCC and UAC Joint Reception
Session description not available at this time.
Session Room: Hospitality SuiteSession Type: Reception
March 20th, 2020 | 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
“Local/State Chapter Best Practices”
Session description not available at this time.
Session Room: Drury Lane Conference CenterSession Type: Education
March 20th, 2020 | 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
“Labor-Management/Trustee Training – Wearing Multiple Hats (without giving away the store)”
Session description not available at this time.
Session Room: Drury Lane Conference CenterSession Type: Education
March 20th, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
“Local/State Advocacy – Sending a Unified Industry Message"
Session description not available at this time.
Session Room: Drury Lane Conference CenterSession Type: Education
March 20th, 2020 | 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Milwaukee Tool Product Demo
North American premiere! Milwaukee Tool hosts a hands-on demonstration of their MX FUEL Equipment System. Contractors are welcome to try the system's tools and test the performance, run-time and durability without the hazards associated with emissions, noise, vibration and the frustrations of gas maintenance.
Session Room: Drury Lane Conference CenterSession Type: Product
March 20th, 2020 | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Illinois PHCC's Annual Expo and Product Show
Session description not available at this time.
Session Room: Drury Lane Conference CenterSession Type: Trade Show
March 20th, 2020 | 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
UAC Annual Meeting & Lunch
Featured will be the UAC Chairman's report; budget review; progress review of Strategic Plan; Trustee elections; and audience questions and answers. Lunch will be provided.
Session Room: Drury Lane Conference CenterSession Type: Lunch
March 20th, 2020 | 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
PCA Midwest/Plumbing Council “Break-Away”
UAC attendees are welcome to the IL PHCC’s Expo and Product Show courtesy of the Illinois Chapter. UAC attendees are also invited to enjoy refreshments, snacks and beverages in a private area, compliments of the exclusive Greater Chicago Area affiliate of the PHCC and UAC: the PCA Midwest.
Session Room: Drury Lane Conference CenterSession Type: Roundtable
March 20th, 2020 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Illinois PHCC Reception
Session description not available at this time.
Session Room: Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook SuiteSession Type: Reception
March 20th, 2020
Association Leadership 201 - 3 Sessions
Association Leadership 201 - 3 Sessions
“Local/State Chapter Best Practices”
“Labor-Management/Trustee Training – Wearing Multiple Hats (without giving away the store)”
“Local/State Advocacy – Sending a Unified Industry Message to Legislative/Agency/Media in a Divergent PHCC Open/Union Shop/UA World”
Jeff will amplify a message on Local/State Chapter Best Practices and supplement with some specific ideas on Management Trustees training amid competing responsibilities. Finally, he will speak to the difficulties of having a positive and unified legislative/PR message on behalf of the plumbing-heating-cooling industry in a PHCC Open/Union Shop/UA world.
Jeffrey J. Beiriger
Jeffrey J. Beiriger is president of Association/Management Services, Inc., a company that provides management and lobbying assistance for local and state associations, including the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Wisconsin, the Plumbing Contractors Association of Southeastern Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Water Well Association, the Minnesota Heating and Cooling Association and the and the Geothermal Heat Pump Associations in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Jeff has been an association professional for nearly his entire career, starting shortly after graduate school, where he received his degree in Human Resource Management focusing on labor relations. He has previously worked with the AGC of Chicago, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Wisconsin, and the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin. During his career, he has served as a member of collective bargaining committee and as the lead negotiator/spokesperson. He has also served on numerous Taft-Hartley funds, including health, 401(k), and training funds, and as chair of the Milwaukee Area Plumbing Apprenticeship Joint Apprenticeship Committee and secretary of the Milwaukee Area Steamfitter Joint Apprenticeship Program. He has also served on various joint labor-management committees whose efforts have focused on substance abuse testing programs, industry marketing, trades recruiting, worker compensation reform, and other legislative matters. For more than 25 years, Jeff was a member of the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Advisory Council, a labor-management committee charged with the responsibility of drafting legislative language for the nearly $1.5 billion program. He is a past president of the Wisconsin Society of Association Executive and is a member of the Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists. Mr. Beiriger holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana, with an emphasis on Marketing and Economics, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Human Resource Management and Labor Relations, from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Born and raised in Chicago and its suburbs, he now lives in Menasha, Wisconsin.
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Session Name: Association Leadership 201 - 3 Sessions
Role: Keynote
David J. Ariano
David Ariano is President of Ravinia Plumbing, Heating & Electric Co. Inc. in Lincolnshire, IL where he employs journeyman and apprentice licensed union plumbers and other skilled trades’ persons. He started with the company in 1994 with his father Don Ariano (retired), and prior to that held a research and development position for the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. David served as PCA of Greater Chicago President for a two-year term spanning 2016 and 2017, and was appointed and served as Plumbing Council (Industry Fund) Chairman from 2018 through 2019. He is also currently the Co-Chair of the Plumbers’ Local 130 UA Welfare Fund, and has served on the PCA’s Bargaining Committee and in multiple other roles for the Association. He now also serves as an elected PCA Board Director and is a Plumbing Council Director. David is a past President of the (former) PAMCANI Alliance and the (former) Lake & McHenry PHCC, as well as a past Trustee for the (former) Plumbers’ Local 93 Trust Funds.
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Session Name: “Issues Facing 2nd & 3rd Generation Business Owners”
Role: Session Leader
John Baethke
John Baethke, of John Baethke & Son Plumbing on the northside of Chicago, has been a licensed plumber for 30 years. John has also been qualified as a cross-connection control device inspector since 1996. In the competitive field of plumbing, John is the only Licensed Green Plumber in all of Chicago. John Baethke is very involved in the professional industry of plumbing. He is the Director of the Plumbing Contractors Association of Chicago, Chairman of the Residential and Light Commercial Service Contractors, past President of the Illinois Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association and the current Director of the Illinois Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association. John Baethke’s plumbing expertise can be found in the areas of residential plumbing, water conservation and auditing, tankless water heaters. John Baethke is available for media consultation as it relates to plumbing and water conservation. He is an experienced auditor with a wealth of knowledge in his professional field and continues to post blog articles and upload videos with tutorials and advice on plumbing.
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Session Name: “Loss Prevention: Contract Risk, Tools & Equipment and Employee Retention”
Role: Session Leader
Kelly Castrogiovanni
Kelly Castrogiovanni is President/Owner of both Terry Plumbing (TPC) and TPC Fire Protection located in Countryside IL. Kelly entered the plumbing and piping industry as a union contractor in 2010 with a varied and impressive range of business experience from Chicago-based companies – featuring 6 years as a Hotel Operations Manager for Fifth South LLC; 12 years as a Project Manager for Lucca Builders & Investment Properties; and over 12 years in Human Recourses as an Associate Director for UBS Investment Bank. Far from being daunted by the prospect of learning about an unfamiliar occupation, Kelly was prepared and willing to devote the time and effort needed to succeed. She’d done her homework by acquiring a company well-known and respected for quality workmanship in both the commercial and residential areas, with a dedication to customer satisfaction, and a drive to retain and develop top notch skilled employees. She immersed herself in the day to day operations while keeping continually committed to her company’s growth via effective uses of expanding technology, efficient business operations, and networking with peers in the trade to recast and establish TPC as a formidable female-owned and client-focused plumbing contractor. Kelly also initiated and led the formation of a new and now-flourishing TPC plumbing service division, which has supplemented and diversified the company’s reach and reputation by serving both commercial and residential customers. TPC grew again through the acquisition in 2015 of an existing local fire protection company, which complements TPC’s services and brings with it a new array of clientele – including general contractors – under the “TPC Fire Protection” name. Due to Kelly’s leadership, both companies have earned and carry the WBE (Women Business Enterprise) designation for both the State of Illinois and City of Chicago, as well as a BBB A+ rating. The two TPC companies are signatory, respectively, with Plumbers Local 130 UA and Sprinkler Fitters Local 281. Elected to the Board of the Plumbing Contractors Association of Greater Chicago (PCA) in 2018, in January of 2020 she began a 2-year term as a PCA Officer as Treasurer while simultaneously serving on the Board of the Plumbing Council (the PCA’s Industry Advancement Fund) and also maintaining her membership in the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).
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Session Name: “Loss Prevention: Contract Risk, Tools & Equipment and Employee Retention”
Role: Session Leader
Wesley H. Covert
Wesley (Wes) joined Laner Muchin in 2008 as an associate and has been a partner at the Firm since 2014. Wes focuses his practice on all aspects of employee benefits law, including health and welfare benefit plans, defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, and multiemployer plans. Wes' practice also includes counseling clients as to compliance with various federal laws, including the Affordable Care Act, HIPAA, ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and the correction of qualified retirement plans through the correction programs available through the IRS and DOL. Wes also counsels clients as to fiduciary best practices and qualified retirement plan compliance. He is a frequent speaker to benefit and human resource professionals and author on various benefit topics and provides training to HR Departments on a number of benefit-related matters. Wes is the editor and frequent author of the Firm's e-newsletter, The Fast Laner. Wes is originally from West Union, Ohio, and resides in Chicago, Illinois with his wife and two daughters.
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Session Name: Legal Clinic: Questions Nobody Asks…But Should! For Contractors & Chapter Executives
Role: Session Leader
Amber Cox
Amber joined Laner Muchin in 2009 as an associate and has been a partner at the Firm since 2015. She regularly counsels clients on compliance-related and strategic issues arising under a broad range of federal, state and local employment laws. Amber conducts employment-related corporate investigations in a variety of settings and frequently conducts supervisory training on a number of employment topics including maintaining a discrimination and harassment-free workplace; effective documentation and discipline; and positive employee relations. Amber also represents employers in labor law matters including labor arbitrations, collective bargaining, representation cases and other proceedings before the NLRB.
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Session Name: “Active Shooter: Are You Prepared?” A panel discussion on safety, legal, awareness and survival
Role: Session Leader
Dave Drumel
Dave Drumel is the owner and President of Lighting Solutions, Inc. Dave is a solutions-driven risk strategist and engineer that has leveraged strong leadership, business acumen, risk control, and technical expertise to take companies to the next level and deliver unparalleled results across all areas of an operation. He has 25+ years of leadership experience in the Milwaukee construction industry, and has: Held Vice President or ownership roles within 3 different contractors with revenues ranging from $4M to $120M. Created processes for key business functions including estimating, project management and purchasing. Established recruiting and screening processes to identify and hire top talent, often on the spot. Built a training platform that delivered 100+ educational programs to employees at every level. Led hundreds of client-facing projects through the lifecycle in diverse environments, including technology, healthcare, financial services, education, hospitality, industrial, and government. Founded a holdings company focused on buying, transforming, and managing small businesses. Evaluated 100+ companies for financial and strategic liabilities. Recently co-founded a risk management company focused on changing contractual relationships in the construction industry. Dave is a licensed Professional Engineer as well as a Master Electrician, and a past or current Board Member of the Milwaukee Construction Labor Management Council, Milwaukee AGC, the Independent Business Association of Wisconsin and the Illuminating Engineering Society, where he was given the Milwaukee Section Service Award in 2019.
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Session Name: “Loss Prevention: Contract Risk, Tools & Equipment and Employee Retention”
Role: Session Leader
David Frame
David P. Frame is CEO and 3rd generation owner of Bob Frame Plumbing Services Inc., a 4th generation business in South Bend, IN. Currently Dave serves as Vice Chair for UAC (Union Affiliated Contractors) and on the Health & Welfare Committee for Local 172 & St. Joseph Valley PHCC in addition to serving as Chair on the Insurance Safety and Risk Management Committee for National PHCC & Federated Insurance. Dave also serves on the board of directors of Federated Insurance: - Federated Mutual Insurance Company - Federated Life Insurance Company - Federated Services Insurance Company - Federated Reserve Insurance Company Previously Dave served as: President – St. Joseph Valley PHCC (Local) President – IN PHCC (State) Chair – JATC Apprenticeship Program for Local #172 and St. Joseph Valley PHCC Labor Relations & Negotiations Committee - St. Joseph Valley PHCC.
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Session Name: “Issues Facing 2nd & 3rd Generation Business Owners”
Role: Session Leader
Richard J. Kuhn
Richard J. (“Rick”) Kuhn is Co-Owner and President of RJ Kuhn Plumbing, Heating & Cooling located in Oswego, Illinois. He joined the company in 1996 in the plumbing service area. Rick is a 1996 graduate of Northern Illinois University, having earned a BA in Psychology. He also previously completed HVAC technical training at College of DuPage, and earned an Associates’ degree from Wabaunsee College. In 2002, he achieved journeyman status following the 5-year plumber & pipefitter training curriculum through the UA Local 501 Apprentice program. Rick is a Board member and elected officer of the PCA of Greater Chicago, and also serves as a Plumbing Council (Industry Fund) Board Director. In addition, as a Trustee/Board member of the Plumbers’ Local 130 UA Joint Apprenticeship Committee, he is a strong advocate of proper training and continuing industry education. Rick’s dedication to the pipe trades as an honorable and respected occupation is reflected in his ongoing emphasis on safety, skill enhancement, effective communications and technology, and top-notch customer value and service. Rick and his brother, Kevin (who both began their careers as members of Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Local 319), proudly say they grew up “in the business.” They gained joint ownership through the purchase of RJ Kuhn PHC in 2012 from their father, mentor and the company’s founder, Dick Kuhn.
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Session Name: “Issues Facing 2nd & 3rd Generation Business Owners”
Role: Session Leader
Roger Paveza
Roger serves as the President of Vista Safety Consulting, LLC. He has over 25 years of experience in health & safety and during this time has acquired a wide range of technical and management skills. Providing professional advice to a broad range of industry sectors including construction, manufacturing, retail, food processing, and temporary staffing, Roger utilizes his knowledge in all aspects of health and safety and risk management to deliver innovative solutions and cost-effective measures for managing clients’ risk. Before starting up Vista Safety Consulting, Roger managed the safety consulting division for a major insurance brokerage firm in Schaumburg, IL. Prior to that, he worked for a global engineering firm as well as a large ladder manufacturer.
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Session Name: “Active Shooter: Are You Prepared?” A panel discussion on safety, legal, awareness and survival
Role: Session Leader
Richard L. Samson
Mr. Samson has represented management in all aspects of labor and employment law for over 27 years with a particular emphasis on traditional labor law. He has also litigated cases before federal and state courts as well as state and local agencies in employment discrimination and wrongful discharge actions. He routinely advises clients on a host of employment-related issues including employer investigations, claims of harassment, employment policies and social media. In the traditional labor arena, his experience covers the gamut of issues arising under the National Labor Relations Act including matters affecting both unionized and non-union employers in litigation, trial work and day to day counseling. He has experience in a variety of industries including construction, ready mix supply, material supply (aggregate mining), steel, light and heavy manufacturing, retail, food distribution, theatrical production, casinos, meatpacking and assisted living. He regularly appears on behalf of employers before the National Labor Relations Board in the defense of unfair labor practice charges and in representation cases. Over the course of his career he has handled such matters throughout the country in the Labor Board’s various regional offices including Chicago, Milwaukee, Peoria, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Detroit, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Cleveland, St. Louis, Oakland, New Orleans and Philadelphia. Mr. Samson has been an adjunct professor of law at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law where he taught a course on the law of employment relationships and established a seminar class on employee privacy rights.
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Session Name: Contract Negotiations: Effective Strategies
Role: Session Leader
Dan Skoczylas
Dan began his career in law enforcement as a patrolman with the Hickory Hills Police Department in 1989. He spent a number of years serving in a patrol function before taking on the assignment of developing the agency’s first Gang/ Narcotics Unit. After overseeing this project for a couple of years Dan was assigned to the United States Customs Task Force where he served from 1997-1999, working international narcotics smuggling and money laundering cases in a federal jurisdiction. Dan returned to the Hickory Hills Police Department as a Detective until being promoted to Sergeant in 2001 and then to Lieutenant in 2007. He retired from the Hickory Hills Police Department in 2014. Dan is a founding member of CLS Background Investigations/ Makton Investigations, overseeing the private sector background investigations program for CLS and a Supervisory Investigator for Makton. He also spearheads the Active Shooter Response Training for Hawkeye Active Shooter Response. Dan is a recognized authority in the background investigations, security and active shooter response training arenas and a certified Workplace Violence Prevention Specialist. (LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-skoczylas-a965b56/
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Session Name: “Active Shooter: Are You Prepared?” A panel discussion on safety, legal, awareness and survival
Role: Session Leader
James F. Vanek
Jim joined the predecessor to Laner Muchin in 1989 and has been a partner in the Firm since 1994. Jim focuses his practice on all aspects of employee benefits law including drafting defined benefit, defined contribution and welfare benefit plans. In addition, Jim serves as counsel to several multiemployer benefit funds and Associations. Jim is also a frequent speaker and represents employers in withdrawal liability and delinquency issues for multiemployer plans. He also represents benefit plans in IRS and DOL audits and investigations. Jim also represents businesses in mergers and acquisitions. His responsibilities include: drafting, amending and terminating qualified plans; IRS and DOL plan audits; analyzing the impact of new legislation; and advising clients on the tax consequences of qualified plans on the employer and plan participants. Upon graduation from law school, Jim became a staff attorney at an employee benefits consulting firm. Prior to joining the Firm, Jim was associated with a business law firm where he continued to specialize in employee benefits. He has authored articles on employee benefit issues and has lectured before professional groups.
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Session Name: Legal Clinic: Questions Nobody Asks…But Should! For Contractors & Chapter Executives
Role: Session Leader