Business Management

05.14.21

We produced another PHCC Contractor Sentiment survey this spring. 92% of respondents were plumbing contractors and 55% were HVACR contractors who responded to this survey, albeit some plumbing contractors also provide HVACR services. With the economy growing by 6.4% in the first quarter, according to CNN on April 30, 2021, there is greater optimism and increased consumer confidence in this economic recovery.

03.24.21

The Biden-Harris Administration continues to roll back regulations enacted during the previous administration. Two proposed rulemakings that withdraw rules have been released for public comment. In the newly released proposed rules, the withdrawal of the Independent Contractor Final Rule is based on several reasons

02.24.21

The U.S. House of Representatives is going through the procedural motions to pass the American Rescue Plan, the fifth comprehensive COVID relief bill. It is expected to pass the House by Friday, Feb. 26, though it may have to overcome a few hurdles in the Senate. The bill is a major Biden administration priority that will provide additional emergency funding to state and local governments to fight the pandemic and mitigate its economic and public health consequences.

02.24.21

Earlier this month, PHCC joined with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); the Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs (United Association, or UA); and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) to celebrate the passage of the National Apprenticeship Act (NAA) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

01.26.21

On Sunday evening, December 27, outgoing President Donald Trump signed the last piece of legislation to cross the Resolute Desk before the end of his term. The FY2021 omnibus spending package to keep the Federal government funded through September 30 included more than $900 billion in COVID relief that has been haggled over by congressional leaders and White House staff for nearly nine months.

01.20.21

In the workplace, attitudes are infectious. Confusion, negativity, apathy and disengagement may not be verbally communicated but you should recognize that your employees are the first to consume your message. Consequently, your brand may suffer externally. If you don’t use culture to coach your people, it will use you!

01.14.21

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. Initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.

12.11.20

Last week, a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers rallied around a $908 billion COVID relief package that would extend the PPP program, expand eligibility to 501(c)6 organizations, provide liability protection for businesses against COVID litigation, $300 per week per individual in federal unemployment benefits, and provide funding to state and local governments for emergency response.

11.13.20

As PHCC National begins to think about its strategic direction moving forward, it certainly needs to factor in the pandemic and its impact on future efforts. As Daniel Ronan (2020) of  Resilient Heritage writes in his article, “It’s Strategic to Think of the Future: Strategic Planning in the Time of COVID-19, “see if your organization can step into the crisis with a savvy outlook on the future, one that mitigates risks while remaining optimistic”. 

10.29.20

On September 22, 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order 13950, “Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping.” The Executive Order sets forth the policy of the United States “not to promote race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating” and prohibits federal contractors from inculcating such views in their employees in workplace diversity and inclusion trainings. The U.S. Department of Labor has issued additional Guidance to assist in implementation.