Plumbing

11.23.20

Plumbing industry allies IAPMO, the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada (UA), and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association – National Association (PHCC-NA) enthusiastically support passage of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 (H.R. 8294) by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill seeks to reauthorize the 1937 National Apprenticeship Act, which established the registered apprenticeship system, for the first time since its inception 83 years ago.

11.23.20

The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently has issued guidance and related information for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and the Main Street Lending Programs. For PPP borrowers with loans of $2 million or greater, lenders will be sending a mandatory survey that must be completed within 10 days of receipt. Smaller PPP borrowers, with loans of $50,000 or less, may be eligible to use simplified Form 3508S to apply for forgiveness as well.

11.23.20

As the 116th Congress comes to a close, there is still some legislative work to be done before lawmakers adjourn for the year and go home for the winter holidays. A budget needs to be passed to keep the federal government funded through FY2021; a tax extenders bill is also in the works; the House and Senate each passed energy bills earlier this fall that need to be reconciled; and there continues to be interest in passing a COVID bill. It’s an ambitious agenda to fulfill in the next four weeks.

11.18.20

You would think that assuming the helm of an organization during the height of a global pandemic would be daunting, but when the organization is PHCC and I see every day all the ways the association is helping its members (and members are helping each other), it actually has me excited about our future.

11.18.20

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) announced that long-time PHCC supporter, Moen, a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial faucets, kitchen/bath accessories and bath safety products, is a new executive level sponsor. This status recognizes Moen’s commitment to the association and its initiatives to support professional contractors across the nation.

11.02.20

There is some optimism that a COVID relief deal will be reached between Speaker Pelosi and President Trump prior to November 3, but it is incumbent upon Senate Republicans to get on board. After months of negotiations, there continues to be disagreement on the following issues...

11.02.20

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised its Definition of what constitutes a close contact with a COVID-19 infected person. This change makes exposure time cumulative during a 24-hour period (and not just consecutive minutes) and instructs that the wearing of masks generally does not eliminate the risk of a close contact. The CDC now states a close contact to be: Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period* starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

10.15.20

Prepared to help member contractors “work smarter, not harder,” gain strength in numbers, and leverage pandemic-related challenges into new opportunities, Hunter Botto was installed as the newest president of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Oct. 1 during PHCCCONNECT2020.  

10.14.20

Determined to safely proceed with a reimagined annual convention despite challenges presented by a global pandemic, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) tapped into creativity, adaptability and modern technology to host a virtual PHCCCONNECT2020, Sept. 30 - Oct. 1. The comprehensive event – the first annual convention held online in the association’s 138-year history – provided a rewarding opportunity for p-h-c contractors, industry partners and PHCC’s affiliated groups to reconnect as an industry. 

10.13.20

As global economic disruption accelerates during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, leaders in manufacturing, distribution and residential and commercial services are calling attention to overlooked career opportunities in the traditional skilled trades and urging an industry-wide focus on workforce development to close the skilled trades labor gap and recruit a new generation of young workers.