We live in a world today impacted by influencers. Whether knowingly or subliminally, we are inspired and motivated by authors, entrepreneurs, celebrities, professional athletes, and well-known brands.

Sure, many of them have cracked the code on how to share branded content on social media with their audience; the more traditional ones have mastered some intangible factors:

• Connection.
• Communication.
• Values.
• Authenticity.

They are passionate advocates of their brand. They are experts in their field. They’ve fostered strong relationships with their audience. They’ve built a consistent and trustworthy image. And with that, they’ve become the essential voice of their industry.

Read that last paragraph again. That is PHCC.

We have established a reputation as the experts in our craft… in advancing and educating the plumbing and HVACR industry and of protecting the health, safety, and comfort of our society through clean air and clean water. Not only are we the essential voice of our industry, but our industry is essential!

Industry Impact

Serving as the essential voice of our industry – particularly when it comes to changes impacting our industry – is a top priority at PHCC. In fact, “Industry Impact” is one of the four pillars of our current Strategic Plan.

Our goal is to continue to raise awareness – with industry organizations, manufacturers, elected leaders, and regulatory agencies – as the leading trade association in the plumbing and HVACR profession.

And I’m pleased to report that – every day – I witness our National staff, chapter leaders, and members all over the country making that happen. For example, as a result of PHCC’s participation in several important industry coalitions and attendance at many high-profile events, we have regulatory agencies, lawmakers, industry groups, and the media turning to our strong advocacy team on a regular basis. On topics like code updates, refrigerant changes, fuel choice, apprenticeship, and much more, PHCC is the go-to organization.

In the Spring 2024 issue of Solutions, PHCC of Washington Executive Director Todd Allred shared that his chapter – like so many others – has become the “industry authority” in his state; manufacturers, for example, turn to his chapter to promote product training on social media, a platform he also uses to educate consumers on the benefits of having PHCC contractors in their homes. As another example, Washington state’s Department of Ecology turned to Allred to explain refrigerant changes at a convention.

More recently, PHCC of Pennsylvania’s Michael McGraw was quoted in the Wall Street Journal, sharing how the skilled trades are reliable, well-paying career paths and bringing attention to the advantages of – and rise in enrollment in – PHCC’s apprentice schools.

The Voice of PHCC

This is just a sampling of my daily reminders of people serving as ambassadors of our PHCC brand. “Impact Every Day,” the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Research Foundation’s centennial research initiative, reports that society is better, safer, and smarter because of the work that associations do. Transformative thinking exists within associations, and I’m confident that is the case with PHCC.

“If you are part of an association community,” shares ASAE, “your work touches more people than you might imagine.” I encourage you to share your good work … tell the story of how you are making an impact. Advocate on issues affecting your business.

You have value. You are authentic. You are trusted. You are among our PHCC community of experts. You are the ambassadors of our brand.

Cindy Sheridan, CAE is Chief Executive Officer of PHCC—National Association. With decades of association management experience – most recently as the Chief Operating Officer of the PHCC Educational Foundation – Sheridan and her team work to ensure that PHCC contractors are the best choice for professionalism, reliable products, and knowledgeable service.