JULY 2012

“Patty and I spent a couple of days at SkillsUSA this week in Kansas City and were absolutely blown away with what we witnessed.

We saw almost 6,000 students competing in every field you can imagine; such as auto mechanics, robotics, baking, sheet metal, masonry, carpentry,

cabinet making, computer skills, and the list goes on. What struck us was the high level of professionalism, dedication and appreciation on their part.

These young people are America’s workforce of the future and I assure you–we are in good hands. It is not our politicians that will move our nation forward, it is these young people.

You have to realize that most of these participants are high school students, and yet the skill levels they possess along with their attitude and professionalism is beyond belief.

The Plumbing Contest conducted by the PHCC Educational Foundation had almost 50 young individuals competing, including a couple of ladies. Again, their motivation, skill level and enthusiasm were incredible.

Foundation staff member Merry Beth Hall and her team of PHCC contractor professionals that volunteer each year are amazing. They volunteer their time to give back to this great industry, but most of all, they give to the kids. They give these young people an opportunity to excel and express themselves.

I have often said that our society spends 90% of its effort and resources on the top 10% of the high school graduating class and the remaining 90% of the class gets the leftovers. This week, through the effort and dedication of all the Skills volunteers, that 90% of the class got ALL the effort and attention they deserve.”

Bill Jones PHCC Educational Foundation Chairperson Raven Mechanical, Houston, TX

FoUndation SUpportS oUr FUtUre SkiLLed WorkForce

edUcationaL FoUndation

FOCUS

THE PHCC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION FocUS | 2

What is SkillsUSa?

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and

industry working together to ensure America has a

skilled workforce.

The SkillUSA Championships provide a showcase for

the nation’s best career and technical students to

demonstrate their excellence in skills and leadership.

The national competition features over 90 events. First

held in 1967, the competitions have become the focal

point of the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and

Skills Conference.

PHCC has been involved with SkillsUSA since 1986.

Today, the Foundation sponsors and manages the

plumbing contest and is represented on the HVACR

contest Technical Committee.

PHCC contractors and industry representatives were

on hand to assist with contest set-up and judging.

PHCC’s committee members have over 100 years of

combined volunteer experience helping over 1,100

students prepare for jobs in the plumbing and HVACR

industries.

2012 SkillsUSa plumbing contestHeadLine SponSorS

MateriaL and priZe SponSorSBrassCraft ManufacturingCast Iron Soil Pipe InstituteCharlotte Pipe & FoundryCooper B-Line IndustriesDelta Faucet Company

DEWALT Tools & AccessoriesIrwin Industrial Tools

Milwaukee Electric Tool Co.Mission Rubber Co.

OateyPHCC – National Association

PHCC Educational FoundationRidge Tool CompanyRoger the PlumberRothenberger USA

Sioux Chief Manufacturing Co.Tyler Pipe

UA Local #8

The PHCC Educational Foundation is proud to name Viega as the newest Corporate Founder of its Board of Governors. The Board of Governors is responsible for developing and delivering the Foundation’s educational programs for contractors and their employees.

Viega is a world-leading company in the field of plumbing, heating and pipe-joining and one of the largest manufacturers in its sector. Founded in1899, the company’s 3,000 member workforce now produces over 16,000 different products. Viega joins an elite group of contractors, manufacturers and industry partners such as Bradford White, Federated Insurance, InSinkErator and Kohler Co. who are major contributors to the Educational Foundation.

“Viega has already helped us tremendously in supporting our work with apprentices and other programs,” said Foundation Chairperson Bill Jones of Raven Mechanical in Houston, Texas. “Now they have stepped forward to do so much more for our industry through education. We are looking forward to the new opportunities that will be possible with the Viega team on board.”

Viega JoinS FoUndation Board oF goVernorS

FoUndation reSoUrceS onLine: a Second cHance at tHe prograMS YoU MaY HaVe MiSSed

We are all busy and keeping up with all the information coming your way is tough. Fortunately, we live in an age where nothing ever really goes away – it just gets archived “in the cloud.”

Here are the Foundation Webinars, sponsored by Kohler, that are now available for viewing online at: phccfoundation.org/webinars.

Archived sessions are available to PHCC members only, just login to access the content.

THE PHCC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION FocUS | 3

• customer Service Superiority – differentiate & dominate Presented by Steve Coscia, Coscia Communications

• What You need to know about the new Lead Laws Presented by Chuck Manker of WinWholesale, Aaron Edds and Andrew Granzow of NIBCO

• play to Win the construction game Presented by Kirk Alter, Fast Management, Inc.

• profit from the aging in place trend Presented by Ed Del Grande and Rich Kammerer, Kohler Co.

• BiM technologies for p-H-c- contractors Presented by Jeong Woo, Milwaukee School of Eng.

• Making Mobile technology Work for Your Business Presented by Len Woodruff and Greg Weber, Compusource

• How gpS tracking can Solve Your top 5 Fleet challenges Presented by Christian Horne, Fleetmatics

• relays and contactors Presented by Carol Fey, Carol Fey & Associates

• Social Media in Just 10 Minutes a day Presented by Brian Kraft, Market Hardware

• putting a dollar Value on Water conservation for the customer Presented by Bill Davenport & Kelvin Mitsui, Kohler Co.

• recruiting, Hiring and retaining top performers Presented by Les Strech, ConnectusPro

• Boost profits through Standardization Presented by Kirk Alter, Fast Management, Inc.

• Hydronic Heating & High efficiency Presented by Chuck White, PHCC

personnel e.bulletin online archiveEach month, the Foundation publishes a new article with human resources help for small business owners and their management team.

Look for it in the e-mail Focus Flash newsletter or at – phccfoundation/e.bulletin

• A Process for Promotions

• 2012 Employment Law Trends & Changes

• The Rules Apply to Everyone

• Rules for Short Term Help

• Top Ten HR Rules for Supervisors

• Emergency Preparedness Planning

• Water Cooler Politics

The True Cost of Doing Business GuideIn April, every PHCC contractor member received a complimentary printed guide called The True Cost of Doing Business. The guide walks contractors through the steps of properly calculating their overhead and determining a selling price that covers all their costs and delivers a net profit.

It was written by Foundation seminar speaker Michael Bohinc based on training materials developed by the Foundation for our Overhead & Profit Calculator software.

A summary of the guide is available online at www.phccfoundation.org. Just search for the term “True Costs.”

pHcc FoUndation goeS For tHe goLd (SponSorSHip) at pHcc connect 2012

THE PHCC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION FocUS | 4

The Foundation is proud to once again be a major sponsor for PHCC’s annual convention, CONNECT 2012 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, October 3-5.

As in past years, the Foundation has worked to pull together another excellent educational seminar program for this year’s CONNECT event. Kohler is the seminar sponsor, with several sessions being co-sponsored with the Foundation.

Responding to your requests and feedback from last year’s attendees, we have added technical sessions aimed at contractors who are doing HVACR work. When we asked PHCC members for the best speaker on hydronics and geothermal systems, one name was mentioned again and again. We are proud to have leading industry speaker John Siegenthaler delivering two sessions for us in Philadelphia.

Crowd favorite Foundation speaker Kirk Alter is returning this year with new sessions to unlock business opportunities, Michael Bohinc will share techniques to keep a family business running smoothly and popular customer service expert Steve Coscia will share what your techs need to know about keeping the customer happy.

The rest of the program features seminars covering everything from the new legal requirements for lead-free plumbing products, to recruiting and retaining the most talented and motivated employees to new energy efficiency standards.

Here is a sneak peak at the seminar program. You can see the full seminar descriptions, plus additional sessions from manufacturers, the Quality Service Contractors (QSC) and Construction Contractors’ Alliance (CCA) online at phccweb.org.

• How to Win the War for talent – The labor force in America is shrinking, and your company’s future success is dependent on how many talented and motivated people you have working with you. Wayne Rivers, Family Business Institute

• the Lead-Free Laws are coming… are You ready? – Lead-free plumbing products for potable water use will be required nationally in January 2014. It’s not too early to begin preparing so you understand what is required, including product installation differences. Aaron Edds and Andy Granzow, NIBCO INC.

• 60 great ideas in 60 Minutes – Join us for a fast-paced session designed to load your toolbox with quick ideas to improve your work and home life. Panel of p-h-c contractors

• Hydraulic Separation – Moving Beyond primary/Secondary piping – Find out why primary/secondary piping is not necessarily a state-of-the-art approach in hydronic piping design. It’s value engineering at its best. John Siegenthaler, PE, Appropriate Designs

• distribution efficiency and application of ecM-Based circulators – Learn from an industry expert how to move heat from where it’s produced to where it is needed using a fraction of the electrical energy normally required. John Siegenthaler, PE, Appropriate Designs

• Whole Building retrofits: a contractor/Supplier demonstration – Come to this session and watch a demonstration of how contractors and suppliers can partner to deliver a fully integrated energy and water efficient solution for the building. Kirk Alter, Fast Management, Inc.

• You: the intelligent entrepreneur – Are you really the same fiery, feisty business owner you were when you started, or have you matured, relaxed…calmed down? Let’s relight that fire and reinvent the intelligent entrepreneur in you! Kirk Alter, Fast Management Inc.

• all in the Family – Unique challenges Faced by Family Businesses – We’ll offer ideas and strategies to help the family business navigate those challenges while keeping peace at the family dinner table. Michael Bohnic, CPA, Keeping Score Inc.

• How to WoW Your Market noW With World class customer Service –The impression your technicians make with their customers often has much more impact on sales than the technical details they know to do their work. Steve Coscia, Coscia Communications Inc.

• Shameless Self-promotion: DIY Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – If you want to get found online without spending one red cent, learn how these do-it yourself ideas will put you there. Peggy Duncan, Personal Productivity Expert

• dealing with Variation in projects – Learn from the Parade of Trade Simulation – Variation happens in construction. By reducing workflow variability, you can improve total job performance, makes project outcomes more predictable, and simplify coordination. Dennis Sowards, Quality Support Services

pHcc FoUndation goeS For tHe goLd (SponSorSHip) at pHcc connect 2012

THE PHCC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION FocUS | 5

Share Your Story!The Foundation will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary in Philadelphia. It was at the 1986 PHCC Annual Meeting and Convention in San Francisco that the creation of the PHCC Educational Foundation was approved, and operations began early the next year.

Have you or someone you know benefitted from the Foundation’s work? Did you serve on a committee or volunteer your help with a program – the Apprentice contest, Labor Calculator, SkillsUSA, scholarships?

Help us celebrate by visiting our Facebook page and sharing a memory about how the Foundation has touched your life! facebook.com/PHCCEducationalFoundation

neW LaBor caLcULator SoFtWare aVaiLaBLe noW

THE PHCC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION FocUS | 6

The Foundation is proud to announce the release of the brand new Labor Calculator software. The new version features over 10,000 national average installation times for plumbing and HVACR materials. This installation labor hour data helps estimators to develop more accurate bids and reduce the risk associated with labor estimates.

The completely rebuilt software features a new user interface. The menu tiles and oversized buttons were designed not only for current desktop systems, but also for use on touch interface tablets running Windows.

Users will also find new labor unit sections on PEX, CSST, push-fittings and other additions. The software allows more flexibility in making local adjustments to labor units and the ability to download electronic updates to the database as they are released.

“During the design process, we were mindful of the audience for this software,” said John Zink, VP of Education and Programs for the Foundation. “As it always has been, the Labor Calculator is aimed at contractors looking to take their first step toward standardizing their estimating processes. Having our set of average labor units gives them a consistent, fixed point to start from on their bid process.”

The Labor Calculator is not an estimating software system, however the same PHCC labor unit database is available for import into the systems available from several industry estimating software companies.

You can download the 30-day trial version of the software for free from the Foundation website at www.phccfoundation.org.

To unlock the full version, call the PHCC office to order (800) 533-7694 or visit the PHCC web store. The Foundation partnered with Maxwell Systems on the development of and programming of the software.

Foundation releases Updated Plumbing 101 textbook The newest update of the Foundation’s first-year plumbing textbook, Plumbing 101, has been released. This is the latest update in the Foundation’s four-year series of textbooks aimed at postsecondary and apprentice programs for plumbing and HVACR. Order forms are available on the PHCC website. PHCC members save 10 percent off list price for the textbooks.

The instructor CDs for the first three years of each textbook series come with fully-customizable PowerPoints, test banks, image libraries, and lesson plans for each chapter of the book. The fourth year CD for each series contains lesson plans. PowerPoints and test banks for the fourth year books are available upon request by contacting Merry Beth Hall at hall@naphcc.org or 800-533-7694.

Make Your gift online at www.phccfoundation.org

neW LaBor caLcULator SoFtWare aVaiLaBLe noW

THE PHCC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION FocUS | 7

pHcc edUcationaL FoUndation 2012 contriBUtorSour thanks to all of our contributors for their 2012 gifts! (as of June 30, 2012)

MaJor inVeSt in YoUr FUtUre caMpaign contriBUtorS ($10,000+)

FoUndation FeLLoWS - $1000+: Kirk & Pam Alter, A.O. Smith, David Ariano, Bloomington/Normal PHCC, Laurie C. Crigler, Jim & Judy Driscoll, David & Jan Dugger, Federated Insurance, GE Mechanical, Alan Givens, Steven Heidler, Sr., Bill & Patty Jones, Gerry Kennedy, Miller Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Ron Newman, PHCC National Auxiliary, PHCC of Northwest LA, PHCC of Tennessee, Stephen Pfendler, PAMCANI - Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Assn of Northern IL, Plumbing & Mech. Professionals of VA, Brian Stansell, Richard Steadman, Patrick Wallner, Wolff’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

cHairMan’S circLe - $500+: Tony D’Ascenzo, Gregory J. Faustina, Fred & Vel Falkena, Chip Greene, Rick & Becky Gustin, Hudson Ink, Lee Company, Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc., PHCC of Lincoln (NE), PHCC of Minnesota, PHCC of Ohio, Skip & Ann Pfeffer, Quality Plumbing, Raymond’s Plumbing Service, Inc., Steve & Ann Rivers, Russo Brothers, Inc., Russo Bros. & Co., Doug Santoro, Cindy Sheridan, John Zink

centUrY cLUB - $100+: 72 Degrees Heating & Cooling, Al Bourgeois Plbg. & Htg., David Adelmann, Rodolfo Avila, Randy Baldwin, Tim Bell, Keith & Linda Bienvenu, Roger & Pat Blank, Daniel Bonetti, Hunter Botto & Roger Botto, Bill Boyadjis, Dan & Jessica Burden, C & W Plumbing, Dan Callies, Bill Chamberlin, Steve Coscia, Rene Dauterive, Jr., Paul & Regina Dent, Pat Dickinson, Jim & Nancy Eberhardt, Walt Edmunds, Embrich Plumbing Company, Fred Falkena, Dan Foley, Roger Fouche, Milton and Patty Frank, Dale and Janet Friesenhahn, Charles Gans, Gastonia Sheet Metal Services, Jeff Gibson, Jane Hagedorn, Dave Halverson, Tom & Lisa Hanson, Tina Hedrick, Jeff Heger, Brian Heisel, John and Misty Holey, Todd Horn, Hot Water Solutions, Todd Iocco, Brad Isley, J/K Mechanical, John’s Reliable Plumbing, George Johnson, G.W. Kadow, Tod Kralik, James J. Kreifels, Terry and Barb Kreifels, Rob Kreutzer, Jeff Kuhn, Tom LeDuc, David LeRoy, Lindenmayer Plumbing, Magnolia Plumbing, Inc., Michael Mancini, Rollie Marolf, M.A.R.S., LLC, Jim McCampbell, Michael McParlan, Merryman-Farr, LLC, Glen Mesick, Daryl Miller, Mark Morgan, R.L. “Bunny” Oakes III, Bill Pepelnjak, Perry Plumbing, PHCC of Illinois Auxiliary, PHCC of Montgomery County, PHCC of South Dakota Board of Directors Vincent Pierangali, Plumb Supply Company, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union #9, Beverly Potts, Bob Purzycki, Quality Service Contractors, Joseph William Rascher, Raymark Plumbing & Sewer, John Radotich, Kyle A. Robicheaux, Arnie Rodio, John Rodorigo, Jerome M. Sabol, Jim Sabol, George Salet, Robert Scott, Terry L. Self, Louis Senteno, Alton Shannon, Jim Shaw, Rick Shelton, Walter Regehr, Rinchuso’s Plumbing & Heating, Service Roundtable, Delanah Suarez, Alan Taecker & Sue Taecker, Guy Tankersley, Tatro Plumbing Co, Inc., Michael A. Vance, Jeff Waldman, Ralph and Lucille Wetzel, Wolverine Brass, Scott Ziegler, Stacey Ziegler Harp

SUStaining donorS, Up to $99: BDI Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Vent, Todd and Brooke Bohls, Ryan Carney, Joseph Cornetta, Ralph Gregory, Jeff Hammond, Mike Henderson, James Caccia Plumbing, Eric Johnson, Kathy Jonas, Kay Keefe, Tony Kennedy, KLOX, Inc., Robert J. Macca, NC Green Plumbing, Inc., Karen Pickett-Havins, Richard Pittser, Pro Systems Water Treatment Products, Gerald Richard, George Salet, Randall Shoup, Michael Steel, Terra Plumbing, TIS Insurance Services, Inc., Jeff Waggoner, Travis Waldstein, Carl Watters, Ross Wood, Dave Yates, Lois Yates

Memorials & Special giftsin Memory of earl antrim

– Anne Williams

in Memory of george Brazil – Keith Bienvenu

in Memory of kenneth Lloyd Brown – Bienvenu Brothers Enterprises,

Metro New Orleans PHCC

in Memory of paul chilson – PHCC of San Diego

in Memory of Lloyd cline – Sarah M. Greger, Mary Lea Shenk,

Rev. Anna Thompson, Co-Workers of Deb Lebo

in Memory of george raburn – Ellen Whitaker

in Memory of ann Smith – Anne Williams

in Memory of doreen taecker – Orville Taecker

in Memory of John a. Ward, Jr. – Kate Ward

in Memory of Fran Williams – Joseph J. Sullivan, PHCC of Greater Boston,

Thomas & Jacinta Leyne, Anne Williams

in Memory of richard Willkomm – Michael Bohinc

Honoring the Foundation’s 25th anniversary – Orville Taecker

in recognition of Bill Jones – Doug Turner Plumbing Co.

Make Your gift online at www.phccfoundation.orgThe Invest in Your Future annual giving campaign helps to fund the development and delivery of educational programs and scholarships to the contractors in our industry. Please make your gift by calling (800) 533-7694, or online at www.phccfoundation.org.EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

THE PHCC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION FocUS | 8

BUILDING OUR FUTURE THROUGH EDUCATION 2012 Invest in Your Future Campaign

YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE GIFT PROVIDES:Professional Contractor Education &

Scholarships for StudentsFrom the PHCC Educational Foundation

and PHCC National Auxiliary

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION NATIONAL AUXILIARY

The Invest in Your Future annual giving campaign helps to fund the development and delivery of educational programs and scholarships to the contractors in our industry.

Please make checks made payable to the pHcc educational Foundation & return to: 180 S. Washington St., p.o. Box 6808, Falls church, Va 22046. Call with questions (800) 533-7694. More details or give online at www.phccfoundation.org.

Name: _______________________________________________________ Date: __________________________

Company: ____________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: __________________________________________________________________________________

Donor Name for Foundation Thank You List: _________________________ q I wish to remain anonymous.

Payment Options: q Bill Me q Cash q Check Charge: q MC q Visa q Amex

Card #: ___________________________________ Exp. Date: _____________

Signature: ______________________________________________________________________________________

The PHCC Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. You will receive a letter confirming your contribution for your tax records. Call with questions (800) 533-7694. Thank you!

Matching Contributions Provided by

pLeaSe FaX tHiS SHeet to 703-237-7442, or MaiL WitH YoUr giFt. tHank YoU!

automatic gift option – please charge My credit card for this amount:

Monthly: q $15 q $25 q $50 q $85 q $100 q Other $______

Quarterly: m $50 m $75 m $100 m $125 m $250 m Other $______

Auto Gift Start Date: _________________ End Date:_______________

one-time gift option:

q $50 q $100 q $250

q $500 q $1,000 q Other: $______

PLEASE MAKE YOUR GIFT AT PHCCFOUNDATION.ORG OR CALL (800) 533-7694