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November-December 2015

PCA November 2015 Membership Meeting in Review UA Leaders Coyne and Hite Provide Local and National “State of the Union” Reports

(continued on page 4)

framed Plumbing Council plaque etched in metal. Melko graciously accepted his award and also received a round of applause from everyone.

Following introductions around the room and a series of event announcements, dinner was served.

Re-convening the meeting after dinner, PCA President Abbott welcomed UA Local 130 Business Manager Jim Coyne to the podium to report on the future employment outlook for our expanded 17 county jurisdiction. Abbott also asked Coyne to discuss his long term vision to recover lost residential and commercial union market share in our area.

UA General President Bill Hite highlights a variety of national efforts to promote UA contractors and members.

UA Local 130 Business Manager Jim Coyne thanks PCA contractors for their ongoing support of hiring apprentices and funding JAC training programs.

The final PCA membership meeting of 2015 ended ona high note as a large crowd of just over seventy PCA contractors, associate members and distinguished guests gathered at the Erie Café in Chicago on November 19, 2015 to network, enjoy each other’s company, and hear guest speakers UA Local 130 Business Manager Jim Coyne and UA General President Bill Hite talk about the “state of the union” on both a local and national scale.

Before starting the general introductions, PCA First Vice President and incoming President David Ariano took a moment to thank and recognize outgoing PCA President Lori Abbott for her many years of dedicated service to the Association as an officer, management trustee, and committee member.

He noted that Abbott will step down as PCA President at the end of this year, and as her successor, Ariano presented her with a special gavel, created just for her, made of galvanized pipe. President Abbott accepted the gift and received a round of applause from the audience.

PCA Executive Director S.J. Peters followed up on this special presentation by recognizing and congratulating Plumbing Council Chairman Bob Melko who will also be stepping down as an officer at the end of the year.

Peters mentioned that our plumbing industry owes a great deal of gratitude to Melko who has played a key role over the years in advancing, promoting and marketing the Plumbing Council as the PCA’s Industry Fund. In recognition of his service to the PCA, Plumbing Council, PAMCANI, UAC of the PHCC, IFT and much more, Peters presented him with a

None of us is as strong as all of us.

603 Rogers St., Suite 2, Downers Grove, IL 60515 | 630.960.3970 | 312.563.9526 | 312.263.6612 | FAX: 630.960.5487www.PAMCANI.org S www.PCAOFCHICAGO.com S www.PLUMBINGCOUNCIL.org

atWORKPLUMBING AND MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS

AUTHORITY OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS

MISSION STATEMENT: To improve the viability of member firms by providing timely, educational, useful and practical information and services which enable them to better serve their customers and their employees. PAMCANI, PCA, and the Plumbing Council are dedicated to the promotion, advancement, education and training of the industry for the protection of our environment and the health, safety and comfort of society.

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November-December 2015

PCA November 2015 Membership Meeting in Review UA Leaders Coyne and Hite Provide Local and National “State of the Union” Reports

(continued on page 4)

framed Plumbing Council plaque etched in metal. Melko graciously accepted his award and also received a round of applause from everyone.

Following introductions around the room and a series of event announcements, dinner was served.

Re-convening the meeting after dinner, PCA President Abbott welcomed UA Local 130 Business Manager Jim Coyne to the podium to report on the future employment outlook for our expanded 17 county jurisdiction. Abbott also asked Coyne to discuss his long term vision to recover lost residential and commercial union market share in our area.

UA General President Bill Hite highlights a variety of national efforts to promote UA contractors and members.

UA Local 130 Business Manager Jim Coyne thanks PCA contractors for their ongoing support of hiring apprentices and funding JAC training programs.

The final PCA membership meeting of 2015 ended ona high note as a large crowd of just over seventy PCA contractors, associate members and distinguished guests gathered at the Erie Café in Chicago on November 19, 2015 to network, enjoy each other’s company, and hear guest speakers UA Local 130 Business Manager Jim Coyne and UA General President Bill Hite talk about the “state of the union” on both a local and national scale.

Before starting the general introductions, PCA First Vice President and incoming President David Ariano took a moment to thank and recognize outgoing PCA President Lori Abbott for her many years of dedicated service to the Association as an officer, management trustee, and committee member.

He noted that Abbott will step down as PCA President at the end of this year, and as her successor, Ariano presented her with a special gavel, created just for her, made of galvanized pipe. President Abbott accepted the gift and received a round of applause from the audience.

PCA Executive Director S.J. Peters followed up on this special presentation by recognizing and congratulating Plumbing Council Chairman Bob Melko who will also be stepping down as an officer at the end of the year.

Peters mentioned that our plumbing industry owes a great deal of gratitude to Melko who has played a key role over the years in advancing, promoting and marketing the Plumbing Council as the PCA’s Industry Fund. In recognition of his service to the PCA, Plumbing Council, PAMCANI, UAC of the PHCC, IFT and much more, Peters presented him with a

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Inside This Issue

PCA Board of Directors 2016-2017 PCA Nov. 2015 Membership Meeting (continued)

3 4-5

PCA October Membership Meeting In Review Special Commentary by Outgoing PCA President

6-7 8-9

PCA Hosts C.E. Class in Hillside Breslin Seminar—Cutting Edge Strategies

10 11

PHCC Connect 2015 Conference Re-Cap PCA Hosts C.E. Class in Hillside (continued)

12-1313

Plumbing Council “Bravehearts” Project Plumbing Council Board Appointments

14 14

Industry News Industry Events Calendar

15 16

NEWS BRIEFS IDPH Approves Some Local Ordinances Several of our PCA members have called our office with questions about how to access the municipalities who have been granted approval for local amendments to the Illinois Plumbing Code. While the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) lists these towns on its website using a database found at https://data.illinois.gov/Public-Health/Illinois-Plumbing-Code-Ordinance-Approvals/cup9-8qhc, accessing the actual code changes is somewhat confusing. To locate the “PDF” file that identifies all of the approved IDPH amendments (currently at 39), our contractors should click on the maroon colored “about” tab located on the right side of the web page listed above. This will open up a new column which allows users to scroll down until they reach a section entitled “attachments.” Here, users can click on a “PDF” file that will include all of the IDPH approved ordinances (to date). The most recent “PDF” file is posted on the plumbing council website at http:/www.plumbingcouncil.org/documents/resources/item/idph-approved-plumbing-code-certificates-2015. Please note that this “PDF” file will be updated everytime an ordinance is approved, so we would strongly advise oursignatory contractors to visit the IDPH website on a regularbasis and follow the instructions above to obtain the mostrecent “PDF” file. If you have any questions, contact BarbBigelow at the PCA office at 312-563-9526 or by email atbarb@pcaofchicago.com.

Support the Middona Family Fund Joe Middona, a Local 130 plumber was killed on a jobsite on October 23, 2015. Joe, only 38 years old, was a 16-year Member of UA Local130 / UA Local 501, but moreimportantly was a husbandand father. Joe is survived byhis wife Miranda and threeyoung sons. Friends of theJoseph Middona Family have set up a GoFundMe account tohelp his family. If you wish to show your support of Joe’syoung family please send a donation and your condolences towww.gofundme.com/xv72e6ux. Thank you to all of ourplumbing contractors who have already provided financialsupport to the Middona family during their time of loss. Ourthoughts and prayers are with the Middona family.

UAC Unity Conference 2016 The Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC) of the PHCC will host its 2016 National Conference from February 28 through March 2, 2016 at the Marriott Pompano Beach Resort in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. This annual conference is designed specifically for union contractors and welcomes UA leaders and will feature sessions on Unfunded Liability; Market Recovery Strategies: and Prevailing Wage Laws. The UAC Unity 2016 hotel room block is now open for reservations at a special rate of $225 for a single occupancy plus applicable tax. Guests can register at www.pompanomarriott.com using the Group Code:

UACUACA for king rooms or UACUACB for double queen rooms. Once the room block fills, the room rate will increase significantly. Plus, registrants will receive $50 off the full registration rate if they take advantage of the early bird discount by January 22, 2016. To download a registration form, visit www.phccweb.org/files/Depts/ESG/UAC/Unity2016Brochure.pdf.

CDA Offers Free New Handbook App The Copper Development Association (CDA) has converted its popular Copper Tube Handbook into an app that can be downloaded directly onto an iPad or iPhone. By searching for Copper Tube Handbook in the Apple App store, plumbers can now have this 60-plus page manual readily available on their mobile device.The app is free for the first 10,000 users (.99 cents after that).The app offers instant access to copper tube and piping systemstechnical specifications, data or installation instructions as wellas short, educational how-to videos that demonstrate copperjoining techniques and can help users distinguish the differentsizes and designations for copper tube, pipe and fittings. Theapp is now available through the Apple App Store and will beavailable for Android users through Android Google Play.

Chicago Building Permit Status PCA and Plumbing Council contractors can now check their Chicago permit application status using the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) "data warehouse” online at www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/stand_plan/svcs/building_permit_status.html. The DOB web page is intended as a resource of permit information, and is not to be used as a substitute for the official correspondence that is given to design professionals or designated representatives when building plans are returned.

At Work is the official publication of the PCA/Plumbing Council. Unless otherwise credited, all articles are written by PCA/Plumbing Council Communications and Public Affairs Director Jeff Weiss. All photos by PCA/Plumbing Council staff unless otherwise credited. To request permission to reproduce any content, please contact 312-563-9526 or send an email to jeff@plumbingcouncil.org. Past issues of “At Work” are posted at www.plumbingcouncil.org.

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Look for the PCA and Plumbing Council “Midwest” Label

PCA and Plumbing Council contractors may have noticed new logos posted on our website, Weekly Workflow (e-mail newsletter), and Facebook page. Our Association will now be doing business as “PCA Midwest” and our Industry Fund will hereby be designated as “Plumbing Council Midwest.” This name change best reflects our Association’s expanded 17 county territory (and potential further Midwest expansion) within the UA Local 130 jurisdiction and encapsulates the recent merger of our former PAMCANI Alliance members and PAMCANI Industry Fund contributing contractors. All of the merger documents (PAMCANI Alliance into the PCA and PAMCANI Industry Fund into the Plumbing Council) were officially signed by the appropriate parties and recorded with the state of Illinois this past November. PAMCANI’s

merger into the PCA was pre-approved by both the PCA and PAMCANI Boards and re-affirmed by both memberships in 2014. This merger will be seamless for both our contractor members and industry fund contributing contractors as both CBA’s with Local 130 are identical. The PCA and Plumbing Council Boards and staff will continue to efficiently operate under the leadership of Executive Director S.J. Peters. In regards to the former PCA Chicago and Cook County and Plumbing Council of Chicagoland branded stickers and decals, these still can be used on company trucks. However, new promotional items will be ordered in 2016 and when available, our contractors are encouraged to replace them wherever possible. Also, please note that visitors to the PAMCANI website will now be forwarded to the Plumbing Council website at www.plumbingcouncil.org and the PAMCANI office phone number at 630-960-3970 will be discontinued and forwarded to the PCA office number at 312-563-9526. In addition, all of the PAMCANI staff e-mails will be forwarded to their respective PCA and Plumbing Council e-mail addresses. If any of our contractors have any other concerns or questions about the recent merger, contact PCA and Plumbing Council Executive Director S.J. Peters at 312-563-9526 (PCA) or 312-263-6612 (Plumbing Council) or by email at sj@pcofchicago.com or sj@plumbingcouncil.org. Thankyou and we look forward to continuing to meet and exceed all of our contractors’ needs through our bargaining and trust fundoversight, networking, educational programs, community and political advocacy, communications, and many value-added services.

PCA Board of Directors Elected for 2016-17 Term On October 13, 2015, PCA members elected by acclamation the nominated slate of President David Ariano (Ravinia Plumbing & Heating Co.); First Vice President Mike Kerrigan (F.J. Kerrigan Plumbing Co.); Second Vice President Matt Erickson (C.J. Erickson Plumbing Co..); Treasurer Brian Kennedy (Gehrett Plumbing); Director Dick Browning (Arrow Plumbing & Heating); Director David Kerrigan (Sherman Mechanical); Director Rick Kuhn (RJ Kuhn Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc.); and Director Brian Wilk (Bishop Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc.). Their 2-year term runs from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. Continuing to serve as Directors through 2016 are Mike Chapel (Canyon Plumbing) and Mike Doljanin (Accurate Plumbing & Heating Co.). Congratulations to all of our new and remaining PCA Board Members.

President David Ariano

1st Vice President Mike Kerrigan

2nd Vice President Matt Erickson

Treasurer Brian Kennedy

Director Dick Browning

Director David Kerrigan

Director Rick Kuhn

Director Brian Wilk

Director (retained) Mike Chapel

Director (retained) Mike Doljanin

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PCA Membership Meeting (continued from cover)

Coyne thanked Abbott for the opportunity to address the PCA membership.

He began his report by highlighting the success of the recent consolidation of UA Locals 501 and 93 into Local 130. Coyne noted that both PCA contractors and his own members appear to be on track to full employment following a long stretch of economic downturn.

In 2008, he reported that the total number of Local 130 man-hours was only 4.5 million. However in 2014, he said that same number jumped up to 6 million (with the consolidation of 501 and 93), and by the end of 2015, he projects it to climb upward to 6.3 million.

Coyne also praised many of the PCA contractors for employing over 170 apprentices this year. He also credited the joint effort of the JATC trustees and a membership approved building fund (20 cents per hour from each member’s check), for allowing Local 130 to embark on building a “state of the art” training facility at its Chicago campus in 2016. He said this school will include the latest in rain harvesting, grey water and advanced technologies to proudly train UA plumbing apprentices on the future work of our industry.

(Note: Contractors covered by the Local 130 CBA with the PCA previously contributed for a number of years into the school building fund, in addition to the contractor-supported JAC fund through the hourly contributions on all hours worked.)

Coyne concluded his remarks by saying that he intends, by working together, to make things better for both the contractors and the men and women he represents at Local 130. He added that he is looking forward to working with incoming PCA President David Ariano and his board to build upon a stronger partnership that Local 130 has with the PCA.

UA General President Bill Hite was introduced next to speak to the membership.

President Abbott asked him to present a national viewpoint on the “state of the union” and address the latest initiatives the UA has implemented including its nationally recognized “Veterans in Piping” program.

Hite thanked everyone for allowing him the opportunity to speak tonight.

He began by talking about the top-notch training that the UA provides to its members through its $250 million dollar a year investment in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Ireland. He also spoke of the most recent UA affiliation of the Roofers International Union and how together the two organizations will lead the U.S. in water conservation efforts through the installation of innovative rain harvesting filtration systems.

Hite continued his remarks by touching on the success of the UA “Plumbers 911” residential website referral program, which he said Local 130 has pledged to invest its newly created target fund dollars into promoting.

He mentioned that this initiative is working extremely well in over nine cities across the country and will hopefully return lost market share for plumbing service contractors in Chicago and Northern Illinois.

(Note: The Plumbing Council as the PCA’s Industry Fund – since 1968 – has functioned as the promotional voice for the Chicagoland plumbing contracting industry. As the

Former PAMCANI Alliance contractor Bob Lempa (retired CEO of International Piping Systems) introduces himself to the PCA membership.

forerunner to all ad programs that followed, the Plumbing Council is likely to remain the “identity” and the referral arm for plumbing service and all other aspects of our trade.)

“Without union contractors, our members don’t work,” said Hite. “That’s why we must view ourselves as a partnership and always work together to achieve our mutual interests.”

From there, Hite touched on the UA “Veterans in Piping” program that has trained over 400 active military men and women this year (and over 500 next year) who receive good paying union jobs when they muster out of service. He said this is truly “the greatest program in the world” and everyone should be proud of their support to this endeavor through their ITF (International Training Fund) contributions.

Hite also took the time to address several marketing activities and political efforts the UA has embarked on in 2015, including radio spots promoting the hiring of UA contractors that continue to air at major sporting events including Chicago Bears, Cubs and White Sox games.

In his final remarks, Hite added that the UA will work with the PCA and all of its union contractors in any way possible to ensure their success. He added that when unioncontractors win, our UA members win. “It’s that simple.”

PCA President Abbott presented both Hite and Coyne with a Chicago skyline engraved metal artwork in appreciation for their time and remarks.

She then wished everyone and their families a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year as the meeting ended.

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PCA November 2015 Membership Meeting Photo Review

From left: UA Local 597 Bus. Manager Jim Buchanan; UA Local 130 Bus. Manager Jim Coyne, PCA President Lori Abbott (Abbott Industries); UA General President Bill Hite; Plumbing Council Chairman Bob Melko(Bishop Plumbing & Heating); and PCA 1st Vice President and incoming

PCA President David Ariano (Ravinia Plumbing & Heating).

From left: Plumbing & Piping Contractors Association of Northern Indiana (PPCANI) Director and former PPCANI President Kevin Keough (PCA member

firm Keough Mechanical Corp.); PPCANI President Rob Sues (PCA member firm Reichelt Plumbing, Inc.); PPCANI Director Jerry Keough (PCA member firm

Keough Mechanical Corp.); UA General President Bill Hite; PPCANI Director Walter Reichelt (PCA member firm Reichelt Plumbing, Inc.);

and PPCANI Executive Director Bill McCall.

From left: Plumbing Council Director Alison Flury (Another Plumbing Company); UA General President Bill Hite; and PCA member and past PAMCANI Alliance President John Bali (Another Plumbing Company).

From left: Illinois Regional Insulation Contractors Association Executive Director Alec Rexroat; PCA and Plumbing Council

Executive Director S.J. Peters; and former PCA President Craig Campeglia (retired-Franks Mechanical Contractors, Inc.).

PCA and Plumbing Council Executive Director S.J. Peters (at podium) presents outgoing Plumbing Council Chairman Bob Melko (Bishop Plumbing & Heating) with a plaque for his many years of service.

Outgoing PCA President Lori Abbott (on right) receives a framed gavel metal pipe from incoming PCA President David Ariano (at podium) and

PCA and Plumbing Council Executive Director S.J. Peters (center).

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PCA October 2015 Membership Meeting in Review Chicago Department of Buildings Commissioner Judy Frydland Serves as Keynote Speaker

Many significant changes have occurred at the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) over the past few months, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s appointment of DOB Commissioner Judy Frydland.

From the moment she took office this past summer, Commissioner Frydland, a former Deputy Corporation Counsel in the Chicago Department of Law’s Building & License Enforcement Division, pledged to streamline the department and change the status quo.

She began by initiating an extensive review of the DOB’s permitting and inspection operations, which quickly led to the elimination of “B” permits for licensed plumbing contractors to perform cross connection re-tests or back-flow re-tests. Many other time and cost saving procedures quickly followed.

Asked to report on the DOB’s latest permit and inspection reforms, Commissioner Frydland, along with Chicago Chief Plumbing Inspector John Flynn and Chicago DOB Assistant Chief Engineer Basil Rhymes, accepted the PCA’s invitation to speak at its scheduled October membership meeting.

Over 60 PCA members, associate members and guests gathered at the Erie Café on October 13, 2015 to meet with Commissioner Frydland and have the opportunity to ask questions of her and her staff.

Following an extended pre-meeting reception (to cheer on the Chicago Cubs divisional post-season victory) and shortly after the break for dinner service, Commissioner Frydland began her presentation. Commissioner Frydland provided audience members with a detailed background on her professional experience working in various citywide administrative positions for the past 25 years. In fact, as a former attorney for the city, Frydland prosecuted landlords for building, fire and lead paint violations, and was instrumental in the formation of policy on code enforcement and crime prevention. In her new role as Commissioner, Frydland said she intends to immediately improve the services provided by the department; significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to obtain a DOB permit; and spur economic growth for the city. Her track record in just the few months that she has assumed office speaks for itself. The elimination of “B” permits for licensed plumbing contractors to perform backflow re-tests alone has “unclogged” the city’s backlog of around 2,000 to 3,000 permit requests and freed up permit

reviewers to instead work on much more critical water main and sewer permits.

Commissioner Frydland also spoke about reforms to the city’s certified plan corrections process.

Her changes allow for a shorter, simpler and more efficient DOB permit process allowing for professionals on record to assume responsibility for compliance with their plans without additional examinations needed. Applicants are now issued a conditional building permit, subject to field inspection and upon approval of the final review and payment of the permit fee. In addition, design professionals can now certify plan corrections for fire and structural corrections reducing the time to issue permits for small and mid-size new construction and renovation projects by approximately two to four weeks and eliminate nearly 3,000 trips to City Hall each year.

In addition, Commissioner Frydland discussed added efficiencies with the DOB self-certification program and touted the posting of a first-ever timed permit banner on the DOB website with real time metrics highlighting the exact time that each permit application takes to complete with the city.

“It’s important for people who want to plan a project to go online and figure out exactly how long to expect to obtain a permit so that they can factor that in with their financing and planning in general,” said Commissioner Frydland. “It also helps keep our feet to the fire in always improving our city services,” she added.

PCA President Lori L. Abbott (at podium) introduces guest speakers from left: Chicago Chief Plumbing Inspector John Flynn,

Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Judy Frydland and Chicago DOB Assistant Chief Engineer Basil Rhymes.

Department of Buildings Commissioner Judy Frydland.

(continued on page 7)

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Commissioner Frydland concluded that the ultimate goal of the DOB is to be a good steward of the city’s budget.

She also encouraged everyone to contact her and her staff personally with ideas to help the DOB use its resources more effectively and to notify them immediately of any work being performed by unpermitted and unlicensed plumbers. In addition, she stressed that she wants to make her department a more welcoming place that remains more transparent to businesses and the public. “We’re all in the together,” concluded Commissioner Frydland.

Next, Chicago Chief Plumbing Inspector John Flynn fielded a series of questions from PCA President Abbott and audience members. He discussed the process of permits and fees for sewer and water connections; reviewed scheduling of underground inspections on a task force job; explained how to handle plumbing inspectors requesting/requiring items not required by code; and provided a clarification on a host of other plumbing code variances.

Basil Rhymes, Assistant Chief Engineer for the Chicago Water Department spoke next and distributed copies of the most recent amended changes to the Chicago Plumbing Code.

He talked in detail about the three-year journey it took to develop the new code amendments and acknowledged the contributions of many of our PCA plumbing contractors in assisting him and his department in this process, which helped to eliminate procedural redundancies within the various Chicago water departments.

Thanking all three of the speakers for their time and candid remarks, President Abbott presented each one of them (on behalf of the PCA and Plumbing Council) with a personalized hand crafted metal pipe “pen holder” desk caddy featuring the Chicago Water Tower logo. She also offered them all an open invitation for continued dialogue in the future.

To reach Commissioner Frydland with any additional industry-related questions, concerns or ideas, contact her at the DOB office at 312-743-3600 or by e-mail at judith.frydland@cityofchicago.org. PCA members and Plumbing Council contractors can also contact Basil Rhymes at basil.rhymes@cityofchicago.org or contact John Flynn at john.flynn@cityofchicago.org.

PCA Membership Meeting (continued from page 6)

From left: PCA Director Brian Kennedy (Gehrett Plumbing); John and (PCA Director) Mike Chapel (Canyon Plumbing, Inc.).

From left: PCA Treasurer Matt Erickson (C.J. Erickson Plumbing); PCA member Ed Pienka (Pienka Plumbing); and PCA 1st V.P. and

President-Elect David Ariano (Ravinia Plumbing, Inc.).

From left: PCA Member Derek Lamb (Burns Plumbing); PCA member Brad Bruce (B. Bruce Plumbing); PCA member Terry McCarthy

(Terry Plumbing Co. dba A Matrix Holdings, LLC Company); and PCA member John Burns (Burns Plumbing).

PCA member contractors and guests review the newly amended Chicago Plumbing Code.

From left: PCA Associate Member Grace Calletta (Chicago Water & Fire Restoration) and PCA Director Rick Kuhn

(RJ Kuhn Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc.).

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Special Commentary: Final Remarks from Outgoing PCA President Lori L. Abbott

It started with a breakfast invitation, by past PCA Presidents and other interested parties several months before the 2011 election for the 2012-2013 PCA Board. Their goal was to convince me to accept the nomination for President of the PCA. Having served on the PCA Board under 7 Presidents (and the PAMCANI Board for

almost 20 years), I had successfully side stepped being nominated for President for years. I declined the offer and asked a past president to consider becoming the president again. He laughed and replied: “one term was enough.” Two months before the election, the group (expanded) reconvened and made the request again. As I appreciated their collective accomplishments, intentions, support and candor, I reconsidered and accepted their challenge to reshape and redefine the path of the Plumbing Contractors Association (PCA). The nominating committee formed for the 2012 slate, consisted of John Baethke, Wally Brongiel, Mike Chapel, Ed Connelly, Mike DiFoggio, Matt Erickson, Tim Howe, Mike Hurvitz, Bill Johns, Steve Marquardt, Bob Melko, Jerry Roberts, Barry Thomas, Craig Thomas, George Treutelaar and John Wolf (quite a group) who nominated me for President and a full slate of officers/directors. Unprecedented in PCA history, some contractors submitted their names for an alternate slate of officers and directors to those submitted from the nominating committee. The nominating committee’s slate was presented along with the alternate slate to the PCA membership, and the individuals below were elected. The Board installed in January of 2012 consisted of President Lori Abbott, 1st Vice President Steve Weinberg, 2nd Vice President James Birk, Treasurer Matt Erickson and Directors Jim Bruckner, Mike DiFoggio, Barry Thomas and Brian Wilk with retained Directors John Baethke, Mike Chapel, Ed Connelly and Bill Johns. And the journey begins As I assumed office in January of 2012, our union construction industry was experiencing the worst market downturn in recent memory. We were worried for our contractors, the employees (the local union membership), the union, the trust funds and our union market share. The Board met to outline a strategic plan even before the installation and firmed up our plan in January. The cornerstones of our plan were as follows: 1. Partnership in industry matters with the union. 2. Negotiation efforts to represent all union contractors, small

to large (85% of employed membership, working in shops with fewer than 15 plumbers).

3. Factual transparent and timely communication, even about

negotiations. 4. Increase membership involvement.

5. Implement a code of ethics for our officers, board members and trustees, holding them to a greater standard than “member in good standing.”

6. Support our trustees, as they reviewed the services and

fees of the funds’ service providers requesting proposals from existing and potential new providers for pension, welfare, legal and JAC. All of which had not been competitively bid for over 20+ years. Our funds were paying some of the highest fees for consultants and fund counsel, compared to funds twice our size. Also support the pension and welfare trustees in establishing the new “audit and collections subcommittee” and associated policy, in place of the JAB hearing audits, to review the auditors’ reports with challenged findings and to make certain the same policy guidelines are applied to all of our contractor members, by the trustees.

7. Participating with other contractor associations to

consolidate efforts and potentially lower expenses. 8. Governance documents review and PCA By-Law changes. As lofty of a strategic plan as it was, the PCA Officers and Board Directors supported it, believing we were “Up to the Challenge,” to create a new chapter in PCA history. The final paragraphs of the story are yet unwritten. Our Officers and Board Directors have changed slightly during the four years. They are President Lori Abbott, 1st Vice President David Ariano, 2nd Vice President James Birk, Treasurer Matt Erickson and PCA Directors Dick Browning, Mike Chapel, Michael Doljanin, Brian Kennedy, David Kerrigan, Mike Kerrigan, Rick Kuhn and Brian Wilk. So let’s review. As the second and final term of my PCA presidency ends on December 31, 2015, I thought it only fitting to reflect on how much our association has accomplished over the past four years in terms of establishing transparency at the membership level on everything from negotiations to management of the trust funds. Our common theme was the notion that established rules must be followed without exception, whether the CBA, audit and collections policy or trust fund administration. If the rules and policies were wrong, we would (and did) change them. In labor relations, we reached a one year deal in 2013 that brought wage parity among all three consolidated locals (93, 501 and 130). We established much needed dual bonding language to protect the financial stability of our trust funds. Additionally, this round of negotiations led to the PCA successfully negotiating for the first time, a separate National Residential and Light Commercial Construction “Schedule A” Agreement with the UA. While the definitions of the work covered under this agreement may need to be broadened, it is a welcome beginning. In addition, we have reached out to the UA for a National Service “Schedule A” Agreement, hoping to have it soon. We are also partnering with Local 130 in working collectively to re-capture lost union market share in our expanded territory.

(continued on page 9)

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As management representatives on our pension and welfare trust funds, our trustees were able to review proposals (RFPs) for all of our trust fund professionals. It took time and a lot of patience, not to mention an arbitration or two, but together management and labor replaced our actuaries and consultants on both the pension and health/welfare funds; changed the financial accounting firm; switched out a few of our compliance auditors; hired a new field representative; and now have retained co-counsel on all of our funds.

We, the management and labor trustees for pension and welfare, worked diligently to move the Audit and Collection policies/procedures away from the Joint Arbitration Board (JAB), as agreed in negotiations. We successfully established a policy and a set of procedures where all trustees now have open access to information through the automated reporting of “Webcore,” the data center updates in “Audit Track,” our new collection counsels, accounting professionals and the funds’ new field representative. In addition, we finally have a handle on the “shared” expenses for all collection and disbursement activities and all entities/funds are now paying their proportionate share of these expenses.

We also tackled the daunting task of consolidating the assets of Locals 93 and 501 (the plumbers’ portion) trust funds, into the Local 130 funds. The new fund professionals were quite helpful and provided guidance to the trustees, along with the support of the Fund Administrator, Terry Musto, and the Pension and Welfare fund employees. The Fund office personnel had quite the challenge to explain and counsel members about their new benefits.

With the consolidation of the locals into Local 130, the JACs were also consolidated; not a small feat.

The management and labor trustees worked diligently to bring the training programs together under a single trustee body, started a few new apprentice classes and created a new list for apprentice candidates. And still, they have a lot of work ahead of them with the announcement of a new JAC training center on the Local 130 downtown campus, scheduled to break ground in early 2016.

The Joint Arbitration Board (JAB), no longer involved with the audit and collection matters, met a couple of times in response to the Union charging some contractors with violations, under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The JAB also had to meet to establish new procedures for hearing cases, as they are no longer funded through the Pension and Welfare funds.

I am pleased to acknowledge that the PCA (through its staff) has become even more responsive to our membership during my term.

We have also increased our membership communications by updating our website at www.plumbingcouncil.org/pca, adding a new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/plumbingcouncil, creating a YouTube channel (under Plumbing Council), emailing our Weekly Workflow news reports, publishing our At Work newsletter and sending out periodic informational mailings. We have, at the suggestion of many, alternated the city and suburban locations of our membership meetings, continued to offer numerous continuing educational classes and other industry sessions on such timely topics as EPA water heater regulations and new Illinois plumbing code changes.

Special Commentary from Outgoing PCA President Abbott (continued from page 8)

Telling the truth has always been one of the central cornerstones of my administration. That is why I personally encourage open dialogue at all of our membership meetings; why we insisted on posting negotiation updates on our website and holding “town hall” style meetings on topics of relevance to our membership; and why I am so proud that our Association’s officers, board directors and staff rely solely on communicating with facts. I commend the efforts of our Association staff (S.J., Jeff, Barb, Lisa and Sharon). They work tirelessly to meet the needs of our membership and answer questions, all in that same effort to be transparent.

Furthermore, we have successfully merged the PAMCANI Alliance (Contractors Association) into the PCA and the PAMCANI Industry Fund into the Plumbing Council, which the respective memberships voted on last year, after oursuccessful joint negotiations efforts. The Board added “Midwest” to both names to acknowledge encompassing a seventeen county territory in Northern Illinois.

I believe our officers, directors, management trustees, committee members, and staff have worked toward common goals and objectives, as a team. Demonstrating once again, as a team, “none of us is as strong as all of us.”

Can I say that everything I set out to accomplish as PCA President has come to pass? Of course not. I hope that we can reach a National Service “Schedule A” Agreement with the UA soon. Our market needs one desperately. I had hoped we would see a strong economy return, allowing our contractors to flourish and employment hours to rise. The Contractors need to work jointly with labor to turn the growing tide of non-union projects in our seventeen counties. And I would be remiss if I didn’t strongly encourage our industry as a whole to unite and work together for the best interest of our unionized plumbing industry.

In closing, I would like to personally thank everyone who served or continues to serve on the PCA Board; the Plumbing Council Board and their Chairman, Robert Melko; the trust funds; our numerous committees; and our PCA staff for their time, energy and experience. I believe we have set a clear path, along with an updated set of By-Laws for the next administration to follow in an effort to serve our contractor base to the best of their ability. I wish them well.

I extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to each and every PCA Contractor and Plumbing Council Contributing Contractor for their support, confidence, loyalty and participation in advancing our plumbing industry. I wish only success, health and happiness to my fellow union contractors both in their business and personal lives.

These remarks would not be complete without acknowledging the lifelong example of “service to others,” set by my parents, Robert and Delores Abbott, and their unending love and support for my service to our industry. I also would like to recognize the support of the entire Abbott Industries’ family of working men and women.

Honor is demonstrated not by our words, but by our actions. It is also defined by not what you do so others can see, but what you do when no one bears witness. I believe our officers, board directors, management trustees and committee members have served our industry honorably.

It has truly been a personal honor to serve as your PCA President for the last four years.

Respectfully written and submitted by, Lori L. Abbott, Your 2012-2013 and 2014-2015 PCA President

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PCA Hosts 4-Hours of Continuing Education in Hillside, Illinois

Nearly thirty PCA and Plumbing Council contractors and their plumbers along with several Chicago and suburban municipal plumbing inspectors gathered at the Best Western Hillside Hotel on October 27, 2015 to earn up to four hours of continuing education (C.E.) credits.

Coordinated by the PCA, the two (2 hour) educational sessions led by John Pritchard of Lubrizol Advanced Materials and Roger Paveza, President of Vista Safety Consulting, provided the attendees with insightful information to bring back to their respective companies and villages.

Pritchard, a former UA Local 501 member and current UA Local 130 Chicago licensed plumber, began the evening at 4:30 PM by addressing multi-purpose fire protection water distribution systems.

The first half of his two hour session centered on a review of applicable plumbing codes as they pertained to fire safety systems. He also reviewed the requirements of applicable NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 13D standards for the installation of sprinkler systems in single family homes. In addition, he also presented an overview on the various system design alternatives for multi-purpose systems.

Following a short break, Pritchard concluded the second half of his presentation by reviewing the proper installation of fire protection systems including material selection; design requirements; piping system selection; sprinkler heads; and water supply requirements. He also left plenty of time at the end to answer any questions from the audience.

Paveza, who also serves as the PCA’s safety consultant, used his allotted time starting at 6:30 PM by discussing OSHA’s new standard for construction work in confined spaces (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA), which became effective on August 3, 2015.

In addressing the new OSHA regulation’s fundamental requirements, Paveza focused on the basics for recognizing,

evaluating and controlling confined spaces. Plus, he further explained the “Confined Space Entry Program” procedures that should be set by all construction companies to ensure safety while working at the job site. Confined spaces, according to Paveza, can present physical and atmospheric hazards that can be avoided if they are recognized and addressed prior to entering these spaces to perform work. He noted that approximately two-thirds of all confined space fatalities occur among “would-be” rescuers. He added that some of the main “confined space” hazardous conditions on the jobsite include narrow openings; cramped working positions; poor ventilation; machine hazards; and heat and cold stress. Paveza also stressed the five key changes our PCA and Plumbing Council contractors should adhere to on the worksite in relation to confined spaces. He said our contractors should include more detailed provisions requiring coordinated activities when there are multiple

employers at the worksite to ensure that hazards are not introduced into a confined space by workers performing tasks outside the space. Other changes include: requiring a competent person to evaluate the work site and identify confined spaces, including permit spaces; requiring continuous atmospheric monitoring whenever possible; requiring continuous monitoring of engulfment hazards; and allowing for the suspension of a permit, instead of a cancellation, in the event of changes from the entry conditions list on the permit or an unexpected event requiring evacuation of the space.

For more information about OSHA’s new confined spaces in construction standard, PCA members and Plumbing Council contractors can contact Roger Paveza by email at roger@vistasafetyconsulting.com.

In addition, Paveza has updated our company safety manual (free to all PCA members and Plumbing Council contributing

From left: C.E. Instructors Roger Paveza, President, Vista Safety Consulting and John Pritchard of Lubrizol Advanced Materials.

PCA and Plumbing Council Executive Director S.J. Peters (pictured at front) welcomes fellow plumbing contractors and guests to the association’s continuing education sessions.

(continued on page 13)

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Construction Leaders Learn Cutting Edge Strategies to Recruit New Talent

Nationally-recognized labor-management relations speaker and best-selling construction leadership author Mark Breslin challenged over one hundred Chicago area construction industry contractors, union leaders and association executives to change their mindset on recruiting the next generation of apprentices during a half-day motivational session on October 26, 2015. The Midwest Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association coordinated the event which was co-sponsored by various area industry trade groups including the PCA.

“Now more than ever the construction industry will be challenged to find, develop, and retain quality candidates for a career,” said Breslin in his opening remarks.

Without a concerted willingness to apply new approaches to screening and evaluating applicants; introducing business curriculum and formal mentoring; and adding leadership and foreman training, Breslin projected that unions will continue to experience a sharp decline in their membership numbers, which at best remains at a 14% national average.

Some of the key content addressed in this highly interactive session included key elements of workplace motivation and retention; demographic membership analysis with projections on attrition; and strategies being used by Fortune 500 companies and the military to attract a new base of Generation X and Y candidates.

Citing a recent “Next Generation” apprenticeship survey among 1,300 construction industry leaders, Business Managers, JATC Training Directors, contractors and union apprentices including those affiliated with the UA, Breslin noted that almost all respondents recognize that a new way of instruction needs to be developed and implemented for the next generation of workers. He also recommended, based on the

survey results, that the use of personal-ity and character assessments arecritically important in recruiting quality candidates and not just “warm bodies” to fill classroom seats.

In addition, he said that financial management (understanding the costs of production, material, profit and labor) needs to be taught regularly and changing the public’s perception of union training facilities and the professionalism of the trades will go a long way in attracting the next generation of apprentices. However, one of the most important changes Breslin focused on was a willingness to add a component of foreman training to apprenticeship programs to cultivate future leaders in the union construction trades.

All of the participants left with Mark Breslin’s latest book entitled “The Five Minute Foreman.”

If any PCA members, PCA associate members or Plumbing Council contributing contractors

would like to borrow this informative book from our “lending library,” please contact PCA and Plumbing Council Executive Director S.J. Peters at 312-563-9526 or by email at sj@pcaofchicago.com or sj@plumbingcouncil.org.

To download a summary of Breslin’s “Next Generation” apprenticeship survey, visit www.breslin.biz.

Motivational Speaker Mark Breslin (at podium) challenges local area construction contractors, association executives and union leaders to think and act differently in an effort to save the future of our industry.

Chicago area industry association executives co-sponsor Breslin event. From left (top row): Underground Contractors Association (UCA) of Illinois

Executive Director Mike Wiedmaier; Chicagoland Finishing Contractors Association Marketing Director Clark Johnson; CISCO Executive Director

Dan Allen; Finishing Contractors Association of Chicago Executive Director Miles Beatty; and PCA/Plumbing Council Executive Director S.J. Peters.

From left (bottom row): CISCO Education to Careers Director Johnetta Ryan; Guest Speaker Mark Breslin; and Midwest Wall and Ceiling Contractors

Association Executive Director Jean Meyer. Photo credit: UCA of Illinois.

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Over 400 plumbing contractors, industry representatives and association executives gathered in Hollywood, Florida at the Diplomat Resort Hotel on September 30 through October 2, 2015 to attend the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association’s national conference (PHCC Connect).

Participants took advantage of the annual conference’s more than 25 educational sessions and seminars including keynote speakers Doc Hendley, founder of the Wine to Water charity and U.S. Navy’s first female F-14 fighter pilot Carey Lohrenz. In addition, they spent time in between the busy schedule viewing the latest industry products and learning the latest technologies, as well as cheering on many apprentices competing in both plumbing and HVAC contests.

This year, the Union Affiliated Contractors (UAC) of the PHCC coordinated several sessions at the conference including soft selling skills led by UAC and Plumbing Council Chairman Bob Melko and Purdue University Professor Kirk Alter; a construction industry forecast led by Plumbing and Mechanical Magazine Publisher Bob Miondonski; and a candid interview with the new PHCC Executive Vice President Michael Copp. PCA President Lori L. Abbott, Plumbing Council Chairman Bob Melko, PCA and Plumbing Council Executive Director S.J. Peters, and PCA and Plumbing Council Director of Communications and Public Affairs Jeff Weiss all were in attendance representing our organizations.

PHCC “Connect 2015 New Horizons” Conference In Review The first UAC-led session on soft selling skills offered

union plumbing contractors an insight into achieving highly effective salesmanship in the residential plumbing market. Both UAC and Plumbing Council Chairman Melko (owner of Bishop Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc.) and Professor Kirk Alter reviewed the four buying styles of customers (decisive, interactive, stabilizer, conscientious) and explained how to adapt a unique sales approach to win over each person.

Both presenters also stressed the importance of identifying the distinct styles of their own sales force which tends to fall into four categories: hunter, farmer, shopkeeper, and repairman. Hunters, they noted, find new opportunities when times are tight. On the contrary, farmers are more prone to nurturing and maintaining accounts; shopkeepers are best suited for inside sales; and repairmen focus on technical details and solutions.

Overall, contractors left the session with a better idea of how to build a strategy to win sales by better understanding their customers, their workers, and the process needed to learn from day to day results.

Following a personal interview and intimate conversation with the newly hired PHCC Executive Vice President Michael Copp (who has since succeeded retired PHCC Executive Vice President Gerry Kennedy), Bob Miondonski presented the second UAC-led session by providing contractors with a “coast to coast” piping industry report.

In discussing industry issues and trends, Miondonski focused on the growing shortage of qualified workers in the piping industry. Recent U.S. Census figures show the need for 21% more plumbing technicians by the year 2022. In addition, he noted that the PHCC projects a shortage of 100,000 plumbing and HVAC technicians over the next 10 years, not including people retiring from the industry. Despite these alarming numbers, Miondonski said this trend can actually benefit the union sector as companies compete to hire highly skilled labor.

From there, Miodnonski presented forecasts of the various market sectors in the piping industry. Citing the most recent

(continued on page 13)

From left: UAC of the PHCC Chairman Bob Melko and Purdue University Professor Kirk Alter.

Plumbing and Mechanical Magazine Publisher Bob Miondonski.

13

FMI (construction management consulting) research data, he said residential construction remains steady through 2019 with multifamily construction expected to grow by double digits through 2016.

In non-residential construction, he added that FMI forecasts lodging as one of the fastest-recovering construction sectors, with a healthy project pipeline through 2019. However, he pointed out that commercial construction, such as retail and restaurants anticipate a 13% growth in 2015, but will see a slowdown to 7% growth in 2016.

One of the biggest hurdles to new construction, said Miondonski, is in education construction with no growth for 2015 due to tight state and local budgets. He then identified several other market sector forecasts and concluded his remarks with key suggestions for contractors to enhance their businesses including improving employee retention through training; cutting overhead and unnecessary spending; investing in new technology; focusing on specific market segments; and implementing a lean construction culture.

The UAC will use the information gathered at these two sessions and further the discussion on market recovery strategies at its annual UAC Unity Conference taking place on February 28 through March 3 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (see page 2 for more information).

On the final day of the conference, PHCC contractors attended the annual business meeting and elected their 2015-2016 PHCC Board of Directors including President Charles “Chip” E. Greene; President-Elect Patrick Wallner; Vice President Laurie Crigler; Secretary Jennifer Warren; Secretary-designate Arnie Rodio; and PHCC Zone Directors. They also attended the annual PHCC awards luncheon and viewed a special video presentation, produced by UAC and Plumbing Council Chairman Bob Melko, in honor of retiring PHCC Executive Vice President Gerry Kennedy.

The next PHCC Connect conference will take place in San Antonio, Texas from October 19-21, 2016. Look for more promotional information next year in both our Association’s “Weekly Workflow” and “At Work” newsletter.

PHCC Connect 2015 (continued from page 12)

From left: PCA and Plumbing Council Executive Director S.J. Peters; PHCC Executive Vice President Michael Copp; PMI Executive Director

Barb Higgens; and retired PHCC Executive Vice President Gerry Kennedy.

contractors) to reflect these new OSHA changes and is now available on our website at www.plumbingcouncil.org (under the documents tab). To obtain access to any of the safety manual files, contractors must first log in or “create an account” (one-time only for all documents) and accept the disclaimer. If you have any questions about creating an account, contact the PCA office at 312-563-9526.

The next PCA sponsored opportunity to earn C.E. credits will take place on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at Harry Caray's in Lombard as part of the PCA “Contractor Inspector Night.” To register for this event, contact Barb Bigelow at the PCA office at 312-563-9526 or by email at barb@pcaofchicago.com.

PCA Continuing Education Class (continued from page 10)

C.E. Instructor Roger Paveza illustrates the need for contractors to comply with the new OSHA confined spaces regulation.

C.E. Instructor John Pritchard reviews the plumbing codes and procedures for the proper installation of fire protection water distribution systems.

PCA and Plumbing Council contractors, their employees, and municipal plumbing inspectors earn up to four hours of C.E. credits.

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Plumbing Council and UA Local 130 Complete “Bravehearts” Project As reported in our Summer 2015 edition of “At Work,” the

Plumbing Council had teamed up with UA Local 130 and its union apprentices (Volo JATC school) to design and build two new American with Disability (ADA) compliant bathrooms with showers for disabled military veterans and handicapped children at the Bravehearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center in Harvard, Illinois under the supervision of Joe Albergo (Plumbing Council).

A total of 150 hours (working days) was spent on this project without counting the number of apprentice school hours working on the bathroom drawings.

This past September, the Plumbing Council and the UA Local 130 apprentices came together once again to complete the final stage of this charitable effort by installing a water heater for the Harvard center’s guest house used by visitors who stay on the property for extended trips.

All plumbing and heating fixtures and materials throughout the duration of the project were donated by Bishop Plumbing Inc. and Hartwig Plumbing & Heating, Inc., both long-time PCA and PAMCANI Alliance member contractors.

“We are extremely grateful to both the Plumbing Council and UA Local 130 for their time, dedication and skilled labor,” said Ken Boyd, President of the United Food & Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1546 and current Bravehearts board member.

Boyd added that their hard work will go a long way to bring smiles on the faces of countless children with special needs and our honored military men and women dealing with physical disabilities or post traumatic stress disorder for many years to come.”

To learn more about the Bravehearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center and how it delivers hope and joy to people through the healing power of horses, visit www.braveheartsriding.org. You can also make on online donation on this website or schedule a visit to view their riding facilities in Harvard and Popular Grove, Illinois.

Pictured from left: Local 130 JAC Instructor (Volo) Phil Roknich; Bravehearts Board Member Ken Boyd, PCA contractor Chris Hartwig (Hartwig Plumbing & Heating, Inc.); UA Local 130 Business Manager Jim Coyne; UA Business Agent Pete Olson; UA Local 130 plumbing apprentice Josh Dyal; Plumbing Council Chairman and PCA contractor Bob Melko (Bishop Plumbing, Inc.); Plumbing Council Executive Director S.J. Peters; Plumbing Council consultant Joe Albergo; and UA Local 130 plumbing apprentice Richard Wagner.

Above: PCA and Plumbing Council staff and contractors discuss the details of the final project. Pictured on right: UA Local 130 plumbing apprentice Richard Wagner installs the last water heater for Bravehearts.

Plumbing Council Board Appointed for 2016-17 Term

On November 10, 2015, the Plumbing Council Officers and Directors voted and approved the appointments of its newest Board Directors: David Ariano (Ravinia Plumbing & Heating Co.); Dick Browning (Arrow Plumbing & Heating); Matt Erickson (C.J. Erickson Plumbing Co..); and Mike Kerrigan (F.J. Kerrigan Plumbing Co.). Continuing to serve on the Plumbing Council board for the new term beginning January 1, 2016 are: Mike Chapel (Canyon Plumbing); David Kerrigan (Sherman Mechanical); and Alison Flury (Another Plumbing Company). Stepping down from the Plumbing Council Board are: John Baethke (John Baethke & Son Plumbing, Inc.); Wally Brongiel (Brongiel Plumbing, Inc.); Bill Erickson (C.J. Erickson Plumbing Co.); Bob Melko (Bishop Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc.); and Mike Mendel (Mendel Plumbing & Heating). Marketing options for 2016 were also discussed at the Plumbing Council meeting in November as invited guests from JV Murphy & Associates presented internal and external advertising strategies to re-capture lost market share from non-union competitors.

The Local 130 CBA requires random/mandatory drug testing (administered by ScreenSafe, Inc.) for rank & file UA members; union officers and staff; trust fund administrators and staff; signatory contractors and their non-bargained staff, and the association staff (PCA). When scheduled, please note that many collection sites take appointments first, however they are not necessary. Walk-ins are welcome. If you do choose to make an appointment, remember that the test still must be completed in the allotted time-frame. For your conven-ience, the Drug Policy Booklet has been posted at www.plumbingcouncil.org. You can also request a copy by calling the PCA office at 312-563-9526. Also, if you have not done so already, please make this booklet available to your non-bargained staff. Specific compliance issues should be directedto ScreenSafe, Inc. at 877-727-3369. Please visit “You Tube”online and search “Plumbing Council” to watch our webcastswith ScreenSafe, Inc. and ERS officials explaining the programand its policies more in depth.

Comply with UA Local 130

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Plumbing Council and UA Local 130 “Team Up” for Charitable Project

Working to make a real difference in people’s lives, the Plumbing Council led by consultant Joe Albergo recently teamed up with UA Local 130 plumbing apprentices on October 8, 2015 to remodel the kitchen facilities at the Garden Center Services “Lorel House” in Burbank, Illinois. The Burbank home, one of eleven Garden Center facilities, provides integrated living residences and comprehensive social services to nearly 150 mentally challenged adult women. While the Garden Center receives funding from the state of Illinois, it requires additional private donations to cover its operating expenses, especially with the current Illinois budget impasse impacting all of the state’s mental health based programs. To learn more about Garden Center Services and how to volunteer or donate to this exceptional cause, visit its website at www.gardenservices.org.

Pictured from left: Garden Center Services Supervisor Bob Wegner, Plumbing Council consultant Joe Albergo, UA Local 130 apprentice Justin Kasich, UA Local 130 JAC Instructor Randy Swanson, UA Local 130 apprentice Kyle Meeker, Garden Center Services Operating Officer Cindy Haworth, Local 130 apprentice Jack Vogan and UA Local 130 apprentice Adam Paver.

CISCO Expands Scholarships for 2016

The Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) is now accepting applications for its 2016 Scholarship Program. CISCO now offers three, four-year scholarships ($2,000/year) to

high school seniors; two, two-year awards ($1,000/year) for seniors planning to attend community college; and two, two-year continuing education awards ($1,000/year) to union members or contractor employees. Applications are available at www.cisco.org/scholarships or by calling CISCO at 630-472-9411. All applications and accompanying documentsmust be postmarked by February 19, 2016 to be eligible forconsideration. Winners will be notified in mid-March andawards will be presented at CISCO’s Annual Luncheon inApril, 2016. (Note: CISCO has moved its office to a new location inBurr Ridge. Their new address is 999 McClintock Drive, Suite 100,Burr Ridge, IL 60527.)

Local Area Leaders Speak Out Against Illinois’ Budget Impasse

A distinguished coalition of labor, business, religious and community leaders joined with Illinois State Senator Tom Cullerton and Illinois State Representative Deb Conroy at a press conference on October 30, 2015 in Lombard, Illinois to discuss the financial strain that communities and taxpayers are feeling in the ongoing budget impasse in our state’s capital.

The panel’s consensus was that mental health facilities, small businesses, municipalities, and even lottery winners are being held hostage by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner’s so-called “turnaround agenda” aimed at limiting the bargaining power of public unions and weakening construction unions by allowing municipalities to ignore prevailing wage laws.

Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) Executive Director Dan Allen reminded everyone of the tens of thousands of good paying jobs labor unions and their signatory contractors provide to young men and women, especially minorities, in our state through their joint apprenticeship training programs—paid for with zero tax dollars.

He added that a repeal of the Prevailing Wage Act in Illinois would cause irreparable harm to our economy and to the public’s safety due to the lack of training of unskilled construction workers.

All of the other panelists agreed with Allen and provided their own testimony, based on their particular area of expertise, to open a meaningful dialogue to find real solutions to our state’s budget crisis. Similar press conferences are being planned throughout the state to reveal many of the public’s concerns with Governor Rauner’s proposed budget reforms. (Note: Attending on behalf of the PCA/Plumbing Council were Executive Director S.J. Peters and Communications and Public Affairs Director Jeff Weiss.)

Pictured from left: Moderator Bill Habel, IBEW Local 701 Business Rep.; Workers’ Compensation attorney Dave Menchetti; United Methodist Church

leader Dr. Lynn Pries; former U.S. Department of Labor official Nancy Chen; retired small business owner Ron Allen; IL State Rep. Deb Conroy;

CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen; and IL State Senator Tom Cullerton.

From left: CISCO Exec. Director Dan Allen, former U.S. Dept. of Labor official Nancy Chen; and IL State Senator Tom Cullerton.

PLUMBING INDUSTRY EVENTS

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December 2015 UA Local 130 (4 Hour) C.E. Class—December 15—Local 130 JAC—Volo, IL UA Local 130 (4 Hour) C.E. Class—December 16—Local 130 JAC—Joliet, IL Christmas Day—December 25—PCA & Plumbing Council Office Closed

January 2016 New Year’s Day—January 1—PCA & Plumbing Council Office Closed PCA Contractor Inspector Night—January 12—Harry Caray’s Restaurant—Lombard, IL AHR Expo—January 25-27—Orange County Convention Center—Orlando, FL PCA Winter Social/Installation of 2016 Board/PCA “Plumbing Industry” Hall of Fame Award Ceremony

January 29—Brookfield Zoo—Brookfield, IL (For PCA members and invited guests.)

February 2016 PCA Sponsored IL Plumbing Code Class—February 4—Best Western Hotel—Hillside, IL PCA Membership Meeting—February 9—Maggiano’s Restaurant—Oak Brook, IL UAC Unity Conference—February 28—March 3—Marriott Pompano Beach Resort—Ft. Lauderdale, FL

March 2016 PCA Membership Meeting—March 8—Erie Cafe—Chicago, IL PCA Sponsored IL Plumbing Code Class—March 10—Best Western Hotel—Hillside, IL IL PHCC Expo & Continuing Education Class—March 18—Drury Lane—Oakbrook Terrace, IL MCAA Annual Convention—March 20-24—Orlando, FL

For up-to-date event information, please visit the industry-wide calendar at: www.piccal.org.

Also be sure to visit the Plumbing Council/PCA website @ www.plumbingcouncil.org

And don’t forget to follow us on:

www.facebook.com/plumbingcouncil search: plumbing council

Bob—Make sure to delete pipe wrench logo and move everything up and add all three logos on the bottom along with your union bug as done in the last issue.