FALLS CHURCH, Va. - The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association (PHCC) said that it added 608 new members in 2004, bringing the nationwide total to more than 4,000. Additionally, affiliated state associations in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania collectively chartered five new local chapters, increasing networking opportunities and programs available to contractors within those states.

According to PHCC membership director Cindy Sheridan, the association's legislative efforts have played a role in the growth of the association, as have state and local chapters' commitment to recruiting members. "On the national level, we continue to be an advocate for tort reform, association health plans, and the permanent repeal of the estate tax," she said. "We continue to work with our state and local chapters to deliver programs that will make plumbing and HVACR contractors better business people."

The association said that in 2005 it would offer expanded educational and networking opportunities to enhance member success and profitability.