James P. “Jim” Witten, past national secretary of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association (PHCC) and president of WB Investments of Charlestown, Ind., received the Col. George D. Scott award for meritorious service at the recent PHCC annual convention in Chicago.

The Col. George D. Scott Award recognizes a PHCC member for his/her many years of service and unselfish devotion to the association and industry, and whose industry efforts have provided many benefits to other plumbing and heating contractors. The award is presented in recognition of the continuing philosophy of dedicated service inspired by Col. George D. Scott, PHCC’s first president.

The nomination letter submitted by Indiana PHCC reads, in part: “Jim’s contribution to our industry and our association are unquestioned. His talents resonate at PHCC, Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC), the Auxiliary, and the Foundation. Jim has touched us with his willingness to give so we can be better at our business and at our friendships.”

At the national level, Witten was PHCC national secretary from 1996-1998, serving two consecutive terms. He also has had several other national positions, including zone director, parliamentarian, and member of the membership, resolutions, bylaws and policy committees.

An accountant, Witten has been chairman and an active member of the Labor Calculator Task Force, tapping into his financial background to help guide the program. He also conducts seminars nationwide on how to use the Labor Calculator and its benefits to the industry. He helped develop and present the PHCC Educational Foundation Money Management programs, “Understanding Overhead” and “Understanding Financial Statements.”

Witten also is an active member of the Union-Affiliated Contractors (UAC). He served on the task force to establish the group, and has served as a trustee, as well as UAC executive liaison.

At the state level, Witten has been president and treasurer of the Indiana PHCC. He served on the board of directors of the state association for 30 years (1971-2001). He also helped start a local chapter whose membership is made up of open shop contractors.

Witten has used his financial expertise to participate in a number of volunteer efforts in his community. For many years, he served as a member of the board for the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant Reuse Authority. This agency reclaims military land for use by local citizens.  Also, in 2005, Witten was the procurement chair for the Boy Scouts of America’s National Jamboree.

The PHCC-National Association provides legislative advocacy, education, and training to more than 4,000 plumbing and HVACR businesses and 79,500 technicians. For more information, visit www.phccweb.org.

Publication date: 12/04/2006