FALLS CHURCH, Va. - The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC) has entered 2005 with increased membership and expanded programs.

During 2004, PHCC added 608 new members, bringing the nationwide total to more than 4,000. Additionally, affiliated state associations in Florida, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania collectively chartered five new local chapters, increasing networking opportunities and programs available to contractors within those states.

"We are energized and moving forward with new initiatives to further PHCC's mission of advancement, education, and training of the industry," said Cindy Sheridan, PHCC membership director. "Our association continues to grow in strength and purpose."

Sheridan noted that PHCC's legislative efforts have played a role in the growth of the association, as have state and local chapters' commitment to recruiting new 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. "And we continue to work with our state and local chapters to deliver programs that will make plumbing and HVACR contractors better business people."

In 2005, PHCC says it will offer expanded educational and networking opportunities to enhance member success and profitability, including:

Educational seminars offered through a channel partners' initiative with manufacturers and wholesalers;

Expanded and updated apprenticeship training programs;

Workforce development programs designed to attract qualified workers into the industry;

A new look for the PHCC convention and trade show, Network '05, scheduled for Sept. 7-10 in Orlando, Fla.; and

A new long-term care insurance benefit.

For more information, visit www.phccweb.org.

Publication date: 01/17/2005