MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — In early March, members and industry partners of PHCC of MA, the Massachusetts chapter of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors, came together for the organization's annual Trade Show and Convention. The event was unable to happen in 2021 due to the pandemic, so there was an extra level of excitement in the air at the Presidents Dinner, which celebrated the induction of new officers and rewarded three association members who had gone above and beyond for their hard work.

Sal DiCarlo spoke of his time as president, unique to any other association leader because of the pandemic. Incoming President, Peter Leydon, talked of hope for the continued success of the industry and growth of the association. While times are still changing and a new normal is being laid out and adapted daily, Leydon said he is confident the hard working men and women of the plumbing heating and cooling industry will be successful.

Inducted into office by Mark Ingrao, CEO of PHCC National Office in Falls Church, VA, the four contractor members who will serve a two-year term as part of the executive committee, steering association initiatives and activities, are Peter Leydon as president, John Cersosimo as vice president, Frank Monroe as treasurer, and Jim Doughty as secretary.

Bill Leydon, chairman of the awards committee, spoke about the value of the industry and the work that this year's three recipients have done to get the organization to where it is today, looking toward the future.

The Robert J. Sinnott Public Affairs Award was established to recognize individuals who have made outstanding and significant contributions to the association and to the industry. This year's recipient had served both the association and the industry in several capacities since receiving his masters license in 1979. Wayne Thomas joined the family business in the early 1970s and took it over in 1979. Shortly after taking the company over, Thomas took an active role in the association's Charles River chapter and at the state level as a board member. He eventually served as part of the executive committee and served as president in 1999. Following his tenure at the PHCC, he took his career in a different direction and served as the executive director for the Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, where he drafted policies and wrote code for board approval. During this time, he taught inspectors' continuing education classes and represented the board at community activities to enhance the board’s community profile. In 2017, he came back to PHCC as executive director.

The Bradford-Rose Award recognizes members who have made sustained contributions to the association and their communities over a period of many years. This years recipient is Sal DiCarlo of Unified Mechanical in Wakefield. DiCarlo has been a master plumber for over 20 years and since coming on board as a PHCC Contractor has been very active, especially in promoting the HVAC side of the association. Starting out as a service technician in 1987, DiCarlo has held several roles over the years in the industry. He has been a strong voice at PHCC National’s Legislative Conference in Washington, advocating for the industry, small businesses, and vocational technical funding and grants. He has taught continuing education for contractors in the field and, for the past four years, has served as a member of the executive committee, later turning over the reign of president to Peter Leydon.

The third award, the Contractor of the Year, is presented each year by association associate member F.W. Webb Company. Michael DelConte of Webb presented Kate Tynan of McDonnell Plumbing in Needham with this year's award. It is given to members who deserve special recognition for contributions to the association, the industry, and the community. Tynan joined the family business in 2005 and was taught by father Frank how to repair and diagnose plumbing and heating systems. In addition to working in the family business, she quickly took an active role and eventually served as president of the association's Charles River chapter. After several years, she became active on the board and became the first female board member in 2016. Since joining the industry, Kate has contributed her energy to the trade community, providing countless hours advocating and promoting PHCC and the trades in general. She currently chairs both the Trade Show and Marketing committees for PHCC.