Organizers are calling the PHCC’s April 25-26 legislative conference a success.

Members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors used the event to lobby for the repeal of the estate tax, more workable regulations and better guidelines for federal weatherization programs.

“We were very pleased with the results of this conference,” said PHCC President Keith Bienvenu.  “Not only were the meetings with legislators very beneficial, we have also received requests to be involved in new small business groups that are being formed.  This is a true reflection of the year-long time, energy, passion and commitment that PHCC members invest in building relationships with those who decide policy that impacts our industry.”

Members heard from the chairman of the House Small Business Committee, Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), and gave an official goodbye to retiring Republican Sen. John Kyl of Arizona. 

Kyl was the PHCC’s closing session speaker. He advised the group to stay politically active.

“Get to know your lawmakers while they are in your district and state,” Kyl said. “If you wait until your members of Congress are in Washington, D.C., you’ve missed the opportunity to have a voice.”

The next PHCC legislative conference will be in 2013.