The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) – National Association hosted its annual PHCC Political Action Committee (PAC) reception at the Dallara Indycar Factory during PHCCCONNECT2019 in Indianapolis. Guests enjoyed access to race car simulators, interactive displays telling the history of Indycar racing, and much-needed respite from a long day of networking, meetings, and education sessions.

The annual PAC reception is an opportunity for PHCC to recognize the hard work of its state and local chapters that invest in advocacy efforts to make the industry stronger. The association recognized the following three state chapters for exemplary service to PHCC's members through their grassroots and legislative programs.

PHCC of Missouri (2019 Legislative Excellence Award)

By implementing a strategy that included coalescing with industry partners and labor groups, testifying before key committees in the state legislature, lobbying state lawmakers to educate them on the importance of protecting the licensing structure in the state, and identifying champions in the state legislature, PHCC of Missouri ultimately defeated legislation in the state capital that would have threatened the administration of mechanical licensure. 

PHCC of Iowa (2019 Legislative Excellence Award)

PHCC of Iowa succeeded in getting licensing legislation passed for master plumbers, journeymen, and apprentices in both the plumbing and HVAC/mechanical trades back in 2008, but a critical component regarding state inspections was left out. In the most recent session of its state legislature, this PHCC chapter worked with industry and labor groups to introduce legislation to require state inspections for plumbing and mechanical work, which is currently working its way through the state capitol. In addition, PHCC of Iowa has worked tirelessly at the federal level pressuring the U.S. Department of Labor to issue new guidance on apprenticeship ratios. 

PHCC of Ohio (2019 Grassroots Excellence Award)

The PHCC Grassroots Award is given to the PHCC chapter that exhibits an extraordinary ability to mobilize its members in pursuit of a legislative goal in its state capitol. PHCC of Ohio members partnered with their counterparts in the HVAC industry for their annual legislative day. More than 40 plumbing, heating and cooling professionals stormed their state capital to advocate for legislation expanding licensing requirements to include residential construction, which is currently being considered. Members also fought tirelessly against legislation increasing taxes against Ohio small businesses.