Alabama Contractor, Spring 2014 by Blue Water Publishers, LLC

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Spring 2014 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

Associated Plumbing - Heating - Cooling Contractors of Alabama

ALABAMA

Contractor

The APHCC of Alabama is dedicated to the promotion, advancement, education and training of the industry, for the protection of our environment, and the health, safety, and comfort of society.

SPRING 2014

www.alabamaphcc.org

Table of Contents 4 5 8 10 11 12 13 14

Government Needs to Pay More Attention to the Phrase “Public Policy” Employee Shared Responsibility Under the Affordable Care Act for 2015 Put the PHCC Advantage to Work for You PHCC National Auxiliary...About Us Federated Insurance Helps You Manage Employment-Related Risks PHCC of Alabama Backflow Control Internet Certification Class Application PHCC of Alabama HVAC Continuing Education Internet Course Application Internet Marketing and SEO Techniques

APHCC of Alabama Officers PRESIDENT: Mike Scanlon Scanlon Plumbing Services 263 Mendel Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 331-279-8989 VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Dean Dean Plumbing Company 3100 Leeman Ferry Road Huntsville, AL 35801 256-883-6130

Alabama Contractor Advertiser Directory Alabama 811 Bradford White FastEst, Inc. Liberty Pumps

14 15 6 16

Norton McMurray Mfg 2 Rockford Separators 8, 9 Saniflo 7 T&S Brass 11

APHCC of Alabama Board Brad Hinton Brad Hinton Companies 2069 Cherry Ave Hueytown, AL 35023 205-491-7394

Charlie Conklin Sentry Plumbing, Heating & Air 2490 Rocky Ridge Road Birmingham, AL 35243 205-979-9864

Paula Quarles Banks Quarles Plumbing, Heating, Cooling 2501 17th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-758-2627

Jay Wiggins Wiggins Facilities Services PO Box 1507 Montgomery, AL 36102 334-235-8889

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Phil Smitherman AUX Mechanical Inc. 5925 Johns Road Bessemer, AL 35023 205-428-8416

James Cole Cole Sewer & Drain Services 4530 Plummer Court Montgomery, AL 36106 334-279-8919

Fred Williamson Williamson Plumbing 560 Glade Park Loop Montgomery, AL 36109

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Bob Mosca PO Box 36972 Birmingham, AL 35236 205-985-9488

Nick Tatum Conrad Watson Air Conditioning, Inc. 4100 County Road 5 Monroeville, AL 36460 251-282-7741

SECRETARY-TREASURER: Rick Thomason PHC 1634A Montgomery Highway, Suite 162 Hoover, AL 35216 205-822-0597

Barry Lee Birmingham Noland Company 500 35th Street North Birmingham, AL 35222 205-323-6322

Senior Editor: Bob Mosca PO Box 36972 Birmingham, AL 35236 (205) 985-9488 alphcc@gmail.com

Alabama Contractor is the official magazine of the Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Alabama and is published four times annually. APHCC of Alabama does not necessarily endorse any of the companies advertising in this publication or the views of its writers. Alabama Contractor is designed and published by Blue Water Publishers, LLC. Articles and information published in this magazine may not be reproduced without written consent of the APHCC of Alabama or Blue Water Publishers, LLC. The publisher cannot assume responsibility for claims made by advertisers and is not responsible for the opinions expressed by contributing authors. For more information on advertising, contact Jim Aitkins, Blue Water Publishers, LLC, 22727 - 161st Avenue SE, Monroe, WA 98272 360-805-6474 / fax: 360-805-6475 jima@bluewaterpublishers.com

www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Spring 2014

Government Needs To Pay More Attention To the Phrase

“Public Policy” Notice it’s not “government” policy – it’s “public” policy… for the good of the public! By Mark Riso, Director of Government Relations

he toughest dynamics in the development of sound public policy are when good intentions meet with what’s possible…when our hearts confront our minds…when our hopes confront our limitations. We live in a democracy…we all seem comfortable with that. But...what if you’re in the minority (to clarify, minority has no racial or political or financial bendwe’re talking about issues). We live in the greatest nation (the greatest democracy) on earth however, the real flaw in a democracy is that the “minority” has no voice. We can all be in the minority at one time or another and at any time – even the most “powerful” people in the US have found themselves in the minority on an issue. However, when one finds themself in the minority, it somehow still doesn’t eliminate their belief that they’re right. Winston Churchill once said, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” What Churchill really meant (in my opinion) is that there are no perfect ways to govern and we must always continue to do our best. We do this by partnering. In this case, Congress as well as regulatory agencies must partner with industry to strike a delicate balance for sound public policy (not something that is practiced too often). As such, we must always strive to strike a balance between good intentions and what is possible. My father taught me that the first priority of the “majority” is to make sure that the “minority” is ok. We must always make sure that the policies and agenda of those in “power” don’t overrun the rights and the interests of those who are not in “power.” This is important because again, we all find ourselves in the minority at one time or another. For all those who say that it doesn’t matter – “majority” rules…remember, you will soon have to comply with a sweeping health care law that may very well harm small business…which was put in place by a “majority” of Congress and the President. Humbling, no doubt. By now you’ve heard, read, and probably watched an overwhelming amount of information as it relates to the new health care law. Some of it has already gone into place with the most onerous provisions having gone into effect January 1, 2014 4

Spring 2014 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

(though the Administration has announced that it will delay for one year, the imposition of penalties to large employers for not offering health insurance to their employees). In essence, the goals of the new law are simple…health care for all, quality health care for all, and affordable health care for all. I don’t know of anyone who would want to oppose any of these objectives. However, as we said, the best of intentions. The US House of Representatives Small Business Committee recently held a hearing on health care reform implementation. The focus of the hearing (of which PHCC testified and offered expert testimony), was to gather information as to how small business will be impacted regarding the new health care laws. Both the House and Senate have begun actions to understand, analyze and even attempt to repeal certain provisions they deem as dangerous to small business (among others). PHCC’s Vice President Kevin Tindall offered PHCC’s testimony, arguing that small business is beginning to experience increased costs to insurance premiums for employers and employees in the p-h-c industry. The testimony also strongly stated that there are many “unknowns” coming down the road for small business and that a business budget cannot responsibly address “unknowns” in order to be profitable. Rising costs and policy based on the “unknown” are powerful arguments against any initiative. If Congress is truly sincere in its attempts to create jobs, then why would it pursue policy that challenges a business with its ability to create jobs by raising its costs to do business? My point is that well intended ideas, goals, and objectives are what we should all have in our hearts and we should always continue to pursue in order to improve the quality of life for everyone. However, in order to achieve it, we must strive to understand the ramifications of their actions. Congress has an opportunity to re-evaluate the new health care law…some of it is good – some of it bad. As Congress reviews the impact to small business as the law goes into effect – we will be keeping a close eye on who is helping us, and who is not, on Capitol Hill.

Employee Shared Responsibility Under the Affordable Care Act for 2015 Final Regulations Implementing Employer Shared Responsibility Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for 2015 Provided by the US Treasury Department

Provisions to Assist Smaller Businesses and Businesses that Offer Most but Not All Employees Coverage in 2015 Approximately 96 percent of employers are small businesses and have fewer than 50 workers and are exempt from the employer responsibility provisions. To ensure a gradual phase-in and assist the employers to whom the policy does apply, the final rules provide, for 2015, that: •

•

The employer responsibility provision will generally apply to larger firms with 100 or more full-time employees starting in 2015 and employers with 50 or more full-time employees starting in 2016. To avoid a payment for failing to offer health coverage, employers need to offer coverage to 70 percent of their full-time employees in 2015 and 95 percent in 2016 and beyond, helping employers that, for example, may offer coverage to employees with 35 or more hours, but not yet to that fraction of their employees who work 30 to 34 hours.

Various Employee Categories • The final regulations provide clarifications – many of which are based on comments on the proposed regulations – regarding whether employees of certain types or in certain occupations are considered full-time, including: • Volunteers: Hours contributed by bona fide volunteers for a government or tax-exempt entity, such as volunteer firefighters and emergency responders, will not cause them to be considered full-time employees. • Educational employees: Teachers and other educational employees will not be treated as part-time for the year simply because their school is closed or operating on a limited schedule during the summer. • Seasonal employees: Those in positions for which the customary annual employment is six months or less generally will not be considered full-time employees.

Student work-study programs: Service performed by students under federal or statesponsored work-study programs will not be counted in determining whether they are full-time employees. Adjunct faculty: Based on the comments we received, the final regulations provide as a general rule that, until further guidance is issued, employers of adjunct faculty are to use a method of crediting hours of service for those employees that is reasonable in the circumstances and consistent with the employer responsibility provisions. However, to accommodate the need for predictability and ease of administration and consistent with the request for a “bright line” approach suggested in a number of the comments, the final regulations expressly allow crediting an adjunct faculty member with 2 ••• hours of service per week for each hour of teaching or classroom time as a reasonable method for this purpose.

Provisions to Assist Businesses to Comply in 2015 To provide a gradual phase-in of the employer responsibility provisions and assist employers in complying and providing coverage, the final rules provide transition relief for 2015. •

•

While the employer responsibility provisions will generally apply starting in 2015, they will not apply until 2016 to employers with at least 50 but fewer than 100 full-time employees if the employer provides an appropriate certification described in the rules. Employers that are subject to the employer responsibility provisions in 2015 must offer coverage to at least 70 percent of full-time employees as one of the conditions for avoiding an assessable payment, rather than 95 percent which will begin in 2016. www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Spring 2014

Full-Time Employee Status Determinations • Like the December 2012 proposed regulations, the final rules allow employers to use an optional look-back measurement method to make it easier to determine whether employees with varying hours and seasonal employees are full-time. • Responding to comments, the final regulations also clarify the application of this method and the alternative monthly method of determining full-time status. Affordability Safe Harbors • Like the proposed regulations, the final rules provide safe harbors that make it easy for employers to determine whether the coverage they offer is affordable to employees. • These safe harbors permit employers to use the wages they pay, their employees’ hourly rates, or the federal poverty level in determining whether employer coverage is affordable under the ACA. Other Specific 2015 Provisions • In addition to the two forms of 2015 transition relief noted earlier, a package of limited transition rules that applied to 2014 under the proposed regulations is extended to 2015 under the final regulations, including: • Employers first subject to shared responsibility provision: Employers can determine whether they had at least 100 full-time or full-time equivalent employees in the previous year by reference to a period of at least six consecutive months, instead of a full year. This will help facilitate compliance for employers that are subject to the employer shared responsibility provision for the first time. • Non-calendar year plans: Employers with plan years that do not start on January 1 will be able to begin compliance with employer responsibility at the start of their plan years in 2015 rather than on January 1, 2015, and the conditions for this relief are expanded to include more plan sponsors. • Dependent coverage: The policy that employers offer coverage to their full-time employees’ dependents will not apply in 2015 to employers that are taking steps to arrange for such coverage to begin in 2016. • On a one-time basis, in 2014 preparing for 2015, plans may use a measurement period of six months even with respect to a stability period – the time during which an employee with variable hours must be offered coverage – of up to 12 months. 6

Spring 2014 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

•

As these limited transition rules take effect, we will consider whether it is necessary to further extend any of them beyond 2015.

Next Steps: Final Rules Simplifying Employer Information Reporting Many comments on the proposed employer information reporting regulations have urged that final rules provide streamlined ways to comply with employer information reporting -especially for employers that offer highly affordable coverage to all or virtually all of their full-time employees. Others have asked for a single form for employer and insurer reporting provisions when possible. Treasury and the IRS will issue final regulations shortly that aim to substantially simplify and streamline the employer reporting requirements. For the final employer shared responsibility regulations, go to www.federalregister.com For more information on determining whether an employer is subject to the employer shared responsibility regulations, go to www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/Questions-and-Answerson-Employer-Shared-Responsibility-Provisions-Under-theAffordable-Care-Act

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www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Spring 2014

Put the PHCC ADVANTAGE to Work for You

e understand the realities of business today: cutting costs, improving cash flow, and looking for ways to increase productivity. PHCC membership is a risk-free investment in the success of your business…guaranteed to improve your bottom line. Dollar for dollar, no association offers more business building tools: • Get the business and technical “know-how” you need to run a profitable business and be successful in an increasingly competitive market. With over 250 education and training options, plus 24/7 online options for you and your employees, PHCC is always focused on ways to improve your business. Interactive seminars and programs offered throughout the country present business owners, project managers, foreman, apprentices and other key staff with the skills they need.

CONCRETE INTERCEPTORS AREN’T ALL THEY’RE CRACKED UP TO BE. 8

Spring 2014 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

Cain Sales 2630 Steve Dr Atlanta, GA 30340 770.662.0755 770.368.8495 cainsales@mindspring.com www.access2day.com

•

Meet other PHCC members at national, state and local events for advice, support, and more business. When you join PHCC you become part of a unique network of people that share your high professional standards and passion for the industry. As partners or competitors, you can always trust fellow members to work with you so that everyone wins. Count on PHCC periodicals to keep you up-to-date on news, trends, and business solutions. PHCC sifts through the clutter of industry news and publishes what you need to know in a simple, concise weekly e-newsletter, PHCC Online. PHCC’s quarterly newsletter, The PHCC Connection, contains practical and implementable business strategies. Keep the national, state and local business environments conducive to your success with PHCC’s Pro-active legislative and regulatory initiatives. Elected leaders and government regulators depend on PHCC to provide your perspective on proposed legislation

and regulations. From taxation and health care to small business and environmental issues--- your interests are protected. •

Profit from green resources to promote water and energy efficiency to your customers. With building regulations mandating more water and energy efficient systems and technologies and consumers demanding products that save water, energy and money, PHCC can help you successfully integrate green practices into your business.

•

Save money on business expenses through exclusive arrangements with PHCC’s Preferred Service Providers. Total up your annual savings on fuel, business forms, fleet service, uniforms, insurance, marketing and Website services – and see results in your bottom line.

Joining PHCC is easy and more essential than ever.

A concrete interceptor might seem like a ‘solid’ idea at the time. But not when ever-widening cracks in the concrete, and its inherent porosity, bring the potential for leakage of waste material into the surrounding area. With today’s tough environmental standards, what seemed like such a ‘concrete’ idea at the time won’t hold much water. Why take a chance on concrete, when there’s a better alternative made from steel? The new RGI Series from Rockford Separators outperforms concrete at every level. Better yet, it’s now available with Full Freight Allowed.*

Learn more today. Visit: www.rkfdseparators.com/RGI.

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Alabama Contractor • Spring 2014

PHCC National Auxiliary…About Us

he PHCC Auxiliary is a group of dedicated people who share an interest in the Plumbing~Heating~Cooling Industry and who are willing to give their time and talents in support of that industry. The objectives of the Auxiliary are to promote PHCC, protect the industry and encourage participation among members. Over its history, the Auxiliary has evolved from representing the businesswomen within the industry to a diverse group of men and women that has become the marketing arm of the Association. In many cases now, Auxiliary members are also Contractor members who wish to support the objectives of the Auxiliary, as well as PHCC. The Auxiliary promotes education through the production of educational materials, fund raising and distribution of scholarships and industry grants. Each year several college scholarships are awarded, totaling over $35,000. A limited amount of Educational Expense Grants up to $1000 each are available for Contractor members to attend PHCC programs, seminars and enhanced service group meetings. Recruiting into the industry is another focus of the educational efforts. Age-specific educational materials are produced for elementary, middle and high school age children to explain the opportunities that are available for careers within the industry. The materials include a coloring book and a pamphlet and 20-page full color brochure entitled, “Constructing Your Future.” The Auxiliary actively supports vocational education programs, Skills USA and apprenticeship and trade school programs. Members devote many hours each year to distributing information, meeting with guidance counselors and recruiting at open houses and career day programs. The Auxiliary provides members with information on the legislation affecting the industry. In conjunction with PHCC Legislative efforts, they lend their hand in influencing the legislative process at the local, state and national levels. The membership of the Auxiliary is counted when measuring the influence exerted by PHCC. Auxiliary members participate in the annual Legislative Conference visiting Congressional members on the Hill in Washington, D.C. PHCC logo awareness is a large part of the Auxiliary is a large part of the Auxiliary function. Recent projects include the funding of PHCC yellow pages listings, the creation and introduction of PHC-Opoly, an industry-specific game based on the traditional Monopoly game, and most recently, PHCC logoed shoe covers available for members to use when they enter a customer’s home to protect their flooring. The PHCC logo is available on umbrellas, clothing items and watches from the Auxiliary. Silk ties bearing little gold toilets in a geometric pattern and clocks imbedded in mini toilets, jewelry, lavatories and tubs continue the theme of promoting the industry. The 124-year history of the Auxiliary is chronicled in A Partnership Unique, the companion to the Association’s history, A Heritage Unique. It is the story of the family-owned business in America, of women in our society, and the work that has been done to eliminate unsanitary conditions and the diseases that result from them. It is amazing to consider the fact that the women of the Auxiliary were formally recognized two years before women obtained the right to vote in America. 10

Spring 2014 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

BENEFITS OF AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP Business Networking • The opportunity to attend PHCC Conventions on a State, National, and International Level. • To meet and learn from the best in the business • To have access to people and information that can help build a better business • This means making more money and additional profit Contributions to the Industry • The ability to have an influence on the future and direction of our trade • An avenue to be involved in special projects within the industry • To have access to material to help in the education of young people about the opportunity and importance of our trade • To share ideas about our industry with people who care • Seminars and training provided at convention, etc. Leadership Opportunities • Opportunity to serve on committees and share talents • Development of self-confidence and respect from others in the industry • Ownership and involvement in programs offered for members only Member Recognition • Member of the Year Award • Robert Cox Awards for involvement at local levels Memorial Loan Program • Financial Assistance to members of family members attending school • Low Interest Rates • Delayed Repayment of Loan Scholarship Program • Educational assistance to young family members attending college • The opportunity for an apprentice scholarship

Federated Insurance Helps You Manage Employment-Related Risks

very employer, no matter what size, is required to manage human resource issues, government regulations, and employment law changes. Any size business can be vulnerable to employment-related litigation. Employee termination, harassment, or discrimination; improper documentation processes; and a multitude of other situations can expose your organization to potential risk of a lawsuit. Now, Federated Insurance has enhanced resources available for clients to help them address just these types of situations. Federated is pleased to introduce the new Federated Employment Practices NetworkSM(FEPN). Through FEPN, all clients can access: • an employee handbook builder tool • online supervisor and employee training • sample forms and policies • labor posters • monthly HR updates on frequently asked questions

Clients who carry Employment-Related Practices Liability (ERPL) coverage through Federated also receive: • Unlimited access to independent employment law attorneys For more information go to Federated’s website, www.federatedinsurance.com. Your Federated Marketing Representative is also well prepared to discuss these new resources with you. Federated Insurance understands and supports organizations like yours across the country through value-added risk management services. We are pleased that your association recommends us for your insurance needs. We encourage you to explore everything Federated has available to members.

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With new national lead-free legislation, there’s been a lot of talk about making the switch. Here’s the truth: T&S was the first fixture, faucet and fitting manufacturer to convert its entire line to lead-free alloys back in 2010. So when you purchase a T&S faucet, the peace of mind that comes with lead-free compliance is built right in. No worries. No hassle. Visit tsbrass.com/literature to download a free brochure about our lead-free products, or contact your local T&S rep for more information.

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www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Spring 2014

Spring 2014 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

www.alabamaphcc.org • Alabama Contractor • Spring 2014

Internet Marketing

and SEO Techniques

n a recent Foundation webinar, Josh Nelson of PlumberSEO shared tips & techniques for more effectively marketing your Plumbing or HVAC Business online. A few highlights of the presentation: - TO RANK BETTER ON THE GOOGLE MAP YOU NEED TO: - Claim & Optimize your Google Places Listing - Establish your consistent Name, Address, Phone Profile online via citation development by adding your company to other sites like Bing Local, CitySearch, Yelp, etc. - Get real reviews from your real customers in your TRUE service area (put a system in place to systematically request reviews from your customers on an ongoing basis and make it easy for them to wrote a review). TO RANK BETTER ON GOOGLE IN THE ORGANIC LISTINGS YOU NEED TO: - Add more place holders / pages on your site by creating pages for each of your services and each of the sub-cities that operate in. - Optimize your website & the pages on your site by updating

the Title Tag, H1 Tag, Content on each of the pages of your site. Get more quality inbound links to outrank your competition for your keywords in your area.

LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA TO GET MORE REPEAT & REFERRAL BUSINESS BY: - Setting up social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn & YouTube - Using email to get your existing customers to join you on your social profiles. - Push regular updates out & engage with your customers to get more repeat & referral business. This information is brought to you by the PHCC Educational Foundation. For more information on their programs and webinars, you can visit the PHCC Educational Foundation website at www.foundation.phccweb.org

April is National Safe Digging Month

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One free, easy call gets your utility lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense. Safe Digging Is No Accident: Always Call 811 Before You Dig. 14

Spring 2014 • Alabama Contractor • www.alabamaphcc.org

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