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PHCCWASHINGTON SPRING 2012
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21
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22
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6 PHCCWA President’s Message - Gerald Church 6 PHCCWA Executive Manager’s Message - Greta Flinn 8 Drainline Study Questioned - Jim Stack PHCC of Washington
10 PHCC Washington Member Hobbies
PHCC of Washington News is published twice per year for the Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors of Washington Association Greta Flinn, Executive Manager PO Box 64580 University Place, WA 98464-0580 Toll Free: (888) 891-9240 Fax: (866) 272-2545 http://www.phccwa.org
14 Plumbers Without Borders: Thinking Locally - Affecting Globally 19 Archeology in Plumbing 20 How Much is a Good Name Worth? 21 The PHCCWA Annual Golf Tournament
For information on advertising in this magazine, please contact the publisher: Jim Aitkins • Blue Water Publishers • (360) 805-6474
22 Hey! What’s the Hurry?
A Special Thank You to Our Advertisers Bradford White
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Rockford Separators
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T & S Brass
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Ferguson 2
Turbonics 8
Hodes Co.
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Liberty Pumps
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Woodford Manufacturing
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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
For the fifth straight year, Bradford White is the tank water heater brand most purchased by professional contractors. And again, we are the most recommended brand.
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PHCCWASHINGTON President’s Message
I
ow! It hardly seems like a year has gone by. It has been my pleasure to serve as president of PHCC of Washington. We have a great group of leaders who are dedicated to the betterment of this industry. I would like to personally thank Jim, Sean, Charly and John for guiding me through the past year. We all owe a big thank you to Beth Bates for all of her hard work and guiding us to a new level and several awards at the
National Convention in Minneapolis. Now we have a new Executive Manager, Greta Flinn, who is on a fast track to help us do great things at PHCC of Washington. I’m looking forward to spending time with all of you at the golf tournament on June 15th, which will be held at the beautiful Golf Club at Hawks Prairie in Lacey, Washington (see page 21 for details). Till then, go forth and prosper!
Gerald Church
Executive Manager’s Message Greta Flinn
W
elcome to Spring! I have had a wonderful three months as Executive Manager PHCC of Washington. I have enjoyed working with the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, PHCC of Washington and National PHCC. Everyone has been so kind, helpful and encouraging. I would like to once again thank each of you for giving me such a warm and inviting welcome to PHCC of Washington. As I have mentioned before, I’m motivated by challenge and growth opportunity, both of which PHCC of Washington provides. My goal as Executive Manager of PHCC of Washington is to increase “inactive” membership participation and increase member base which will result in an active, enriching and successful PHCC of Washington. As
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a member, please always promote PHCC as a benefit to our industry. Everyone should have received The 2012 PHCCWA Membership Directory. Please use this as a resource and feel free to contact myself or any officer listed in the directory to answer questions, concerns or suggestions you may have. Like any other organization, the more you become involved with other members and activities the more you will benefit from your membership. Please visit our website www.phccwa.org regularly for important calendar updates, events, meetings and member resources. We are always happy to hear from you and appreciate your input on topics and ideas for improving PHCC of Washington. Thank you for your support of our association for the past year and we look forward to an active and successful year ahead.
www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
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Viega PEX Press polymer fittings The Smart way to Connect PEX tubing. The global leader in plumbing, heating and pipe joining systems www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
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Drainline Study Questioned By Jim Stack, Past National President PHCC National Association Stack Plumbing Inc.
A
fter reading the article “Low Flow Plumbing Study to Focus on Drainline” on the Reeves Journal Web site and in the February 2012 newsletter Western Plumbing News, I have to say: Are you serious? It takes a study, and who knows how many dollars, to find out if reduced water flow causes a greater possibly of drain stoppages? Let me see: we have reduced toilet water consumption by over two gallons per flush in most cases. We have reduced shower head flow, reduced both kitchen and basin water flow and there has been NO reduction in pipe sizing. The codes still call for an increase to four inches when adding a fourth toilet to a horizontal drain. Disposals are still trying to grind as much food or more with over a gallon less per minute. Why? Do you really think that cleaning and scouring of the piping is still going to happen with less than half of the water use? Mr. DeMarco is correct. This is not about what brand of toilets one uses, but about age, material, condition, diameter and slope. I know Mr. DeMarco is not in the field and does not have to deal with all the problems of reduced water use. Yes, it is great to be green, but everyone knows that for every action there is a reaction. It’s true that in the newer parts of cities and towns there are fewer problems with stoppages because of the smooth plastic lines. But we all know there are large parts of this country that still have old cement, tile and other drainage materials that are very rough, cracked or broken. Question #2: What is the tipping point? I have asked that question of the plumbing technical committee many times. How much reduction is enough? You can do all the testing you want in the lab. It provides perfect conditions. It can’t, and never will, mimic actual conditions or use. IAPMO, ICC, NSPC and others are about protecting the health and welfare of the people serviced by their code. I’m not quite sure who made them all sheriff on water consumption. Or is it about the money? Only one man’s opinion.
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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
Zero or even below, the Woodford 65/67 series commercial wall hydrants will tolerate any temperatures without freezing. All drain automatically, even with a hose attached. The 67 models include an ASSE Standard 1052 approved backflow preventer connection…and all come with Woodford quality, durability, and the ability to tolerate anything Mother Nature can throw at them.
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Choose from backflow prevention (67 series) or anti-siphon vacuum breaker (65 series) hose connections.
Represented by Hollabaugh Brothers & Assoc. 800-878-5585 www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
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PHCC Washington
Member Hobbies
John Keene – PlumbMaster
M
y name is John Keene. My hobby is radio electronics. It all started when I was a young child and totally amazed that radio signals were broadcast through the air and received into a radio receiver. My first radio was a crystal set I had purchased at Pacific Electronics in downtown Seattle; the crystal set was a Philmore Little Wonder. It came
with an ear phone a crystal and a cat whisker along with a sliding tuner. By adjusting the cat whisker on the crystal set I was able to listen to local radio stations. In order for the crystal radio to work properly I needed an antenna and a ground. By using a sliding tuner on the crystal set I was able to tune in many of the local stations such as KVI, KOMO and KJR. I spent many late evenings and listening to some of the old radio programs that were available back in the 50s, all when I was supposed to be asleep, no one could hear my crystal set radio except me. I thought this was such fun. Many of the old radios back in the 1950s were console models. Many of them had shortwave frequencies along with the standard broadcast. One of my first radios was an old Zenith AM Shortwave radio that someone had given me. It used to have a big console cabinet that somebody had destroyed and they just gave me the radio. I had so much fun with this radio it had all the features of the big radio but it didn’t have the cabinet and I was able to just put on my desk. I listened to it for many hours. One of my favorite things to do was listen to shortwave radio stations along with the standard broadcast radio stations. I would listen to ham radio operators talking back and forth to each other on 20, 40, (continued on page 12)
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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
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(continued from page 10)
and 80 meters. Back then. The only mode of transmission that was used was AM (amplitude modulation). Eventually most ham radio operation switched to single side band modulation. This made it very hard to understand what was being said. Everything that came out of the speaker sounded like Donald Duck or worse. So I needed to do something about that. At that time Allied Radio Company ,whose catalog included kits for us electronics hobbyist to build, caught my eye. The first radio I built was an Allied Knight kit called the Space Spanner Radio. I built this radio following all the instructions that were included in the kit. The radio is a very simple design with only a few tubes and utilized a regenerative circuit for receiving. I learned a lot about radio by building this kit, and became very skilled at the art of soldering electronic components. Finally after finishing building the kit I was able to listen to the ham radio operators again. By using the regenerative control and the variable capacitor I was able to tune in the sidebands. From this point I decided I needed something a little bit better. I ordered up from Heath kit a new radio called the AR-3 all-band radio. This radio came in the kit form and I spent many hours putting it together. Enjoying every minute of the construction. The rewards were remarkable I was able to receive louder and
clearer. From this point I started collecting old radio gear. Many of the radios came from the early 1920s up to the late 30s. I helped start the Puget Sound Antique Radio Association in 1973, and it is still going strong in the Seattle area today. I’ve always wanted to become an amateur radio operator and listened for many years. I’ve made a lot of friends over the years talking on the CB radio, but my dreams still had amateur radio in them. My only holdback was Morse Code. I was unable to learn the Morse Code and that restricted me from getting my amateur radio license. Finally in 2007 the FCC removed the Morse Code requirement from the license. I was able to get my license then and have upgraded to general class amateur radio operator. Since then I have enjoyed the hobby more than I could even believe. I have upgraded my equipment and to the newer type radios that are available today, and I am enjoying my hobby more and more every day. I have communicated with many amateur radio operators from countries all over the world. Along with belonging to the Puget Sound Antique Radio Association, I belong to the Mike in Key Amateur Radio Club. Thank you for reading my story.
Randy Johnson – Ferguson
M
y Hobbies: carving canes out wood, putting together model airplanes, and riding motorcycle.
A couple of questions on your hobby. Q. When did you start your hobby? A. Started about four years ago. Q. Any safety equipment or special tools/materials you use? A. Tools used are wood layth, chisel rotary tool and a lot of knife work. Q. How many canes do you make in a year? A. Just a couple I do in the summer outside and when I go on vacation to Kentucky. Q. Do you sell any of your canes? A. No, I do not sell. I have given a couple away; however, I have a problem letting them go. To me, they are almost priceless. Q. In five words, describe your best day with your hobby? A. Working wood with my dad.
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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
Charly Mitchel – Mitchel Plumbing, Inc. (PHCC Treasurer)
I
started racing in 2003 with the racing club SOVREN, but also ran slalom for the Jaguar Drivers and owners club in the 90’s. I actually feel like I’ve been racing my whole life since I have always done spirited driving in my sports cars on the back roads and this is what eventually made me go into vintage racing, the need for speed and the desire to stay out of jail. The car I now race on the track is a 1969 triumph TR6, built to vintage standards with factory fuel injection. I’ve
also run my MGB, E-type, XJ6, and Discovery on the slalom courses. The TR6 is built like it may have raced in ‘69 with the addition of safety gear such as on-board fire system, full roll bar, and I, of course, wear a fireproof racing suit, fireproof underwear, fireproof shoes, a balaclava, fireproof gloves and a fully sanctioned helmet. The plans are to purchase a HANS device this year. If a person wanted to start racing, the first item on the checklist would be to take some driving lessons and join a racing club, SOVREN, SCCA or IRDC. Then they would find a car, get some track time and apply for a license, vintage or otherwise. Once you get past your novice training you could race at most any track in the area: the new Shelton track, Spokane, Pacific Raceways, Portland raceway and Mission BC, to name a few. My best day racing: May 15, 2010, 1st first place, but racing at Laguna Seca May 2011 was pretty memorable. To see more videos, go to YouTube and type in user name: charlypm44.
Jim Stack – Stack Plumbing, Inc.
I
have wanted to fly since I was a kid. Flight has always intrigued me. When the Gemini program started with John Glenn and Allen Shepard, I would stay home from school to watch the lift off’s, landing and recovery of their capsules. The Wright brothers were the Christopher Columbus of aviation, Glenn and Shepard of the space programs. I finely got my wish to fly in February of 1993. I was hooked. In March of 1993 and with only two hours at the controls, I purchased N-19JG, Julie for short. Julie is a 1958 Cessna 175 with a Lycoming 180 HP, 4-cylinder opposed engine. I soloed after about 14 hours and received my private license on September 1, 1993. Sandy was my first legal passenger. I now have just over 800 hours. As a private pilot, you need a third-class medical through a certified FAA medical examiner every two years. Every year or 100 hours, whichever comes first, the plane needs what they call an annual inspection. This is where the upper and lower cowlings, the interior and all inspection plates are removed. An FAA certified inspector signs-off the plane as airworthy or makes necessary repairs and signs-off the log books. The log books are the heart and value of any airplane. The airframe, engine and propeller log books tell what has been done to the
www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
aircraft from the time it left the factory. Any and all work or modifications are listed by date, engine and airframe time. Sandy and I have a summer place in north central Oregon. The Cabin, as we call it, is located on a 2600 foot grass air strip and one lot away from the lake. We fly from Arlington Washingon, where the plane is kept, to our back yard in Oregon. It takes around five hours to drive, but less than two hours to fly. The trip is spectacular, flying just off the rim of Mt. St. Helens at 9500’ across the Cascades, over the Columbia and on to The Cabin. 13
PLUMBERS WITHOUT BORDERS:
THINKING LOCALLY --- AFFECTING GLOBALLY
H
ave you ever heard the words “globalocal” or “Glocal”? These words are combinations of global + local… other linquistic blends are “smog” (smoke+fog), and “brunch” (breakfast + lunch). “Think globally, act locally” urges people to consider the health of the entire planet and to take action in their own communities and cities. Long before governments began enforcing environmental laws, individuals were coming together to protect habitats and the organisms that live within them. One of the first examples of taking action was prohibiting contamination of our water sources; be it a lake or river used for both a clean drinking water source as well as recreational purposes. The critical role of the Plumbing and Mechanical Professionals: We are the skilled and trained practitioners responsible for the installation and maintenance of Plumbing systems, which are the basis for human health and sustainable communities. Plumbing and Mechanical professionals have become so skilled at the craft that we make it look simple, knowing very well that it’s not. The average person generally has no idea what it takes to design/install or maintain a plumbing system; it is just expected to perform properly day in and day out. “Plumbers Protect the Health of the Nation” is a phrase used for decades, yet the general public doesn’t think of Plumbers as having anything to do with personal health, much less global health. “Keepers of the Gate” is also used to describe the Plumbing and Mechanical Professionals protecting the environment since they install and maintain the water supply and the outgoing wastewater systems. Recognizing the
potential Health and Environmental hazards beforehand and deploying the proper Backflow and cross-connection control measures demonstrates the technical and practical expertise of the Professional Certified Plumber. “The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity, and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because philosophy is an exalted activity, will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water.” Natural disasters remind us how instantaneous the transition to chaos, with tragic consequences, can be, when suddenly there is no access to drinking water and or sanitation. Water borne diseases such as Cholera and Diarrhea, kill millions of people daily throughout the world, but they are effectively eliminated by the Professional Plumber properly installing water and sanitary systems in residential, industrial or commercial applications. Humans can survive without food for sustained periods of time, but we cannot survive without water for very long! Plumbers like Jed Scheuermann, have had a special affinity for helping people caught in the unpreventable chaos that ensues in the aftermath of natural disasters. The story of Jed’s journey to Haiti, published in the IAPMO magazine, Official (May/June-2010) inspired many of his fellow Plumbers to consider how they also can make a difference. Plumbers Without Borders was born as a local grassroots effort in Seattle to facilitate and channel the abundant generosity among Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Mechanical (continued on page 16)
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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
What do the Beach Boys, Mickey Mouse, and T&S low-lead faucets have in common?
They all got their start in California, and they all swept the nation. Although California led the way with the AB1953 legislation mandating low-lead faucets, it’s only a matter of time until they are required in all states. And T&S is ready — all of our faucets are low-lead compliant and are available across the country. And, as always, T&S faucets are as rugged and reliable as they come, and meet the requirements of the Buy America Act. Contact your sales rep for more information.
contributing to LEED certification
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T&S plumbing products represented in Washington by: Stone-Drew/Ashe & Jones - 206-763-2850
Mickey Mouse® and the Beach Boys® are trademarks of Disney Enterprises, Inc. and Brothers Records, Inc., respectively, and T&S Brass has no affiliation with either such entity.
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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
12/2/10 8:58 AM
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(continued from page 14)
tradespersons to reach out and help the underserved. Charity begins at home is so true. Although the plight of thousands of Haitians fighting for survival was the shocking jolt that spurred many to action, all of us, no matter where we live, have within our communities, neighbors who are struggling and living in sub-standard housing, many without clean drinking water, safe sanitation, and/or a safe heating system.
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Call today – you’ll like our customer service.
Tap into 40 years of engineering experience.
One of the first local alliances Plumbers Without Borders formed was with Habitat for Humanity/SeattleKing County. We are now working on our 6th project within our first six months with Habitat, with more scheduled, thanks to the generosity of PHCC Plumbers: Bill Buckingham (Southwest Plumbing), Bob Larson (Bob Larson Plumbing), Jerry Church (J & K Plumbing), Ken Lantz (Quality Plumbing), and others such as Ed Benson (Paramount Mechanical), Reid-Pacific Company, Consolidated Supply, Pacific Plumbing, and Ferguson. Habitat for Humanity has a local presence in over 3000 communities around the world. Their work is local, with a global impact.
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Another of our early alliances was formed with a local chapter of Engineers Without Borders, who also have hundreds of local chapters throughout the US as well as internationally. Working on a local level, with local expertise and materials, is economical, efficient, green, and smart. Plumbers Without Borders’ vision includes being a facilitator and resource for other humanitarian organizations, who are already engaged in implementing water and sanitation projects throughout the world. We want to help connect volunteers with projects, both locally and abroad. There’s been a resounding interest from Plumbers and Pipefitters around the world who want to participate in this global effort and some even want to form their own local chapters. To this end, Plumbers Without Borders is working on creating local chapters. A notable group in South Africa, IOPSA (Institute of Plumbing South Africa) is considering forming a local chapter. With the array of natural challenges, as well as the emerging development issues faced by the region, a Plumbers Without Borders – South Africa would be logically the most efficient use of resources. Volunteering through local chapters, Plumbers and Pipefitters can be an integral part of building and protecting their local communities’ water and sanitary resources. After all, plumbing is definitely local!
Contact your local rep: Stone Drew/Ashe & Jones 710 S Lucille St Seattle, WA 98108 206.763.2850 800.222.2850 sales@alliancesalesnw.com www.alliancesalesnw.com
Left: Marty Kooistra (CEO-Habitat for Humanity); Standing: Fred C. Volkers, Plumbers Without Borders and Domenico DiGregorio, Plumbers Without Borders, signing Letter of Intent to work together
Plumbers Without Borders is developing the first comprehensive databank of Volunteer Trade Professionals, in the Plumbing & Mechanical field. This database will also include Manufacturers who wish to donate materials or supplies to organizations that are implementing water and sanitation projects.
(continued on page 18)
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(continued from page 17)
Having local chapters of Plumbers Without Borders will also facilitate the improvement and/or creation of local “Disaster-relief teams”, whereby highly skilled Plumbers, Pipefitters, Mechanical professionals can become an integral part of existing teams or agencies that would be dispatched to respond to a natural disaster. This type of global interaction will require the help of countless individuals to be coordinated at both local and global levels, perhaps under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), The Red Cross, The Red R, and others. Education and Training is still one of the single most effective ways of creating the foundation for healthy and sustainable communities. With that in mind, a variety of educational seminars will be developed by Plumbers Without Borders. The topics may include : • basic plumbing in both developing and developed communities • Avoiding cross-connections • Piping materials and valves • System Maintenance • Water filtration • Sanitation basics • Green technologies • Waste to energy technologies • disaster-relief plumbing basics Plumbers Without Borders will promote Plumbing Codes and Material Standards used by most developed and developing countries, keeping the emphasis on health and safety. Plumbing, Pipefitting, and Mechanical professionals are indeed stewards of human health, as well as sustainably healthy environments. By engaging the collective consciousness in our industry, and collaborating with like-minded efforts, both locally and globally, Plumbers Without Borders invites you to join in the process, no matter at what level of participation, everyone who shares in this vision is important. Whether you would like to lend your support, keep abreast of news, join a “problem-solving” work-group or committee, start a committee, or a chapter, be an educational resource in the community, or any other helpful function, please let us know. Also, if anyone would like to share their own story of how they’re connecting and helping in their communities, please email or call us….we’d love to post it on our website…you’ll be in good company! Plumbers Without Borders is a 501 C (3) non-profit organization, based in Washington State. Please visit our website : www.plumberswithoutborders.org e-mail: info@plumberswithoutborders.org Feel free to contact us at (206) 390-5000 or on skype at: plumbing4all 18
www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
Archeology in By Sean Daly
I
have always admired plumbers who can keep their truck clean and organized. One that I admire, is Kevin, who works for Stack Plumbing. Every time I have run into him, his truck is immaculate. I have tried to keep my trucks clean and organized. I’ve spent loads of time and energy getting the fancy organization systems, tool bags, and sectional trays with some success for awhile. I clean and organize my truck about every 3 month or so. It is usually based on total frustration of not being able to move inside the truck or that I can’t find that one part I know is on it..somewhere. One day I got a call from one of my good friends. I thought it was an invitation to lunch but he wanted me to come over and check out the state of one of his former employee’s work trucks. Now, I had an idea of where this was going. I’ve seen this before at other companies as well as in my own. I got there a of couple hours later to find him staring into a Ford extended van. One of his employees was already hard at work removing the first layers of job site material topsoil. It was about 1/3 empty when I got there. He and the truck were surrounded by a half dozen black plastic bags of garbage, miscellaneous totes of fittings, and a pyramid of Fosters beer cans stacked up on the retaining wall. The back and side door were open to show a cross section of sedimentary layers that had trapped plumbing parts, boxes, pink and yellow order slips, garbage and fast food containers. It was both a lineal and horizontal timeline of past jobs compacted from the pressure and heat of the pre-recession building boom. The employee was in a daze by the amount of work in front of him. I jumped right in to help because curiosity was killing me at what I might find. Would it be gold, oil, diamonds, or fossils? As we dug down, I found layer upon layer of destroyed materials for the recycle tote, new faucets with parts missing and the finish ground off from the constant plate shifting of the truck. Forty plus newspapers from the past three years were
www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
Plumbing
found, personal mail and parking infractions for other vehicles, crushed boxes with parts in them. I was now getting ready to call in the crime scene investigator when I hit a vast petroleum field! Well, a petroleum based product field consisting of an open Rector Seal can that had entombed many CPVC fittings, french fries, catsup packets, copper, wood pencils, and Pex fittings valued at $100.00 dollars of materials. I had found my oil and I knew I was on my way to something even more valuable. As we got down to the bedrock of the truck we struck GOLD! A polished brass tub filler trim set that had been burnished into a dull gold patina by an assortment of no-burst supplies crushed flat from the pressure and wrapped around it like packing material. I had found my gold. Two hours later and no lunch, I uncovered the next gem, a real diamond in the rough, Tom Shane’s motto of color, cut, clarity and print. It really was a diamond. A men’s magazine with a cover model, named Ms. Diamonds. I had found diamonds! As I picked it up to read the articles, my attention was suddenly drawn to something for the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. It was fossilized in a mini La Brea tar pit of ABS glue that had spilled long, long ago. It was the petrified bones of the infamous Plumberslunchasaurus. Maybe, I’ll get a nobel prize for finding the missing link to indigestion on the job and need to go home early for not feeling well. It’s fun to talk about now, but my friend was not amused at all. There was severe loss of time and money due to an unclean truck and lack of personal responsibility for the inventory and tools . It seems every two years or so I have my employees pull everything out of their trucks to inventory tools and restock parts. It takes some time and money but I know it saves in the long run. You can learn a lot of things by looking in the back of a truck and sometimes you’ll find oil, gold, diamonds, and chicken bones. 19
How much is a
NAME
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worth
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everal years ago, we occasionally heard about fraud committed through impersonation, but we didn’t worry about it affecting us. Today however, our names, addresses, birth dates, and Social Security Numbers are often worth more to thieves than merchandise, and they are easier to steal. How do identity thieves operate and what can you do? Old-fashioned methods—stealing purses or wallets and breaking into homes or businesses—are common practices for identity thieves. More recently, theft of data from corporations, small businesses, and even government agencies has increased the risk for more people and businesses. Other methods and preventive measures businesses need to be aware of include: • “Dumpster diving” (stealing mail and recycled paper documents from the trash) – Make sure all protected information is properly shredded and disks and hard drives are broken in pieces or “wiped” electronically. If you hire an outside business to destroy these records, do a thorough background check of the company first. • “Skimming” (dishonest employees use small scanning devices to secretly scan debit/credit cards at checkouts) – Investigate prospective employees before hiring. Monitor sales activity and question suspicious behavior by employees such as swiping customers’ cards twice. Also watch for unfamiliar devices near a register. Review your credit sales reports and check for multiple charge-backs. • Online fraud – Beware when doing business online— both as a buyer and a seller, especially in foreign markets. The schemes are too numerous to list and range from spreading e-mail viruses that capture information to setting up fraudulent Web sites that mimic legitimate sites. Protect your own and your customers’ information. Don’t open or reply to unsolicited e-mail or click Web site addresses you don’t know. Type in addresses to known sites and bookmark them instead of clicking links. Always look for the closed padlock icon on a Web page before entering information. Change passwords frequently on sites that store financial or personal information. Learn as much as you can about this issue. Visit the Federal Trade Commission Web site section dedicated to the problem of identity theft at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/. A good name is worth everything…keep yours safe.
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Protect Your Good Name Identity theft is “invisible” and often unavoidable, but sound business practices can help reduce the risk. What do criminals do with your information? • Apply for loans and credit cards in your name • Open new bank accounts and transfer your funds into them • Set up utility services or long distance phone service • Obtain employment and benefits • Create documents for illegal immigrants • Receive Social Security benefits • File false tax returns • File for bankruptcy • Use your name if arrested for committing a crime • Ruin your credit and your reputation! Establishing and enforcing sound business practices may be your best defense against identity theft—for yourself, your employees, and your customers. • Develop an Identity Theft Prevention Program (ITPP) to comply with the Red Flags Rule, if your business falls within its jurisdiction. • Make sure you have a written company policy on record storage and disposal. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), passed in June 2005, includes provisions requiring organizations to properly dispose of consumer records. • Review your hiring practices, sales practices, and employee training and communication procedures. • Evaluate the confidential aspects of your operations and take steps to improve risk management in areas that may be lacking. • Implement an Information Security Policy. The policy should cover electronic communication, Internet usage, mobile device security, personal use of business property, and password responsibilities. • Order your credit report annually and act on suspicious activity. As a part of Federated’s Commercial Package Policy, Federated may provide Identity Recovery Coverage for sole proprietors, partners, and corporate officers (with at least 20 percent ownership).1 The coverage offers a Case Management Service to assist you in reestablishing your personal identity and includes reimbursement of expenses accrued in the recovery. www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
THE PHCC OF WASHINGTON STATE ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
June 15, 2012 The Golf Club At Hawks Prairie 8383 Vicwood Lane, Lacey, WA 98516 / (800) 55-TEE-IT Registration Time: 12:00 noon Registration / Lunch 1:30 pm Shotgun Start Registration Deadline: June 1, 2012 Registration Includes: 18 Holes of Golf; Golf Balls; Power Cart; Lunch; Any 2 Drinks (alcoholic or not); and a Banquet Dinner (Postmarked by May 20 ) (After May 20, 2012) Cost: PHCCWA Member (Contractor, Associate and Affiliate) $120.00 $130.00 Non-PHCCWA Members $130.00 $140.00 Banquet Dinner Only for Non-Golfers $40.00 (No refunds for cancellations or no shows; substitutes golfers are allowed.) Golfer Name Company Paired Together ____________________________________ ____________________________________ YES NO ____________________________________ ____________________________________ YES NO ____________________________________ ____________________________________ YES NO ____________________________________ ____________________________________ YES NO Email address: ____________________________________________________________ h My check for the amount of $____________is enclosed or h Please charge my credit card $___________ h Visa h MasterCard Card Holder:_____________________________________________ Phone:________________________ Card Number:_____________________________________________________Expiration Date:_________ Billing address w/zip: _____________________________________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________________Date:________________________
Please remit payment to: PHCCWA PO Box 64580 University Place, WA 98464 Fax: 866-272-2545
Sponsorship All sponsors will receive: • Signage at tournament • Recognition in newsletter each month up to tournament • Recognition in PHCCWA 2012 Fall Magazine • Get listed on the PHCCWA Website until 7/1/12 h Dinner Sponsor $550.00 h Lunch Sponsor $350.00 h Hole Sponsor $150.00
Lunch Sponsor receives all the above and: • Listing on all publications promoting tournament Dinner Sponsors receive all the above and: • Free add in our PHCCWA newsletter h Longest Drive Men $200.00 h Longest Drive Women $200.00 h Closest to Pin (K.P.) $200.00
h My check for the amount of $____________is enclosed or h Please charge my credit card $___________ h Visa h MasterCard Card Holder:_____________________________________________ Phone:________________________ Card Number:_____________________________________________________Expiration Date:_________ Billing address w/zip: _____________________________________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________________Date:________________________ www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
Please remit payment to: PHCCWA PO Box 64580 University Place, WA 98464 Fax: 866-272-2545 21
hey
!
What’s the Hurry?
Avoiding the Ills of Road Rage
A
re your drivers potential targets of road rage? Road rage is becoming a commonplace incident on our streets and highways. Business drivers, whether sales people, service technicians, or delivery drivers have an increasing likelihood of witnessing, or being a part of, a road rage incident. What is “road rage”? It is simply an irrational display of emotions while operating a vehicle. Road rage can take a number of forms, from verbal rage (yelling, swearing, gesturing, honking, or insulting) to quiet rage (complaining, rushing, competing, or resisting) to extremely aggressive driving (cutting off, blocking, chasing, fighting, or shooting). Whatever form it takes, it is dangerous for anyone in the path of the enraged driver. The most serious road rage is when drivers "acts out" violently and endangers others. If they fail to control their emotions, enraged drivers may act out of intentional malice versus negligence. This is generally considered a criminal offense and is different from aggressive driving (such as improper lane changes or speeding), which is a less serious moving violation offense. The frustration of congested driving conditions often plays a major role in the driver’s emotions. Drivers should manage their own anger and responses to other drivers. The best way to avoid being the target of an aggressive driver is to practice basic traffic courtesy. Each of us must pay more attention to our own level of emotion. Above all, we should not allow ourselves to be swept up in the emotions of the moment if another driver acts aggressively toward us. It is best to move aside and let the enraged driver ease out of the picture. U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers these tips to help you on your journey if confronted with aggressive drivers: • Get Out of the Way. First and foremost, make every attempt to get out of their way.
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•
Put Your Pride Aside. Do not challenge them by speeding up or attempting to hold-your-own in your travel lane. • Avoid Eye Contact. Eye contact can sometimes enrage an aggressive driver. • Gestures. Ignore gestures and refuse to return them. • Report Serious Aggressive Driving. You or a passenger may call the police. But, if you use a cell phone, pull over to a safe location. Educating your drivers about road rage helps keep them safe behind the wheel.
www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2012
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
PHCCWA PO Box 64580 University Place, WA 98464-0580
Over 83 YEARS
PAID
Permit No. 592 Pontiac, Illinois
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