PHCC of Washington News Spring 2013 by Blue Water Publishers, LLC

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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

PHCCWASHINGTON SPRING 2013

17 8

14 6

PHCCWA President’s Message - Gerald Church

8 Apples, Actions and Leopards 10 Before You Dig - Check Out the New Law 12 Are Your Ready? Get the Lead Out Plumbing Consortium 14

In 2013 PHCC Will Go Big! - Gerry Kennedy

PHCC of Washington

16 PHCCWA Annual Golf Tournament Registration

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

18 PHCC’s 2013 Legislative Conference - May 22-23 19 PHCCWA Holiday Party a Success 20 National Museum of American History Acquires Women’s History Through PHCC National Auxiliary Documents 20 Connect 2013

For information on advertising in this magazine, please contact the publisher: Jim Aitkins • Blue Water Publishers, LLC • (360) 805-6474 jima@bluewaterpublishers.com www.bluewaterpublishers.com

20 2013 Legislative Conference Information 21 Six Strategies to Regenerate Business 22 2013 PHCCWA Membership Application and Top Reasons to Join

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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

PHCCWASHINGTON President’s Message

IDENTIFYING THE ENEMY

ho’s the enemy? Is it the government who raises taxes and imposes regulations? Is it manufacturers and suppliers who raise the cost of materials? Is it our competitors who charge too much or too little? When the government needs more revenue to meet there obligations they raise prices accordingly (taxes). When manufacturers and suppliers need more money to operate they raise the cost of their products. Over the years it has been my experience and observation that most people in this industry who need more income to be able to keep their heads above the waterline tend to look for more work instead of more money. Unfortunately more work at the same cost doesn’t make you more money it only makes you more tired. Rather than being angry at the guy who charges more perhaps we could learn from them. Don’t be the next

contractor to go under, be the new guy on the block who is making money, who can afford to take your family on a nice Gerald Church vacation. PHCC is a great resource to learn how to be prosperous. They have programs and seminars to help you find what your true cost of doing business is. So, who is the enemy, the guy who shows up at the customers job in a nice truck with the right tools and materials or the guy in the old beater who has to cut corners so he can afford fuel to get to the next job. I believe the enemy will be looking back at you when you brush your teeth tomorrow. Let’s make our businesses and our industry the best they can be. Go forth and learn.

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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

1.28 GPF

Apples Actions & Leopards By Mark Matteson

dmonds, Washington is a sleepy little burg on the shores of Puget Sound. The ferry goes back and forth from Edmonds to Kingston. I am always happy to return there from my travels. It is like an old friend I haven’t seen for a few years; I pick up where I left off. As a kid, I called it “Deadmonds” and couldn’t wait to leave. Now, 35 years later, I smile when I walk around downtown. I do all my business in my community. It’s nice. My barber’s name is John; he cuts hair six days a week. John is originally from Ohio. Me, too. I was born in Ravenna, near Akron. He creates just the right atmosphere in his shop for his demographic, the 45- to 75-year-old man. There are 25 different magazines to read and a 42-inch flat screen tuned to ESPN or CNN. When I want to read, he never says a word. When I want to talk, he listens. John is smart in that common-sense-everyman kind of way. He is always busy. I usually have to wait, but I don’t mind. The experience is always worth it. I tease him that he should only charge me half the price. When I tip him, he says, “Oh, no, I couldn’t. That would be stealing!” During my last visit, I asked him, “So, what do you know?” A little surprised that I wanted to talk, he quoted a psychiatrist friend of his from Columbus, Ohio. It was profound. He said, “Human beings can be summed by three proverbs:

“The apple always falls close to the tree. “Actions speaks louder than words. “A leopard never changes his spots.” It was like a two-by-four to the back of the head. The next morning, I grabbed my journal and started thinking about what John had said. APPLES The apple always falls close to the tree. As much as I would like to believe otherwise, a big part of who I am is due to my mother and father. I can break it down for you. Because of my late mother, Barbara Jean Matteson, I love books, write for a living, have a love of all things British (including a great cup of tea), love a gathering, and enjoy theater and film. Because of my late father, Robert D. Matteson, I am tall, balding, have a great sense of humor, love hearing or telling a good story, have a passion for basketball, and don’t like anyone telling me what to do. If I am honest, he never suffered fools gladly. Me, too. Mean and stupid people are tough for me to handle. Each of us has our parents’ DNA hardwired into us from birth. Mannerisms, vocal patterns, attitudes, beliefs, prejudices, affinities, interests, and eating habits all come from our parents. Will you pass who you are onto your kids?

www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

ACTIONS Actions speak louder than words. Socrates concluded at the end of his life, “I stopped listening to what men said and watched what they did.” My children don’t listen to a word I say, but they watch every move I make. Able example is the model imperative. I will always be judged by my actions, never on my intentions. It takes 21 to 35 days to form a new habit. Good habits are hard to form, but easy to live with. Bad habits are easy to form and hard to live with. Is it the same for you? LEOPARDS A leopard never changes his spots. Emerson wrote, “Who you are speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you are saying.” It has been said, “Who you are is fixed by the time you are five years old.” That is uncomfortably true for some people. In my observation, it is true 80 percent of the time. Acceptance of our strengths and delegation of our weaknesses seems to be the answer for a lot people, but there are some things we CAN change. That is what I choose to focus on. My attitudes, my behaviors, my moods, my thoughts and feelings, my friends, the books I read-these are things I CAN change. Looks like I could use a trim around the sides and back. I wonder what John will tell me next? SOME WISDOM AND ADVICE FROM THOMAS EDISON Now some perspective from the other side of the ledger, from a man who invented several entire industries (movies, electricity, music). Yes, there are some things that will never change (Apples, Actions, and Leopards). That being said, here is some timeless wisdom and advice from the man who never said “never”. • Discontent is the first necessity of progress. • Invention is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration. • Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits. • If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves. • Anything that won’t sell, I don’t want to invent. • The best thinking has been done in solitude. The worst has done in turmoil. • The value of an idea lies in the using of it. • Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work. • There is far more opportunity than there is ability. • Your worth consists in what you are and not in what you have. Provided by Mark Matteson, Matteson Avenue. Subscribe to the Matteson Avenue e-zine by visiting www.mattesonavenue.com. Contact Mark Matteson by calling 1-877-672-2001 or by e-mail at mark@mattesonavenue.com. www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

Before You Dig A Hole - Check Out The New Law The rules affect anyone digging deeper than one foot, including homeowners, and can result in misdemeanor charges and fines up to $10,000. By Benjamin Minnick Journal Construction Editor

tricter rules about digging statewide take effect tomorrow in an effort to make underground utilities and pipelines safer. There will also be higher penalties for infractions, mandatory damage reporting and clearer procedures. The rules affect anyone digging deeper than 1 foot, including homeowners. Part of the problem with the old “call-before-you-dig” law was the lack of enforcement, according to Anna Gill, program specialist for pipeline safety at the state Utilities and Transportation Commission. The old law carried penalties of up to 30 days in jail, but Gill said no one was jailed and only two fines were issued since it took effect in 1985 because there was no enforcing agency. Now the UTC will enforce the rules. The new law has misdemeanor charges but no jail time. Monetary penalties have been increased from $1,000 per violation to $1,000 for an initial violation and up to $5,000 for subsequent violations within a three-year period. Those penalties can be imposed even if no lines are damaged. All it takes is someone filing a complaint. The biggest fine — $10,000 and possible misdemeanor charges — is for anyone who fails to request a location mark and damages a hazardous liquid or gas pipeline. Gill said the intent of the new law is not to collect fines or penalize people. “We want to change behavior. We want to protect our underground infrastructure,” she said. Fines collected will fund public education about digging safety. Gill said anyone can apply for the funds, including industry trade groups and associations. After January 1, people will have 45 days to report any

damage from digging to the UTC. Previously, only damage to regulated natural gas and hazardous liquid facilities had to be reported. Diggers also have to outline the proposed digging area in white paint before calling for utility location marks. Gill said this includes homeowners digging out tree stumps. Other changes include a requirement to work with affected utilities if a digging project exceeds 700 feet, and maintaining location marks for 45 days or the life of the project, whichever is shorter. There are changes for the state’s hundreds of utilities, too. They must register with the state one-call center, mark all locatable lines (including laterals), and provide information to excavators about lines that can’t be located. Gill said the state doesn’t track all digging incidents, just those caused by regulated gas pipeline companies. She said there were about 1,300 reportable incidents in 2011 from those companies. Incidents can be as small as a nick to the exterior of a pipeline, which can damage interior pipe coatings and accelerate corrosion, according to Gill. That was part of the cause of the 1999 explosion of Olympic Pipe Line Co.’s liquid fuel pipeline in Bellingham. Gill said a section of that pipe had been scraped but not punctured. Years later it failed as a result of that, setting off an explosion that killed three people. The new law created a dispute resolution board called the Washington Dig Law Safety Committee that will hear complaints and recommend enforcement action to the UTC. It also will advise the state on best practices and training to prevent underground utility damage. The board has 13 members from these stakeholder groups: Puget Sound Energy, SCI Infrastructure, Williams www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

NW Pipeline, M&L Construction, Century Link, WSDOT, Bravo Environmental, ELM Locating, Northwest Natural, Cross Valley Water, city of Renton, Water and Sewer Risk Management Pool, and the UTC. Gill represents the UTC on the board. She said this is the first time a stakeholder-based dispute resolution board that can recommend penalties has been used in this country. The new dig laws are a product of the 2006 Pipeline Inspection, Protection Enforcement and Safety Act passed by the U.S. Congress. Gill said the federal act is more stringent than the state’s old law, but the new law meets it. There are nine elements that make up an effective damage prevention plan and Washington’s old law fell short on most of them, Gill said. The major deficiencies were no dispute resolution, no consistent enforcement and a lack of data to analyze. “The federal government has a real concern about pipeline safety in this country and wants to keep them safe,” she said. The UTC’s pipeline safety program performs inspections regularly on the state’s 31 operators. The new law did not change the requirement to call for a utility location at least two business days prior to digging. The service is free and can be arranged by calling 811 or visiting www.callbeforeyoudig.org. More information about the new dig law can be found at www.utc.wa.gov/diglawg.

www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

Are You Ready? Get the Lead Out Plumbing Consortium is poised to help you prepare for the new national lead law.

he countdown is on: the federal “Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act” becomes effective January 4, 2014, and distributors, engineers, contractors, and code officials all need to start preparing now. To facilitate a smooth transition, the Get the Lead Out Consortium is in place and ready to get you ready … offering widespread education about the manufacture, distribution, and installation of Lead Free* plumbing products. The Consortium – a cross-section of the plumbing industry comprised of leading trade associations and manufacturers – has developed a variety of resources that will help you prepare for this new law, which will make it illegal to sell or install pipes, fittings and fixtures in applications that convey water for human consumption that have a weighted average lead content exceeding 0.25% (the previous national standard was 8.0% maximum). The new standard does not include water not intended for human consumption, including water used for manufacturing, industrial processing, irrigation, and outdoor watering. Also excluded from the new law are toilets, bidets, urinals, fill valves, flushometer valves, tub fillers, shower valves, service saddles, or water distribution main gate valves that are two inches in diameter or larger. Get the Facts Realizing that awareness is the key to compliance of the new law, the Consortium has been working to build understanding of the new requirements. Visit www.GetTheLeadOutPlumbing .com to get all the facts:

Historical background of the legislative milestones leading up to the new federal law. • Interpretation and enforcement issues related to the new law. • What constitutes a Lead Free product. • Comparison between standard and Lead Free bronze/ brass alloys. • Basis for Lead Free product selection and compliance. • Major material factors impacting the ability to solder Lead Free alloys effectively and solder-flux considerations. • How to identify Lead Free products by their packaging, body markings and handles, which vary by manufacturer. • Step-by-step action plans for distributors, engineers, contractors, and code officials on how to prepare for the federal Lead Free law. “This is a game changer,” says Roger Peugeot, vice chairman of the PHCC Educational Foundation, which developed the concept of the Consortium. “There is a lot of stock out there in trucks and warehouses, which will need to be used by the end of [2013]. The product also takes a different technique for soldering, which will involve training.” •

www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

Start Training With that, the Consortium has implemented a communications and training initiative to further your understanding and promote compliance with the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. It’s easy to get started: • Visit www.GetTheLeadOutPlumbing. com for a list of upcoming training seminars, FAQs, and much more. • Attend a training session and interact with Consortium leaders at participating 2013 industry events and association meetings, and conventions. • Log on to a live webinar. The federal law – spearheaded by Plumbing Manufacturers International – is based on the template of a California law generally referred to as AB 1953. Prior to the federal legislation, Vermont, Maryland, and Louisiana also have adopted the lower lead mandate. The plumbing industry supports this new uniform national standard, which will harmonize requirements across the country. While manufacturers already are working to bring Lead Free products into the marketplace, the Consortium is focused on providing specific information and training to contractors, engineers, distributors, and code officials (see sidebar).

Contractors: Take Action! The time is NOW to start planning for the federal Lead Free law. Specifically, contractors need to:

•

Understand the federal law and any state laws that will affect you and know their effective dates.

•

Know what product categories are included in and exempt from the applicable laws.

•

Learn to identify lead free* product markings and packaging.

•

Confirm manufacturer listings with third-party agencies.

•

Be sure you stock products that meet the new standards.

•

Understand that you may be stuck with non-compliant (non-saleable) inventory on 1/4/2014.

•

Practice proper installation and soldering techniques for lead free* products.

•

Work with suppliers to obtain installation material recommendations and training.

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*Lead Free refers to the wetted surface of pipe, fittings and fixtures in potable water systems that have a weighted average lead content <=0.25% per the Safe Drinking Water Act (Sec. 1417) amended 1-4-2011 and other equivalent state regulations.

This article is provided by the Get The Lead Out Plumbing Consortium. Members of the consortium include: American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), American Supply Association (ASA), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), International Code Council (ICC), Legend Valve, Milwaukee Valve, NIBCO INC., Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors - National Association (PHCC), PHCC Educational Foundation, Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), Reliance Worldwide, Viega, LLC, Watts Water Technologies.

www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

In 2013 PHCC Will “GO BIG” PHCC President David Dugger’s theme for this year is “Go Big,” an exciting approach for 2013. Throughout the year we’ll be maximizing opportunities to make a BIG impact on all we do to serve our members and the industry. Drawing on the strategies outlined in the PHCC strategic plan, PHCC will move forward with strong industry representation, marketing initiatives, infrastructure enhancements, new member programs and increased communication – all designed to help members be more profitable and successful in these changing times.

By Gerry Kennedy PHCC National Association Executive Vice President

Progress in several areas has already occurred. For example, we recently unveiled a $500 cash allowance program from Chrysler Group, LLC, launched a new water auditor certification program, expanded a safety and risk management online library, debuted new Member Resource Mailings, and will soon begin a brand awareness campaign that will help spread the word about the professionalism of PHCC member contractors. We’re also ramping up our efforts to advance the industry. As one example, the PHCC Educational

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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

Foundation and other members of the newly-formed Get The Lead Out Plumbing Consortium officially launched an effort to prepare industry constituents for upcoming changes in the allowable level of lead in plumbing products. To make sure our members know of all the new requirements scheduled to go into effect Jan. 4, 2014, PHCC is offering training programs to state chapters. Also, in late 2012, the Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition (PERC) announced the very interesting results of the Drainline Transport of Solid Waste in Buildings study. As a member of PERC, PHCC looks forward to being involved in the next stage of this important effort to continue to assess the impact of high-efficiency toilets on existing infrastructure. We’re also continuing with efforts to make sure federal regulatory agencies consider professional plumbing and HVACR contractors’ input as regulations are developed. Some examples are the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s workforce guidelines for the federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection’s proposed lead paint abatement rule for commercial and public buildings, scheduled to be finalized by 2015 and implemented by 2016.

with Poly...

As the business of the association moves forward, PHCC continues to demonstrate the caring spirit that has existed throughout its history. One example is the financial relief program the PHCC Board of Directors set up to help PHCC members who were adversely affected by Superstorm Sandy. Through the program, funded through the board’s Reserve Fund, affected members may ask that their 2013 national dues be forgiven and also may request a cash grant of up to $1,000. It includes contributions from PHCC members. To donate to the PHCC Disaster Relief Fund, send your check to: PHCC Disaster Fund, 180 S. Washington Street, Suite 100, Falls Church, VA 22046. As we “Go Big” together in 2013, be assured that PHCC will provide the type of representation and resources you need to take your business to the next level. You can count on PHCC to protect your interests and provide the right types of new business strategies and tools, information on current topics and trends and connections with great people to help you increase the productivity and profitability for your company.

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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.

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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 2013

PHCC of Washington

Holiday Party

a Success

By Greta Flinn Executive Directer

big thank you to all of our amazing PHCCWA members for making the 2012 Holiday Party & Auction a success! The evening started off with appetizers, pictures and a fun silent auction. Silent auction items ranged from beautiful hand knit sweaters to coffee makers, gift cards, tools and everything in between. The dinner that followed was tantalizing and led us right into the 50/50 raffle, the Live Auction and the evening was topped off by wonderful live music from The Side Project. I would like to personally thank each person who came out to the event to support the P-H-C Industry. Every dollar donated really helps us to better be able to provide enhanced events throughout the year along with more educational classes and improved member benefits! At left is a list of the companies who donated items to the PHCC of Washington to be auctioned off. If you see someone on this list, please thank them for their generosity and support of the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors of Washington State.

s Thank You

www.phccwa.org â&#x20AC;˘ PHCC of Washington News â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2013

CONNECT 2013

National Museum of American History Acquires Women’s History through Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Auxiliary Documents

he Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History recently acquired archival materials from the PlumbingHeating-Cooling Contractors - National Auxiliary, which tell the story of both women’s history and small business. The collection includes organizational records and 27 scrapbooks documenting the organization’s 92-year-old history. Originally named the Women’s Auxiliary-National Association of Master Plumbers, the group was formed in 1919, just one year before the 19th amendment that gave women the right to vote in 1920. The collection, housed in the museum’s Archives Center, includes photographs, charter books for state chapters and committees, financial records, various iterations of the by-laws, verbatim transcripts of annual meetings accompanied by reports from committee chairs and officers as well as ledger books detailing expenditures and income. The materials date from 1919 through 2011. “This is the Archives Center’s first collection to specifically document the records of a long-standing women’s organization,” said curator Cathy Keen. “We are delighted the PHCC Auxiliary stepped forward to help fill this gap.” Keen added that the collection, unusually complete and well organized, closely documents the changing roles of women in business and as activists. While the women originally sought to assist their husbands’ businesses, their responsibilities evolved over time from bookkeeping and answering inquiries to successfully advocating for improved public sanitary facilities, most notably in 1938 with the Texaco registered service station program featuring clean restrooms. The complete collection relates to business history, especially familyowned business, advertising history and the history of technology in plumbing, heating and cooling. The museum is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W., and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free. For more information, visit http://americanhistory.si.edu.

Mark your calendar now for CONNECT 2013, October 16-19, 2013, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Join us in Las Vegas for the industry’s most powerful ideas, latest technologies and most profitable networking opportunities.

LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE 2013 LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE MAY 22-23, 2013

The 113th Congress is shaping up to be one of the most significant legislative sessions in our nation’s history. Congress will debate issues impacting the p-h-c industry and PHCC’s voice on Capitol Hill depends on your participation. Plan to be with us for this year’s PHCC Legislative Conference May 22-23 in Arlington, Va., and Washington, D.C., where we’ll focus on “Rebuilding America.” • Receive a legislative briefing and information on issues impacting your industry • Meet with members of Congress and staff • Attend a Congressional reception on Capitol Hill • Attend a Congressional breakfast on Capitol Hill • Meet the 113th Congress’s freshman class • Make valuable networking connections wit PHCC members and on Capitol Hill • See the sights and scenes of our nation’s capital For more information, please visit www.phccweb.org www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

Six Strategies to Regenerate Business

By Greta Schulz

t seems lately we are hearing some promising, although limiting, news about our economic situation. Whether that’s true or not we still have to move ahead. This is a wonderful opportunity to do things differently. Take a real look at your business model. Are you doing things the same as you have always done them? Are you selling the same way, prospecting the same way, proposing business the same way? Something’s got to give. The opportunity we have to take advantage of the environment is exciting. Don’t let your fear of the future hinder what you could be doing now to really make some positive changes in your business. I have laid out six things I think will help you get focused and be creative. 1. Look inside first. Focus on what you have. Look at your customer base. Today is the perfect opportunity to find additional value you can bring to the relationship. Depending on what type of business you have, your customers can really include anyone you do business for or with: homeowners, business owners, general contractors, homebuilders and even other p-h-c contractors. By additional value, I don’t mean discounting or new products and services. What I do mean is see what you can do for them outside of the client/provider relationship. For example, if a homeowner needs a home-related service beyond the realm of your expertise, offer a recommendation. If you learn that a partner on a construction project is looking for a bookkeeper, ask around to see if you know someone. If there is a particular person in the community you think a trade partner should know, set up a lunch for the three of you. Things outside of the normal business exchange are what we all need now. Reach out and see what you can do. 2. Analyze what you have. Organize your customers, preferably by the type and volume of work they represent. Look at what each needs, what type of services you provide are growing, and which are down. Trends will come to the surface if you look for them. For instance, when times were good, homeowners did not hesitate to undertake big renovation projects. Now they are less likely to spend money on a new addition to their home, and instead are choosing less costly makeshift repairs. A trend

www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

like this would undoubtedly show up in your customer analysis and organization. Once you have recognized key trends, address your products and services accordingly. 3. Get creative in your marketing. Look at new ways to market your business. If traditional advertising is out of your budget, most print advertisers have online options. This is a great way to keep in front of your demographic of customers and keep some consistency in your advertising and your message. I worry about people that decide to pull advertising all together. What message is that sending? 4. Build Strategic Alliances. Look at associated businesses to yours. For example, as a p-h-c contractor, consider forming relationships with members of related trades and with general contractors, homebuilders, wholesalers, etc. This also could apply to business people with whom you have a relationship, such as your attorney, CPA, etc. Once you have identified key people, make a plan to get together to share what you are really looking for and see how you can help each other. Now more than ever getting referrals is huge. There is business out there if you just look harder to find it. That means asking others for introductions and providing some introductions yourself. 5. Networking. I am a big fan of networking through your local organizations, including the PHCC chapters. You have two things available to you: time and money. Money being tight, time is what you have - so use it! Get out there and network! Besides being involved with PHCC and its enhanced service groups, get more involved with your local chambers of commerce, a local business group, and charities that need help. 6. Social Networking. It’s not just for socializing anymore! Join Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook. If you don’t know how, just Google “how to_____.” There is a lot of great info out there. Lots to do and a great opportunity to jump on it now...we have time. Today I am challenging you - BE CREATIVE. Greta Schulz is the president and CEO of ProActive Training and Consulting. 21

>>>> TOP REASONS TO JOIN PHCC <<<< ADVOCACY Powerful representation to defend you against excessive regulations in your community NETWORKING Attend monthly network meetings and build relationships with fellow professionals, suppliers and customers while earning continuing education credits INFORMATION The latest need-to-know industry information EXPERT ADVISORS Access to PHCC’s legal, financial, legislative, regulatory and technical specialists 3-in-1 MEMBERSHIP Take advantage of a PHCC Board of Directors approved special “come back” incentive to members who did not renew in 2012 because of the economy. It allows members to reinstate with a pro-rated dues investment for the remaining portion of the year, and does not require payment for the preceding months. The offer covers pro-rated dues for the local chapter (where one exists), the state chapter and the national association. Without PHCC You Stand Alone! Join over 3,000 independent PHC Contractors to put PHCC Power in your Business!

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www.phccwa.org • PHCC of Washington News • Spring 2013

Bradford White Means American Jobs

American Made ★ American Owned ★ Wholesale Only

Why Would You Buy Any Other Brand? With no bailouts or special favors needed, Bradford White continues to invest in the future of America. We have you, the professional installer and wholesale distributor to thank for it. Because of your support, we remain an American-Owned company providing American-Made products through Wholesale Distribution for Professional Installation. These ideas work. With the help of a high quality product and practical innovation, we’re building for the future. As proof of this, Bradford White Corporation is growing. In Middleville, MI, we’ve modernized systems and equipment throughout the Bradford White factory. New construction projects include a 100,000 sq. ft. expansion and a 18,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art training facility. Our subsidiaries are growing as well. Laars Heating Systems added a new customer training center and additional factory space while Niles Steel Tank increased capacity with investment in process equipment and tank lining technology.

It all means more American jobs. Of all our innovations, that may be the most important of all.

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www.bradfordwhite.com

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