P-H-C Contractor Magazine - Spring 2015 by PHCC-WI

Volume 10, Number 1 â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2015

The official publication of the PHCC Wisconsin Association and Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin

INSIDE: Update: Apprentices In Wisconsin

Sensors Handle CO Sniff Test

5-State Convention

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contents // Spring 2015 Features

2014/15 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PHCC WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin

12 Your Business: Risk Management Strategies 14 Update: Apprentices in Wisconsin 20 Luxury Bathroom Trends for 2015 26 Sensors Handle the CO Sniff Test

Reports

6 President’s Letter Passing a Brightly Lit Torch

PHCC Wisconsin Association P.O. Box 833 Germantown, WI 53022 888-782-6815 • Fax: 888-287-4116 mail@phcc-wi.org

7 Executive Director’s Report PHCC: Committed to What Our Industry Members

Have in Common

8 Zone Director’s Report It’s an Exciting Time to Belong to PHCC

President Keith Schedler (District #5) Don’s Plumbing Service, Inc. 1003 Clifton Street Tomah, WI 54660 608-372-4219 • Fax: 608-372-2303 keithschedler@centurytel.net

10 Legislative Report State Budget Proposals Have Impact on Our Industry

Vice President Greg Jones (District #4) Dave Jones Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 2225 Kilgust Road Madison, WI 53713 608-222-8490 • Fax: 608-222-8503 gjones@davejonesplumbing.com

Inside

New Proposed DOE Gas Furnace Efficiency Standards Able Show Five-State Convention Board at Kohler Design Center Three Generations of Plumbing Education Additional Plumbing Seminar Scheduled By The Numbers Western Wisconsin Plumbing Seminar

36 Advertiser Index/Calendar of Events 37 Wisconsin Code Book & POWTS 38 Membership Application

Immediate Past President Dan Callies (District #1) Oak Creek Plumbing 640 E. Ryan Road Oak Creek, WI 53154-4540 414-762-4060 • Fax: 414-762-3444 danc@oakcreekplumbing.com Directors Dale Arndt (District #4) Arndt & Son Plumbing P.O. Box 70 Brooklyn, WI 53521 608-455-6392 • Fax: 608-455-2113 arndtplumbing@frontier.com

Jim Eberhardt (District #2) Eberhardt Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 400 Wisconsin Street, PO Box 98 Adell, WI 53001 920-994-9203 • Fax: 920-994-2346 jnhardt@excel.net

Senior Editor Jeff Beiriger Advertising and Editorial Office:

Ron Sonntag Public Relations Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Contractors of Wisconsin

Advertising Inquiries: Patty Johnson, Ron Sonntag Public Relations, (800) 969-0200, ext. 103, E-mail: patty@rspr.com. Editorial Submissions: Cynthia Marsh, Ron Sonntag Public Relations, (800) 969-0200, ext. 104, E-mail: cynthia@rspr.com.

4 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Spring 2015

Secretary/Treasurer Carol De Young (District #10) Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 321 Wisconsin Drive New Richmond, WI 54017-2614 715-246-2660 • Fax: 715-246-2676 carol@countrysideph.com

Larry Bayer (District #1) Bayer Plumbing 2295 Continental Drive West Bend, WI 53095 262-335-0300 • Fax: 262-335-4180 bayerplumbing@yahoo.com

The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor is published four times a year for the Wisconsin Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors

9406 N. 107th Street Milwaukee, WI 53224 p | 800.969.0200 f | 414.354.5317 www.rspr.com

Cover image courtesy of Kohler

32 Pipeline News

Jeffrey Kuhn (District #1) S&K Pump & Plumbing, Inc. 20880 W. Enterprise Avenue Brookfield, WI 53045 262-782-7190 • Fax: 262-782-9642 jeff@snkpump.com Steve Schneider (District #3) Tweet/Garot Mechanical 2545 Larsen Road, PO Box 11767 Green Bay, WI 54307-1767 920-498-7656 • Fax: 920-498-8130 Steve.Schneider@tweetgarot.com Cal Watters (District #6) Watters Plumbing 1303 Midway Road, PO Box 118 Menasha, WI 54952 920-733-8125 • Fax: 920-733-2713 cwatters@wattersplumbing.net Industry Partner Reps Mike Daniels Auer Steel 5440 Highway 169 N Minneapolis, MN 55428 763-971-2910 • Fax: 763-971-2920 mike.daniels@auersteel.com Scott Madsen Burton–Anderson & Associates 1803 S. 124th Street New Berlin, WI 53151 262-782-2870 • Fax: 262-782-6441 scott@burton-anderson.com Rob Spence Rundle-Spence 2800 Industrial Drive Madison, WI 53713 608-222-0636 • Fax 608-222-4164 robs@rundle-spence.com PHCC National Zone Director Jeffrey Kuhn (District #1) S&K Pump & Plumbing, Inc. 20880 W. Enterprise Avenue Brookfield, WI 53045 262-782-7190 • Fax: 262-782-9642 jeff@snkpump.com

Executive Director Master Plumbers/Heating & Cooling Jeffrey J. Beiriger Box 833 Contractors ofP.O. Wisconsin Germantown, WI 53022 Fred Gardner (District #9) Badger State Plumbing 2507 Fortune Drive Eau Claire, WI 54703-3898 715-874-7777 • Fax: 715-874-7778 fred@badgerstateinc.com

414-331-2059 • Fax: 888-287-4116 jeff@assocmgmtservices.com

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President’s Letter

KEITH SCHEDLER

// Passing a Brightly Lit Torch It’s hard to believe, but my term as president will end soon. Before long, I’ll be turning over the reins of leadership to Greg Jones (Dave Jones Plumbing & Heating, Madison). What I know is that we have a bright future, and in the next issue, I’m sure he’ll share some thoughts about just that. For my part, I thought I would reflect some on the last two years. As I said, it’s hard to believe that it’s been two years already. The time seems to fly by! Mostly, I think that the time goes by quickly when we are keeping busy doing things, but not just doing any old thing, but doing the things that really matter. Maybe that’s what makes time seem to move more quickly as we grow older. We tend to be doing more things that really matter. “I’m bored” isn’t something you hear much from the people I know! Over the past two years, we’ve done more than just survived – we’ve thrived. That isn’t to say we’ve made money hand over fist or anything like it. Instead, I think we have become smarter about focusing on the things that really matter. I’m proud that we didn’t just try to ride out the storm. We continued to invest our time and resources in a way that would serve us well in both the short and long term. I really appreciate my peers on the board of directors and throughout the industry. Many of you have called me to talk about the industry and the association and every time I have one of those conversations, I am taken

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back by the quality of people in our industry. Like our board, you honor our past, care about our future, and have great passion and excitement about our future. Sure, things are changing. We have a Facebook page for the association now – in addition to one for the magazine. We use Constant Contact for our member newsletter instead of mailing hard copies. We At one point, we had three use PowerPoint instead of overhead projectors generations of plumbing or handouts for our instructors and students pose for presentations. We have a photo. That’s a special moment a website available 24/7 to handle many of your that connects the past, present, questions. But is all of and future. that really much different in the end? We’ve updated our technology and our training programs, but the constant throughout all of this is communicating with all of you about the industry, sharing ideas, education, training, and relationships. We may have changed how we connect with our members – and few of us can predict how we might connect 20 years from now – but the common link is the connection itself. People have, and people will continue to have, a strong need to connect with others who share things in common – a family, a religion, a community, and a profession to name but a few. It was great to see so many people at the code-related training at the Western Wisconsin Plumbing Seminar. I especially enjoyed the sharing of a little bit of history – about the event’s origins, and also about our training. At one point, we had three generations of plumbing instructors and students pose for a photo. That’s a special moment that connects the past, present, and future. We’ve updated our logo, reworked our code books, adapted to a new set of players in a new agency, and built on our relationship with our national association, in large part by having one of our own serving on the national board of directors. We surveyed our industry partners to see how we can serve them better (and you’ll hear more about that before too long). We updated the look of our website, newsletter, and magazine. And there’s much more, I’m sure. It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve this organization and industry. I offer my very best wishes to all of you and my thanks to our board of directors – for your leadership and for your friendship.

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6 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Spring 2015

Sincerely, Keith Schedler Keith Schedler is President of Don’s Plumbing Service in Tomah. He can be reached at (608) 372-4219 or keithschedler@centurytel.net.

JEFF BEIRIGER

Probably the biggest news out of the capitol so far this session has been the fast-track passage of a Right to Work law in Wisconsin. Let me start by saying that PHCCWI, which has both union and open shops among its membership, did not take a position on the legislation. We know there are differences among our members, but to play to those differences doesn’t serve the industry. What serves us best is to remain steadfastly committed to the things that our members have in common – a commitment to superior training and education, a commitment to codes, licenses, permits, inspections, and enforcement, and a commitment to public health and safety. We decided instead to focus on the state budget and its effects on the industry. When an administration introduces a budget, that budget becomes the economic picture of the administration’s priorities. Over the years, we’ve loved some budgets and hated others. In some years, we’ve been largely unaffected by the budget. The constant has been the measuring stick. We are looking for the items that serve the industry and our customers well. It’s easy to get pulled into the polarized politics of today, but our issues don’t really run “red” or “blue.” Yes, you could argue that the two parties may support larger or smaller government, but none have come out and said that they are opposed to plumbing, comfort heating and cooling, or public health and safety. Our issues transcend political lines because they are more matters of policy than politics. I will concede the point that the “policy versus politics” line is becoming increasingly blurred. While far from the majority, there are more and more legislators in the capitol today who are anti-regulation and frankly, things like licensing laws and plan reviews all sound like a lot of regulation to that group. When the industry argues otherwise, we are told that we are only serving our own interests by “fencing out” competition. Frankly, we’ve got plenty of competition in our industry. The recent, prolonged economic downturn has spawned a whole lot of new businesses in our industry. I think that’s good, or at a minimum, that it has the potential to be good. If our workforce is getting older, there’s a pretty good bet that our ownership is getting older too. We need new contractors every bit as much as we need new employees in our industry. Still, there is a big gap between more competition and more good competition. If there are a lot of new businesses, there are probably a lot of new businesses that are poised to fail. Maybe it’s just me getting older, but I think it’s way too easy to reject the ways of the generation before us simply because the generation before us is doing it the “old school” way. It seems odd that people in our industry learn the trade by going through an apprenticeship and then launch their businesses by watching a YouTube video. There are better ways.

If you flip through the pages of this magazine, you’ll find articles that appeal to plumbers and HVAC technicians. You’ll also find business articles, despite the fact that the number of business owners is only a small fraction of our overall readership. So why use this valuable real estate in the magazine writing about business issues? The answer is that we don’t know which one of you may become the future of our industry by opening a business, growing that business, and maybe someday, taking a leadership role in the association. All we can do is help you at every step of the way. Remember what we said about our approach to politics? That we remain steadfastly committed to the things that our members have in common – a commitment to superior training and education, a commitment to codes, licenses, permits, inspections, and enforcement, and a commitment to public health and safety. If that describes you or your business, we look forward to seeing you at our continuing education programs. If that describes you, we look forward to seeing you at our business education programs, including the convention. If that describes you, we look forward to seeing you at our vendor shows, talking with our industry partners and associate members about new products and services. If that describes you, we think there’s a bright future for you in the industry. Commit to that future. Start by giving us a call.

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Executive Director’s Report

Committed to What Our Industry Members Have in Common \\

Zone Director’s Report

JEFF KUHN

// It’s an Exciting Time to Belong to PHCC There are some very positive trends taking place for PHCC-National, its enhanced service groups and state and local chapters. Membership is up, enrollment in apprentice programs is up, and our industry awareness campaign is gaining traction. Our theme for the coming year: “Building a Brighter Future Together” sounds like a great idea! One place where we are spending time is on ways to attract and train the next generation of qualified workers. A task force has been meeting regularly to develop options and identify some of the steps that PHCC and its Foundation should take to address the shortage of skilled workers. A full report will be prepared for use by state and local chapters. With the improving economy, the growing success of the marketing efforts and the outstanding work being done in the field by local and state volunteers and staff, PHCC ended last year with a net increase in members. PHCC also will be continuing efforts to support chapter recruiting

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campaigns – including one in Wisconsin – through sponsorships from our corporate partners. Our membership committee also will be looking at new affinity programs that drive down the real cost of membership. By way of example, through the PHCC-NA’s Chrysler vehicle discount program, members and their employees saved more than $378,000 last year! PHCC’s “Best People. Best Practices.” brand awareness initiative continues to make headway. Among the newer aspects of the campaign are nine new membership recruitment videos that have been produced and are available on the PHCC website and YouTube. If you haven’t seen them, you should check them out. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the many benefits of membership – locally, and at the state and national level. Overall, the campaign has resulted in increased website traffic and member engagement. Bottom line: More people are looking for us online, following links to learn more, and staying longer than they have in the past. Our target audiences – contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, legislators and consumers – are hearing our message. There’s so much more to tell, but I’ll defer on much of it for now. Our special interest groups – QSC, UAC, and CCA – are all active and enjoying recent successes. The Educational Foundation has a great lineup of projects for the coming year. And, as you might expect, our government relations and technical departments are busy dealing with any number of issues that affect our industry – some that have the potential to hurt us and some that have the potential to benefit us. I’m happy they’re looking out for our interests, though they can use your support too. If you can join us for the Legislative Conference, we would love to add your voice to the chorus of P-H-C contractors who are speaking out on behalf of our industry. Even if you can’t be with us in Washington, D.C., your support – whether in the form of a check to our PAC, a phone call to your legislative office, or the development of a personal relationship with your legislator – really makes a difference! The national board is scheduled to meet again in April and I’m honored to serve as your representative at that meeting and others. If you have any questions or comments, give me a call or send me an email. Much success, Jeff Kuhn – PHCC-NA Zone 3 Director Jeff Kuhn is President of S&K Pump & Plumbing, Inc., Brookfield. He can be reached at (262) 782-7190 or jeff @snkpump.com.

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Legislative Report

// State Budget Proposals Have Impact on Our Industry In the state budget, Gov. Walker has proposed the merger of the Department of Safety & Professional Services with the Department of Financial Institutions. Most associations, including PHCC-WI, are taking a waitand-see approach to the merger. With regard to the merger, the driver for us is on increased effectiveness. If the move makes it more likely that our code councils will finally be appointed and meet, then this is likely a good thing. Yes, there are likely to be efficiencies by combining the agencies, but if that simply increases the amount of money that is lapsed from the agency to support other programs – rather than being reinvested into the industries paying fees for government services – those efficiencies mean little to us.

LAPSING ON THE TABLE AGAIN

And speaking of lapsing, the state budget proposes the

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extension of lapsing for an additional year. A bill passed late in the last legislative session extended lapsing to the 2015/2016 fiscal year and now it is being proposed to continue for the 2016/2017 fiscal year. Four years ago, the plan was to end lapsing in the 2014/2015 fiscal year, returning to the agency budget or to those paying for fees and services, several million dollars per year. PHCC-WI has opposed lapsing from the beginning and continues to oppose it.

PROPOSAL TO TRANSFER POWTS

Also in the budget, the governor is proposing to transfer the POWTS program from the Department of Safety & Professional Services (or its successor agency) to the Department of Natural Resources. This fight has been fought before. In the early 1990s, the Thompson administration proposed the same thing and the proposal was withdrawn. One of the primary reasons for opposing the transfer is concerns over the administration of the POWTS program. DSPS reviews POWTS from a safety and health perspective – are the systems approved, installed according to code, etc. The DNR’s culture is in regulating the environment, not public health and safety, and whether it rears itself now or in the future, that culture may result in a bias against the use of POWTS. That decision could dramatically affect the prospects for rural economic development.

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Though not there as of this writing, there is an effort to include in the state budget an exemption from the plumbing code (and other codes) for the Amish. While we won’t get into the debate over the use of the state budget to promote policy issues rather than fiscal issues, this is a topic that deserves a more thorough discussion than it would get as part of a larger budget bill. Nobody will vote against the budget if it’s included, and that’s the end-game – to curtail debate on the measure. Exemptions to codes – whether plumbing or not – create health and safety concerns and deserve an open debate among the stakeholders. Who knows, that debate may yield an answer that is better than the one being proposed today.

WORKER’S COMP CHANGES UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Market Influence. Customer Value. 10 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Spring 2015

And finally, there are some provisions in the state budget that affect the Worker’s Compensation program. Much is being made of the changes because they seemingly bypass a 100 year-old tradition of changes being recommended by a Labor-Management Advisory Council. The council has reviewed the changes and determined that the transfer of staff from one agency to the next likely has no effect on the system provided that the system continues to be managed using the same rules and guidelines in use today. Those assurances have been given, but the devil will be in the details. Larger, more substantive changes to the Worker’s Compensation system are under development by the Advisory Council. The hope there is to reduce costs through some form of medical cost containment while offering benefit adjustments for workers who have (legitimately) been injured at work.

Risk Management Strategies: A Back Injury May Never Go Away

reventing back injuries is a challenge for many business owners, even for those with good safety practices. Many times employees are handling heavy objects under unfavorable circumstances. Whether lifting without thinking about the load or having the body in an awkward position, the employee is vulnerable to a serious back injury. The human back is a well-designed support mechanism. Pressure on the intervertebral discs is minimized when kept relatively straight while lifting or moving materials. However, it is human nature to bend the back during the lifting process,

which places greater stress on the discs. The load on the disc between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae can increase almost four times between standing upright and lifting a load with a bent back. These back injuries are very painful – and may never go away! An industry study of Federated Insurance Company’s Worker’s Compensation claims for calendar years 2009-2011 shows that 13 percent of the injuries were to the back. Slightly under 19 percent of the dollars paid in claims were for back injuries. Federated’s analysis of losses shows the leading causes

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of back injuries are lifting and pushing (or pulling). Actually, lifting is the number one cause in both frequency and severity. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and National Safety Council also support the finding that lifting is the number one cause of back injuries. The BLS reports that over one million workers suffer back injuries each year and back injuries account for one out of every five work place injuries and illnesses.

It Can Happen to Anyone

Back injuries strike every employee class. Every human who lifts, reaches, twists, turns, or bends is prone to back injuries, especially if working with heavy or bulky items. Many times back injuries are the consequence of minor traumas occurring over a period of time. When a major incident occurs to a weakened back, the result may be devastating, life-changing injury. What can be done to reduce this problem? Probably the best prevention method is an ongoing training program for back injury prevention. Any time employees can spare the backs and use the lifting aids you provide in the workplace, they should do so. Keep reminding employees of proper lifting techniques through safety meetings and posters. Back injury prevention should be a major focus at your business. Back injuries can have a long-lasting effect on your business. A back injury to a key employee could require a change in your operations. Back injuries are difficult to heal and have an effect on everything the person does – both at work and at home. Prevention through training is essential because a back injury may never go away. Article courtesy of Federated Insurance

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Plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians, steamfitters, and other skilled tradesmen historically have made a decent living in these honorable and necessary professions. So why are we seeing a shortage of post-high school-age adults entering the trades? ManpowerGroup’s Talent Shortage Survey identified the top 10 most difficult jobs for employers to fill in 2014 – Skilled Trades was number one. Yet, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says demand for plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, and HVAC and refrigeration mechanics and installers is in the midst of a projected growth spurt – up to 21 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. “Plumbing contractors are stating that they are either looking for or will be looking for good candidates to meet their current or future needs and they are having a hard time finding and/or recruiting young adults that want or are willing to get into the trade,” said Burt Harding, District Representative, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development/Bureau of Apprenticeship. So the question is how to get students interested in apprenticeships.

Local apprenticeship The State of Wisconsin committees and organizations Plumbing Apprentice Advisory such as the Joint Committee bi-annually reviews Apprenticeship Committee a report of the total number (JAC), Associated Building of Apprentices and current Contractors (ABC), and unions, Employers (who are sponsoring as well as technical colleges one or more apprentice) such as Fox Valley Technical throughout the state, along College and Northeast with data regarding minorities, Wisconsin Technical College females, and union vs. non(NWTC) send representatives union participants. As of Sept. 26, 2014, to high schools and hold job Wisconsin has: fairs where students can learn 543 plumbing apprentices, about potential careers in the 34 (6%) are minorities, trades. To encourage females, 2 are female, 192 (35%) work NWTC holds a “Women in for a union contractor and 351 the Trades” presentation, (65%) are non-union. which informs female young 319 employers are sponsoring adults about the different current apprentices and 80 apprenticeship opportunities (25%) are union contractors that exist and how they can and 239 (75%) are non-union. pursue them. Additionally there is Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship (YA) in construction program and the Veterans in Piping Program, operated by the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association. “Some high schools have shop classes with teachers that promote the trades and get the kids interested that way as well,” said Randy Lorge, Instructor of Plumbing Apprenticeship, Fox Valley Technical College. “New initiatives are being made by some of the organizations mentioned above to reach out to the area high schools and better inform not only the students, but also the

Spring 2015 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 15

guidance counselors about apprenticeship opportunities. By working with them, it is the hope that more young people, and their parents, will realize that the trades can and do, offer them better, more profitable, career paths than attending a four- or five-year college for some students,” he said. If students aren’t seeking out technical training and apprenticeships, then why not? “I feel that the biggest barrier an individual faces when seeking an apprenticeship is being able to commit to the time and effort it takes to complete the program,” Harding said. “But once the individual knows what is expected and commits, they have a great opportunity to be successful and to establish a great career and earn a very good living for the rest of their lives.” “Misinformation or lack of information and of course the state of the economy all lead to barriers,” Lorge said. “I’ve heard it said, ‘If you don’t go to college, you’ll never amount to anything in life!’ Parents and/or high school representatives who are uninformed or misinformed are spreading the wrong word to potentially great trades people and the industry is suffering from it.”

Lorge also noted the loss of labor as Baby Boomers retire. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a deficit of 95,000 HVAC technicians will be lost as a result of attrition and retirement of Baby Boomers. “I think it’s more fitting to call these tradesmen, ‘veterans’ of the trade,” said Lorge. “This puts employers in a tough spot. While some employers have enough work to keep the veterans working right now, some don’t have an overabundance of work to hire a new apprentice. This leads to several problems. One being that the veterans have life experience and tons of trade-related knowledge that needs to be handed down via apprenticeships. If the employers can’t or won’t put on an apprentice, their business will suffer tremendously when the veteran decides to retire and a new apprentice is brought on with no exposure or training from that veteran plumber.” The number of students and instructors in trades programs fluctuates up and down. “The number of apprentices in the northeast Wisconsin area has declined,” Lorge said. “Approximately four years ago there were three Plumbing Apprenticeship programs in the area with three full-time

“The number of apprentices in the northeast Wisconsin area has declined,”

APPRENTICESHIP MATTERS TO PHCC-WI MEMBERS

HCC-WI board member Carol De Young, owner of Countryside Plumbing & Heating, New Richmond, is very passionate about the apprenticeship program and has been on the State of Wisconsin Plumbing Apprentice Advisory Committee for a number of years, along with other PHCC-WI members Keith Schedler, Dan Callies, and Dave Jones. This committee is structured to advise the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Employment & Training Division, Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. “This committee advises the State of Wisconsin and is not a subcommittee of the PHCC,” De Young explained. “However, those of us on the PHCC board always introduce ourselves as representing our own businesses and the PHCC during the roll call at these meetings. “Our general duties revolve around structuring the plumbing apprentice program that is offered statewide, giving our input on training, job descriptions, rules, regulations and licensing of the apprentice plumber,” she said. The plumbing committee meets twice a year (spring & fall) generally in the Madison area, under the guidance of Karen Morgan or Owen Smith. The committee is made up of an equal number of employer members and employee members (i.e.: business owners vs. union representatives). There are also many supporting consultants that include the area Bureau Reps, as well as administrators and advisors from the vocational school system throughout the state. De Young noted that some topics discussed include: • Wording for the job description on the state’s website that informs a potential apprentice of the job requirements, skills and work ethics needed to consider a career in the plumbing trade. • Structuring and updating the Apprentice Contract including the term, attendance requirements, work process descriptions & minimum hours they need To Complete in different skills during their training both on the job and in the classroom,

16 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Spring 2015

along with their minimum compensation requirements. This contract is signed by the apprentice, his/her sponsoring employer and a representative of the State of Wisconsin Bureau. • Veterans in Piping program benefits available (for retired military veterans hoping to get into or return to the Plumbing Trades). • Awards, Grants & related government programs offered. • Youth Apprenticeship programs (for high school students planning a career in the plumbing field). “We also created and structured the 54-hour Review Course designed to help an apprentice who is preparing to write for his/ her journeyman license,” she said. “Historically, a large percentage tended to fail their initial test and had to re-test additional times before passing. This course was designed to give them a basic review of their skills and training, and allows them a tool to know what they may still need to study prior to their state exam, and has proven to be very helpful to successfully pass the exam at the first attempt. Now that this course is available (initially kicked off in December 2013), we review the statistics about how successful this is for the apprentices and may make recommendations if we see a need to modify or amend this program. We also have reviewed a bar graph of the trends of the total numbers of our apprentices compared over the past several years, which allowed us to see the severe decline in the number of apprentices during the recent recession, and emphasized the huge need we are going to experience in the near future because there are not enough apprentices going into or completing their training to offset the huge number of senior plumbers who are retiring from the industry. This data is no longer available through the state, but we know the numbers have started to climb in recent years. It really helped to see this chart because it emphasized the severe need that is quickly approaching, and the high demand the career opportunity this trade can give to our young people.

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instructors located in Appleton, Fond du Lac, and Green Bay. Today, there is one instructor for the entire area. Of course the decline of apprentices goes hand-in-hand with the state of the economy and a recession over that timeframe. As of today however, there are still only enough apprentices to keep one instructor full time.” “Businesses play the main role in expanding the apprenticeship program because apprentice applicants first of all need the employment opportunity,” Harding said. “Since the apprenticeship programs consist of approximately 90 percent on-the-job training and 10 percent related instruction; the sponsors play a major role in the training of their employees/apprentices when using the apprenticeship program. Many sponsors/ employers have already realized that they are experiencing a shortage of skilled employees in many trades and these numbers are going to increase greatly in the near future. The Wisconsin Apprenticeship Program is the answer,” he said. “The Wisconsin Apprenticeship Program is a great training program which allows businesses/ contractors to create, develop, and maintain their workforce and give their customers the quality work and products that is expected.” q

TAKING ACTION TO ENCOURAGE APPRENTICESHIPS

o complement the Youth Apprenticeship program and build skilled trade labor capacity, the CESA 6 Building Innovation in Construction Trades project in 2014 was awarded a $57,150 grant through Wisconsin Fast Forward – Blueprint for Prosperity initiative. The grant will support the connection between education, labor organizations, businesses and community support agencies to provide up to 52 youth in six participating high schools with industry exposure and training. Participating high schools include Burlington, Fond du Lac, Kimberly, La Crosse, Marshfield and Tomah. Youth enrolled in the program receive classroom instruction with mentored, on-the-job training in the construction industry. Students who successfully complete training will receive OSHA 10 and First Aid certifications - both industry-recognized credentials – and will be provided job placement opportunities at eight local businesses. National trade associations and manufacturers also have announced initiatives to promote entrance into the plumbing and HVAC professions. The HVACR Workforce Development Foundation includes representatives from PHCC, HARDI, ASHRAE, and AHRI, and is committed to raise awareness of the HVACR industry and the importance it plays in daily life; create interest in the HVACR industry as an attractive and profitable career choices; and enhance the quality and quantity of available workforce for the HVACR industry. The Foundation also assists students in finding the appropriate

18 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Spring 2015

schools and in sourcing scholarships through its many sustaining members. In an ongoing effort to promote and invest in the future of the plumbing profession, BrassCraft Manufacturing is awarding $1,500 scholarships to help plumbing apprentices enrolled in accredited training programs complete their schooling. “Our goal with the scholarship program is to help bring talent into the plumbing industry and to help give students access to quality education,” said Jill Shippy, marketing specialist with BrassCraft. “We’re trying to make a difference, one student at a time.” Working with Associated Builders and Contractors, the PHCC Educational Foundation and their individual chapters, as well as independent technical and trade schools, BrassCraft Manufacturing supports plumbing apprentices participating in these four- or five-year schooling programs, and on the road to becoming journeyman plumbers. “We feel it is important to help educate these young plumbers who will eventually join the workforce and hopefully become one of our valued customers,” Shippy said. “Sometimes a scholarship is the difference in an apprentice completing his or her apprenticeship (vs. dropping out). We’ve had great feedback from our schools. And hearing that we are making a difference is very rewarding. For more information about the scholarship program, contact jshippy@brasscrafthq.com.

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Spring 2015 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 21

Almost all amenities for the bathroom are on the increase. National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) designers at their recent industry show cited steam showers, electric heated floors, antifog mirrors, lighted showers, and shower seats as trending. Also mentioned were coffee and bar areas in the bathroom, separate water closets, and drawer pullouts and rollouts for hair styling equipment and oral care appliances.

Kohler Drawer

While bathrooms continue to have more walkin showers and fewer built-in tubs, tubs still have legions of fans. More than two-thirds of NKBA designers reported that they specified a freestanding soaking tub for master bathrooms last year, and more than three-quarters installed a standard tub and shower surround for guest bathrooms. Undermount sinks, already the number one style used by 90 percent of designers in 2014 are predicted to grow. Vessel sinks at a distant number two, are expected to decline. In a new twist on the side-by-side vanity sinks, several designers noted that they had installed single, large trough sinks in master bathrooms, with two faucets.

waterworks Freestanding Oval Bathtub American Standardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bathtub

White and gray are the dominant colors for bathrooms, specified by more than 70 percent of respondents in 2014. Half expect to see gray growing in 2015. Intriguingly, several comments referenced purple, lavender and lilac tones for the bath. White fixtures were the choice of 84 percent of designers in 2014, maintaining its long-standing dominance in the top spot. Beige fixture colors are a distant third and declining in popularity. Product trends reported by the NKBA, Houzz. com, and the National Association of Home Builders include:

Soaker Tubs for Ultimate Luxury Bathrooms are continuing to be more spa-like. As a result, large, well-designed tubs are becoming the center of attention, pulled away from the wall and treated like sculptures. Designed to fit the contours and length of any body is this beautiful tub by Waterworks. The .25 Freestanding Oval Bathtub is constructed of high-density acrylic, which acts as reinforcement and provides an overall thicker tub and increased insulation. Also making a statement in the bathroom is the sleek contemporary design of American Standardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coastal Freestanding Bathtub, made of high gloss cast acrylic. Its deep design holds 71 gallons and features a large slotted overflow for deep soaking and a center toe-tap drain.

14 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Spring 2015 22

Tub Fillers Enhance the Experience Taking center stage with the bathtub are highend tub fillers. Brizo’s® freestanding tub fillers with handshower coordinates with the Baliza®, Tresa®, or Charlotte® bath collections. Available in wall mount, deck mount and floor mount, the single-handle tub filler flows at 14.5 gpm and the two-handle tub filler at 12 gpm. All freestanding tub fillers are solid brass construction and employ a patent-pending rough system available with or without integrated stops that offer numerous features and benefits to simplify installation. Pfister launched its first line of freestanding tub fillers. Available in showrooms in April, the designs include a traditional option on double legs, and a transitional to soft modern option for on-trend designs. Each style, made of all-brass construction comes in four finishes: chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel, and Tuscan bronze.

Brizo’s® freestanding tub

Showering in a Personal Oasis Sensori® custom shower systems from Brizo® provide an indulgent shower experience. With five distinctively-designed styles, multiple showerhead options, body sprays, body jets and handshowers, Sensori provides an ultimate customizable shower experience. Its thermostatic valve delivers a more precise temperature consistent at plus or minus 3.6 degrees, at a 12 gpm flow rate.

Sleeker-Looking Designs Contemporary and transitional are by far the most common bathroom styles, outpacing the third most popular style – traditional – by more than 15 percentage points. Nearly half of NKBA designers surveyed expect to see more contemporary in 2015. The contemporary movement finds ideal expression in the pure forms, minimalist geometries and precise functionality of American Standard’s DXV™ Lyndon suite’s freestanding tub, wall-mounted sink and dual flush toilet, all in canvas white. These sophisticated fixtures are complemented by the suite’s floor-mounted tub filler, single lever faucet and shower system, all in polished chrome.

Floating Vanities Clean lines extend to vanities too. Kohler’s Robern V14™ vanity can be ganged horizontal or stacked vertically for a seamless look that’s framed by the signature element, Brite Aluminum trim. Available in nine Robern decorative glass colors along with six Digital Wood pattern options. Available in 24-, 30- and 36-inch widths.

Pfister Tub Filler Sensori® custom shower

American Standard’s DXV™ Kohler’s Robern V14™

Spring 2015 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 23

Fashionable Safety Features Manufacturers are making products that are not only functional, but are attractive and designed to complement a home’s existing style. Rather than making a home look “institutional,” safety features are fast becoming an asset to a home’s marketability, especially for people who want to “age in place,” not in a retirement home.

Moen fold down shower seat

From Moen, a stylish wall-mount seat folds down comfortably and securely to avoid slips and falls, and folds up to a thin, compact profile when not in use. Aesthetically pleasing, water-resistant teak wood, wide seating surface supports up to 400 pounds. Also available in a stainless steel finish. Moen Decorative Grab Bars look anything but institutional with styles in the Align, Brantford and Eva collections. Available in chrome, brushed nickel, and oil rubbed bronze finishes in lengths from 12to 42-inches, depending on the style. Each grab bar supports up to 500 pounds.

Integrated Technology Ever-expanding products using wireless and digital technology to provide comfort, efficiency, connectivity, hygiene, and safety.

Moen Grab Bars

Research has shown that consumers want to watch or listen to the news, weather, sports, traffic, music or other entertainment while grooming. Fitting the bill is Robern’s TViD mirrored bath cabinet with an 8-inch LCD television incorporated in the door. Designed to work with satellite, cable, TiVo and DVR. The electrical shelf inside includes an MP3 hook-up as well as a duplex outlet to charge electronic personal care items.

Robern’s TViD Kohler’s Karing Toilet

24 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Spring 2015

Kohler’s Karing integrated one-piece toilet utilizes a tankless design with integrated bidet functionality. Intuitive touch screen remote programs and controls personal settings for up to two users, which includes heated seat, dryer, and water temperatures for maximum comfort. The integrated bidet includes a selfcleaning wand, precision air dryer, and deodorizing filter. Features also include a motion-activated handsfree opening and closing cover, LED night light, and carbon filter odor neutralization system. With Delta Faucets’ Touch2O.xt Technology, the faucet automatically responds when the user approaches the sensing field - no infrared sensor is used. Moving hands out of range intuitively shuts off the water flow within seconds when not needed, helping to save water. Blue LED flashes to indicate that the faucet is in hands-free mode and remains constant to indicate the touch feature is activated. It turns red when batteries need to be replaced.

Delta Dryden Touch2o.xt

Digital Showering System, features a touch screen interface allowing the user to control and customize digital devices. Up to three interfaces can be connected to the system providing flexibility for multiple users and/or applications. Users are able to decide how they want to control their system and to choose exactly what elements they want to incorporate. They can select from a two-outlet, three-outlet or six-outlet digital valve to control water delivery. Ability to add and control two valves on the system at the same time providing the capability of delivering two different water temperatures for different outlets and showering configurations. Multiple configuration options and remote valve installation makes DTV+ suitable from the simplest remodel to the grandest new construction. Once the user has the valve and the interface, customization options are nearly without limit. Selecting from a wide variety of rainheads, handshowers, bodysprays, and showerheads results in a completely personalized showering experience.

Kohler DTV+

Radiant Heating Increases Comfort A luxe bath is not complete without being cozily heated. Warmly Yours Radiant Heating introduced its new line of Ember radiant panels at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s KBIS. Ember radiant panels use infrared waves, which mimic the rays of the sun, to heat the surfaces of a room instead of the air. Heating the walls, floor and ceiling of a room can then release warmth slowly and evenly into the air. Ember Glass radiant panels are available in a 600watt 35- by 24-inch variety as well as an 800-watt 47- by 24-inch variety in black or white. Ember Mirror radiant panels are available in a 600-watt 35by 24-inch variety with a mirror finish. All of these options boast a slim design and can be mounted vertically or horizontally on a wall to add primary or supplementary heat to a room. For those panels mounted vertically, Warmly Yours offers towel bar accessories for added functionality. Ember radiant panels can also be mounted to a ceiling using an additional ceiling mounting kit.

Warmly yours ember glass Warmly Yours Environ Flex

Ember radiant panels are safe, because each one is equipped with several built-in security sensors to protect the panel from overheating. Warmly Yours Environ Flex for in-floor heating can be placed underneath tile, stone, carpet, concrete, laminate, floating floors and nailed hardwood. q Images courtesy of American Standard Brands, BrizoÂŽ, Delta Faucet, Kohler, Moen, Warmly Yours Radiant Heating, and Waterworks.

Spring 2015 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 25

Exposure to excessive CO (carbon monoxide) is responsible for an estimated 15,000 emergency room visits and 500 deaths in the United States each year. While carbon monoxide sensors will sound an alarm when levels get too high, they don’t do enough to protect young children, pregnant women, or those with cardiovascular disease. CO alarms are set off at very high levels of concentration, typically at 70 parts per million (ppm) continuously for one to four hours. They can sound sooner when they detect 400 ppm. Those are extremely high concentrations, especially in residential. CO is not just a concern for a building’s occupants, but for the HVAC service tech who is working on a furnace. Incorrect installation, damage caused by basement flooding and even pilot lights can produce CO. Signs of a

potential CO issue include melted wires or controls, moisture dripping from flues, discoloring of cabinet doors and panels, and soot build-up. According to the Indoor Air Quality Association, the best way to measure is

to use sensors. Because CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, having a sensor on hand to check for its presence makes sense as well as checking again after the service to make sure the building is safe for its occupants.

PRODUCT ROUNDUP

Bacharach’s Monoxor Plus portable carbon monoxide analyzer delivers measurement of CO in ppm increments as well as temperature, and uses pre-calibrated CO sensor technology to enable “Plug-n-Play” sensor replacement and minimize instrument downtime. A detachable 6-foot hose and probe assembly and optional inline NOx filter, enables direct CO sampling of flue gases, appliances, furnaces or commercial boilers. A reporting kit option includes a wireless printer for documentation and software for custom configuration. www.mybacharach.com

The Kanomax IAQ Monitor 2212 features quick start-up and high accuracy in measuring carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide concentration levels. Temperature and humidity are also simultaneously measured in a handy lightweight design. Capable to continuously monitor parameters via PC and measurements can be sent to an optional portable printer. Large LCD shows multiple parameters at a glance. www.kanomax-usa.com

26 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Spring 2015

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PRODUCT ROUNDUP GrayWolf Sensing Solutions IAQ, TVOC, multigas monitors, meters, detectors and instruments efficiently log data and enable enhanced documentation by means of advanced software and mobile computing. The AdvancedSense Platform measures CO, CO2, temperature, RH, and optional TVOC (ppm or ppb), and other multiple parameters. AdvancedSense meters’ embedded computer runs GrayWolf’s highly advanced, very user-friendly application software. Display, data-log and annotate (on-site) a broad range of environmental parameters with a single, rugged, cutting edge instrument. DirectSense® Multi-parameter air measurement kits include 7-, 8-, or 10-in. tablet PCs. Measure your choice of TVOCs, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and many other gases.

E-Instruments is now offering the AQ Comfort Indoor Air Quality Monitor for the HVAC professional for routine monitoring of CO2, CO, %RH, temperature, differential pressure, and more. Users get immediate real-time continuous data logging so they can get the job done quickly and accurately and keep moving. This handheld monitor features an active internal sampling pump and optional PC software and USB connection. Despite its small size, lightness, and comfort of use, the AQ Comfort still has a large internal memory, Li-Ion rechargeable battery, optional handheld probe and wireless remote printer. www.e-inst.com

The New AQ Pro and AQ Expert. The measurement of the concentration of many VOCs commonly found in indoor environments can be performed using the E-Instruments AQ EXPERT portable IAQ monitor, AQ PRO handheld IAQ monitor and the VOC-specific AQ VOC handheld IAQ monitor. These specialized monitoring instruments utilize PID sensors that allow air quality analysts, environmental safety companies, laboratory technicians, etc., to quickly and accurately monitor the levels of dangerous VOCs present in the breathing environments of homes, office buildings, laboratories, or industrial facilities. These monitors include software with real-time continuous data logging, wireless Bluetooth compatibility, and can be customized to add other VOC gases, such as formaldehyde.

TSI’s IAQ Calc IAQ Meter 7545 model simultaneously measures and data logs multiple parameters. Measurements are CO, CO2, temperature, and humidity. Calculations are dew point, wet bulb temperature and % outside air. TSI software permits easy transfer of data to a computer. Data can be reviewed on screen, or downloaded to a computer for easy report generations. Statistics function displays average, maximum and minimum values, and the number of recorded samples.

28 / The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor / Spring 2015

News Briefs

ACCA Initiates New Standard On // HVAC System Design For Energy Efficient Homes The Air Conditioning Contractors of America Educational Institute (ACCA-EI) Standards Task Team (STT) announces the initiation of development of BSR/ACCA 16 Manual E-201x, “HVAC System Design for Energy Efficient Homes” as a new industry standard. HVAC designers are increasingly encountering energy-efficient homes, characterized by markedly reduced heating and cooling loads, as a result of numerous national initiatives like the energy conservation code, EPA ENERGY STAR, DOE New-Zero Ready programs, and DOE Builder’s Challenge. ACCA recognized that there is little guidance currently available for HVAC design and selection for these energyefficient homes; especially, since there is limited manufacturer offerings for lower capacity equipment. This standard will provide procedures to design/select HVAC systems and equipment for low-load homes that will achieve satisfactory indoor conditions with lower equipment capacity; i.e., resolving ventilation and moisture requirements/issues with low air volume systems while addressing occupant comfort,

health, and safety. These procedures will apply as lower capacity equipment appears in the marketplace. Anyone wishing to submit comments or interested in being considered for the advisory committee can submit same to standards-sec@acca.org.

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Continued focus on water conservation, increased consumer conveniences, and faster delivery of product. These are some of the top trends for 2015 in the plumbing products industry identified by leaders of Mansfield Plumbing. “Enhanced flushing performance with less water consumption is definitely a continued trend with high focus in our industry,” says Jim Morando, president of Mansfield Plumbing. “The days of inefficient and wasteful water usage are gone. The preference in today’s marketplace is for toilets with 1.28 gpf or lower. That’s where key manufacturing changes will take place in the coming years to accommodate this trend.” Morando relates that the creation of more consumerfriendly features in toilets will see increased attention in the next year. “Conveniences such as touch-less flushing, easy cleaning, and improved design styles are all gaining traction with consumers. And, dual-flush toilets to remove water waste versus solid waste are still growing in popularity as a way for consumers to embrace water

conservation in the home.” Another key trend Morando identifies is the desire by plumbers and builders for faster access to sanitaryware and bathware products for their projects. “Waiting weeks to get a toilet or tub after ordering is unrealistic and aggravating for industry professionals,” he said. “There’s a need for faster service in our industry. That doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. It means manufacturers must respond to marketplace needs by providing quality products in a timely manner that help installers save time, and money on expensive call-backs.” In the bathware arena, Mansfield leaders have seen a trend develop during the past two years of sales increasing of smaller tubs as opposed to larger tubs. “We believe this ‘downsizing’ of tub sizes has to do with more homes being remodeled in recent years and requiring ‘fit to space’ sized bathtubs,” says Morando. “We’re adding a new, smaller tub in 2015 to meet this need while still offering our expansive collection of larger tubs for new construction applications.”

PHCC-WI: YOUR ONLY SOURCE FOR CODE BOOKS

PHCC-WI is your source for Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code Books, Private On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Manuals, Plumbing Design Manuals, and NFPA 13D Manuals. Our code book includes sections and features not available elsewhere, including a hard cover, tabs, and an available update service. If you are in need of a new code book, need to check if your code book is up-to-date, or for advertising opportunities in the Plumbing Code Book and/or POWTS Manual, contact the PHCC-WI office, 888-782-6815 or email mail@phcc-wi.org. *The State of Wisconsin is no longer making the code book available for sale.

Spring 2015 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 31

News Briefs

Mansfield Plumbing Offers 2015 Industry Insights \\

Member News

// New Proposed DOE Gas Furnace Efficiency Standards comments from the public. PHCC National will attend the meeting and provide comments on the NOPR from the contractor perspective. As proposed, the standard would establish 92% AFUE as the minimum efficiency level for these covered

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) for Non-Weatherized Gas Furnaces and Mobile Home Gas Furnaces. A public meeting will be held to explain the proposed rulemaking and take

appliances. This NOPR, effectively a replacement for the vacated Regional Standards Gas Furnace Efficiency Requirements, would establish this efficiency level nationwide. Projected implementation of this standard would be sometime in 2021.

Able Show

Five-State Convention

Thanks to our friends at Able Distributing for inviting PHCC-WI to have a tabletop at their expo in February. We saw lots of friends, had lots of great conversations, sold a few code books, and even landed a member or two! For our industry partners, look to us if we can be of help at your next event. We’d love to be there and can offer you some promotional support and one or more approved educational courses!

We had a great time in Minneapolis at the Five-State Convention. The FiveState involves a little more travel, but the trip was well worth it for our delegation. The event featured top-tier speakers, a dinner event with entertainment, and a sold-out trade show with more than 70 exhibitors. At the Convention, PHCC-WI received its Certificate of Affiliation from PHCC National. Greg Jones, Vice President of PHCC Wisconsin received the award from National President Kevin Tindall.

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Member News

Board at Kohler Design Center The December PHCC-WI Board of Directors meeting was held at the Kohler Company. Prior to the meeting, the board was given a tour of the Design Center by Eric Moore, Interior Designer at Kohler. In addition to showcasing the latest from Kohler, he talked about the impact Internet sites such as Houzz and Pinterest are having on homeowners.

Spring 2015 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 33

Member News

// Three Generations Of Plumbing Education At the Western Wisconsin Plumbing Seminar (February 20 in Tomah), we were fortunate to have three generations of plumbing teachers and students with us. Pictured in the top row, second from the right, is Gene Shuman. Gene was the instructor when Jim Davis, pictured to the left of Gene, attended classes. Others in the photo include plumbers who had either Gene or Jim Davis as an instructor. We consider it an honor to be able to have shared in this reunion and to capture one of the great traditions of the trades – the passing of experience and knowledge from one generation of the trade to the next.

// By The Numbers

Additional Plumbing SeminarS Scheduled! We’ll be bringing our plumbing seminars on the road later this year, so be sure to mark your calendar and plan to join us:

Friday, Sept. 18 The Marq De Pere

Friday, Oct. 23 Plaza Hotel Eau Claire

Our code instructor will be Jim Davis and we’ll also feature our vendor showcase, an industry update, and an additional program on an emerging industry issue. A total of seven hours of continuing education will be available.

June 16-18, 2015 Cross ConneCtion Control surveying (24 Plumbing CrEdits)

October 8, 2015

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October 12-16, 2015 Cross ConneCtion Control Assembly tester CertifiCAtion Course (40 Continuing EduCation CrEdits)

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Western Wisconsin Plumbing Seminar There’s just no other way to describe our Western Wisconsin Plumbing Seminar (WWPS) than to call it an unqualified success. What made the program especially satisfying was the response we had to our renewed emphasis on code-related instruction. Attendance was up, with several people driving across the state to attend the program. Better yet, the feedback after the class was unanimously favorable. We had great turnout from our vendors and attendees continue to give our programs high marks for the structure of the day, giving attendees the chance to learn from the vendors, from our instructors, and from one another.

The WWPS also featured our first-ever use of our interactive training tool called Turning Point. Through the use of hand-held transmitters, our participants were able to participate in live polling that took place during the event. We saw instant results to our polls about several policy issues facing the industry and overall feedback on the event. For our fall programs, we’ll be integrating the technology into the coderelated instruction. We thought the new technology would be good. Participants told us it was great!

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Spring 2015 \ The Wisconsin P-H-C Contractor \ 35

Member News

Membership

Member Benefits PHCC/MP/HC - Wisconsin Association + Company listing on www.phcc-wi.org

+ Savings on Grandy & Associates Programs for Business

+ Coupons Offering Discounts on Products & Services

Owners/Managers

+ Legislative & Regulatory Representation

+ Networking with Other Contractors

+ Representation on Code and Licensing Councils

+ Networking with Wholesalers and Manufacturers Reps

+ Monthly Newsletter

+ Networking with Business Partners Including Legal, Banking,

+ Discounts on Plumbing Code Books and POWTS Manuals + Discounts on NFPA 13D Manuals and Plumbing Design Manuals

and Accounting Professionals + Access to Federated Insurance Member Programs (Liability, WC, Health, etc.)

+ Discounts on Technical Education Programs (Continuing

+ Retirement Planning Services + Scholarship Programs with Preferences for Member-

Education) + Discounts on Business Education Programs