Membership has Benefits

Communication

     PHCC VA strives to communicate with members in a timely and cost effective manner.  Please make sure we have your correct mailing address and phone numbers (check your listing on the website (www.PHCCVA.com).  This information is also used for the national Who’s Who directory.

E-News

     Every month (usually the first Tuesday of the month) PHCC VA issues an e-newsletter with timely news, calendar items and recaps of events.  You may add recipients to the mailing list by contacting the PHCC VA office.  The publication includes limited advertising.  PHCC VA does not share your contact information.

E-vites

     Every PHCC VA event (chapter meetings and socials, golf outings, etc.) includes an e-vite — an electronic invitation.  The distribution list is based on the e-news database; you may add as many recipients as you wish.  You may register multiple attendees with a single response.

     Since many events require RSVPs, e-vites are usually sent multiple times to non-responders.  If you do not intend to participate, simply decline the invitation to end the emails for that event. 

PHCC National Access

     All contractor members are issued a PHCC NA member ID and have access to the national website.  To access national events or trainings, you must have your PHCC NA log-in.  This is usually your email and your selected password, but it can be confusing to set up.  For initial assistance, please contact Membership Services at CustomerCare@NAPHCC.org.

Education

     One of the most valuable benefits available to contractor members is high-quality educational offerings.  At PHCC VA, membership translates to deep discounts for educational offerings, sometimes free or as much as 50% off.

On-line Apprenticeship

     PHCC VA administers the PHCC Academy, an online learning management system offering all four years of apprenticeship in plumbing and HVACR.   The program is approved by the Virginia state licensing entity and labor department as an acceptable substitute for classroom-based apprenticeship-related instruction.  It must be supplemented with on-the-job training (OJT).

     Students progress at their own pace and can enroll any time; employers must document OJT hours (2000/year).

     Applications, pricing and frequently asked questions are available at www.PHCCVA.com.  Member discount is $1000.

Fast Track to Service Plumbing

     Need to get an employee “truck-ready”? PHCC VA provides access to Fast Track, a 12-18-month self-paced comprehensive entry-level program providing a well-rounded understanding of plumbing systems.  It should be paired with supervisor involvement.

      Applications are available at www.PHCCVA.com.  Member discount is $300.

Continuing Education

     Virginia contractors are required to complete code-based continuing education (CEU) for license renewal.  PHCC VA members are offered free CEUs in plumbing, HVACR and gas.  Contact the PHCC VA office (info@PHCCVA.com) for more information

Backflow Certification

     Virginia requires that those testing or installing/replacing backflow devices complete a 32-hour Backflow Device Worker Certification Program.  The PHCC VA program helps technicians understand backflow, how to test devices and how to replace them when necessary.  Training can be conducted over three days.  PHCC VA members save $200/student.

License Prep

     PHCC VA has coordinated with American Contractors Exam Services to provide Virginia-specific course offerings to prepare for plumbing, HVAC and gas license exams.  Classes are offered throughout Virginia on a variety of dates.  The company is based in Parkersburg, West Virginia (304/699-1771). Ask for the PHCC discount which is usually 10-25% off.

Chapter Events

Meetings

     Every year PHCC VA holds an annual meeting open to all members.  This is usually held in January and includes installation of officers and voting on matters requiring member consent (bylaws, etc.).  Members are also welcome at all other meetings.  Dates are posted at www.PHCCVA.com.

     Chapters hold member meetings/events four to six times each year designed to build camaraderie, provide education and share industry information.  Dates and locations are listed at www.PHCCVA.com.

Outings (Golf, etc.)

     Chapters organize a variety of events designed to build fellowship amongst members, recognize excellence, celebrate graduation and provide industry partners with opportunities to meet trade professionals.  Events include golf outings, graduation banquets, axe throwing and more.  All members are invited to participate.  Suggestions are welcome.  Dates and locations are listed at www.PHCCVA.com.

Tangible Benefits

     In addition to tangible benefits offered through PHCC NA, Virginia offers a portfolio of favorably priced business services.  Several of these programs also provide non-dues revenue to PHCC VA that help underwrite chapter expenses.

Insurance

     Virginia contractors can access a portfolio of insurance products designed for the trades offered by Federated Insurance including property and casualty insurance, workers compensation insurance, life and disability income insurance, risk management resources and training, bonding services and access to an independent business succession and estate planning attorney network. To find an agent in your area visit reps.federatedinsurance.com.

Teladoc

     Finding time to visit the doctor’s office can be a challenge, but preserving health is critical.  PHCC VA can enroll employees in Teledoc for as little as $10/month/employee, providing 24/7 access to quality, affordable care via phone, video or mobile for the entire family regardless of age, relationship, or other medical coverage.  There are no copays, deductibles or per call fees .  Calls are answered by Board Certified physicians. When needed, prescriptions are sent directly to your pharmacy of choice. 

     To enroll any time of year, contact Teladoc via Mike Lerman at MLerman@cadrplus.com.

Virtual Small Business Roundtable

     They say leadership is lonely; sometimes you just want to discuss business issues with peers who share your same responsibilities.  That’s where Virtual Small Business Roundtable comes in.

     The program is a 90-minute monthly facilitated video discussion among a dozen other non-competing business leaders.  The issues are determined by the participants.  No sales pitches allowed.  One-on-one follow-up available if desired. The program costs $250/month with a money-back guarantee. 

     For more information visit www.SBVirtualRoundtables.com.

 Exxon Mobile Fleet Card

     Fuel is one of the constantly increasing costs for business with employees on the road.  There are few ways to reduce the expense other than getting a discount from the supplier.  The Exxon Mobile Fleet Card provides fuel at a discount while earning rewards and helps you gain control over your vehicles.  Participants get up to 6 cents off per gallon and controls that help you manage how, when and where employees can use the card.

     For more information, contact Chuck Shettle by email at chuck.shettle@wexinc.com.

401K

     Effective July 2023 any Virginia business with 25 or more employees, must offer a retirement plan or join the Commonwealth’s IRA plan or pay a fine ($200/employee annually). If you already have a plan, you will not be impacted, but if you need one, consider joining the PHCC of Virginia endorsed program.  You can also convert your existing plan to a customized program.  If you have questions, please contact Don Hannahs at 410/207-3366 or by email at Donald.Hannahs@lfg.com.

Pre-employment Background Checks

PHCCVA members can quickly access a full pre-employment background check including:

· Social Security number validation

· Address history report

· National criminal background search

· National sex offender scan

· County criminal (current county of residence)

A driving record report/motor vehicle report is also available for an additional fee.

Personal Development

Volunteer Leadership

     PHCC VA and each local chapter operates under the direction of a board of directors composed of members.  The boards meet at various times during the year to coordinate activities and make decisions about membership, programs and benefits. All PHCC VA members are eligible to serve as directors or chair a local committee.  Simply  contact the PHCC VA office by phone or email to discuss your interest.

Legislative

     PHCC VA  monitors state and local legislation and encourages members to participate in advocacy activities.  Opportunities are  announced by e-mail and at chapter meetings.  All issues are explained and participants lead through the process.  Contact the PHCC VA office by phone or email to discuss your interest.

Future Leaders

     The future of the trades is heavily dependent on both recruitment and training.  In addition to educational offerings (page 3),

PHCC VA offers a unique program for those in the early phases of their careers.  Those participating in Future Leaders attend social and educational events designed to foster camaraderie and  introduce business/management skills that will facilitate their advancement within their companies.

     The program is coordinated by participants and overseen by the vice chairman of PHCC VA.  Participants commit to PHCC VA  Code of Ethics and program guidelines that  prohibit discussion of wages and prices.  Any employment recruitment among participants is strictly forbidden.  Contact the PHCC VA office for more information or to recommend an employee for participation.

 Apprentice Competition

     One of the most popular and meaningful PHCC VA activities is the annual Plumbing Apprentice Competition open to third and fourth year apprentices as a truly unique opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a practical, hands-on event that is fun and exciting for everyone involved.  Participants  rough-in a half bathroom on a pre-built module within seven hours based on a layout and specification sheets. Lodging is complimentary for participants residing beyond commuting distance from the contest site. 

     First, second and third place plaques are awarded for being the best, not for finishing first; top winners have a chance to represent Virginia at the national PHCC competition. Expenses may be offset for winners from member businesses.

     Participation is  limited, with representation from around the state.  Preference is given to fourth year candidates.

     The competition is held in the spring.  Applications with contest details are available on the PHCC VA website (www.PHCCVA.com).

Enhanced Service Groups

Contractors wanting additional opportunities in their niche markets can take advantage of PHCC’s Enhanced Service Groups including:

•  Quality Service Contractors (QSC)
•  Construction Contractors Alliance (CCA)
•  Union Affiliated Contractors (UAC)