Avert Employee Screening Services
Description:
PHCC has partnered with Avert, Inc. to present you with a low cost way to protect yourself in employee hiring situations.
Benefit: The special PHCC package includes:
1. A "First Check" report. It helps assure that you are hiring someone with an assigned social security number;
2. A felony county criminal court report;
3. Two employment reference checks;
Cost: All for the low cost of $30 per applicant! For an additional $10, you can protect one of your largest assets with a driving record check. Last year, 41% of the employees Avert checked had one or more car accidents. Over 19% of those same employees had four or more car accidents or drunk driving convictions.
How Do You Get Started With Avert? Call 800-367-5933 and tell them that you are with the PHCC and you want to become an Avert customer. PHCC has negotiated a special savings rate for our members...and you will save even more if you use your PHCC MasterCard to charge your purchases. Call 800-847-7378 to sign up for your PHCC MasterCard. Check out Avert on the web at http://www.avert.com or call PHCC at 800/533-7694.
PHCC Apprentice Training: HVAC & Plumbing
Description:
PHCC offers the following courses:
- Plumbing four year Instructor/Student Training Program and Home Study Program.
- HVAC four year Instructor/Student Training Program
- Fast Trac Training Program
These programs provide the contractor with a comprehensive course of study available to train employees. These are Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training approved standards and outlines.
Each program has a member and non-member cost for the purchase of materials. A special member benefit is after purchase back-up through PHCC's Technical Director, Bob Shepherd e-mail:bshepherd@mindspring.com (800/813-7061) and the home study program consultant, Whitney Thorpe e-mail:WHITNEYTHORP71614.126@COMPUSERVE.COM (800/253-4491)
Please examine the attached information for a more detailed look at these training programs.
Benefit:
- Provides the contractor with training tool.
- Could provide contractors an attractive employee benefit.
- Educates your workforce and provides more expertise which you can market to customers.
Cost: Depends on the specific program selected. Significant price reductions are available to PHCC members.
PHCC Special Member Benefits
Description:
- ARAMARK, ARAMARK Uniform and Career Apparel the largest nationwide uniform service company, is offering PHCC members the opportunity to rent or purchase uniforms from their standard product line at a significant discount. Call ARAMARK Uniform Services if you would like to have a sales representative contact you to explain the discount rental program (not exceed $5.50 per employee per week) at 800-ARAMARK (272-6275).
- WEARGUARD, If you would like to purchase items from the WearGuard Work Clothes catalog, at a 25% discount for PHCC members only, contact MARISA WHITE at 800-677-6060 extension 5866. The website link for Wearguard is http://www.wearguard.com/phcc. WearGuard Corp. is a division of ARAMARK. Visit the WearGuard web site to see rugged work wear products - at a GREAT PRICE!!*
- NEBS offers PHCC members 10% off all purchases of business forms, checks and any other business product. Just call 800/225-6380 and give the code 19029 for the discount.
- PHCC members get low rates on processing major credit cards. Call Heartland Card Service toll free at 888/774-8722 and ask for Neil Keipert for more information and up to the minute rates or equipment purchases.
- The SecureOne Equipment Warranty is available now to PHCC members. This program, crafted for PHCC members, is the hottest new program in the field. Call 800/919-2636.
- PHCC offers members a Mastercard through MBNA America. You can use this card for personal or business use. You can also apply for a separate line of credit through MBNA. Call 800/847-7378 for an application.
- MindSpring, an Internet Service Provider offers PHCC members $15 off the normal $25 start up fee. Contact National for a sign up form.
Benefit:
Save the cost of your dues on any of these PHCC "members only" discounts. The other services can save you money on forms or credit cards.
Cost:
This depends on the specific program. Please see the attached documentation. These programs are for PHCC members only.
Conventions and Meetings
Description:
Check here for all the latest meetings.
PHCC offers a variety of methods to network and further your knowledge of our industry. The following opportunities are available for you to participate in:
- Annual meeting scheduled for early to late October of every year.
- PHCC's primary association business gathering.
- North American Exposition (even years)
- Tech Show (odd years)
PHCC sends out timely notices on all meetings to all members. For PHCC members who can't attend the meetings, PHCC offers a complete line of audio tapes. While non-members can attend some of these events, the cost is significantly higher.
Benefit:
- Increase your networking with other professionals
- Learn more about your industry
- See the latest in product lines offered to our industry
- Have your say in how our industry in shaping the future
Cost:
This depends on the function. The cost is kept low to encourage maximum participation. Non-member costs are significantly higher.
PHCC Enhanced Service Groups
Description:
PHCC developed four Enhanced Service Groups to assist its diverse membership. They are:
- HVAC Task Force, which works for the HVAC industry.
- Quality Service Contractors (QSC) who serves residential service and repair contractors. (http://www.naphcc.org/qsc/qscmission.htm
- Union-Affiliated Contractors, which serves union-affiliated members. (http://www.naphcc.org/hvac2.htm)
- Construction Contractors Alliance (CCA) which serves larger new construction contractors.
Benefit:
These task forces serve specific needs of the industry at a much higher level. For example, there are extensive training activities being developed in each of the Enhanced Service Groups. For example, one HVAC future goal is to partner with the HVAC industry in developing the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Program---a program designed to ensure technicians are certified at three levels (i.e. service, installer, and senior) in multiple categories. (http://www.natex.org)
Cost:
- HVAC Task Force has no membership dues
- Union-Affiliated Task Force costs $250 annually
- Construction Contractors Alliance costs $5,000 annually
- Quality Services Contractors costs $2,500 annually
You must be member of PHCC in order to participate in any of these task forces.
PHCC Awards and Honors
Description:
PHCC has a number of different awards from "HVAC Contractor of the Year" (awarded by Trane) to "Delta Apprentice of the Year." PHCC is proud to honor the individuals and companies that make us "The Nation's Best." Please see the attached form for more descriptions on the different awards.
Benefit:
- Recipients are nationally recognized for their excellence in our industry.
- Awards are always a great marketing tool for your business.
- You can share ideas with your peers.
- Winners are generally recognized in front of their peers at the annual convention.
- Some awards include a cash or benefit prize.
Cost:
You must be an active member of PHCC in order to be nominated for an award.
PHCC Business Management Tools
Description:
The PHCC Foundation has a huge array of business management tools. Please look at the attachments in this section for a run down on products. One of the most popular is the Labor Calculator, which takes the guesswork out of labor appraising.
Benefit:
You will become a more efficient business person in a competitive marketplace. Time is money, and these products can save you both.
Cost:
Depends on the product. The labor calculator mentioned above costs a member $150 for the hardbound version. There are significant price reductions on all products for PHCC members.
PHCC Substance Abuse Program
Description:
The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimated that one in every five workers ages 18-25 have used drugs on the job. Protect yourself and your business by using our manuals to implement a "drug free" workplace. Manuals offered are:
- Substance Abuse Prevention Manual
- Supervisor Manual Prevention of Substance Abuse in the Workplace
Benefit:
- You protect yourself and your business from unneeded claims.
- You educate yourself on how to legally handle employee problems.
- You will limit your liability and attract good employees.
Cost:
Substance Abuse Prevention Manual costs $2.00
Supervisor Manual on Prevention of Substance Abuse in the Workplace costs $1.75
You must be a PHCC member to purchase these two products.
PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship Program
Description:
The PHCC Educational Foundation grants scholarship awards to young high school, or college freshman. Nominees could be awarded $3,000 per year for up to four years. Nominees must fulfill the following criteria: they must have a background in the industry; they must be sponsored by an Active PHCC member; and they must be in a PHC-related major.
Benefit:
- Members of PHCC are investing in the future of the industry.
- Gives an industry-interested young person a chance to get a good education.
- Gives PHCC members positive public exposure.
Cost:
The PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship Trust Fund provides this program. There is no direct cost to members.
PHCC Member Insurance Programs
Description:
PHCC offers a unique package of insurance benefits to members only.
Federated Insurance offers members an array of business, 401 K, health, and Risk Management Services. See the enclosed brochures for more information. You can reach Federated at 800/241-4945 #201. (http://www.federatedinsurance.com)
PHCC Group Insurance offers medical insurance underwritten by National Benefits. They can be reached at 215/443-0404.
PHCC also offers an accidental Death and Dismemberment Policy from Association Administrators. For more information, call Mr. Kingrey at 208/765-8060.
Benefit:
Benefits vary by plan selected. See the attached brochures.
Cost:
Cost depends on the plan selected.
PHCC Government Relations
Description:
Check here for all the latest Government Relations Activities.
PHCC maintains constant vigilance over Congress and relevant federal agencies such as OSHA, Transportation, and EPA. PHCC expresses the contractor point of view to Congress and all appropriate federal agencies and alerts PHCC members to new regulations and laws that impact contractors and their businesses. PHCC monitors utility competition/deregulation at the national level and coordinates information exchange/support for state and local fair competition alliances. PHCC also maintains a Political Action Committee (PAC).
Benefits:
- Through the Government Relations department, Congress and the federal bureaucracy hear our needs and concerns.
- Through educational newsletters, bulletins, booklets, and special mailings, you will not be caught off guard by changes in construction regulations and will receive advice to help you comply with federal regulations.
- Annual Legislative Conference will provide you with opportunity to meet, in person, with your elected federal legislators and tell them directly what matters to you.
- Special conferences on Unfair Utility Competition & Utility Deregulation educate contractors on how to build a level playing field for all business to compete fairly.
Cost:
Member education and monitoring of legislation, regulations, & utility competition is included.
Attendance at Legislative and Utility Competition Conferences is additional.
Support of PHCC PAC is voluntary and additional.
PHCC Marketing Programs
Description:
PHCC has a number of marketing programs for the PHC contractor. Many were developed with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Information Bureau (PHCIB). These programs are the equivalent of having your own public relations and advertising firm in one national office. Use these materials to promote your products.
Benefit:
- Offer customers incentives through the use of professional brochures
- Use the "Tool Box' to order an array of marketing materials
- Be a part of the PHCC national membership directory
- Use logos and stickers to identify yourself with the "Nation's Best"
- Spread the word about your commitment to professionalism through customized brochures
- Show you're a part of the "Nation's Best" by ordering a reduced price magnetic truck sign
Cost:
Cost depends on the product you purchase. Consult the appropriate sheet for prices.
PHCC Publications
Description:
The following publications and directories are free to PHCC members. Some publications are for the enhanced service groups only. These publications are distributed to you via fax our though special mailings.
- Connection (PHCC bi-weekly member fax newsletter)
Connection is also available on-line
- Who's Who in the PHCC (membership directory)
- Tool Box (PHCC products and services)
Benefit:
Stay in touch with all the goings on in the association and industry.
Cost:
Publications are free to PHCC active members and enhanced service groups.
PHCC Coupon Program
Description:
Each year, a member coupon book is mailed to every PHCC member. This book contains dozens of coupons that can save you money on items you purchase every day.
Benefit:
This popular member program allows you to save the cost of your membership over and over again. Just use a couple of the coupons, and you will find this benefit of membership an outstanding bargain.
Cost:
There is no cost to PHCC members. Look for your PHCC Coupon Book each spring.
PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship Program
Description:
The PHCC Educational Foundation grants scholarship awards to young high school, or college freshman. Nominees could be awarded $3,000 per ear for up to four years. Nominees must fulfill the following criteria: they must have a background in the industry; they must be sponsored by an Active PHCC member; and they must be in a PHC-related major.
Benefit:
- Members of PHCC are investing in the future of the industry.
- Gives an industry-interested young person a chance to get a good education.
- Gives PHCC members positive public exposure.
Cost:
The PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship Trust Fund provides this program. There is no direct cost to members.
PHCC Industry Relations Program
Description:
A fact sheet service by PHCC to help members with questions regarding union-affiliated contracting, labor relations, and unfair utility competition issues. These useful documents can be ordered through the "Tool Box" using the provided order forms. Want to challenge unfair utility competition? There is a publication that describes the process.
Benefit:
Gain knowledge on a diverse range of issues that you face every day. Share information nationwide and learn from what others have done before you begin your efforts.
Cost:
Cost depends on the publication. Please check the "Tool Box" for more details. Non members pay considerably more for these resources.
PHCC Safety and Health Programs
Description:
The Safety and Health programs were designed to consider the health and safety of PHC technicians.
Benefit:
Protect your business and health by ordering these important materials. Don't gamble on your health or the health of your business through misinformation.
Cost:
Cost depends on the product you are purchasing. Non members pay higher prices.
PHCC Code Books and Technical Publications
Description:
PHCC has produced the National Standard Plumbing Code and several other manuals of key importance. PHCC has also produced the vital Manual of Cross Connection. PHCC is working with other associations towards consensus codes for the industry.
Benefit:
These technical manuals provide the information that those in our industry need to do business.
Cost:
For example, the NSPC Code Book is $55. Non-members pay more for these products.
PHCC Certification Programs
Description:
PHCC has two programs:
North American Technician Excellence Program (NATE)
Part of NATE deals with heat pumps, air conditioning, air distribution, and oil and gas furnaces. The HVAC Task Force supports all this. The Quality Service Contractors support customer service, hydronics, and plumbing issues. The NATE Program consists of a knowledge-based exam. Preparation seminars are available from multiple sources.
CFC Certification Program
The CFC Certification program falls under EPA approval. All people who perform installation, service, maintenance, or repair functions on air conditioning and refrigeration equipment have to be EPA-certified. PHCC is one of a few organizations accredited by the EPA to offer a mail-in Type I certification.
Benefit:
Benefits vary. Certification is an important and marketable benefit. Your customers will want to know if your technicians have the education to get the job done.
Cost:
