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Get ready for the premier event for Texas plumbing, heating, and cooling pros — R.E.A.C.H. 2025 is happening August 6–8 at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, and you won’t want to miss it!
 
Register by June 15 to lock in our early bird rate and save $50 on contractor registration!
 
Why You Should Be There:

Top-Tier Education — Hear from industry leaders during expert-led sessions
Networking — Connect with fellow contractors, suppliers, and advocates
Exhibitor Hall — Discover the latest tools and tech on the market
Apprentice Contest — Watch top talent show off their skills
Charity Golf Scramble & Pickleball Tournament — Play for a cause
Fun for All — Enjoy resort amenities + San Antonio attractions like The Alamo, SeaWorld & more!
 
🎟 Early Bird Pricing (Ends June 15!)
Contractor Registration: $425 (Early Bird) | $475 (After June 15)
📍 Location: San Antonio, TX
🔗 Register now: phcc-tx.org/REACH
 
   
FastEst, Inc.
      
SupplyHouse.com
   
Join us for a fun and fast-paced event at R.E.A.C.H. 2025 — the PHCC-TX Charity Pickleball Tournament is happening Wednesday, August 6 in San Antonio, TX, and you’re invited to compete for a cause!
 
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just in it for the fun, this doubles tournament is a great way to network, get active, and support a meaningful mission. All proceeds go to the PHCC-TX Charitable Foundation and the Rick Shelton Legacy Scholarship Fund — helping the next generation of industry professionals succeed.
 
🟢 Tournament Details:

📍 San Antonio, TX — Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort
📅 Wednesday, August 6, 2025
🎟 Teams of 2 | Only 12 team spots available – register early!

💵 1st Place: Cash Prize
🎁 2nd Place: Great Prize
👏 All players: Bragging rights for a great cause
 
Click here to secure your spot today!
 
PHCC-TX is partnering with the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) for the Plumb Perfect | Dream Bathroom Challenge — a 6-week virtual competition where high school students design their dream bathroom with the help of a plumbing mentor.
 
We’re looking for PHCC-TX contractors to serve as mentors and guide students through plumbing basics, fixture selection, and real-world applications. Just 1–2 hours a week (Sept. 8 – Oct. 17) can make a lifelong impact!
 
Ready to give back and support the future of the trades?
 
👉 Click here to sign up
 
or

📧 Contact: Vicki VanNest | vicki@phcc-tx.org | 📞 512-523-8094
 
 
Education
"A training course for service contractors by service contractors."
 
How do you train a technician to be productive and able to run a service truck in record time? Take a look at the Foundation's Fast Track to Service & Repair Plumbing, available through our PHCC Academy® learning platform. This revamped program, originally developed by Quality Service Contractors (QSC), gives participants focused and timely service and repair plumbing training. 
 
Designed for contractors by contractors, this comprehensive entry-level training is targeted at employees who do residential or commercial plumbing service and repair work. Year-round open enrollment is available, so employees can begin today.
 
  
Contact the PHCC State Office (512) 523-8094 or learn more here.
 
  
 
Have you thought about what would happen to your business if you weren’t able to lead because of illness, injury, or unplanned events? Many owners may hope that their business can be managed in their absence. But without a plan in place, the reality could be a different story.
 
Consider the Following Scenarios:
 
 
1.) - Belief: Key team members can handle it all on their own.
 
- Reality: Relying on others without a clear plan can lead to operational or financial strain. Team members might lack the authority, expertise, or resources to steer the business effectively.
 
2.) - Belief: I can sell my business if I have to.
 
- Reality: Selling a business can take time, possibly months or years. During financial or personal hardships, you may not receive the full value of your business.
 
3.) - Belief: If something unexpected happens, I'll deal with it when the time comes.

- Reality:
Emergency decision-making often leads to rushed choices. Without preparation, you risk losing the stability you’ve worked hard to build.
 
To learn more about the importance of disability insurance, click here.
Question

An employee returning from maternity leave has requested a private space to pump breast milk. Our private offices are all occupied. Aside from the offices, all we have is a conference room and a storage room. However, we also have a private bathroom that is only used by a few employees. It is a very nice, spacious bathroom, and we can provide a table and chair for the employee. We can also provide a sign for her to hang on the door when she is using the bathroom so that other employees do not enter. Is this acceptable?
 
Answer

Continue reading for the answer!
 
  
A key part of workplace safety involves hazard communication training to help your employees identify, use, and store any hazardous materials they may work with. This communication can help your workforce understand vital information on these materials. It can also inform on protective measures to avoid dangerous exposures.
 
Following the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
 
The OSHA HCS requires that information about hazardous chemicals should be available and understandable to all employees. If hazardous chemicals are used at your business, you must provide hazard classification, labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and employee training.
 
Looking to learn more about hazard communication or access helpful resources? Click here.
   
Federated Insurance
   
Legislative Updates
 
As the 89th Texas Legislative Session nears its conclusion, several developments have unfolded this May that could impact contractors and the skilled trade's industry:
 
School Choice Signed Into Law
Governor Greg Abbott officially signed SB 2—the Texas Education Freedom Act—on May 4, a top priority for state leadership. The billion-dollar school choice program is set to launch in 2026.
 
🧾 Regulatory and Tax Bills on the Move
The legislature continues debate on SB 2858, a follow-up to last session’s Texas Regulatory Consistency Act (the “Death Star” bill), which could expand state preemption over local ordinances affecting health, safety, and business regulations. Also under review are SB 1030 and SB 2206, addressing sales tax exemptions on MRO (maintenance, repair, operations) supplies and extending R&D tax credits—issues important to many PHCC-TX businesses.
 
🏛 House & Senate Deadlines Driving Action
House legislators raced against key procedural deadlines in May, often working until midnight to pass hundreds of bills. The Senate Education Committee also took up HB 2, a high-priority school finance reform bill expected to move to a conference committee soon.
 
⚖️ Bail Reform and Property Tax Relief
Governor Abbott’s emergency item on bail reform advanced in the House this month. The House is also considering Senate bills that aim to expand residential homestead exemptions as part of broader property tax relief measures.
 
📅 What’s Next?
As Sine Die (final adjournment) approaches, all eyes are on the governor’s desk. He has until June 22 to sign or veto bills, or allow them to become law without a signature. PHCC-TX will continue monitoring developments that affect our industry.
 
Stay tuned, and thank you for being engaged in the future of our trades!
Membership
  
As a plumber or HVAC contractor in Texas, joining PHCC Texas unlocks a wealth of benefits designed to help you thrive in today’s competitive market. Here’s how our membership can make a difference for you: 
 
Best Practice Sharing: Tap into a vast network of professionals to exchange insights and strategies. Learn from the best in the industry and stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge practices. 
 
Advocacy: Benefit from our strong voice in legislative and regulatory matters. PHCC Texas advocates on your behalf to ensure that your interests are represented and protected. 
 
Workforce Development: Invest in your team's future by sending apprentices to our comprehensive training programs. With options available online or in-person in San Antonio and Dallas, you’ll ensure your workforce is skilled and ready. 
 
Expert & Affordable Training: Gain access to high-quality, cost-effective training designed to enhance your skills and knowledge. From technical courses to business management, our programs are tailored to meet your needs. 
 
Savings & Discounts: Enjoy exclusive member discounts on tools, equipment, and services. Our partnerships with industry vendors translate into significant savings for your business. 
 
Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of like-minded professionals through our events and activities. Build relationships that could lead to new opportunities and collaborations. 
 
Enhanced Visibility: Your business will be prominently featured in our annual Membership Directory, increasing your visibility and connecting you with potential clients and partners. 
 
Joining PHCC Texas equips you with the resources, tools, and support you need to strengthen your business now and into the future. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of a powerful network dedicated to your success.
 
Upcoming Events
PHCC-TX 2025 Annual Conference | REACH
Aug 6th - 8th, 2025
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
9800 Hyatt Resort Dr
San Antonio, TX 78251
Learn more here!
 
Free Workplace Violence and Crime Webinar
June 19th, 2025
1 PM
June Monthly Membership Meeting
June 12th, 2025
11 AM - 1 PM
Maggiano's Little Italy (The Rim)
17603 W. I-10
San Antonio, TX 78257
Benefits
  
A.M. Best Company, the most widely recognized provider of insurance industry ratings and financial data, confirmed it's A+ (Superior) rating for Federated Mutual Group and for Federated Life® in April 2025. The companies within Federated Mutual Group include Federated Mutual Insurance Company, Federated Service Insurance Company, Federated Reserve Insurance Company, and Granite Re, Inc. Federated Mutual Group has maintained this rating for the last 27 years. Federated Life has maintained this rating for the last 45 years.
 
A.M. Best also assigned Federated Specialty Insurance Company an A (Excellent) rating in April 2025. Federated Specialty is a specialty insurer focusing on U.S. excess and surplus lines accounts. These ratings reflect Federated Specialty’s strategic importance to its parent company, along with its common ownership and management, and the implicit and explicit support provided to Federated Specialty by Federated Mutual®. Federated Specialty Insurance Company has maintained this rating since its inception.
 
In addition, A.M. Best assigned Federated a positive outlook for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR), which is driven by a group’s sustained trend of favorable underwriting and overall operating results.
 
A.M. Best Company assesses the creditworthiness of and/or reports on over 16,000 insurance companies worldwide. Their credit ratings are independent, indicative and interactive, and summarize their opinion on an insurance company’s ability to pay claims, debts, and other financial obligations in a timely manner.
  
Finding the best employees – full-time, part-time, or contract labor – is tougher than ever. The newest PHCC Texas member benefit, stand-alone Teladoc Telemedicine, allows you to take advantage of a more healthy, present, and loyal workforce – the incredible PHCC-members-only pricing is only $10/month/family. To learn more, contact our benefit representative, Michael Lerman.
“Best People and Best Practices” deserve the best technology. With over 300 Texas PHCC members, reliable technology should be available to streamline processes and simplify the nature of the business.
  
Fueling solutions for business: streamline how you manage your company’s fuel expenses. The more your employees fuel at Exxon and Mobil, the more they maximize your rebates. 
 
For questions and/or to start an application, call (443) 668-8425 or email Juan Munoz.
  
Home and business owners go to great lengths to minimize damage and ensure their plumbing systems are safe, efficient, and sustainable. When exploring options for installations, repairs, or upgrades, maintain peace of mind by hiring licensed. While there's no guarantee that everything will go exactly as planned, hiring a licensed professional will provide increased assurance of protection. 

Members of PHCC Texas are licensed by the State of Texas, and the public can be confident that they will be employing someone with the necessary skills and commitment to high standards.